Padma Lakshmi's Exit From Top Chef

"Even being a peripheral part of this world is kind of a thrill. It's a cheap thrill for us," says Top Chef host Kevin McHale. "I think what she does so well is sort of balance the gravitas with the character, right? Like, like you want that judge to be intimidating." Padma has an earbud in her ear and can get cues from producers as she eats by talking to them while they're eating. The show works because there are these wonderful moments that can played for both comedy and tragedy where contestants are terrified of Padma.