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Masterchef is an older series that has inspired millions of people to cook. However, going on the third season of Masterchef US there have been more and more problematic areas when compared with other series, especially with what I think is the best series - Masterchef Australia.

Here we will look at the differences in content, production, judges, and contestants to see how different they are and what the problem areas of Masterchef US are.

A Large Difference In Content

Masterchef US and Australia have quite a large number of differences, but the most shocking is content. Firstly, the Australian version has 70-80+ episodes per season (a few every week). For the US version the first season had 13 episodes, the second 20, and third will probably be 22 for a total of 55 episodes in 3 years. This format alone leads to very large differences in content.

Masterchef US has a mystery box challenge or some field trip competition and then if there was a team challenge there is a pressure test, however lately in season 3 they have mainly been doing only solo competitions to weed people out.

Masterchef Australia has an episode 6 days a week.

Sunday: Challenge Night. Can be Mystery Box followed by an invention test, or a field trip challenge.

Monday: Pressure Test. Contestants battle to stay in the competition.

Tuesday: Immunity Challenge. Winning contestants fight against a real Chef to gain immunity.

Wednesday: Team Challenge. Contestants are split into teams and fight for a win.

Thursday: Pressure Test. The losing team fights to not go home.

Friday: Master Class. Everyone gets to learn from the Judges and guest Chefs, some winners get to go to a special master class to learn special things privately.



With Australia having a huge amount of content and the US lacking quite a bit, from content standards alone the the US starts failing in comparison.

Down below is a prime example of some of the main format, tone, and personality differences: Firstly, a Master Class. Secondly, the interaction with the judge. Thirdly, the interaction of the contestants.

The Gordon Ramsay Production Problems and More.

Gordon Ramsay seems to have different personalities based on what program he is on. In Kitchen Nightmares and Masterchef, he tends to be able to take a nicer line and be more sentimental. On the later seasons of Hells Kitchen he is a loud, bullying chef that underlines every error, impact, or shouting match with horribly cheesy camera effects or sound effects. However, what does the Gordon Ramsay production problem do with Masterchef?

Simply, it caters to the lowest reality TV standards.

1. In Hells Kitchen lately, most of the time a horrible chef will be saved over a good chef, especially if they scream and cause drama. This is purely to create an enemy - someone to hate and yell at.



In Masterchef US: Currently in Season 2 there is a contestant still in the game that should have left ages ago. He is incompetent, the chefs spit his food out, throw it everywhere, etc. The contestants keep saying "I don't know why he is here", and so does everyone else. This is to create an enemy and someone to cause drama for American reality TV standards, and I find it insulting and wrong on so many levels.

2. Misleading "next time on" clips. There are countless times in any of Ramsay's shows where it shows a clip of Ramsay screaming, someone crying, and something being broken, leading to it looking like someone messed up horribly and will go home. However, these clips can come from any time through the episode and be over 10 minutes apart from each other. Highly misleading in order to get a drama factor and get people to watch the next episode.

3. Misleading phrasing. This is a small issue. "Never before in Masterchef US history has _ happened" is a common wording from Ramsay. Interestingly enough as it is only the first or second season, it is true. However, it feels redundant and brings me out of whatever he was trying to say because it just sounds so ridiculous. "Never before have we ___"... Well, maybe if you had more than 20 episodes it would be surprising.

Other problems?



Most glaringly:

1. Joe. Just a restaurateur, can't cook, and was sued by his wait staff for 5 million for skimming their tips. For those of you who don't know, waiters are taxed on a percentage of sales projected as tips so he was stealing a lot of money from them.

2. Showing who goes into elimination rounds in the opening teasers. Really? You just ruined the whole first half of the episode because now we know which team losses.

There are more, but you can start to see the bad patterns if you watch it yourself.

Screenshot of MasterChef US Judges

Masterchef Judges: US vs Australia

Masterchef US

In looking over the US judges we have Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Graham Elliot. Interestingly enough, they try to play Good cop, middle cop, and bad cop. Graham is nice to almost everyone, Gordon is nice at times, but sometimes bad, and Joe is just plain rude to everyone most of the time.

Masterchef US judges have very large personality differences from the Masterchef Australia judges. Firstly, the Australian counterparts never spit food out, throw plates around, nor throw tantrums when food isn't perfect - in fact they often try to help the contestant if they are really struggling. The US judges usually scowl and complain that it looks disgusting or is completely wrong.

The way the judges are presented are completely different too. In Australia they are mentors, teaching you how to cook and share their years of cooking experience. In the US they are harsh taskmasters that will flay you for looking at them wrong. Furthermore, you rarely learn anything from the US judges whereas you are constantly learning tips and tricks from the Australian show.

MasterChef Australia Judges

The Contestants

While both series like to have touching stories, the US one seems a bit more put on. Some of them seem pretty fake, or selected by producers to make good reality TV. This couples with some of the odd choices the judges make -keeping bad chefs with a lot of drama over good chefs that are nice to everyone for instance - to make it feel like a reality TV series rather than a the touching competition that Masterchef Australia gives.

Interestingly enough a lot of media has not been happy with the US series. The LA Times claims that the contestant's backgrounds from the US version were overly blown up for dramatization purposes, and Agence France-Presse found a few of the scenes of crowds to be edited to be made a lot larger than they actually were, trying to make it feel more important leading to a lot of questions about realism.

While I would not like to join Masterchef US for the fear of being thrown under the bus or sabotaged (or even judged poorly because I am not dramatic nor cut throat), I would love to be a part of the Masterchef Australia experience. The contestants are nice, form close bonds, and have even tried to sacrifice their dreams for other contestants. I could not imagine that from Masterchef US at all.

A Long Story Short

When comparing the US and Australian versions of Masterchef, there is a lot to be desired. To give a comparison with food: it is as if Australia was a high quality, hearty buffet and the US was an over-spiced, sometimes disgusting plate of food that you might eat when you are really hungry but are totally unhappy after the experience is over.

JellyBean on May 31, 2019:

What I do not understand is that Gordon Ramsay was a guest chef on Masterchef Australia Season 10 (2018) for the the whole week. He reckons it's the best show, loves the content, admires the talented contestants, and watches every season. Doesn't he have any say in the US production? Why would he want to associate himself on the show if he doesn't agree with the content? It's the drama he likes - the show will never change!

JeanieCat on September 13, 2018:

Totally Agree! After watching the semifinals on MasterChef I just had to surf the net to see what others say about the franchise. I love MasterChef Australia so much. Such a great quality of competition. Then you look at the US MasterChef and it is such a dud. What would they or could they do in a Heston Blumenthal competition? They wouldn't have a clue! Maybe that's an unfair comparison but there is a huge disparity between the two competitions. I was embarrassed for Aron Sanchez who I very much like as I think the show demeaned him as a chef.

Luca on May 10, 2018:

Absolutely!

I'm a chef my self and I can see there are less and less people want to come in the industry... why? Because of people like Bastianic! He's just wrong! What make him think he can treat NOT PROFESSIONAL cooks like that? The MC Australia is the way to go a treat people to get the passion on the cooking! You need to guide people, compliment them and tell them off too but not umiliat them!

Being a chef is a beautiful thing but those kind of sell out chefs have no shame at all!

Rustytabitha on May 01, 2018:

Very well put; I agree with everything you said. The two are poles apart. The Australian version is easily my favourite programme on TV; with the American one my least favourite.

demi on February 13, 2018:

i believe masterchef australia is the best as the winners and finalists are much capable of cooking better things and harder challenges compared to us

Be on January 08, 2018:

Why do they cook wearing high heels and tight dresses which impede their movement on mc US? On the Australian version, they all seem to wear sturdy Pant shirts and clogs while cooking.

Mary on October 23, 2017:

I have watched both programs. MC USA doesn't hold a candle to the Australian version. I find I can't wait for the next program, tape them all...have watched some episodes more than once. The contestants are sooo talented and I love the spirit of comradery in the kitchen. How they support and encorage each other. They all have a dream. The judges are fair... the competition is fierce...the level of contestant is superb. I'm worried that now that the 2015 season, has just finished on Gusto, that will be the end. Waaaa!. Please say it ain't so. It was the 14/15 shown recently on Gusto and I am hoping they will show the previous seasons for us to enjoy. I have learned so much abt flavour and technique, it has reignited my love for cooking. After having fussy eaters to satify for years I am experimenting again. Finding myself joining in on the theme song, I look forward to each and every episode.

Siggi on October 17, 2017:

I live in Canada and have been watching Masterchef US and Canada for a couple of years. I have had some problems with it, thought I thought the Canadian version was better. Then I stumbled on Masterchef Australia 2015 and what a difference. I absolutely loved it. Loved the judges and the how the contestants were so different from the North Americans. They genuinely liked each other and supported one another. You just don't see that in the North American versions. It was beautiful to watch. Those people were so likeable that it was hard to have a "favourite". This is what people should be watching instead of shows promoting dislike and hate for others. Bravo Australia!

Shane on September 09, 2017:

I totally agree! Masterchef US tends to promote bullying,both from judges and co-competitors

Luigi on September 09, 2017:

I have to completely agree. Masterchef US made me hate the series, whereas Masterchef Australia redeemed the brand completely. They are leagues apart.

Bessy on August 25, 2017:

I am Dutch, like others here. If I am not mistaken, they cancelled the US version. Jeez, what a horrible, loud show. I even stoppen whatching Discovery channel, because they too... Uhhh. The drama and competition on so vallend scripties reality shows is awful.

Mikiga on August 06, 2017:

Agree. Masterchef US is nothing compared to the Australian one. Looks fake. Judges are downright rude and don't give enough advice. Instead of encouraging the contestants and giving constructive criticism, they break them down and belittle them. They also set challenges in a way that would turn contestants against each other, for example 'Choose the 7 cooks that you think is in the bottom.' Why would you do that? In Masterchef Australia everybody competes against each other, but they also support each other, is happy when someone does well and sad when someone leaves. It's good quality tv, whereas the US version feels like a reality show that has been overdramatized. Nah, I'll stick to the Australian version. Feel good, uplifting and educational. US version is nothing but a circus.

Rog on May 31, 2017:

Great article! I felt the same too. What I like the most in MasterChef AU is that the contestants are respecting each other, especially in the invention test. They always applaud and congratulate each other, they really form great bonds not only among themselves, but with the judges too.

JustaTexasMom on December 29, 2016:

I'm not sure how it was that I stumbled onto MasterChef: Australia, but what a fantastic show. I have even started a notebook of recipes that come from MasteClass. There is NO comparison betweenAustralia and the US version. The US version should be canceled or the judges fired and replaced with others who exemplify good cooking and honest desire to help home cooks to improve.

Gordon Ramsey & crew should step down off of their platform(being above the cooks) and take a few lessons from Gary, George & Matt.

I LOVE watching MC:Au. MasterChef: Australia is what Great Cooking series is all about. I hope that it continues for a long time. There is a reason why it is the #1 Cooking show in the world.

MarzipanPickle on October 21, 2016:

Watched the first 10 episodes of MasterChef USA (series 3) recently, in tandem with watching the latest MasterChef Australia. My first time with the US version. Couldn’t agree more with your analysis Daniel. Or with comments that point out how inferior the skills of the US contestants are. By luck rather then judgment, I got down to ‘the final 12 contestants’ for both series in the same viewing week (Episode 36 for MCAus, but only episode 10 for MCUS). What the final 12 Aus contestants are doing compared to the US contestants is SO far ahead.

Already in MCAus, you can see several real chefs-in-the-making. In MCUS we’re seeing mostly Ok-ish home cooks who have hung on because of the drama they create rather than because they are honestly “the best home cooks in America”. There are cooks in the final mix who barely know the basics – eg, one doesn’t know what a raw duck breast is in a Mystery Box, one has never eaten (let alone cooked) a risotto, one has never made pasta, one wins a challenge to make it into the top 11 by cooking simple carrot soup and soda bread, etc, etc.

The procedurals are often out of whack too. For example, the creators of the two top dishes in some challenges get the ‘reward’ of being team captains in the next Team Challenge. Bear in mind that the Team Challenge always ends in one team being sent to an Elimination Challenge - how is that a ‘reward’ for the two who cooked the best the day before, when one of them is GUARANTEED to be facing elimination as a result?? Also because the US version is condensed into relatively few episodes, each challenge is knocked off and judged in just a few minutes of airtime, so it’s hard to assess how each contestant is faring or to learn anything. You don’t really get to see the techniques used or how they rectify their mistakes etc, which is something you see a lot of in MCAus.

The US contestants are encouraged to bitch, gripe and back-stab, you rarely see them helping or even being nice to each other. And the judges are nearly as bad, apart from Graham who is usually quite sweet. The judges almost never mentor or teach the contestants, unlike MCAus.

There’s no Masterclass and no regular appearances by top guest chefs (most top chefs worth their salt probably don’t want to be associated with it!) whereas on MCAus we regularly get to see and learn from international food stars like Heston Blumenthal, Marco Pierre White, Jamie Oliver, Massimo Bottura, Rick Stein, Antonio Carluccio, Nigella Lawson, Marcus Wareing, etc, as well as a host of up-and-coming new chefs.

I tried to give MasterChef US a fair crack of the whip, in case it got better, but I’m giving up on it now. Watching it always made me feel a little bit worse about humanity than when I started. I realised I was tuning in in the hope that someone mean would be kicked out (which they rarely were), rather than to watch respectful, talented cooks create some amazing food. Not a good feeling. I hated that the show manipulatively reduced me to the lowest common denominator as a viewer. Gordon Ramsay and the other US judges should be ashamed of what they’ve created – which is basically yet another horribly bitchy reality-TV personality contest. MCAus all the way for me!

Suzie Q on October 11, 2016:

Totally agree with your article and most of the comments, thanks for posting. I was Googling 'Masterchef Australia v Masterchef USA' because as a long-time fan of the Aus show I have just watched a series of the US version, thinking it might be good also. I couldn't believe how bad it was and wanted to know what others thought or if it was just me! Masterchef USA is shallow, bitchy, over-dramatised, with minimal emphasis on the cooking techniques and the food.

Masterchef Aus manages to combine a bit of drama / suspense / tugs on the heartstrings with loads of interesting and practical information about food and cooking. It's a wonderful format. I've learnt so much from that show and it has inspired me to try new recipes and ingredients. I also love that you get to know the contestants so well - even contestants who I didn't warm to initially have become firm favourites over the course of so many episodes. The judges too are lovely, I have huge respect for them and the way they willingly share their knowledge and support the contestants.

I also totally agree with various comments about the skill levels of the Aus contestants compared to the US contestants - the US batch seem to have been picked for their ability to create drama, they're generally not exceptional home cooks, and they seem to learn little over the course of the competition. Whereas the Aus contestants are all passionate about food and already have pretty high skill levels, which are then visibly augmented over the course of a series.

For me, Masterchef Australia wins hands down.

Jacob on September 02, 2016:

If you want to learn MC australia.

If you'd like to be entertained MC usa.

Annie Booker on August 16, 2016:

4 years on and this article is still valid and true. I watch (and rewatch) both shows. What I've noticed as well is the different levels of skill shown by the chosen contestants. This season the current crop of MC AU contestants had very high skill sets while much less so on the US version, where so far they've apparently had to be taught by Gordon and Christina to do basic stuff like jointing a chicken, filleting a fish and even baking a cake. I was rewatching Season 3 of the US one yesterday and on it they had Graham saying the contestants wouldn't be asked to compete against him as that would be completely unfair yet on the Australian version the home cooks have been competing against professional, well known chefs for the past 8 years (and several times, winning). Great run down. Sorry for the late comment. My sister just sent me the link to it.

john in cali on July 20, 2016:

I watch a lot of MC; AU is the best. Even from early on you can tell the judges respect the contestants. It shows especially when each cook asks for a hug even as they are leaving. I live in US and have tried to watch MC US but there is no chemistry, no magic. Fire Gordon Ramsay and Graham might turn it around. MC UK tries but there doesn't appear to be a lot of good cooks competing, nevertheless, the judges show respect and that is the difference. Maybe Gordon Ramsay or the producers think Americans can't get enough of Gordon Ramsay and his temper and tantrums. We can, we have, and we're done with Gordon Ramsay.

ps I tried watching MC Dansk; low budget, no English subtitles but they still made me cry

Mara on July 09, 2016:

Hi there, as I'm totally addicted to Masterchef Australia and cannot wait for the next episode, I thought to fill in the gaps with Masterchef USA.

....what a BIG dissapointment.

What makes me a huge MC Australia fan is that the passion for food and cooking is the star of the show with the kind, professional judges and nice real contestants playing their part. It is really exciting to see how the contestants learn and grow and compete while being respectful of each other. The masterclasses are great and great fun to watch as well as educational.

All in all: a wonderful expercience.

Then: in comes Masterchef USA: I couldn't watch it beyond 3 episodes (hoping it would get better but it didn't). It feels completely fake, the love of great cooking and food is nowhere to be found, it is polarizing (having unfair additions like one kandidate gets to disadvantage another, picking teams which is embarrasing people). I find the show A CRYING SHAME and will not watch it again. Too bad.

Thank you for your great article, I completely agree.

Chantelle on July 03, 2016:

Hi!

Found your article and just wanted to say that I totally agreed. The standard of Masterchef Australia is so much higher than that of Masterchef USA. I highly doubt that any of the contestants on Masterchef USA could have competed with the contestants in Masterchef Australia. I also agree that the judges are unnecessarily harsh on Masterchef USA, judging the character of the contestants in a way that is hurtful and plain rude.

Great article!

Claire T on February 09, 2016:

I am currently watching US Masterchef and can honestly say the contestants are nowhere near the standard of the Australian Master chef. There are millions of people in America and the out of the final 8 in the competition only 2 would have made it through even the first rounds of the Australian Masterchef.... Overall standard extremely poor!

Speeder on August 19, 2015:

Hello! I came here because of Master Chef Brasil.

I really liked the show, but I was wondering if other editions are better, because some cracks started to show... it is not bad as the US show, but several of the issues are there, it looks way more "acted", and there is a particular participant that is not interesting at all (she cooks badly, acts badly, and her "drama" is boring) that is being kept repeteadly, some people suspect because she is the daughter of a infamous billionaire and maybe he bribed the TV station.

Also the australian one seems less tiring to watch, MasterChef Brasil don't have the "MasterClass" but it seemly has all the other content, and crammed in ONE episode, so all epidoes of MasterChef Brasil are 2+ hours long, sometimes 3 hours, it is very tiring to watch them entirely.

nataliedavis on June 19, 2015:

The Canadian version, like the US one, is produced by Ramsay's One Potato Two Potato, hence their similarities. I like Canada's judges better, though.

hannahstorer on June 18, 2015:

The AUS and NZ version are very similar, with close contestant bonds and nurturing judges. The US and Canada version are tough to watch. The US producers fail to realize that drama and suspense is not just created by cheap conflict, but, as AUS has proven, by close personal bonds and allowing the audience to get to know REAL contestants. FYI - only 60 episodes a year now in AUS, I think 5 days a week, they now combine the last elimination of the week with the mastercless.

nataliedavis on June 07, 2015:

Masterchef Australia has it all over the US version. Sadly, I live in the US. I am quite skilled and would love a go at the title, but from what I hear, the American version is total fakery and all about showbiz. The likelihood that I or any talented home cook would get a fair chance is all but nil. Sad, sad, sad.

Jim on June 06, 2015:

Its funny, I am Australian, but I watch the US version for a bit of a laugh and enjoy the brashness of some of the contestants. I agree that Gordon Ramsay seems to produce himself accordingly to whatever format he is appearing in (although even in Hells Kitchen he seems mellower that Season 1), but I do believe he is also a very skilled chef and Graeme Elliott's food is beautiful and also has a very valid opinion. I find it interesting of how the Australian contestants appear on TV compared to the US contestants. Most of the aussie contestants are also subordinate to the camera whereas the US contestants thrive on the camera.

Julia on April 21, 2015:

Masterchef New Zealand is also super amazing - I even prefer it to the Australia one. The US version completely stinks

Emelie on January 12, 2015:

Agree so much with you and everyone in the comments. I can't stand watching the us version, it's plain nasty and everyone is horrible towards each other, and everything, even their cooking seems on a faaaar lower lever than the australian one. Masterchef australia is just amazing, and it's touching how everyone kind of become like a family. Love it.

Tam on November 26, 2014:

I also prefer Masterchef Au to Masterchef Us. The space seems bigger and the colors seems brighter, which makes me more likely to feel comfortable.

I love the Au judges especially for their kindness and fairness.

L. on September 27, 2014:

I was acutally always wondering what the heck do the US contestants mean when they say "the judges have taught us a lot". How? By screaming at you for not oversalting your food *cough* Graham's Yelp reviews *cough*. It's really no wonder poor Josh had a mental breakdown. From Ben Starr's blog it is pretty clear that what they do to those poor contestants is horrible.

uday on August 04, 2014:

Just look at Masterchef australia semifinal and you know its leaps and bounds over us version and all realty show. There is a genuine respect among contestant and judge truly respect them and also show emotions which was heart warming

np on July 21, 2014:

Cannot agree more!! Another comparison with food: MasterChef US is like a dehydrated veggie while the Aussie version is like a fresh one ;)

Jess on July 20, 2014:

Great article, completely on point. I started watching US mainly for the fun competitions and seeing what people came up with, but the scripted drama is unbearable.

Recently discovered all of AU on DailyMotion, and have learned so much more and seen so many great dishes just from a few episodes so far.

What's funny is the US version tries SO HARD to make the MasterChef title this amazing thing, but the way the judges carry themselves looks just laughable. Meanwhile the AU version is all about learning and camaraderie, and that MasterChef title winds up actually seeming like something worth having.

Roy on July 18, 2014:

I completely agree, Aus vesion has a large pellet of food which Us version lacks. The Us version has meat in every dish thus lacking the veriety.

Bela on July 16, 2014:

Sorry about the mistakes, my Ipad wants to do my thinking for me. I meant: I am Dutch like Elvira and I absolutely do not like the US version. I mean the drama is just too much, the mean competition and the fame whores. I am sorry, but you learn nothing from it. I too have learned so much just from watching the Australian version

Bela on July 16, 2014:

I am Dutch like Elvira and I absolutely do not like the US version. I mean the drama is juist too much, the mean competition and the Fame whores. Imam sorry, but you learn Nottingham from it. I too have learned so much just from whatching the Australian version

Eli Guzman on July 13, 2014:

While this may all be true, I cannot imagine spending that much time watching one television show. 6 nights a week for how many weeks? That's just crazy! I'd never catch up or complete the series.

peppermonkey on June 14, 2014:

There is no comparison between any other Masterchef series and the US one. The others are legitimate shows. Real. No one is chosen because of the tightness of their dress. Nothing feels scripted, nothing feels predictable. The US version is embarrassing in how fake it is. Just one small example, on any GR show, a competition in points always ends in a cliffhanger points wise, will it be the red team or the blue, the men or the women, just one point separates them! OH NO! Never a shut out, never a clean sweep, never an obvious winner, just always a close tie and OH SO SUSPENSEFUL. It's fake crap.

cybergirl on May 27, 2014:

I agree to every word you said. In masterchef australia, judges are respectful and helpful, not nasty and insulting. I've only started watching it from season 5 and whenever there is an elimination, i love the way they show the glimpses of the most incredible dishes the person cooked in the series and the challenges he/she won in past, all the happy memories... Love it, way to go.. I hope Masterchef USA can learn a thing or two from them..

Maggie Terlecki on May 27, 2014:

I love MasterChef Australia and was so pleased to hear that Canada was going to have a Masterchef series, but they also went the American route of being incredibly rude to contestants, etc., and I stopped watching it. The Australians can teach the US and Canada a lot about doing it right. Lots of episodes, concentrate on how they cook and not on in-fighting and drama. By offering so many episodes, you really do get to know the contestants - their strengths and weaknesses and find favorites. The suspense is always there as everyone can have good or bad days. The judges are amazing as they are very fair. You did good, you get rewarded, you didn't do good, you get a chance to fight for your place on the show and if that doesn't work out, they treat you like a human being and remind you that you are not a nothing because you are leaving. You have value and they wish you luck in your future. I hate seeing other shows just dismiss people as if they are nobodies. Your review was spot on.

Elvira on February 07, 2014:

On dutch television, every evening there's a cooking-program marathon (my kitchen rules, masterchef, etc) and Masterchef Au is still my alltime favorite (we even have our version, but when it comes to dutch tv, it always comes of as a bit amateuristic). The US Masterchef is indeed _dreadful_!

Lisa on November 18, 2013:

I agree, MasterChef Australia is amazing! The judges are great mentors with the aim of teaching! The contesants seem to support each other & aren't bitchy! The MasterClass sessions are educational for the public. I tried to watch MasterUS the first season but was rather disgusted by the production value, the judges, the scenarios etc...

MasterChef Australia season 5 is class and you continue to develop a passion for food and cooking!

Daniel Johnston (author) from Portland, Oregon on September 12, 2013:

Its gotten worse now that Walmart is buying so much adverting from Masterchef US... Going to be updating this soon. :)

Annitha on September 07, 2013:

I have been a fan of Masterchef Australia since it began and completely agree with every point you make! I am always telling people about how M.A. is a thousand times better than M. USA and now they are hooked. I watched the first season of M. USA and that was all I could stomach. Too bad not enough people know about M. A. I've learned so much from the Masterclasses and have even cooked along with Gary, George and Matt!!

ComplexVit on August 29, 2013:

I watch them both and Australian Master Chef rocks. The contestants have that... "Even though we are competing for the same prize, there is no reason to be nasty to each other." On the other hand, the US version seems to be there for the drama and with the food being something as an added bonus for the viewers.

Brock on August 28, 2013:

You should also know that Australia has a MasterChef Junior, contestants between 9 and 12 years old. Most of them can cook much better than the US contestants. Hell they cook better than most people.

Sadly that has been cancelled.

Lee Chen on August 16, 2013:

The Australia's version is so far ahead of the US version it is not even funny. I am actually getting some of the greatest ideas and learning from Masterchef AU. Thank goodness for being able to "get" shows from other countries online. We are huge fans of Masterchef, Au.

Aleks71 on July 17, 2013:

Hello Daniel,

I've been searching for a while for this topic, because I love love love Masterchef Australia and I thought the Masterchef USA would be at least similar. What a disappointment! I agree with everything you said. I cannot believe that the producers thought it would be more interesting for the public if they create such drama. Why does even a cooking show have to be ...staged?? I love the sense of camaraderie between the Australian contestants and how they help each other. I love how the judges are so nice and so helpful and you can see they really love cooking and they don't need any additional drama to show how good they are. In this world full of ugly things, we surely need something positive and nice (also very useful) on TV, and I think that the Masterchef Australia is just that. I also tried to follow Masterchef New Zealand, but I was equally disappointed - they also have rude judges and lot of drama. Maybe many people really do like this kind of shows like the US version is, but I don't and I won't be watching it anymore. I hope that the Masterchef Australia will last for a long time, because there aren't many shows I enjoy as much.

So, thank you for this topic.

Krupesh on April 03, 2013:

Absolutely agree having just watched my first episode of Masterchef USA after following Masterchef Australia for years and absolutely hated it. The judges are horrible, don't offer any advice and just seem like they're there to make every contestant feel sh*t

Suzanne Ridgeway from Dublin, Ireland on September 29, 2012:

Hi Daniel,

A great topic on one of my must see shows!! Australian Masterchef is totally the business!!! I love it and since moving in with my partner I can see every episode of the current series. Thank god for Sky TV! I don't know the USA version, just the British but do watch Gordon in various other shows. You did a great comparison and totally agree with your points on the Aussie show. Nicely written, looking forward to reading more from you:-)

Becky on August 30, 2012:

I'm British, I love Masterchef Australia! I even loved the kids one, they can cook better than the USA contestants! I can't stand the American one, it's fake, the contestants are all made to look like complete shits and the judges are rude. I found your post by googling 'why is the USA Masterchef so horrible compared to the Australian one?'

Daniel Johnston (author) from Portland, Oregon on August 16, 2012:

I totally agree. Master Classes are really nice because we get to learn along with the contestants, especially with the recipes they post on the website.

SGlitz on August 16, 2012:

I completely agree. The Australia version is so far ahead of the US version it's like comparing a horse and buggy to a Ferrari, there just isn't one.

Yes, there are lots of episodes, but it is SOO worth it and makes it so much better.

The Master Classes themselves set this one apart.

T4an from Toronto, Ontario on August 16, 2012:

I may watch a few but my problem is, I watch too much television as it is. You really have me curious though. Have a great day!

Daniel Johnston (author) from Portland, Oregon on August 15, 2012:

Oh wow! You should look for streams of MasterChef Australia then. 4 seasons at about 70-80 episodes each. Total time investment, but it is funny, moving, exciting, and educational all at the same time. You can definitely see the difference between them by that Master Class clip.

Glad you liked the hub! :)

T4an from Toronto, Ontario on August 15, 2012:

Wow, what a great comparison of the two shows. I didn't know it was on in Australia. I really enjoy the show but I do agree with you on a lot of your points. I don't like it when they keep an annoying chef on who can't cook only to draw in ratings. I can't stand how rude Joe can be at times. It is hard to believe that Lidia Bastianich is his mother. She seems too sweet to be his Mom. Loved your hub. Voted up!