Netflix's Culinary Class Wars is must-watch reality TV, as an innovative cooking competition that features brutal challenges and diabolical twists, similar to the likes of Physical: Asia and Squid Game. Hosted by Paik Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae, the Korean reality show gathers 100 chefs vying for a 300 million won (roughly $203,000) prize. There's even a built-in underdog story, as 20 of the chefs are legendary celebrity chefs, known as White Spoons, face off against the other 80, who are up-and-comers looking to prove their skills against their idols and mentors.
Culinary Class Wars returned for season 2 in December 2025, bringing back iconic challenges like Infinite Cooking Hell while introducing complex new themes, such as "Just One Dish For Myself." After the January 13 season finale, in which Choi Kang-rok defeated Culinary Monster to claim the win, fans are hoping that Netflix is prepping another season. Below, read on for everything we know about Culinary Class Wars season 3 so far.
Has 'Culinary Class Wars' been renewed for season 3?
Netflix is already cooking on season 3! Just days after the season 2 finale, the streamer confirmed on January 15, 2026, that the reality hit is renewed for more, and the latest series to join its extensive upcoming Korean entertainment slate.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news, noting that it was all but inevitable, given the show's popularity and consistency ranking in the streamer's Global Top 10 Non-English TV list.
Producer Kim Eun-ji shared a statement about the show's renewal. "Thanks to the incredible support from viewers around the world through season 2, we’re grateful to move forward with season 3," he said, per THR. "We’ll do our best to deliver an even more exciting format and entertainment that lives up to expectations."
When will 'Culinary Class Wars' season 3 be released?
Netflix has yet to announce the Culinary Class Wars season 3 premiere date. However, a casting call went out on Netflix Korea's social media as soon as the show was renewed. So, it's safe to say the team is already moving ahead on production.
We can also look at the Korean reality show's first two seasons for a guess as to when it might return. After season 1 debuted in September 2024, season 2 reportedly began filming in late March 2025 before premiering that December. If season 3's production schedule is similar, new episodes could arrive in early 2027.
What changes is 'Culinary Class Wars' making for season 3?
When Culinary Class Wars season 3 was confirmed, Netflix also unveiled a new vision for the competition. In the forthcoming episodes, rather than individual chefs going head-to-head, there will four-person restaurant teams facing off, as reported by THR.
Culinary Class Wars is already known for being high stakes, but this change is meant to up the ante. As Netflix has billed season 3, it's intended to create "a collective battle for pride, reputation, and survival," now that teamwork is just as important as the chef's individual skills in the kitchen.
Who will be in the cast of 'Culinary Class Wars' season 2?
The upcoming cast of Culinary Class Wars season 3 is impossible to guess at this point, especially since the casting call only began in January. But, with the show's new format, we can be sure that the series will recruit a new cohort of talented Korean chefs and their restaurant teams from around the globe.
While nothing is confirmed, the new installment may bring back fan-favorites from the past. After Choi Kang-rok's redemption story—he returned to season 2 as a Hidden White Spoon after being eliminated in season 1—fans are already campaigning for their favorite season 2 contestants to return for season 3. Popular choices include Son Jong-won, Jun Lee, Witch With a Wok, and even season 1 runner-up Edward Lee. Those names or others could potentially return, along with their staff, to fit the show's new theme.
Meanwhile, there is also the question of whether judges Paik Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae would return for a third installment. Paik Jong-won's casting in particular has been a subject of debate among the Korean public, considering he faced several public scandals in early 2025. While season 2 was already filmed before the scandals, and Paik was cleared of false-labeling allegations in early January, it's unknown whether he will eventually return to TV.
