As reports claim that the third season of Netflix’s cooking survival show Culinary Class Wars will begin filming in May, Netflix has issued a cautious response.
On the 29th, Netflix told multiple outlets, "Due to the nature of survival programs, it is difficult to confirm detailed information at this time," holding back from further comment. Earlier, Star News reported that filming for the new season of Culinary Class Wars would start in May.
Culinary Class Wars is a high-stakes cooking survival where skilled under-the-radar chefs go head-to-head with top-tier star chefs. The first season, unveiled in 2024, became the first Korean variety show to top Netflix’s Non-English TV chart for three consecutive weeks right after its release, and Season 2, released the following year, sustained its global momentum to cement the show as a flagship K-variety title.
Season 3 is expected to break away from the individual match format and return with a fresh 'restaurant vs. restaurant' concept. Chefs who have worked together at the same establishment will form four-person teams to compete, making not only individual skill but also teamwork and operational prowess key to victory — setting the stage for even fiercer battles.
The biggest question is the judges’ lineup. The return of Baek Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae — the central pillars of the previous two seasons — has not been confirmed. After receiving a partial non-indictment related to various allegations, Baek commented on a broadcast comeback, saying, "I’m not considering it yet, but I’ll take a look at the situation and think about it." Ahn has also issued a formal apology following controversy over wine service at his restaurant Mosu Seoul.
If the two take their seats at the judges’ table again, the show’s signature tension and symbolism will likely remain intact. If new faces join, however, the program’s overall vibe could shift dramatically.
The production is reportedly reuniting the winning team behind the earlier seasons: Studio Slam’s PD Kim Eun-ji and writer Mo Eun-seol. With Netflix naming Season 3 among this year’s slated releases, anticipation is mounting as filming gears up.