MasterChef Australia

I don't really know exactly what it is about this show, but it speaks to me. The best things humans do are a result of cooperative effort and the contestants and judges on this show seem to understand this innately. It's all about the food and making it what should be.

Unlike the American version which tries to be "edgy" and confrontational, you can sense a genuine love of food as well as camaraderie in this version. There's not a mean spirit in sight. It's also a joy to watch the cooks mature as the weeks and challenges go by.

In short, it has heart, love and soul. If you want combat, watch UFC, if you want a show about the love of food, watch this.

Masterchef AU used to be a joy to watch for 10 years , i was looking forward to it every year, then came 2020 and the new judges.

While it was a smart move to make their first Run an All-Star run , it couldn't overcome the shortcomings of the new judges for me. And while i warmed to Melissa somewhat during the all star seasons, Andy and Jock seemed so fake and disingenuous throughout , they shouldn't ever have been cast as a replacement.

With the start of a new "normal" (new Contestants) season in 2021 now and the ratings dropping like never before, it seems a lot of people saw it the same way and just watched last seasons for the Contestants they already knew and liked.

Sadly this went from a 10 star show to a 3 star show for me with the swapping of the judges and the bad replacements they choose.

I have had fun, finally, watching a version of Masterchef where the contestants are kind to each other and support each other. They behave in a professional manner while having fun-no pop tarts in 6 inch heels; no back stabbing; and, for me, no crude and coarse language. It's easy to watch and enjoy. The judges seem to have a kindness that comes out in so many ways. It may just be the best food competition reality show out there.

I watched both the US version and the UK version and became disgusted. The language, the attitudes shown by the judges (and, often, the contestants) from each series turned me off so quickly that I gave up. I just happened to stumble across Masterchef Australia and I have, now, streamed all of the seasons (currently in the middle of the latest one) and it continues to be fun. One quickly comes to know each of the contestants and it is sad when one goes home.

I have recommended this show to others and do the same here. Go; watch; and enjoy the only reality show that I watch.

Absolute top cooking contest show. Unlike it's American counterpart, no drama, politics, and bickering. Great challenges and concepts. The judges Matt, Gary, George are very decent and gracious in their evaluation and comments in general. Show does away with any kind of nastiness unlike some other reality shows, Great cooking by all contestants. The level of competition is always high. Cannot fault this show.

I've watched MC Aus since it's 2nd season and have been consistently impressed by it's contestants 'reflection' of the Australian "hail fellow well met" and "good on ya" philosophy... in STARK contrast to the American MC experience of 'hyper-competitiveness' and 'damning with faint praise' The OZ judges are critical YES but not at the expense of compassion and decency ... the US judging is as if the judges want to 'let you know' just how 'sophisticated' their palate is. (although that timbre of the US shows Chef's HAS thankfully mellowed) the reason I'm writing this review is for anyone whose interest may be piqued, or questions if there is a difference ... MOST Definitely there is and I believe it gives you a VERY poignant look at the comparative psyche of American VS Australian and as an American it gives me pause as to whether we Americans couldn't learn a VERY GOOD lesson on how to pull together and care for one another and still be competitive and strive for individuality...

Maybe the Aussies are a bit TOO congenial but the backbiting and negativity of the Americans almost makes me feel like Lombardi's quote "that the only good loser is a loser" takes competition to a level that tends to steal away a warmth, civility and admiration for your opponent that endears the Aussie MC with a 'Feel Good' feeling that you don't get from the US version ....

maybe the tears sometimes seem more 'crocodile' in OZ but at least they don't sting and feel piteous like they do in the US version.

sometimes I want to like the winner AND the loser and not just glory and stomp with the winners.

a 'Bit of a rant' I'm sure but if you're at all interested in the philosophical differences between the US and Australia ... this MC cooking show may be more revelatory than you can imagine