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MasterChef fans speculate future of the show after telling detail
Some viewers are questioning whether the series will continue after season 15.
With only a few weeks left until this year’s season of MasterChef Australia comes to an end, fans have begun questioning the future of the reality TV show and whether it will return next year.
In addition to season 15 featuring the lowest number of contestants in the show’s history with 18 cooks compared to the typical 24, the show has also seen a significant drop in viewers since its premiere.
One fan took to Reddit this week to question whether others think a sixteenth season will go ahead, especially following the shock death of judge Jock Zonfrillo in May.
“With MC:AU getting fewer and fewer viewers each season recently and the shortened format this year I am wondering if they will stick to this new format or potentially even go harder now that we have lost the best judge in the show,” they wrote.
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“This season has not wowed me at all and I am definitely not liking this shorter format and fewer contestants thing. Let’s be honest, Mel [Leong] and Andy [Allen] worked side-by-side with [Jock] for years now and both may also leave as it just may be too tough to do the show with a new judge.
“What I am getting at is simple: Could this be the end of MC:AU?”
'Bring back the old format'
A number of viewers were quick to reply and share their thoughts on the show’s future, with many people agreeing that there’s no way MasterChef will end anytime soon.
“I heard the show is popular abroad so they make a lot of money from selling it overseas, so I guess it’ll be the end of the show if they can no longer do so,” one person replied.
“Jock was a great guy, mentor, and judge, but he's not the only one that can do the job credit,” another shared. “I hope Mel and Andy come back, but the show shouldn't stop just because someone passed. Life happens.”
“Bring back the old format,” someone else wrote. “I love the season 8 format that the Mystery Box winner is given advantage instead of immunity… High pressure and high stakes always push contestants to produce amazing dishes.”
One viewer also proposed that the show should “reset” following this year’s season and “mix up the judges” to involve more past contestants.
“This season has some good personalities, but I agree with the level of cooking not being as high as past seasons,” they added.
“With that being said, every year won't be equal, there will always be a talent imbalance. I bet we see more strong seasons in the coming years, particularly as a group of younger contestants join up who have had the internet for their entire life (not just a majority).”
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