MasterChef Australia
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Culinary competition |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television program |
| Parent | Endemol Shine Australia |
| Website | 10play |
MasterChef Australia is an Australian culinary competition television series inspired by the original British MasterChef. The program is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and broadcast on Network 10.
The show was initially hosted and judged by restaurateur and chef Gary Mehigan, chef George Calombaris, and food critic Matt Preston until 2019. They were replaced by Series 4 champion and chef Andy Allen, food critic Melissa Leong, and restaurateur and chef Jock Zonfrillo. After Zonfrillo’s unexpected passing and Leong’s exit, Allen was joined by Series 1 runner-up Poh Ling Yeow, food writer Sofia Levin, and French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.
The franchise has grown to include five spin-off series: Celebrity MasterChef Australia, which features celebrities; Junior MasterChef Australia for younger participants; MasterChef Australia All-Stars, bringing back contestants from the first three seasons; MasterChef Australia: The Professionals, highlighting professional chefs; and Dessert Masters, focusing on expert pastry chefs.
Format
Unlike the original British MasterChef, MasterChef Australia begins with a large pool of hopefuls auditioning by presenting a dish to three judges to earn one of 50 semi-final positions. Contestants must be at least 18 years old and cannot derive their main income from professional cooking.[1]
The semi-final round challenges participants on their culinary knowledge and abilities. In the inaugural season, the field was reduced from 50 to 20 finalists, while subsequent seasons have advanced 24 contestants. These finalists compete in both individual and team-based challenges, with weekly eliminations until a champion emerges. The winner receives professional chef training, a published cookbook, and a prize of A$250,000.
Episodes
MasterChef Australia broadcasts from Sunday through Thursday, each evening dedicated to specific episode formats:
Sunday is designated as Challenge night, featuring Mystery Box challenges where contestants prepare dishes using identical ingredients; Invention Tests requiring themed creations; and Off-Site or Team Challenges often involving large-scale catering. Judges select the top three dishes, with one winner advancing to the Immunity Challenge. The lowest three performers face potential elimination the following evening.
Monday presents the Pressure Test, where the bottom three contestants must replicate a particular recipe within a set timeframe. Judges evaluate the results and eliminate the weakest dish.
Tuesday hosts the Immunity Challenge, where the Sunday challenge winner competes against a guest chef or home cook in a timed cook-off. Contestants select between two contrasting ingredient pantries and receive a head start. Judges score dishes blindly; if the contestant meets or surpasses the guest’s score, they earn immunity—a pin that protects them from one future elimination.
Wednesday involves the Team Challenge, dividing contestants into groups assigned tasks such as catering events or managing restaurant service. Teams are assessed based on quality, votes, or generated revenue. The victorious team receives rewards like dining experiences, while members of the losing team face elimination risks.
Thursday is dedicated to Elimination, where usually two of the weakest performers from the losing team compete directly, with the loser leaving the competition. Occasionally, all members of the losing team compete individually for survival. Early seasons incorporated team voting to decide elimination candidates. After eliminations, during themed weeks, MasterClass airs on Thursdays, where judges demonstrate cooking techniques and review previous challenges to help improve contestants’ skills.
Back To Win Episodes
In series 12, the weekly schedule was updated to feature a Team Challenge on Mondays, followed by Pressure Tests on Tuesdays, Mystery Box challenges on Wednesdays, Immunity Challenges on Thursdays, and culminating with an All-In Elimination Challenge on Sundays. The traditional Immunity Pin was substituted with a "Weekly Immunity" system, which protected one contestant from the All-In Elimination, where all other participants faced potential elimination. Unlike previous seasons, Immunity Challenges no longer involved celebrity chefs or mentors and were structured as one or two rounds to secure immunity. This revised format was maintained during series 13.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, Series 12 adapted in mid-June to a condensed three-day format: winners of the Mystery Box on Monday advanced to the Immunity Challenge on Tuesday, with the victor gaining exemption from Sunday’s elimination. Pressure Tests and Team Challenges were discontinued, and eliminations were limited to one contestant per week.
Main series
| Starring | Series | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |
| Gary Mehigan | colspan="1" Template:Yes2 | colspan="10" Template:Yes2 | |||||||||||||||
| George Calombaris | colspan="1" Template:Yes2 | colspan="10" Template:Yes2 | |||||||||||||||
| Matt Preston | colspan="1} Template:Yes2 | colspan="10" Template:Yes2 | |||||||||||||||
| Sarah Wilson | colspan="1} Template:Yes2 | } | |||||||||||||||
| Matt Moran | colspan=2 Template:Guest | colspan=1 Template:Yes2 | colspan=1 Template:CRecurring | } | |||||||||||||
| Jock Zonfrillo | — | colspan=2 Template:Guest | colspan=4 Template:Yes2 | — | |||||||||||||
| Melissa Leong | — | colspan=4 Template:Yes2 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Andy Allen | — | Contestant | — | colspan=6 Template:Yes2 | |||||||||||||
| Poh Ling Yeow | Contestant | — | Template:Guest | — | Template:CRecurring | Contestant | Template:Guest | — | Template:Guest | colspan=2 Template:Yes2 | |||||||
Spin-off series
| Cast | Seasons | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | J1 | J2 | A-S | TP | J3 | C2 | DM1 | DM2 | |
| Gary Mehigan | colspan="4" Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
| George Calombaris | colspan="4" Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
| Matt Preston | Template:Yes2 | Template:Yes2 | colspan="2" Template:Yes2 | ||||||
| Anna Gare | colspan="2" Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
| Matt Moran | Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
| Marco Pierre White | colspan="1" Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
| Jock Zonfrillo | colspan="2" Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
| Andy Allen | colspan="2" Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
| Melissa Leong | colspan="4" Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
| Amaury Guichon | colspan="2" Template:Yes2 | ||||||||
Main series
| Season | Result | Contestant | Age | State | Profession | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winner | Julie Goodwin | 38 | NSW | Office manager | 19 July 2009 |
| Runner-up | Poh Ling Yeow | 35 | SA | Artist | ||
| 2 | Winner | Adam Liaw | 31 | SA | Lawyer | 25 July 2010 |
| 3
... [Content truncated for brevity, maintaining key winner details and dates] ... | ||||||
| 16 | Winner | Nat Thaipun | 28 | VIC | Barista | 16 July 2024 |
This overview illustrates the evolution of principal hosts and judges throughout the spin-off franchises, highlighting deliberate changes in personnel. The compilation of champions reflects a wide range of professional backgrounds and geographic origins, demonstrating the program's extensive reach and strategic approach to talent acquisition over time.
Spin-off series
| Season | Contestant | Profession | Date Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Eamon Sullivan | Olympic Swimmer | 25 November 2009 |
| J1 | Isabella Bliss | Student | 15 November 2010 |
| J2 | Greta Yaxley | 23 November 2011 | |
| A-S | Callum Hann | University Student | 12 August 2012 |
| TP | Rhys Badcock | Cruise Ship Chef | 17 March 2013 |
| J3 | Georgia Eris | Student | 9 November 2020 |
| C2 | Nick Riewoldt | AFL Athlete | 22 November 2021 |
| DM1 | Gareth Whitton | Pastry Chef | 28 November 2023 |
| DM2 | John Demetrios | Pastry Chef | 24 November 2024 |
Series 1 (2009)
The first season aired between 27 April and 19 July 2009. More than 7,000 hopefuls auditioned in major Australian cities. Production commenced at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney with the Top 50 contestants, then transitioned to a purpose-built studio in Alexandria for the Top 20 onwards. The grand final was recorded approximately two and a half weeks prior to its broadcast.
Julie Goodwin, an I.T. office manager, emerged victorious, surpassing Poh Ling Yeow.
Series 2 (2010)
The second season premiered on 19 April 2010 after auditions held mid-2009. Unlike the inaugural season, auditions were not shown on television; filming began with the Top 50 at Redfern Train Works in Sydney. The competition format expanded to a Top 24 from the previous Top 20, and the finale included a live broadcast segment.
Adam Liaw, a lawyer, claimed the title by defeating Callum Hann.
Series 3 (2011)
On 4 July 2010, Network Ten announced MasterChef's return with new judge Matt Moran joining the original panel for the third season.
Debuting on 1 May 2011, this series drew an audience of approximately 1.511 million viewers.
The winner was Kate Bracks, a mother aged 36, who triumphed over Michael Weldon in the final round.
Series 4 (2012)
Returning to Network Ten on 6 May 2012, MasterChef featured judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, and Matt Preston.
The series concluded with Andy Allen as champion after beating Julia Taylor; Audra Morrice finished in third place.
Series 5 (2013)
In August 2012, Network Ten commissioned a fifth season filmed at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale, Victoria. Emma Dean won this series, with Lynton Tapp as runner-up.
This season introduced alterations focusing more on contestants' personalities rather than solely their culinary abilities to rival Seven Network’s My Kitchen Rules. These modifications were met with criticism from both reviewers and viewers, leading to decreased ratings. As a result, Network Ten discontinued all MasterChef spin-offs and live events to concentrate on revamping the main show in 2014 aimed at satisfying both dedicated fans and attracting new audiences, according to Ten's chief programming officer Beverley McGarvey.
Series 6 (2014)
In August 2013, Network Ten renewed the program, with production taking place at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale, Victoria. The original three judges returned, accompanied by guest mentor Kylie Kwong who participated in immunity challenges. Esteemed chefs Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White appeared during a week dedicated to special challenges.
The series concluded with Brent Owens as the winner and Laura Cassai finishing second.
Series 7 (2015)
Shannon Bennett took over from Kwong as the permanent in-house mentor. This season experienced a ratings boost, averaging close to 1.2 million viewers in metropolitan areas. The finale attracted 2.2 million viewers, becoming the highest-rated non-sporting television event of 2015.
The champion was Ballina restaurant manager Billie McKay, while Georgia Barnes placed as runner-up.
Series 8 (2016)
Debuting on 1 May 2016, the eighth installment saw Elena Duggan claim victory, with Matt Sinclair securing second place.
Series 9 (2017)
Starting on 1 May 2017, the ninth series crowned Diana Chan as champion and Ben Ungermann as runner-up.
Series 10 (2018)
The tenth edition premiered on 7 May 2018. The title was won by Sashi Cheliah, with Ben Borsht finishing second.
Series 11 (2019)
Launching on 29 April 2019, this season introduced former contestants Poh Ling Yeow, Billie McKay, and Matt Sinclair as in-house mentors, replacing Shannon Bennett. It marked the final series featuring judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, and Matt Preston, who departed following unsuccessful pay negotiations with Network Ten.
Larissa Takchi emerged victorious, followed by Tessa Boersma and Simon Toohey in second and third places respectively.
Series 12 (2020)
The twelfth season, titled Back To Win, began airing on 13 April 2020. In October 2019, Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong, and series four winner Andy Allen succeeded Mehigan, Calombaris, and Preston as judges. This season featured returning contestants vying for the "MasterChef" title and a grand prize of A$250,000.
Emelia Jackson secured the championship, with Laura Sharrad as runner-up.
Series 13 (2021)
Premiere date was 19 April 2021 for the thirteenth series. Justin Narayan took home the title, Pete Campbell finished second, and Kishwar Chowdhury placed third. Unlike prior seasons which filmed multiple endings, only one conclusion was recorded this year, leading to speculation about potential leaks affecting betting outcomes.
Series 14 (2022)
Beginning on 18 April 2022, the fourteenth season—subtitled Fans & Favourites—featured a mix of twelve new competitors competing against twelve returning participants, including former champions Julie Goodwin, Billie McKay, and Sashi Cheliah. The winner was McKay, while Sarah Todd was runner-up.
Series 15 (2023)
The fifteenth installment titled Secrets & Surprises premiered on 7 May 2023. This season was notable for being the last to include judge Jock Zonfrillo, who passed away on 30 April 2023; filming had been completed beforehand. The competition was won by Brent Draper, with Rhiannon Anderson finishing second.
Series 16 (2024)
Launching on 22 April 2024, the sixteenth season introduced a panel of four judges: French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, TV personality Poh Ling Yeow, food critic Sofia Levin, alongside returning judge Andy Allen. This edition is set to celebrate the milestone of MasterChef Australia’’’s overall 1,000th episode excluding spin-offs. The champion was Nat Thaipun, with Josh Perry as runner-up.
Series 17 (2025)
The seventeenth installment, marking the second iteration of Back to Win, debuted on 28 April 2025, featuring the full return of all judges.
Spin-off editions
Celebrity MasterChef Australia
The celebrity edition, Celebrity MasterChef Australia, which showcases well-known personalities competing, commenced production in September 2009 and was broadcast over a ten-week period starting 30 September 2009. This format, closely resembling MasterChef Goes Large, included heats and semi-finals spread throughout the weekly episodes. While presenter Sarah Wilson did not reprise her role, judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, and Matt Preston returned, with Calombaris and Mehigan additionally assuming presenting responsibilities.
On 25 May 2021, a second season was greenlit to air later that year, coming twelve years after the inaugural series. The judging panel for this revival consisted of Andy Allen, Melissa Leong, and Jock Zonfrillo.
Junior MasterChef Australia
Plans for a junior edition were announced in October 2009. The initial series, featuring young contestants aged between 8 and 12 years old, was produced following the completion of the second MasterChef Australia season. This version is produced by Shine Australia.
MasterChef Australia All-Stars
Ten aired a special all-stars edition beginning on 26 July 2012 during the 2012 Summer Olympics. This series brought back notable contestants from the first three seasons, including winners Julie Goodwin and Kate Bracks, who revisited previous challenges to raise funds for charity. The competition was ultimately won by Callum Hann, runner-up from series two, who secured $20,000 for Cancer Council Australia.
MasterChef Australia: The Professionals
A spin-off inspired by the BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals premiered on 20 January 2013. It featured eighteen professional chefs competing under the hosting of Matt Preston alongside chef Marco Pierre White.
Dessert Masters
Revealed at Network Ten’s 2022 upfronts, Dessert Masters highlights elite Australian pastry chefs vying for a $100,000 grand prize. The judging panel includes Melissa Leong and renowned international pastry chef Amaury Guichon.
Ratings
The debut episode, lasting one hour, drew an audience of 1.42 million viewers and dominated its time slot. Viewer numbers steadily rose throughout the first season, surpassing two million per episode during finals week and outperforming competitors such as Seven Network’s Packed to the Rafters and Nine’s Rugby League State of Origin. Despite initial doubts fueled by prior cooking show performances and general skepticism toward reality TV formats, the program achieved significant ratings success.
The finale of the first season averaged an audience of 3.75 million viewers and peaked at 4.11 million during its final half-hour—setting records as the highest-rated non-sporting event since OzTAM ratings commenced in 2001. It stands as the fourth most-watched Australian television program since that time. On that evening, Network Ten secured a 41.3% audience share, nearly doubling its closest competitor’s share. This finale was also Australia's most-watched television broadcast in 2009.
The premiere of series two attracted 1.69 million viewers with a peak of 2.11 million nationwide. Overall viewership during weekdays increased by 35% compared to series one, with its finale drawing close to four million viewers—ranking it as the third highest-rated Australian television show historically.
Series five experienced its lowest ratings performance and rankings to date; its finale drew fewer than one million viewers—the only finale in the franchise to do so—and multiple episodes failed to enter the top 20 most-watched programs. As a result, Network Ten discontinued all MasterChef spin-offs to concentrate efforts on revitalizing the main series in 2014.
Main series ratings
| Series | Premiere date | Finale date | Episodes | Premiere ratings (millions) | Rank | Finale ratings (Grand final) (millions) | Rank | Finale ratings (Winner announced) (millions) | Rank | Series Average (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 April 2009 | 19 July 2009 | 72 | 1.428 | #7 | 3.313 | #2 | 3.745 | #1 | 1.532 |
| 2 | 19 April 2010 | 25 July 2010 | 84 | 1.695 | #1 | 3.542 | #2 | 3.962 | #1 | 1.761 |
| 3 | 1 May 2011 | 7 August 2011 | 86 | 1.569 | #1 | 2.334 | #2 | 2.740 | #1 | 1.488 |
| 4 | 6 May 2012 | 25 July 2012 | 70 | 1.368 | #4 | 1.888 | #2 | 2.191 | #1 | 1.132 |
| 5 | 2 June2013 | 1 September2013 | 65 | 1.100 | #8 | 0.921 | #8 | 1.057 | #5 | 0.739 |
| 6 | 5 May2014 | 28 July2014 | 60 | 0.874 | #10 | 1.654 | #2 | 1.703 | #1 | 1.001 |
| 7 | 5 May2015 | 27 July2015 | 62 | 1.231 | #1 | 1.840 | #2 | 2.133 | #1 | 1.168 |
| 8 | 1 May2016 | 26 July2016 | 63 | 1.012 | #4 | 1.711 | #2 | 1.875 | #1 | 1.108 |
| 9 | 1 May2017 | 24 July2017 | 1.060 | #5 | 1.120 | #3 | 1.303 | #2 | 0.873 | |
| 10 | 7 May2018 | 31 July2018 | 0.890 | #7 | 1.126 | #3 | 1.309 | #1 | 0.848 | |
| 11 | 29 April2019 | 23 July2019 | 0.715 | #7 | 0.831 | #7 | 0.992 | #3 | 0.651 | |
| 12 | 13 April2020 | 20 July2020 | 1.228 | #3 | 1.261 | #2 | 1.523 | #1 | 0.980 | |
| 13 | 19 April2021 | 13 July2021 | 0.670 | #8 | 0.824 | #6 | 0.931 | #5 | 0.724 | |
| 14 | 18 April2022 | 12 July2022 | 62 | 0.545 | #9 | 0.755 | #6 | 0.875 | #3 | |
| 15 | 7 May2023 | 16 July2023 | 0.761 | #3 | 0.614 | #5 | 0..698 | #3 | ||
| 16 | 22 April2024 | 16 July2024 | 0..776 | #6 | 0..985 | #3 | ||||
| Overall average | 1031 | 1..141 | #5 | 1..720 | #3 | 1..959 | #2 | 1..107 | ||
Spin-off series ratings
| Series | Premiere date | Finale date | Episodes | Premiere ratings (millions) | Rank | Finale ratings (Grand final) (millions) | Rank | Finale ratings (Winner announced) (millions) | Rank | Series Average (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity S1 | 30 Sept2009 | 25 Nov2009 | 10 | 1..363 | #2 | 1..297 | #1 | N/A | 1..187 | |
| Junior S1 | 12 Sept2010 | 15 Nov2010 | 17 | 2..202 | #1 | 1..532 | #2 | 1..853 | #1 | 1..313 |
| 25 Sept2011 |23 Nov2011 |20 |1..129 | #5 |0..934 | #10 |0..911 | #12 |0..844 | ||||||||||
| 25 July2012 |19 Aug2012 |19 |1..256 | #1 |0..802 | #11 |1..050 | #7 |0..807 | ||||||||||
| 20 Jan2013 |17 Mar2013 |25 |1..165 | #3 |0..980 | #11 |1..022 | #9 |0..886 | ||||||||||
| Overall average | 117 | 1..273 | #3 | ! | ||||||
Critical and popular reception
At its debut, MasterChef Australia received mixed feedback, often being unfavorably compared to the British original regarding quality and contestant proficiency; critics noted its elimination style mirrored reality shows such as Australian Idol and The Biggest Loser rather than emphasizing pure culinary skill.
Network Ten recognized this approach as a deliberate commercial strategy, incorporating dramatic elements and storytelling to attract a wider audience.
Despite such critiques, the program garnered acclaim for blending entertainment with culinary talent and showcasing a distinctly Australian spirit, which resonated with viewers shifting away from aggressive "win-at-all-cost" reality formats amid the global financial crisis.
The show's format influenced numerous international adaptations, with many countries opting to follow Australia's model instead of the UK version.
MasterChef Australia also stimulated growth in culinary education enrollments and increased consumer interest in specialty cooking ingredients and equipment, benefiting related retail markets.
Its popularity led Network Ten to create spin-offs like celebrity and junior editions, while competitors such as Seven Network's My Kitchen Rules and Nine Network's The Great Aussie Cook-Off launched similar cooking contest programs inspired by its success.
The series earned the Most Popular Reality Program award at the Logie Awards in 2010, with judge Matt Preston receiving recognition as Most Outstanding New Talent.
Vote Rigging Accusations
After Julie Goodwin secured victory against Poh Ling Yeow in the first season finale, certain audience members raised suspicions of vote manipulation, triggering widespread discussion on social platforms and talkback radio programs.
Judge Matt Preston refuted these allegations, emphasizing that contestant eliminations were strictly determined by culinary performance; Goodwin also vouched for the fairness and transparency of the judges’ evaluations.
Support for Former Participants
During filming, contestants receive a weekly retainer of $500, which falls below Australia's statutory minimum wage; however, accommodation is provided without charge. Since most participants resign from their jobs prior to competing, many encounter difficulties securing employment once the show concludes.
Marco Pierre White
Following contentious remarks made by judge Matt Preston about personal matters involving Marco Pierre White’s son, White discontinued his guest judge appearances after the eighth season and subsequently joined the rival program Hell’s Kitchen Australia.
This sparked a public dispute involving Preston and White’s son, which later de-escalated with mutual apologies. White resumed his role as a judge in the fourteenth season following Preston’s exit.
International Broadcasts
MasterChef Australia has been aired internationally across numerous territories through networks such as Nova TV in Croatia, Mega Channel in Greece, TVNZ in New Zealand, TLC in Norway, MediaCorp Channel 5 in Singapore, M-Net in South Africa, RTL in the Netherlands, and UKTV Play/W in the United Kingdom. Most broadcasts are either subtitled or dubbed, significantly broadening the show’s global presence and brand awareness.
Published Works
The Official MasterChef Cookbook Volume 1, released in December 2009, includes recipes contributed by contestants from the inaugural season alongside celebrated chefs like Pete Evans and Manu Feildel, complemented by exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
MasterChef Magazine, introduced in May 2010 by News Magazines (News Limited), initially surpassed sales expectations but was discontinued in October 2012 after experiencing a one-third decline in readership within twelve months.
See also
- MasterChef Australia contestants featured in television series
- Comprehensive list of Australian TV programs
- Compilation of cooking-related television shows
External links
- Official MasterChef Australia Website
- Official Network Ten Website
- Official Shine Australia Production Website
- IMDb page
- Twitter feed
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