MasterChef Is Officially Returning For A 14th Season
As it cruises through Season 13, "MasterChef" is showing no sign of slowing down. Ahead of the 250th episode airing August 9, FOX has announced that the cooking competition show will keep the ovens on for a 14th season, per a press release sent to Tasting Table.
Host and executive producer Gordon Ramsay will remain at the helm alongside judges chef Aarón Sánchez and restaurateur Joe Bastianich. The trio will be joined throughout the current season by guest judges, including chefs Graham Elliot, Susan Feniger, Tiffany Derry, Andrew Rush, and former winner Kelsey Murphy. Every episode, home cooks from four U.S. regions (northeast, west, south, and midwest) face off in competitions that challenge their skills as they vie for the cash prize of $250,000 and the MasterChef title.
While there have been cooking shows with longer runs, none have matched the overall reach of "MasterChef," which the Guinness Book of World Records has declared "The Most Successful Cookery Television Format." The hit has spawned more than 60 adaptations that have aired in over 250 countries. "MasterChef is a beloved staple of the FOX brand," says Allison Wallach, President, Unscripted Programming, of FOX Entertainment. "Its impressive performance this summer and tonight's 250th episode are a testament to the strength, distinction, and longevity of this very special show."
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"MasterChef" is currently seeking contestants aged 18 and older who represent a diverse range of backgrounds and cooking styles for the next season of competition. Those interested can find the full list of eligibility rules, terms, and instructions on how to apply by visiting the show's casting website.
To understand what it takes to win this level of competition, heed the advice of "MasterChef" Season 3 winner Christine Hà. She preaches the gospel of diversifying your skill set and knowledge of various cuisines as the show's elaborate challenges are designed to get chefs out of their comfort zone. "I would say try to know a little about everything because you never know what challenge is going to be thrown your way," Hà noted in an exclusive interview with Tasting Table. "It could be a certain ingredient, it could be a cuisine, or a certain technique that maybe you're not familiar with."
For his part, Ramsay certainly isn't resting on his laurels. Despite his numerous successful restaurants and the staggering hours he's logged on TV across numerous shows, he recently announced yet another show, this one with a personal twist. "Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars" isn't solely focused on cooking talent, but on business smarts, as competitors try to wow him with their entrepreneurial ideas. The prize is more than just a nice check, but rather a $250,000 investment from Ramsay himself to help get the winning business off the ground.