Cookbooks, Food TV and the Critics' Table — 2026-10-23
Food media is seeing a resurgence of traditional broadcast formats alongside digital-first experiments, with MasterChef Junior launching in Argentina and new Food Network series heading to YouTube. Meanwhile, major critics are reshaping their roles, with the San Francisco Chronicle reintroducing star ratings and Dallas appointing its first dedicated restaurant critic since 2019.
Cookbooks, Food TV and the Critics' Table — 2026-10-23
Top developments
MasterChef Junior Launches in Argentina
Telefe has officially premiered the third edition of MasterChef Junior in Argentina, hosted by Verónica Lozano. The show features 14 young contestants, ages 8 to 13, competing in culinary challenges. This launch coincides with a programming shift for the network, moving MasterChef Celebrity eliminations to accommodate the new junior series and football broadcasts.
Food Network Expands to YouTube with "Feast Club"
Guy Fieri is launching a new digital series, Feast Club, produced by Food Network for YouTube. This move highlights the network's strategy to extend its brand into creator-driven platforms, complementing its traditional TV lineup which includes returning favorites and new shows like Chopped Castaways.
SF Chronicle Revives Star Ratings
The San Francisco Chronicle has reintroduced its star rating system for restaurant reviews, a feature discontinued under former critic Michael Bauer. Current critic MacKenzie Chung Fegan announced the return of the system at a public event, with the first starred review awarded to House of Prime Rib. This change aims to provide clearer guidance for diners in a saturated media landscape.
Dallas Morning News Appoints First Critic Since 2019
Sarah Blaskovich has been named the restaurant critic for The Dallas Morning News, marking the first time the paper has held this specific title since 2019. Blaskovich, a senior food reporter with over a decade at the paper, will focus on providing clear opinions and exclusive news to cut through online noise.
Local view
In Argentina, local media outlets like Minuto Uno and Clarín are closely following the schedule changes on Telefe triggered by the MasterChef Junior premiere. The new show airs on Fridays, forcing a reshuffle of MasterChef Celebrity and Popstars to accommodate the new format and sports broadcasting rights.
Spanish-language coverage also highlights MasterChef USA Season 16, which is transforming its format into a "gastronomic world cup" on the COSMO channel, featuring 20 contestants divided into four territories.
Context & numbers
Food influencer rates in 2026 show a significant premium for health-focused creators, who earn 30–50% more than their peers in other sub-niches. This data reflects the growing economic power of digital food creators as brands seek targeted audiences.
The Great British Baking Show Collection 14, featuring Nigella Lawson as a new judge alongside Paul Hollywood, premiered on Netflix in September, continuing to drive viewership for food competition formats on streaming platforms.
On the radar
- MasterChef Celebrity Finale: Telefe has revealed the estimated end date for MasterChef Celebrity 2026 in Argentina, with final eliminations approaching.
- Fall Cookbook Clubs: The Cookbookery Collective has selected Obsessed With the Best by Ella Quittner as the inaugural title for its paid subscriber cookbook club, indicating a trend toward community-driven cookbook consumption.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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