Netflix’s global culinary phenomenon, Culinary Class Wars, has officially returned for its second season, promising to build on the massive success of its debut.
After Season 1 made history as the first Korean variety show to top the Global Top 10 for three consecutive weeks, the stakes have never been higher.
The production team, led by producers Kim Hak Min and Kim Eun Ji, held a showcase at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul to reveal what they call a “more complete program” that balances the beloved elements of the first season with fresh, high-octane innovations.
The Clash of Culinary Titans
The core format remains a high-stakes survival battle featuring 100 chefs divided into two camps: the “Black Spoons” (underground masters and rising stars) and the “White Spoons” (established celebrity chefs).
The Season 2 “White Spoon” roster is particularly formidable, featuring Michelin one-star chef Son Jong Won, Japanese cuisine expert Jung Ho Young, and the legendary Hu Deok Juk, a master of Chinese cuisine with 57 years of experience.
They are joined by Venerable Sunjae, a renowned master of Korean temple cuisine, emphasizing the diverse culinary heritage represented in the competition.
Challenging these icons is a new wave of “Black Spoon” contenders with evocative nicknames like “French Papa,” “Chef Witch with a Wok,” and “Chef Little Tiger.”
These chefs enter the competition with a “nothing to lose” attitude, aiming to break the glass ceiling of the culinary hierarchy.
The dynamic between the established elite and the hungry challengers remains the heartbeat of the show, but Season 2 introduces significant “devices” to keep both the chefs and the audience on their toes.
Game-Changing Twists and Strategic Fun
To avoid “change for change’s sake,” the producers have introduced refined rules that prioritize strategic depth.
One of the most talked-about additions is the return of Season 1 fan-favorites Choi Kang Rok and Kim Do Yoon, who appear as “Hidden White Spoons.”
Their involvement in the first-round qualifying battles adds an immediate layer of intrigue and nostalgia for returning viewers.
The second-round “Black-and-White Showdown” also features a major visual and practical upgrade.
Instead of randomly assigned ingredients, the set now features a massive map of South Korea on the floor.
Regional specialties emerge from their respective locations on the map, forcing chefs to adapt to local ingredients and highlighting the rich diversity of Korean produce.
This move is part of the show’s broader mission to promote K-cuisine and regional agriculture to a global audience.
Judges and Contemporary Controversy
Returning to the judging panel are the iconic duo of Baek Jong Won and Ahn Sung Jae. However, Baek’s appearance comes amid real-world headlines.
Due to ongoing controversies surrounding his company, The Born Korea, Baek announced in May 2025 that he would suspend his broadcasting career after completing Culinary Class Wars 2 to focus on his business.
Despite the backlash, the production team decided to retain his footage, citing the hard work of the 100 chefs and 400 staff members involved.
Producer Kim Hak Min emphasized that they are “carefully listening” to viewer feedback and will let the audience make the final judgment on the program’s integrity.
Impact on the Food Industry
Season 1 was credited with revitalizing the sluggish South Korean food service industry, leading to a surge in reservations for featured restaurants.
The chefs of Season 2 hope for a similar “ripple effect.” For participants like “French Papa,” the show was a reminder of their love for the craft, a sentiment they hope translates to viewers through the “power that food holds.”
Episodes 1 through 3 of Culinary Class Wars 2 were released on December 16, 2025, on Netflix.
With new episodes airing every Tuesday, the series is set to dominate social media conversations once again, offering what the producers describe as “dopamine-boosting moments” in every single episode.
Whether you are a fan of high-level technique or the raw drama of survival, Season 2 is designed to be a feast for the senses.
Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 has shocked fans and critics by debuting with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, marking the highest rating the series has ever received and setting a new benchmark for Taylor Sheridan’s crime drama.
The season premiered on October 26 and is set to conclude with its finale on December 28, with both critics and viewers eagerly anticipating the final chapter.
The perfect score is based on five initial reviews, so it may fluctuate as more critics publish their takes. Still, the early consensus is clear: Season 4 is the most focused, intense, and emotionally charged instalment yet.
The show’s fourth outing finds Mike McLusky’s control over Kingstown slipping as rival factions, including the Aryan Brotherhood and other criminal groups, move to fill the power vacuum left by the Russians.
The escalating violence and personal stakes have been widely praised, with critics noting that the series has refined its storytelling and deepened its character arcs rather than simply repeating past formulas.
The audience score currently stands at 76%, reflecting a solid fan response, although it does not quite match the critics’ unanimous praise.
Season 4’s return sees Mike contending with the Kingstown prison’s new warden, Nina Hobbs, played by Edie Falco, who looks to tighten the screws on his connections with the guards and gangs inside.
Meanwhile, Kyle finds himself adjusting to prison life after being arrested for attempting to kill Sawyer, and Frank Moses, played by Lennie James, seeks to exploit the power vacuum with the Russians gone. The show’s ability to balance high-octane action with intimate, character-driven moments is a key reason for its critical acclaim.
The Personal and Political Fallout
Season 4 doesn’t just raise the stakes for the town; it pushes the McLusky family to their breaking points. Episode 4’s ending, for example, reveals that Mike’s brother Kyle is not safe inside Anchor Bay Prison , as Merle Callahan, a high-ranking Aryan Brotherhood member with a personal vendetta, is held in the cell next to him.
This discovery shatters any sense of security Mike thought he had, forcing him to confront the reality that he’s been outplayed from within the prison walls.
The emotional toll is even more evident in later episodes. Episode 8’s ending, widely regarded as the season’s high point, features Callahan’s prison escape and a devastating act that puts Mike’s family directly in harm’s way.
Mayor Of Kingstown Season 4 (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
Callahan’s actions culminate in the murder of Tracy McLusky, Kyle’s wife , which crosses a line that cannot be undone and leaves Mike with nothing left to lose.
Critics have called this moment “the darkest note” yet, underscoring how the show has moved beyond simple crime drama to explore the true cost of power and survival in Kingstown.
Taylor Handley’s portrayal of Kyle has also been singled out for praise, with reviews noting his transformation into “a broken shell of the man he used to be” as the weight of survivors’ guilt bears down on him. The show’s ability to balance high-octane action with intimate, character-driven moments is a key reason for its critical acclaim.
What’s Next for Kingstown?
With the finale just around the corner, the question on everyone’s mind is how the show will resolve the chaos it’s unleashed. The current narrative has set up a situation where Mike can no longer simply react to threats; he must take decisive action to prevent the city from descending into total collapse.
The show’s creators have hinted that the finale will offer a brutal and emotionally resonant conclusion, one that will leave fans questioning how far Mike is willing to go to protect his family and his town.
The record-breaking Rotten Tomatoes score is a testament to Mayor of Kingstown’s ability to evolve and surprise its audience, even after four seasons. While the show remains unflinchingly grim, its refined storytelling and powerful performances have earned it a place among the best crime dramas currently on television.
As the series heads toward its finale, it’s clear that Mayor of Kingstown is not just surviving, it’s thriving, and setting new standards for what a crime thriller can achieve.
For fans of the genre, Season 4 is a must-watch, and the finale promises to be a fitting capstone to one of the most intense and emotionally charged seasons in recent TV history.
The series continues to explore the fragile balance between law enforcement and criminal elements, and the personal cost of trying to maintain order in a town where violence is always just one decision away.
As the final episodes unfold, viewers will be left wondering if Mike can ever truly escape Kingstown, or if the city’s darkness will consume him for good.
