Must-watch for fans of culinary reality, where emotions run parallel to technique; the Australian version is significantly more dynamic than the British and American ones, with a daily episode release schedule.
Premiering on Network Ten on April 27, 2009, and continuing to this day, it has become one of Australia's longest-running cooking franchises. The format survives like in the jungle: hundreds of cooking enthusiasts go through auditions, of which 50 (in the early seasons) or 24 (in later ones) make it to the main stage. Challenges range from basic cutting techniques to the most complex culinary tasks with guests like Heston Blumenthal. The tone is a tense culinary thriller with elements of psychological drama, where the Super Chef apron and 100 thousand dollars go to only one. The atmosphere differs from the British original with greater spectacle and emotionality. Format: seasons of 60+ episodes (daily or several times a week schedule), including Mystery Box, invention tests, and eliminations. If "The Great British Bake Off" met "Survivor" in the kitchen, this Australian giant of reality would be the result.
Season 18 premiered on April 19, 2026.
Since Season 16 (2024), the judging panel includes: Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin.
As of April 2026, 17 full seasons have aired, with the 18th currently on air.
100,000 Australian dollars, publication of their own cookbook, and professional training with leading chefs.
Contractual disagreements with Network Ten after 11 years; subsequently, Mehigan and Preston moved to the competing channel Seven Network.