The other day I talked about why we need feel good reality TV. I mentioned there were two which have just started airing and are heartwarming, fun shows. I’ve already talked about Lego Masters, so now I’m going to talk about MasterChef.
MasterChef is a cooking show where 24 home cooks compete for a $250,000 prize to “further their food dream”. The three judges, chefs Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and food critic Matt Preston have been with the show since it started (this is series 11).
The judges are nice. They are more than nice. They are encouraging and helpful, mentoring the contestants through the ups and downs of their bakes. If someone has a bad cook they are honest but never mean or nasty. And you can see they get emotional when they have to eliminate someone.
The contestants, even when they get stressed, aren’t horrid to one another. They are supportive and caring through every competition, even if they are up for elimination. See some of their incredible creations below.
This and Lego Masters are the sorts of shows I’m happy for my Barbarians to watch. I want them to see humanity at its finest, see you can get far by being friendly and caring, that when things get tough you keep going and if things are tough for others you help. These are the sorts of reality tv shows we need.
Are you a fan of MasterChef Australia?
May 8, 2019 at 11:45 pm
I’ve noticed that difference in the US-based cooking shows versus and of the Australian or British ones. The American contestants are competitive, but in a cocky, nasty, every-man-for-himself way, and on the types of shows where some of them are eliminated, they’re beligerent about it once they’re offstage. I’m not sure if producers think we want to see that garbage or what, but it only makes me dislike the competitors. I’d much rather watch the British bake-off shows or something like what you’re describing.
May 9, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Oh, I love Great British Bake-Off. Aussie MasterChef is like that. Everyone is nice and helpful to one another and when they leave they are grateful for all the experiences they’ve had but usually they are more upset at leaving their friends. The whole group get teary and hug. They are still competitive but in a really nice way.
May 9, 2019 at 4:31 am
I’m not big on the food shows. I’m not sure why.
May 9, 2019 at 12:08 pm
I don’t like other baking shows. Just this one.