MasterChef Australia

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

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 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.

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"

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.