MasterChef Australia

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've watched Masterchef US, UK, NZ and Canada and the Australian version is by far the best. If you're a Masterchef fan I strongly recommend giving it a watch.

What makes it better? It's more of a full blown journey through the competition with five episodes a week taking you step-by-step through the process.

The challenges are also more exciting and original with my favorite set of judges providing the guidance and entertainment along the way.

In addition, the master classes, usually done at the end of the week, are very educational and certainly spotlight the expertise of the judges and guest judges. There's also "Heston Week", usually, where Heston Blumenthal joins the cast for the week and comes up with all sorts of cool insights and challenges.

I came by Masterchef just recently, after watching all of the Masterchef US and Canada seasons, and now it's ruined me. I can hardly watch US and Canada now because they pale in comparison. They are just one episode a week and that episode is so plastic and pretty much the same week after week. Gordon Ramsay is a hero of mine but he needs to take some lessons from Australia and perhaps add some episodes and some spontaneity.

I'm currently watching season 8 and it's finals week, which is an exciting week for fans, but also an indicator that it's almost over and that I'll have to wait a long time for season 9 to start. It's been a long and very entertaining season and I'll surely miss the daily fix.

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

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 have just been introduced to MC Australia, after watching several seasons of MC US. Wow, what a difference...

It's so refreshing to watch MC where contestants are supportive of each other. I was sick and tired of every 'team challenge" in the US version because you simply knew that no matter how strong the team was something was going to go wrong because of someone's stupid and obviously staged mistake. I am not saying that the OZ version is 100% genuine, but it certainly has that feel to it.

I love the level of encouragement that comes from the judges and how inspired I am to turn on the stove after every episode. Contestants themselves are amazing and diverse and so are their dishes. it's so easy to root for everyone.

Such an enjoyable show to watch! Well done!