Padma Lakshmi Says It's 'Time To Move On' From 'Top Chef' As She Announces Exit After 17 Years

Padma Lakshmi has announced her departure from Bravo's hit culinary competition, "Top Chef," after 17 years and 19 seasons.

Lakshmi, who joined the show in its second season, expressed pride in her role as host and executive producer, stating that it's time to move on and make space for her other creative pursuits, including her critically acclaimed Hulu series, "Taste the Nation."

Keep on reading to learn more.

Padma Lakshmi, renowned chef and television personality, is bidding farewell to her long-standing role on the hit culinary competition "Top Chef." After an impressive 17 years and 19 seasons, the 52-year-old star took to social media on Friday to share the news of her departure from the Bravo show.

In a heartfelt statement posted on her Instagram, Lakshmi revealed her decision, stating, "After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef." she added, "Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show."

The host and judge also emphasized her desire to embrace new opportunities and ventures. She highlighted her critically acclaimed Hulu series, "Taste the Nation," which is currently in its second season.

"I feel it's time to move on and make space for Taste the Nation, my books, and other creative pursuits," she added.

In an unforgettable partnership, Lakshmi shared the spotlight with judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons during her remarkable 17-year tenure on "Top Chef."

As news of her departure broke, members of the Bravo family, including season 19 winner Buddha Lo and the network's host, Andy Cohen, flocked to her post on Twitter to express their sentiments.

Cohen, reminiscing about their time together, wrote, "End of an era and an incredible run. You were such an amazing partner and a BRILLIANT host. I have such great memories of our TC days." Lo added, "I feel honored to be a part of your magical journey."

In her statement, Lakshmi shared her heartfelt sentiments about the close-knit cast and crew who had become like family over 17 years. "After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family to me and I will miss working alongside them dearly," she wrote.

She concluded her announcement with a message of appreciation for the show's dedicated viewers. "I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support," she said.

Since joining the series in its second season back in 2006, Lakshmi has left an indelible mark on the show and its dedicated fanbase. The first season of "Top Chef" was hosted by Katie Lee Biegel.

In a statement shared with People magazine, a spokesperson for NBCUniversal expressed their gratitude for Lakshmi's invaluable contributions to the award-winning series, remarking, "Padma Lakshmi leaves behind an incredible legacy on Bravo's Top Chef. Her impact on the Emmy, James Beard, and Critics' Choice Award-winning series is undeniable."

They added, "We are grateful to Padma for being a consummate host, judge, and executive producer, and for bringing her ingenuity and exceptional palate to each episode where she ate every bite of food on the series for over 17 years and 19 seasons. She will always be part of the Top Chef and the NBCUniversal family and has a seat at the judges' table anytime."

In the past year, Lakshmi has had a diverse range of experiences. From gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine to launching the highly anticipated second season of her show "Taste the Nation."

In her striking Sports Illustrated Swimsuit feature, Lakshmi donned a stunning bikini adorned with shimmering gold sequins. Captured by the talented photographer Yu Tsai in Dominica, Lakshmi opened up about challenging beauty standards and embracing her body at the age of 52.

"I want everybody to see this pictorial and understand that sometimes a whole new phase that's even more exciting than anything you've ever experienced before can happen well over 40," she shared. "I love where I am in my life and know my body is not perfect by any means, but I feel beautiful. I feel like I have a very lucky, fruitful, productive life."