MasterChef Australia (2009– ) User Reviews

A Show with Heart

[jljacobi · 9/10 · 12 August 2011]

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.

Comparitive difference between MC Aus and MC US

[ChicoIMDb · 9/10 · 22 June 2014]

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

Captures the spirit of cooking gently and desirably. .

[sashank_kini-1 · 8/10 · 5 March 2011]

MasterChef Australia is cool as ice. The judges aren't a sorry bunch of tyrannical, boorish, acerbic and foul-mouthed yahoos but a suave, openhearted and almost selfless as they unreservedly share their own experiences, imparting their veteran knowledge to the amateur contestants and most importantly, ready to give show much of their precious time to these cooks. 76 episodes may have been an ordeal if the show were the slightly supercilious Top Chef or the vulgar Hell's Kitchen.

To watch MasterChef Australia is to relieve oneself from tension, stress or flaring temper. The show manages to inject a sense of satiation amongst its participants, irrespective of their fate on the show. Gary, George and Matt are probably some of the kindest and most endearing personalities in all the reality shows I have seen. There is not hint of chicanery in them like in other shows where judges often dramatize or feign certain reactions in order to generate appeal.

The contestants are a kracker-jack of genuine people who treat their co-contestants as friends and not like competitors or animals (Watch Hell's Kitchen). Here we see adults, who may be zany but also are hold a level of maturity and discretion that is scarcely seen anywhere nowadays.

The format is quite simple but there the dozens of second-chances given and the scintillating cookery skills of the judges showcased during the show really winnowed the contestants and made them better cooks. MasterChef US, on the other hand, is turgid, cynical and chiched.

The dishes are diverse, impactive and authentic. The magnificent amalgam of cultures is very respectfully blended. Indian, French, Spanish, etc dishes are all given their share of respect on the show.

MasterChef Australia is simply a lip-smackingly entertaining program that follows the motto: "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Professionalism with heart

[grasswhisperer · 8/10 · 2 June 2016]

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.

A Masterchef series above all others

[randymcbeast · 10/10 · 24 July 2016]

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.

Simply Amazing

[piskaralopise · 9/10 · 30 June 2016]

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!

Most well-rounded amateur cooking reality show

[MovieObsezed · 8/10 · 11 July 2017]

MasterChef Australia is definitely the best cooking show among all the ones out there. I have been watching this show since the 2nd season and I am always amazed at the quality of the contestants and dishes produced. Since it is a reality show, it does suffer from some over- dramatized moments and excessive crying in parts but the judges are great, especially George Calombaris, who is adorable. I also love how supportive the contestants are towards each other. To top it all, the recipes are actually posted on the Tenplay website and I for one love attempting such creative dishes.

What's to dislike?

[mithunjo · 10/10 · 14 November 2017]

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.

Emmotional, Heart-warming & Entertaining.

[leigh_ismond · 10/10 · 20 October 2017]

As a cooking and food lover this is absolutely my favorite cooking show on television today. I was a big fan of the concept of MasterChef.. as I always followed along with MasterChef Canada and US versions. When I came across the Australian version it was a game changer, and completely for the better.

Not only does this show gives you all the information and techniques that make you personally a better cook, and to ultimately enjoy food to all its glory. You also get the privilege of truly growing and getting to know each one of the contestants and judges. (you'll smile, laugh and cry) The way the judges and contestant are always supporting each other and helping each other is a refreshing breath of air, compared to the US and Canadian versions which I feel more so with each season really focuses on putting the contestants against each other and almost with undertones of bullying. As well as the Mystery Box's and other completions AU really actually relies on the product of the food to make their decisions, not on a popularity contest like the other versions.

All in all, this show is fantastic. You won't regret binge watching!

Feelgood reality TV with food

[Calmest · 7/10 · 11 August 2010]

Masterchef is a reality TV show. It is named after a British TV cookery competition.

The cast is made up of cooking enthusiasts who take part in a series of cooking challenges and face eliminations.

At the end of the season, one person is awarded the main prize.

The bulk of the show is devoted to the cast talking to camera about how they felt during the challenges and also to the hosts talking about what they thought of the performances in the challenges. In many of the episodes the hosts taste the food and give feedback or a score. Many parts of the cooking processes are also shown.

This show became a huge "watercooler" hit within Australia because of a universal interest in food and because, with the minimal swearing and absence of violence or nudity, this was perfect family viewing. Another appealing aspect was the decision to portray the contestants as co-operative rather than cut-throat as in previous reality TV.

The watchability of this show lies in the casting of appealing people; the fact that they seem to be decent makes you care what happens to them and want to return to them. The continual recaps and repetitions of footage in this show mean that it is highly watchable at the busy time of evening that it is shown.

The best cooking competition on TV

[Hpmw88 · 10/10 · 16 September 2016]

I love watching cooking competitions and I can say with my hand on my heart this is by far the best one on TV. I've watched Masterchef UK for many years and was initially skeptical when I tuned in to this version because it couldn't be more different. However, my concern soon turned to joy when I saw the quality of the contestants and the quality of the challenges. Each episode from the team challenges, mystery boxes, elimination challenges and pin challenges are all inventive, difficult and exceptional. The quality of the food produced on this show is sensational. The camaraderie between contestants is refreshing to see. The judges are all incredibly knowledgeable and talented with a genuine love of food. Unlike many other shows where there's a lenient judge and an overly critical judge, this show has three fantastically supportive critics who give credit where credits due and give criticism in a gentle but constructive way. The eliminations are fair and the right winner is always chosen. This show knocks the socks off all rival shows and I never miss an episode!

Not the same anymore without Matt, Gary & George.

[Deux_Vega · 6/10 · 7 May 2020]

This show has been my go to feel good show for 12 years now. It's been a huge success that boosted the format internationally in i don't know how many countries. I've only watched the US one as well, but that's nowhere as good as the AUS version. I like the positivity of the judges and more interesting (better) cooking. Where in the US it's mostly a lot of trash talk and the cooking challenges are simpler and boring. Like yes, i know, making a soufle is hard, but you don't have to let them make it year after year, time after time. Etc ... It's just typically US i guess ...

So, with the AUS season 12 coming up i was excited. But I apparently missed the memo. No more Matt, Gary & George :-( A big mistake. Apparently because they asked too much salary. I can't judge that part, because of course there's a limit in what's viable for the show of course. But other than that it's been a big mistake. What made Masterchef AUS great were those three judges. Which becomes clear watching this season with the new judges. Of course they deserve some breaking in time, but i'm not convinced. The only judge that fits the bill and could carry some of it would be Jock. He has that same buddy vibe going on. I understand the step to go for ex-contestant, winner and chef's hat winner Andy, but i never found him a very interesting character. And then there's Melissa, the worst of the three. The kind of annoying food hippy that spits uninteresting cliche's in an attempt to be relevant but doesn't bring anything interesting to the table.

I'm not saying that the old 3 judges were irreplaceable, but not with these 3. Only Jock could maybe pull it off with 2 other interesting types next to him. Too bad, the once so great show seems to be at an end.

Losing it's appeal

[andrewrye-06535 · 3/10 · 8 July 2019]

After 11 seasons Masterchef is getting stale and, like a long term relationship some things are getting on my nerves.

What I still like: The contestants are treated with respect, mostly. They are encouraged and I like the new ideas they bring.

What I don't like: The overly dramatic music that is constant and irritating, the contestants constantly repeating what the judges have just said, and again before the cook is finished, WHY?, the lack of new ideas for the competition, the obvious scripting for the contestants, Gary stuffing his face (blergh), George imitating Gordon Ramsay bouncing on his heels all the time, the constant (there's that word again, but it is constant) yelling to hurry up from the judges and the contestants watching when it's really not necessary, the dramatic bawling by at least one contestant sometime, praising food when its way spicy hot as good (hot food does not mean good, how can you taste anything let alone the next contestants food when your taste buds have burnt out?) and that it is 60 episodes....way too long!!

The format needs to change, the judges need to be refreshed (Gary needs to get back to his restaurant, the reviews are pretty bad), hell, maybe it's time to can it.

Better Than MasterChef US

[emanmb · 9/10 · 16 March 2022]

I'm from the US and this show is light years ahead of the American counterpart in terms of the skill level of contestants, and seeing something that the viewer can take away and apply to their own cooking. AKA inspiration. I'll never cook like these guys but there's always some technique or ingredient or something I can take away from watching it.

I hate this show

[hillangela-59786 · 9 September 2019]

I used to love this show I love the masterclass with Gary mehigan from season 1 to season 5 now I can't stand watching it it's annoying

Best Cooking Reality Show ever!!

[shadow461 · 10/10 · 29 June 2018]

The title says it all.. its THE best (not one of the best) cooking reality show.. no over the top judging and screaming by hosts.. honest and real feedback.. next door neighborly participants.. great production. My entire family is a fan and we are not Australians and we dont eat half the things they cook on the show! :)

By far, the best

[dclarke-28979 · 10/10 · 11 May 2018]

By far, the most authentic and entertaining cooking reality show in Australia. Excellent and knowledgable chefs and food critics hosting and judging. So much better than other shows in Australia and around the world.

Love the Respect Go Australia!!

[brendalarocque · 10/10 · 5 July 2021]

I used to watch Masterchef USA but just by chance started watching Masterchef Australia. There is no comparison! The judges on MC from the states are rude, arrogant and ignorant. I've seen them spit food out with disgust on their faces, literally throw food and dish in the garbage smashing the dish. At one point one of the judges told a contestant that they needed to respect the judges. How about they show your contestants some respect. Those 3 judges act like they are the best chefs in the entire world. Without those contestants there's no show. I'm just appalled really by the arrogance of them when contestants are trying to get aprons. The only time they are treated with any respect is when the judges vote them off. Then Gordon Ramsey lays on the nice guy crap.

Masterchef Australia would get my vote for being the best Masterchef. Even though I am Canadian I still love the Australian show. The judges are respectful even when the dishes aren't up to part. They understand the pressure and although they expect a lot from the contestants the states version only makes me feel sorry for the people trying to win. I've seen the judges on MC Au try and build up the contestants confidence and calm them when they are extremely stressed. It's ashame Gordon Ramsey and the rest of the judges on the states MC can't take a few positive actions of the Australian judges and give their contestants the respect they deserve. The states MC I was watching was only season 3.

Warm and delicious show, but really don't like the new judge who was the contestant

[lanjie731 · 8/10 · 14 June 2020]

The show is more warm and nice than the american show. because all the contestants try to help each other and not fight with each other. Love it. but really hate the new host or judge who was the previous contestant. very annoying. hope he can be replaced. the rest two I like them.

Classy

[Herufied · 10/10 · 1 May 2019]

Masterchef Australia is the only Masterchef i watch, because it's simply brilliant and classy.

Can the judges be any more biased?!??!

[hamadinouidesigns · 7/10 · 14 August 2021]

I've been a fan of the US version and appreciated how fair and equal Gordon and the other judges have been with all contestants. They never favoured anyone and treated everyone equally. Even the visually impaired contestant.

Unlike the Australian version !!

I've started watching from season 13 (the latest) and the way judges go to some contestants and help them by giving them tips and advise during a challege is not fair.

And always the same particular contestants.

If you want to give any tips of advise, then equally give to all, not just the ones u want to win.

Judge Melissa Leong ONLY gives top credits and her face shines like she has won the lottery when an Asian contestant presents his/her dish, while her face goes totally poker when others do. Hmmmm?!?!

Top score to the 24 contestants for making great effort every episode, while zero credits to the unfair judges.

Gordon Ramsey session

[heatheredwards-47817 · 8/10 · 27 January 2020]

Poor feedback about Chloe not sure which year, Ben hadn't put garnish on pasta was thick, yet he was praised spoken to positively whereas Chloe was disciplined over emotions with little positive feedback about her efforts , she had garnished, it got more objective when tasting happened.

Don't get me wrong I love this program, however I hate bias as probably all of us do.

Bored now

[Ajsmith10 · 7/10 · 6 February 2021]

Gets a bit repetitive food wise. If I see another panacotta, ice cream or fish curry Asian broth I'll scream.

Love how good all of the contestants are with each other

[dingleberry-94748 · 4/10 · 5 September 2021]

Seriously, though...does anyone eat anything other than curry in Australia these days?!

Because week after week, it was 24-hour curry this past season. Maybe they should try for a bit of variety next season.

This used to be the best Masterchef in the world, then they changed the judges ...

[Honodi · 26 April 2021]

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.