Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.
Banijay Group is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay Group is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: MasterChef

  1. Banijay Owned Endemol Shine Brasil Celebrates 15 Years

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    Endemol Shine Brasil, the top independent production company in the world’s sixth most populous nation, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month and enjoying record success.

    A division of Banijay, the world’s largest producer and distributor of international content, Endemol Shine Brasil produced a record number of original series in 2021 and is set to top that level of production this year with shows across leading Brasilian broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

    The studio currently produces hits for Globo, Netflix, HBO Max, Band, Discovery Home & Health, Record, MTV, GNT and numerous other outlets. And it’s behind such hit series as Love Is Blind, MasterChef, Survivor, All Together Now, Rio Shore, The Rolling Kitchen, Iron Chef, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Wall, Masked Singer, Queen Stars and recently launched MasterChef+.

     Endemol Shine Brasil was recently honored as the top production company in the nation at the Caboré Awards and two of its series, The Masked Singer Brasil and The Bridge Brasil, were on the shortlist for the prestigious Rose d’Or Award. In 2022, Endemol Shine Brasil will have produced more than 20 original series, up 21% vs. it’s 2021 output.

     Five years ago, Endemol Shine Brasil launched a branded content team and the studio has now successfully developed and produced original series with leading brands such as Pantene, Stella Artois, Beats, Skol, Budweiser, Samsung, and many others.

    In addition to content with major brands, Endemol Shine Brasil has a licensing department with over 300 licensed products from many of Banijay’s top series, including Masterchef Brasil, Peaky Blinders, Simon’s Cat, Black Mirrorand more.

    Nani Freitas, CEO of Endemol Shine Brasil, stated that the production company, upon opening its doors in 2007, was only responsible for licensing formats. Years later, it started to produce and adapt its own and third-party content and soon established itself as a leading production house, offering a wide variety of audiovisual services for numerous outlets.

    “We’ve enjoyed 15 years of experience in a market that offers excellent business opportunities,” says Freitas. “We’ve established our position in Brasil by standing out for the excellence of our services, delivering high-quality productions in all genres we produce, be they talent shows, games, gastronomy or relationships. We celebrate these 15 years with great pride.”

    Attentive to market trends and movements, Endemol Shine Brasil has also been working closely with its network, streaming and brand partners to support its content on social media. MasterChef Brazil social platforms, managed by Endemol Shine Brasil, currently have 3.4 million followers on Instagram, 2.4 million followers on Facebook, 1.65 million followers on Twitter, 4.47 million subscribers on YouTube and approximately 10 million minutes consumed, surpassing one billion views. 

    Brazilians spend, on average, almost eight hours a day on broadcast, pay TV, video games and streaming – more than twice the global average of 2 hours and 55 minutes, according to Kantar Ibope.

  2. Banijay Brands Cooks Up MasterChef Match-3 Mobile Game

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    Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of international content producer and distributor Banijay, today announces the full launch of new mobile game, MasterChef: Cook & Match, in partnership with developer, Qiiwi Games.

    Available to download for free on iOS and Android, MasterChef: Cook & Match is a match-3 puzzle game with a story driven narrative. The game takes players through the trials and tribulations of the MasterChef competition, from entering the doors for the first time, all the way through to the grand final. Along the way, players must complete match-3 puzzles to progress and present their dishes to the judges.

    Lex Scott, Commercial Director, Banijay Brands says: “MasterChef is an iconic brand which is known to millions around the world. The unique combination of gameplay and storytelling in MasterChef: Cook & Match will appeal to fans of the show and avid mobile gamers alike.”

    Created by Franc Roddam, the MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay.  The multi-award winning, iconic cookery show has been wowing global audiences for more than thirty years, with 49 productions in 33 territories airing last year alone. Crowned the most successful cookery television format by Guinness World Records, there have been more than 60 local versions to-date, over 10,000 episodes and last year MasterChef aired its 500thseason worldwide.

    With more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChef brand extends into a huge range of successful commercial activities. In addition to gaming, millions of consumer products have sold globally, the extensive publishing range has proved lucrative, and audiences around the world can engage with MasterChef through live experiences from restaurants to cruises and tours.

    MasterChef: Cook & Match is available now to download at:

    Google Play

    Apple App Store

  3. Banijay Rights Turns to Tubular Labs for Video Intelligence Across its Global Portfolio of Programming

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     Tubular Labs, the leader in global social video intelligence and measurement, today announces a partnership with Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of TV production powerhouse Banijay.

    With a multi-genre portfolio of over 130,000 hours of standout programming, Banijay Rights is using Tubular Labs to gain a better understanding of the company’s social media content strategies and commercial return on investment.The team is already using Tubular’s Intelligence products for forward planning, trend identification, data wrangling and competitor benchmarks across all major markets.

    With hundreds of hours of content being uploaded every minute, media distribution companies like Banijay Rights are best prepared to utilize Tubular’s massive data set at scale to better understand and plan against viewing behaviors and larger cultural trends. Tubular provides unique insight into the value of Banijay Rights’ audience through CPM measurement, unlocking the knowledge needed to scale social video investment globally.

    “Tubular’s video intelligence platform is a key piece of Banijay Rights’ overall strategy to expand its global footprint in the digital space and consolidate our position as a market leader, better preparing us for identifying key trends across other means of digital distribution including FAST channels,” said Shaun Keeble, VP Digital, of Banijay Rights.

    With Tubular, Banijay Rights gains greater visibility into the cultural impact of its international content encompassing titles from Banijay’s 120+ in-house labels and a number of third-party producers across drama, comedy, entertainment, documentary, reality and family genres, along with theatrical programming. Measuring how its content stacks up versus its own videos and competitive media properties fuels smart decision-making for Banijay that increases content importance for advertisers and audiences alike. Below are some examples of insights gathered from Tubular Labs:

    • Banijay’s Mr Bean channel ranks among the top 10 British Entertainment creators on YouTube (May 2022). Across all Mr Bean channels, Banijay garnered 2.7B views on YouTube and 3.3B views on Facebook in the last 365 days.

    • The top Mr Bean video alone has received more than 300M views, which makes it one of the top 15 most watched Facebook videos uploaded that year.

    • Another popular Banijay channel, MasterChef World, is currently the #2 global Food & Drink media creatorbased on YouTube views (May 2022). Across all MasterChef channels, the videos reached more than 3B views on YouTube in the last 365 days.

    • MasterChef’s videos about regional cuisine are performing particularly well, compared to the category benchmark: MasterChef’s regional cuisine videos gathered 262k views per video in the first 30 days after upload, vs. the category benchmark of Food & Drink media creators with 154k V30 views.

     

    • Survivor is the #1 most viewed entertainment channel in Turkey (May 2022) with over 100M views. In the last 365 days, the channel reached 1.1B views on YouTube.

    “On a global scale viewing behavior, programming and trends are shifting as more and more audiences move to social and connected TV formats to get their entertainment. This shift creates a need for publishers, distributors, and brands to change the way they measure and deliver programming to audiences,” said Greg Coleman, CEO of Tubular Labs. “Banijay Rights is responding to the evolution of culture and its impact on media and entertainment with video intelligence as a key ingredient in its next chapter of growth.”

  4. Brazil Stirs Up MasterChef Senior for Band

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    Endemol Shine Brasil, a Banijay company, today announces that brand new iteration, MasterChef Senior, known locally as MasterChef+, is set for Band. The commission follows the success of the MasterChef Senior specials, produced by Shine Iberia for La 1.

    The latest MasterChef spin-off showcases the culinary skills of the older generation, and is a celebration of their experience, resilience, and knowledge. The novice chefs aged 60 and above take to the infamous MasterChef kitchen to battle it out and create food to impress even the harshest critics. This commission follows the recently announced new iteration MasterChef: Young Talent, coming soon to Denmark and Norway.

    Nani Freitas, CEO Endemol Shine Brasil adds: “The older generation will be able to show all their knowledge and passion for gastronomy, in addition to proving that the quality of their cuisine is extremely high. Only time will tell who will take home the MasterChef+ trophy. I’m very excited that Brazil will now have four different versions of MasterChef!”

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay comments: “Originally created by Shine Iberia at a time where we saw significant isolation in older generations due to the global pandemic, MasterChef Senior is a warm and wonderful celebration of family and cooking. MasterChef is an inclusive format that champions accessibility and talent from budding chefs old or young, and the addition of MasterChef Senior to our growing portfolio is testament to our innovative creatives who constantly explore new ways to expand the brand.”

    Originally created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef is the most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records), with 64 local versions to-date. MasterChef consistently attracts phenomenal audiences globally; most recently in Brazil the MasterChef season nine premiere was watched by over three million people and the hashtag #MasterChefbr was used 173 million times.

    Originally airing as standalone specials in 2020 and 2021, MasterChef Senior in Spain, exceeded the slot average by over 60%.

    The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay.

  5. Banijay’s MasterChef Cooks Up Brand-New Iteration MasterChef: Young Talent

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    Banijay today announces that Viaplay Group has ordered first seasons of MasterChef: Young Talent in Denmark (MasterChef, De Unge Talenter) and Norway (MasterChef, Unge Talenter), produced by Banijay companies Metronome (Denmark) and Nordisk Banijay (Norway).

    The new iteration of the hit culinary format showcases promising chefs aged 13 – 18, who will have their culinary skills honed throughout the competition in a celebration of talent and regional gastronomic excellence. Each week under the eye of expert judges, the contestants will be faced with several tasks, and must produce exceptional food. The series culminates in one chef being crowned the MasterChef: Young Talent winner.

    This follows the news that Viaplay are bringing Celebrity MasterChef to the Netherlands for the first time this autumn, produced by SimpelZodiak, a Banijay Benelux company.

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay: “This exciting spin-off will showcase a new demographic of talent and equip a future generation of chefs with the best tools and experiences. It is the perfect example of MasterChef’s constant evolution as a format, and with Metronome and Nordisk Banijay building on their successful credits, audiences are set for some fantastic new MasterChef moments.”

     

    Kenneth Kristensen, SVP Non Scripted Content at Viaplay Group says: “MasterChef is an incredibly popular format for both young and old, and we are very proud to have the format on Viaplay. We were convinced that there are also many talented young people who can impress and surprise in the kitchen, and this assumption has been more than true. We are looking forward to showing our viewers MasterChef: Young Talent on Viaplay as the young talented chefs have excelled beyond all expectations. It’s always exciting to develop current formats, and here’s a super great example of a completely obvious spinoff.”

    MasterChef: Young Talent is the latest spin-off from the world’s most successful cookery television format which also includes Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Junior MasterChef, MasterChef All Stars, MasterChef Senior and the recently announced Young MasterChef (w/t) with BBC Three in the UK, which will be dedicated to up-and-coming young food talent between the ages of 18 and 25. Created by Franc Roddam, the show is produced in over 60 territories and celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021, with 49 productions airing in 33 territories last year. An international ratings hit, the current season of MasterChef in Denmark has seen strong ratings, with its debut exceeding the slot average by 110%+. Elsewhere, the recent finale of Argentina’s first ever Celebrity MasterChef peaked at an incredible 82.3% audience share.

    Nordisk Banijay, led by Erlend Hernø Røeggen, is well-known for producing top entertainment shows in the market. MasterChef: Young Talent will sit alongside 71 Degrees North, All Against 1 and Strictly Come Dancingin its slate.

    Headed up by Tina Christensen, Metronome boasts a strong portfolio producing both internationally known formats such as, LEGO® Masters, Hunted, The Block, Ex on the Beach and All Against 1. As well as creating its hit own IP such as Alone Together and Surviving the Wilderness.

  6. Banijay Brands Unveils Slate for Licensing Expo

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    Banijay Brands, in collaboration with Endemol Shine North America, will be attending Licensing Expo on 24-26 May in Las Vegas, showcasing its diverse portfolio of IP, including the worldwide smash-hit cookery show MasterChef; the multi-award-winning cult drama Peaky Blinders; the Netflix hit anthology series Black Mirror; internationally-loved digital animation Simon’s Cat; and British icon Mr Bean.

     

    Banijay Brands is co-sponsor of this year’s Licensing Expo opening party, which will feature a Peaky Blinders branded bar. It is also sponsoring the show badge, which incorporates a competition for attendees to win a case of MasterChef wine.

    In addition, MasterChef and Peaky Blinders have been shortlisted in the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards for Best Live Action Entertainment Brand, and Best Product – Appliances, Electronics or Housewares for an Entertainment Property respectively.

     

    Owain Walbyoff, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay says: “We are keenly exploring new opportunities and emerging technologies as we continue to drive consumer engagement with our brands. Banijay’s world-class portfolio provides endless opportunities for authentic products and experiences, and we look forward to forging new partnerships across multiple categories.”

    Banijay Brands controls the brand licensing rights to some of the most high-profile and creative IP in the world across multiple genres from scripted to entertainment.

    Award-winning anthology Black Mirror explores themes of contemporary techno-paranoia. Available on Netflix globally, the series, created by Charlie Brooker, boasts a stellar fanbase with numerous industry accolades including Emmy’s, International Emmy’s, BAFTA Craft Awards and a Rose d’Or.

    Peaky Blinders is the award-winning crime drama that is sold to more than 180 countries, airing on BBC One in the U.K. and widely available internationally on Netflix. The final season will be launching in the U.S. and other international markets from 10th June. The recently aired season six was the UK’s number one drama of the year for young adults, with over 17 million views on BBC iPlayer to date. Brand-owner and series producer Caryn Mandabach Productions recently announced an immersive theatre show and a first-of-its-kind dance theatre show which will run through to 2023.

    Simon’s Cat is one of the biggest YouTube sensations of recent years. From a single free-to-air, two-minute cartoon, it has gone on to become a major global success, with not only 1.3bn views and 5.7 million subscribers on YouTube but also over 15m followers and over 1bn views across social media too.

     

    MasterChef is the most travelled food format, last year celebrating 500 seasons airing globally since its 2005 reboot. With more than 65 local versions aired in over 200 countries, the MasterChef brand is respected and recognised all around the world.

    Adventure-reality stalwart Survivor was last year ranked #1 Best Reality Show of All Time by Variety magazine. One of the most watched formats around the world, last year was its most successful to-date with 24 productions.

    The global game show phenomenon Deal or No Deal has been commissioned in 83 territories worldwide with 324 productions internationally. A ground-breaking show known all around the world, contestants play and deal for a top cash prize in a contest of nerves, luck and raw intuition.

     

    Action-packed family entertainment brand Wipeout has won the world over with its zany crashes, smashes and hilarious mud splashes. Following the success of the recent U.S. reboot, which was the No. 1 unscripted series on cable, the John Cena and Nicole Byer fronted version has been renewed for a new season. Wipeout continues to grow a substantial digital audience with over 10 million active followers worldwide across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

    Banijay is home to a raft of homes and interiors titles including the award-winning Your Home Made Perfect, Your Garden Made Perfect and the Alan Carr hosted Interior Design Masters. From the use of cutting-edge technology and VR to the competitive world of interior design, these increasingly popular brands are synonymous with innovative and stylish transformations.

     

    Mr. Bean is a globally loved animation that has been in continual distribution for over 30 years. A pioneer for Banijay, the brand recently became the company’s first activation in the Metaverse with a Mr Bean NFT drop. The brand has amassed a huge digital following across a number of platforms with over 129 million followers on Facebook, making it the biggest TV brand on the platform; nearly 50 million subscribers and 15 billion lifetime views across official YouTube channels; 8.7 million followers on Instagram; and 8.3 million likes on TikTok.

  7. MasterChef Whips Up New Deals

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    Banijay Brands today announces further growth of its hugely successful brand licensing programme for MasterChef, the world’s most successful cookery television format. The company is building on its existing partnership with leading European housewares company Arovo, plus rolling out new deals across cookware and games.

     

    Arovo’s MasterChef collection includes a broad selection of products such as ceramics, tableware, textiles, cookware, knives, utensils and small domestic appliances. The affordable kitchen and tabletop MasterChefrange will be launching in the U.S. in May alongside a brand-new US MasterChef Amazon store. And across Europe, interior design retail chain CASA have developed the Elite collection with Arovo, consisting of a series of high-quality, stylish kitchen must-haves and appliances, available exclusively in all 500+ CASA stores and at casashops.com.

     

    In addition, Banijay’s Endemol Shine North America (ESNA) has partnered with leading retail product manufacturer Creative Concepts for a unique collection of MasterChef silver-ion and 18K gold coated cookware sets which are now available online. ESNA has also furthered its partnership with Wilder Toys for a bite-sized edition of the successful MasterChef Family Cooking Game which is available at Walgreens. Elsewhere, Endemol Shine Brasil has just announced the arrival of three Spanish MasterChef wines available in the region exclusively with local wine online retailer Grande Adega.

     

    Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands says: “MasterChef is an evergreen brand that resonates strongly with consumers all around the world, and by collaborating with teams across Banijay’s footprint we deliver a truly global licensing programme. We only work with the best partners in the business, who will uphold the integrity and quality associated with the brand, and it is wonderful to see these partnerships grow.”

     

    Created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021, with 49 productions in 33 territories airing last year. An international ratings hit, the format has a number of successful iterations including Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Junior MasterChef, MasterChef All Stars, and the recently announced Young MasterChef (w/t) with BBC Three in the UK, which will be dedicated to up-and-coming young food talent between the ages of 18 and 25.

     

    With more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChef brand extends into a huge range of successful commercial activities. Millions of consumer products have sold globally, the extensive publishing range has proved lucrative, and audiences around the world can engage with MasterChef through live experiences from restaurants to cruises and tours.

     

    The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay Rights.

  8. MasterChef Returns to France

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    Banijay today confirms Endemol France, part of Banijay France, will produce MasterChef for France 2. Hosted by popular French presenter, Agathe Lecaron, Yves Camdeborde, Thierry Marx, Georgiana Viou are confirmed as judges.

    Setting out on a nationwide search, the new series of MasterChef aims to find the best amateur cook in France. Contestants will face numerous challenges as they aim to impress the judges with their skill, passion, and creativity. Only the best chefs will continue their journey.

    The life-changing culinary format has been adapted in 64 territories to date and celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021. In 2021, 49 productions aired across 33 territories, and most recently, it enjoyed a hugely successful return in Portugal, with the New Zealand and South African reboots set to air later in the year.

    Jean-Louis Blot, CEO of Endemol France comments: “As a nation, we are incredibly passionate about cooking, so it is only right for us to bring the world’s most successful culinary format back to France. In France there are more than 35 million amateur cooks. With MasterChef, we aim to represent this great family by highlighting passionate and talented contestants. With Agathe Lecaron and our fantastic judges at the helm, we are set for an exciting series, as we uncover some of the incredible talent from across the country and showcase our wonderful food culture.”

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “MasterChef’s return to France, joining a recent spate of reboots, demonstrates the show’s enduring appeal across the globe. An evolving and versatile format, this latest version is set to be authentic, inspiring, and a joyful celebration of the much-admired world of French cuisine.”

  9. Viaplay Serves Up Celebrity MasterChef as Next Dutch Local Production

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    Viaplay will bring the world-famous reality format Celebrity MasterChef to the Netherlands for the first time starting this autumn. The 12-episode first season, produced by SimpelZodiak, a Banijay Benelux company, sees 10 Dutch personalities taking on a series of culinary challenges in front of an all-star jury and competing to become the next Celebrity MasterChef. Viaplay launched in the Netherlands on 1 March with a unique combination of original productions, international films and series, kids content and premium live sports.

     

    The Celebrity MasterChef jury consists of Soenil ‘The Spicy Chef’ Bahadoer, founder of the renowned De Lindehof restaurant, which received its second Michelin star in 2014; Angélique Schmeinck, one of only two female Dutch Mastercooks (the most country’s most prestigious culinary title) and head chef for 12 years at the Michelin-starred De Kromme Dissel; and Joël Broekaert, a well-known food critic, columnist and TV host.

     

    The show’s 10 celebrity contestants will be announced shortly.

     

    Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group Chief Content Officer: “High-quality local productions are a key focus for Viaplay in all our markets. Viewers everywhere have been enjoying the famous MasterChef format and its spin-offs for over 30 years, and Celebrity Masterchef will be an ideal addition to Viaplay’s fantastic menu in the Netherlands.”

     

    Celebrity MasterChef is produced by SimpelZodiak (Expeditie Robinson; Hunted; Ik Vertrek) and by Martijn de Bruin for Viaplay.

     

    Created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef has been named ‘Most Successful Cookery Television Format’ by Guinness World Records and the most successful format ever by The WIT. First aired in the UK in 1990, 49 series were produced in 33 territories in 2021. The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay. Viaplay has produced MasterChef in Denmark since 2011.

     

    In January, Viaplay announced Dragons’ Den, the globally successful show that gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, as its first original production in the Netherlands.

  10. Banijay Confirms MasterChef NZ Return

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    Banijay today confirms the return of global cookery hit, MasterChef, in New Zealand following a six-year hiatus.

     

    Screentime New Zealand, a Banijay company, and Discovery, have struck a deal with the support of Banijay Rights, which sees MasterChef NZ launch on Discovery’s Three in 2022.

     

    Last on our screens in 2015, the global family favourite is set to take on a distinctive Kiwi taste with local amateur cooks keen to show the country they have what it takes in the kitchen.

     

    Inspiring food lovers everywhere, MasterChef NZ has produced some of the most-loved kiwi chefs, and this season will be no different. From time-pressure challenges, to forgetting the key ingredient, this season will have you on the edge of your seat. Which regular kiwi will surpass the judges’ expectations in the food knowledge, cooking, plating and pairing arena and win the title of MasterChef New Zealand?

     

    Philly de Lacey, CEO Screentime New Zealand comments: “MasterChef continues to evolve and travel worldwide and we are so proud to be reuniting audiences with the brand here in New Zealand. Underpinned by universal themes, but with a modern hyper-local focus this season is going to stun audiences – set in one of the most stunning cuisine and produce regions in NZ with talent who are at the top of their game – the show has all the ingredients to unite the nation in its love of food culture.”

     

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “To bring a global phenomenon like MasterChef back to New Zealand after a six-year absence is an absolute thrill, and with Screentime and Discovery’s Three at the helm, we’re in no doubt this will be a very exciting launch for 2022.”

     

    MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format, produced across 64 markets. The life-changing show has broadcast more than 10,000 episodes to-date and recently aired its milestone 500th season globally since its reboot in 2005. Created by Franc Roddam, the show is a super brand known and enjoyed around the world.

     

    The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay Rights.

     

    Led by CEO Philly de Lacey, Screentime New Zealand produces award-winning drama, documentary and factual entertainment series. This includes a high-profile local comeback of entertainment hit Popstars, prime-time factual success Eat Well For Less NZ, and award-winning drama, The Gulf.

  11. Banijay Rights rekindles MasterChef South Africa

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    Banijay Rights today confirms the return of global cookery hit, MasterChef, to M-Net in South Africa following a seven-year hiatus.

     

    Produced by Homebrew Films, MasterChef South Africa has started casting for a new season that will launch on M-Net in February 2022, having last aired on the channel in 2015.

     

    MasterChef South Africa returns to inspire and shape the next generation of food stars. Season four will be filmed at the foot of Table Mountain, in a dynamic new location that celebrates both the heritage and the most innovative of South Africa’s diverse culinary offering. Here, 20 amateur cooks will be pushed beyond the boundaries of their skill set in a transformative journey, encouraged and guided by three accomplished judges and guest chefs that have all left their mark on the culinary landscape of this unique country at the tip of the African continent.

     

    Robin Pollok, VP Sales, Africa, Middle East, Greece & Israel, Banijay Rights, said: “It will be seven years off air by the time MasterChef South Africa season four airs next February, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with M-Net and Homebrew Films to bring this global phenomenon back to South African audiences. This is yet another example of the ever-lasting appeal of the MasterChef format that continues to deliver creativity and culinary excellence to viewers worldwide.”

     

    Jan du Plessis, Director of M-Net Channels, said: “Within the current landscape of the COVID-19 virus, we wanted to give our audience something familiar and comforting that felt like home. MasterChef SA was the perfect choice as both the local and International versions have proven that the format is a firm favourite with our viewers. It’s heart-warming and welcoming content.”

     

    MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format, produced across 64 markets. The life-changing show has broadcast more than 10,000 episodes to-date and recently aired its milestone 500th season globally since its reboot in 2005. Created by Franc Roddam, the show is a super brand known and enjoyed around the world.

    The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay Rights.

    The recommission of MasterChef South Africa comes off the back of another cookery re-boot, with My Kitchen Rules South Africa returning for a third season in September 2021 after three years off air.

  12. MasterChef Serves Up 500th Season

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    Banijay today announces that its hit format MasterChef has surpassed an incredible 500 series since its reboot in 2005, reaching this milestone with the first-ever MasterChef Tamil, which is currently on air.

     

    The multi-award winning, iconic cookery show created by Franc Roddam has been wowing audiences for more than thirty years. Crowned the Most Successful Cookery Television Format by Guinness World Records in 2017, there have been 64 local versions to-date and more than 10,000 episodes have aired around the world, in addition to the milestone 500 seasons. Last year alone, despite filming restrictions, there were 43 productions across 30 markets.

     

    Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay says: “Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement for the MasterChef family. Whilst staying true to the core values of the format, each version is unique, adapting to celebrate the individual cultures and craft of their region. The amazing teams on all 500 productions have created life-changing opportunities for our contestants and delivered world-class entertainment and iconic moments for millions of viewers around the world.”

     

    The original series of Masterchef was first seen on the BBC in 1990 and ran for 11 years. In 2005 Franc Roddam, in partnership with Shine TV, reconceived the format for BBC Two, which then moved on to BBC One in 2009. In the same year, Australia became the first territory to adapt the format, with the season finale being the country’s most-watched television programme of the year. Over a decade on, the territory’s remake is still enjoying huge success, with it being named the Most In-Demand Reality Series of 2020 (Parrot Analytics).

     

    Franc Roddam, MasterChef Creator adds: “I am immensely proud of Masterchef, which has entertained millions and transformed the lives of thousands. I am so grateful to all those who have contributed to its global success and helped maintain its popularity and freshness over the years.”

     

    MasterChef is a versatile format, which continues to evolve year-on-year, with iterations to date including MasterChef Junior, MasterChef Professionals, MasterChef All Stars, Celebrity MasterChef, and most recently, MasterChef Senior proving incredibly popular. Additionally, its market-reach is ever-expanding, with new territories including a four-version commission in India being added to the map spanning Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

     

    There is no doubt MasterChef is a life-changing show, with more than 100 ex-contestants now professional chefs. Notable alumni include UK series one winner, Thomasina Meirs, who went on to co-found the Wahaca restaurant group, award-winning legally blind chef Christine Ha, who won season 3 in the US and recently opened The Blind Goat restaurant in Houston, Texas, and Michelin Star-awarded chefs, Marko Gajski (MasterChef Croatia), Elizabeth Haigh (MasterChef UK) and Carlos Maldonado (Spain). The show has also played host to a number of well-known faces from the Dalai Lama, Michelle Obama, and The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, to some of the world’s best chefs including Massimo Bottura, Heston Blumenthal, Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay, Rick Stein and Nigella Lawson.

     

    Elsewhere, MasterChef productions around the world are leading the way for sustainability with over 75% donating leftover food to charity. In season 12 of MasterChef Australia, a total of 95% food waste was saved and over 39,000 pieces of paper. The most recent version in Germany built its set entirely from recycled and/or environmentally friendly materials, saving at least 3.7 tonnes of plastic.

     

    Finally, with more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChef brand also extends into a huge range of successful commercial activities. Millions of consumer products have sold globally, the extensive publishing range has proved lucrative, and audiences around the world can engage with MasterChef through live experiences from restaurants to cruises and tours.