Episodes List
Ep.1 The Entrance Exam
Air Date: 2025-09-17
Upon arriving at the CIA, the chefs are split into teams and must create a menu inspired by culinary icons Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child and Paul Bocuse.
Ep.2 Global Food Test
Air Date: 2025-09-17
To demonstrate their mastery of global cuisine, the chefs must craft family-style dishes specific to Asia, the Americas and the Mediterranean.
Ep.3 Core Creativity
Air Date: 2025-09-17
They can dole out flavors, but can they take feedback? The chefs devise savory dishes using apples, and the judges introduce a game-changing twist.
Ep.4 Grading The Brigade
Air Date: 2025-09-17
The chefs navigate curveball after curveball during the dinner service of nightmares as they run an elevated gastropub as a brigade for the first time.
Ep.5 Fast Casual Exam
Air Date: 2025-09-17
In a two-part challenge, the chefs create fast casual dining menus — but only two winning concepts will launch and go head-to-head in the CIA cafeteria.
Ep.6 Baking the Grade
Air Date: 2025-09-17
The heat is on as the chefs race to bake 36 portions of a treat using a culinary byproduct in just five hours. Christina Tosi joins as a guest judge.
Ep.7 Souffle Showdown
Air Date: 2025-09-17
In the semifinals, the chefs must make a fine dining entrée and flex or fake their soufflé skills for guest judges Daniel Boulud and Kwame Onwuachi.
Ep.8 Graduation Day
Air Date: 2025-09-24
For their last exam, the chefs must make a themed four-course meal for 70 VIP diners, including legendary chef Thomas Keller and CIA president Tim Ryan.
