Ordered in 2008 for an eight-episode run on Bravo,[1][2] the show had never aired, nor is it known if any episodes were produced at that time.

However, nine years later, Top Chef Junior was mentioned as the marquee program for Universal Kids, an NBCUniversal-owned children's channel launched on September 9, 2017.

[3] Season 1 consisted of 14 episodes and feature 12 young chefs, aged 9–14.

[4] The show is hosted by actress Vanessa Lachey, with Top Chef Masters and Top Chef Duels host Curtis Stone serving as its head judge.

[5] In November 2017 Top Chef Junior was renewed for a 2nd season, which premiered on September 8, 2018.