MasterChef Australia Online

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.

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

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"

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Masterchef Australia is a reality cooking contest starring food critics Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan. Usually the trio are entertaining to watch but occasionally George gets under my skin when he says 'chop chop!'. Matt is more of the mysterious type as you never know how he is going to score a dish. I recall he once called a dish 'disgustingly brilliant.' Gary on the other hand, is just there so that there is a third judge.

Now, lets move on to the format of the show. It starts off with a handful of contestants who cook for a chance to compete in the real contest, the final 24. Here they will complete various challenges, and if they fail, they will be eliminated.

I find that most of the contestants are annoying, especially the young ones. However, there are many contestants that I ADORE. For example, Poh Ling Yeow from season 1 is brilliant. Her recipes are to die for and I would go to her restaurant in a heartbeat. On the contrary, Adam Liaw from season 2 was very cocky and undeservedly won season 2. Callum should'vie won...

The show hosts a brilliant lineup of guest chefs, like Matt Moran and Heston Blumenthal. However, what are they thinking bringing Luke Ngyuen on the show?! He's too much about style than substance in my opinion.

The music score is very overdone and it feels like they play the same track every time. They make the music way too emotional when an elimination is happening. They should learn about how to do a proper music score; I wish John Williams from Star Wars and Harry Potter did the score or this show. Like imagine an orchestra when a contestant completed their dessert. Fantastic.

Most of the challenges are very entertaining and leave you at the edge of your seat, so far at the edge that you might even fall over. Especially with the team challenges. The group is split into two and they must cater for a restaurant in a certain amount of time, it can be very stressful but its a joy to watch because all of the contestants are a lot more supportive of each other than compared to US MasterChef. Seeing such magnificent cooperation makes the show all the more fun to watch. However, I find that the immunity challenges seem rather staged. An amateur cook should not be able to beat a professional chef who has been cooking for 15 years.

It's also brilliant family viewing, there is no coarse language, violence or nudity. The only thing worth noting is the emotions of the contestants when they mess up. This might be confronting to children.

Overall MasterChef Australia is a good watch if you can get past the out of place music. Ultimately, it scores a 7/10 from me. Just like Matt Preston gave a 7/10 to that contestant in god knows what season. I don't remember but surely he must've given out a 7.

Callum deserved to win.

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 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.

The basic idea here is that the fundamental story in life is as a contest. Everything is a competition, and every competition has a single winner. The intrigue in observing such a story is the level of character brought to the context. We are supposed to glorify the effort if we judge it worthy, comforting 'good losers' as they affirm the honor of having competed.

With this notion, you can bring the idea of competition to the basics of life. So it was no surprise to me on a visit to Australian TeeVee to discover a contest brought to one of the most basic gifts in life: the ability to enhance the human encounter by preparing food. Yes, I know there is a distance when the process is industrialized, where the chef is a paid craftsman producing for anonymous eaters in another room. But even then, the values are to serve the experience of the people consciously gathering to share one of the three most intimate encounters we have.

What we have is a setup that shoehorns cooking into a competition. I understand these shows are popular worldwide, so that fundamental story of life a contest trumps all. We have exotic locations and challenges. We have a self-important 'food critic,' carrying an obnoxious, superior attitude as if we could really trust him. His authority is shored up by real celebrated Australian chefs who are fine with the additional celebration and the role as winners in a higher level contest. The one I saw is someone whose food I have eaten.

This comment is on season three, episodes 11 and 12. In the first of these, contestants are flown to New York's Harlem to compete in cooking 'soul food.' For international readers who don't know, the role this food plays is identical to food in any other ethnic community; it binds tribes with the only metric being how 'genuine' it is. It has to be prepared by black Americans using cheap, usually unhealthy, ingredients. Intuition and tradition are supposed to guide the cook, removing this food from any notion in a fine chef's world. In the same way that it is 'genuinely black' to rely on folk wisdom instead of a college eduction, cooking soul food is something like teaching an elite physicist to dance. A soul food restaurant is supposed to simply be a wise old woman's kitchen.

So that show was weird, especially our bumpfy judge sitting amongst the now dead wise old woman's family, judging the food.

But that was tame stuff compared to the show that followed. The competitors were to present meals to the Dalai Lama for his judgment!

The disconnect here is amazing, and I spent a whole day wondering what this meant for the fabric of the universe. The tulku had recently ceded his political role to the thugs in Beijing, signalling the end of the only spiritual government left. He also had made some — to me — disturbing pronouncements on torture, human rights and his own anticipated future incarnation. Perhaps he had lost his mantra. Perhaps those of us who are not serious practitioners but who understand his world would not even have what he represents any more. Was he really committed to ending the dreams of a striving soul based on the relative lack of pleasure that soul could deliver on demand?

As it turns out, his presence so completely overwhelmed the trivial concept of the show that this was never an issue. He peacefully said that he was a simple monk, and all such monks were to be thankful for what was placed before him. He blessed the contestants and left. Apparently he was in Melbourne for some meeting of religious leaders, so some of them were his 'guests' at the table, with no compunction about being judges. Their role in society is as sanctimonious judges and there was no problem satisfying the complex ordering: two best (one superior), two 'safe' and three 'at risk' one of whom would subsequently be ruled unworthy. However, one of those had a property inherited (I think) from Dungeons and Dragons: elective one-time immunity in battle. Will she use it?

The whole thing is disturbing. But I can see the appeal. The producers are happy for the main judge to be a man we despise, and they spend inordinate time presenting the innate goodness of the contestants, who we are reminded are 'just like us.'

Without much experience in sorting out which is the least damaging waste of time on TeeVee, I can report (as sanctimonious judge myself) that this was interesting if seen as a contest for finding the right form of contest. I am lucky to have seen how a great soul walked through this.

Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

I have watched every season of this show, it is good the way the judges encourage the contestants to push themselves to be more creative.

i like the judges on master chef Australia better than master chef US or UK, They seem more enthusiastic compared to the other versions of master chef.

the only thing i do not like about the show is when they bring back contestants that have been eliminated it is not fair especially considering when contestants get eliminated it is cause they where not good enough to continue in the competition. that is why i rated the show 5 out of 10 it is a big let down for the existing contestants of the show too. I do hope in future seasons of the show this does not continue.

1 point i give other versions of master chef are watchable because when contestants loose and are eliminated they are gone which is what the shows main aim is to eliminate contestants till they get their last 2 contestants, plus their is always a bit of drama, personalities clash, tempers flair.

i find the series somewhat rehearsed and scripted especially when it comes to winners of certain seasons, if its aimed as a food show some of the better cooks or contestants don't seem to last i noticed from the first half of the season who were the better cooks which has me wondering if the show is more the usual so called reality tv than an actual competition.

I will continue to watch this show with hope they improve the format and how fake most of the show is, contestants do not seem surprised when they loose challenges and are eliminated. even the winners of each season seem to look like they know they have won before the judges have declared who has won.

big improvement needed to lose the rehearsed look reality tv yep cooking show not a hope.