The countdown is over: on February 18, 2026, Netflix drops Being Gordon Ramsay, a six-part documentary series that promises to peel back the layers on one of the world’s most iconic—and infamous—chefs. For fans who crave unfiltered, high-stakes entertainment with a side of sharp wit, this is the must-watch premiere of the week. Forget the scripted yelling matches of Hell’s Kitchen or the polished competitions—this is Gordon Ramsay in real time, raw and unscripted, juggling the chaos of his sprawling empire, family life, and his most ambitious culinary undertaking yet.
The series chronicles a pivotal six-month period in Ramsay’s life, centering on the massive launch of five distinct dining concepts inside 22 Bishopsgate, one of London’s tallest skyscrapers. This isn’t just another restaurant opening; it’s a high-wire act of ambition. The lineup includes the elegant, high-altitude Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High with its exclusive 12-seat chef’s table experience; the Asian-inspired Lucky Cat and its upcoming rooftop terrace; Bread Street Kitchen & Bar; and the Gordon Ramsay Academy, offering hands-on classes from pasta-making to mixology. Viewers will follow every step—from initial planning and design decisions to the frantic final preparations, staff training, menu finalizations, and the nail-biting opening nights. Ramsay’s signature intensity is on full display as he pushes teams to perfection while navigating tight deadlines, supply chain headaches, and the pressure of living up to his own legendary standards.
What sets Being Gordon Ramsay apart is its intimate access. Cameras capture the chef not just in professional mode but in personal moments that humanize the larger-than-life persona. As a husband to Tana Ramsay and father of six children, he balances the demands of fatherhood with relentless work. The series glimpses family dinners, candid conversations at home, and the everyday realities that ground him amid global fame. Ramsay has described the project as “the most raw thing he’s done,” a departure from his usual bravado toward vulnerability and honesty. Expect unexpected glimpses of tenderness—perhaps quiet reflections on his journey from a tough upbringing in Scotland to Michelin-starred success—and moments of genuine reflection on the toll his career has taken.
Of course, the humor that made Ramsay a household name doesn’t disappear. The show delivers plenty of “proper comedy,” as fans have dubbed it—kitchen disasters where ingredients fly, staff fumble under pressure, and Ramsay unleashes his trademark brutal honesty in ways that are equal parts hilarious and cringe-inducing. Brutally funny interactions abound: sharp one-liners directed at underperforming teams, exasperated reactions to subpar execution, and the chaotic energy of high-pressure challenges that test everyone’s limits. Yet the tone feels more observational than confrontational. This isn’t about manufacturing drama; it’s about letting the natural frenzy of the restaurant world speak for itself.
The fast-paced editing keeps the momentum relentless. Episodes weave between the high-stakes business world—negotiations with investors, design tweaks for the towering new venues, and the logistical nightmare of launching multiple concepts simultaneously—and quieter, more personal beats. Ramsay’s global empire, which spans dozens of restaurants across continents, receives attention too, with cross-Atlantic glimpses into his U.S. operations and the constant travel that keeps him on the move. The series highlights his entrepreneurial drive: the relentless ambition that turned a single London restaurant into a multinational brand, all while maintaining the perfectionism that defines his brand.
For longtime followers, the show offers fresh insights. We’ve seen Ramsay dominate reality TV for decades, but rarely has the focus been so squarely on his behind-the-scenes reality without the structure of competitions or rescue missions. Here, the stakes feel personal and immediate—the success or failure of these new ventures directly impacts his legacy, his teams, and his family. The documentary doesn’t shy away from tension: moments of frustration, tough calls, and the exhaustion that comes with never slowing down. Yet it also reveals the passion that fuels him, the pride in his craft, and the loyalty he inspires in those who work closest to him.
Critics and early buzz suggest Being Gordon Ramsay strikes a compelling balance. It’s entertaining without being exploitative, funny without relying solely on outbursts, and insightful without turning overly sentimental. The trailer alone—released weeks earlier—teased this mix: quick cuts of Ramsay barking orders in gleaming kitchens, tender family scenes, and sweeping shots of the glittering 22 Bishopsgate tower against London’s skyline. It’s a visual feast that matches the culinary one promised inside.
As the premiere arrives tomorrow, anticipation is high. Will the new concepts live up to the hype? How will Ramsay handle the inevitable setbacks? And what personal revelations will emerge from this unprecedented access? For anyone who appreciates sharp humor, high-stakes drama, and a deeper look at what drives one of the most polarizing figures in food and television, Being Gordon Ramsay delivers on all fronts. It’s not just a documentary—it’s an all-you-can-eat portrait of ambition, family, chaos, and the man who refuses to settle for anything less than extraordinary.
Stream it starting February 18 on Netflix. Clear your schedule; this one’s going to be a binge.
