How Long Is A Top Chef Season In Real Time?

Dedicated foodies don't just make complicated dishes at home; they watch them being prepared on television by the best in the business. When Gordon Ramsay isn't busy attaining Michelin stars, he hosts countless shows highlighting chefs attempting to dominate their rivals. Still, when many folks think "cooking competition," their minds drift toward the Emmy award-winning program "Top Chef." The cooking tournament has been airing since 2006 to widespread acclaim, inspiring home chefs to level up their culinary game. However, any ambitious cooks out there who have considered trying to make it onto the show should know they will be away from home for quite some time if they are fortunate enough to be invited.

It often surprises people how long cooking shows like "Beat Bobby Flay" film for and the time it takes to produce a season of "Top Chef" is no exception. When all is said and done, contestants will have spent roughly six weeks demonstrating their gastronomic grit. And on days when the cameras are rolling, it's just as much an endurance trial. Every episode requires 16 to 18 hours of filming with the judging sessions alone taking 8 to 10 hours. As it turns out, that's not the only reason being a contestant on the show isn't all sunshine and roses.

Contestants apply to be on the show for one reason: to prove to the world they have what it takes to earn the title of "Top Chef." Yet, as we all know, there can be only one. Unfortunately for those who are eliminated from the contest, they aren't suddenly free to go back to their regular lives once sidelined. Chefs knocked out of the competition are secluded from the rest of society until the show reaches its conclusion. The idea is that keeping them from contacting the outside world helps the program avoid spoilers from leaking, which fans of the show obviously appreciate. Still, having to wallow in defeat until a champion is crowned can't be much fun for those who have been 86'd.

Before anyone tries their hand at one of the show's infamous "quickfire challenges," any devices they own that connect to the internet are confiscated to prevent spoilers and cheating as the use of recipes or cookbooks is forbidden in the tournament. Contenders are also constantly ushered around by "handlers," which surely limits one's privacy. These production employees essentially just tell the contestants where to be and when, but they also prevent them from conversing with members of the production crew and the judges. While it is without a doubt an honor to be selected to battle in a prestigious cooking competition like "Top Chef," the isolation and time commitment required to participate are no walk in the park.