Cookbooks, Food TV and the Critics' Table — 2026-10-20
Food media is seeing a surge in reality competition viewership with the debuts of *MasterChef Junior* and the continuation of *MasterChef Celebrity* in Latin America. Simultaneously, US critics are reshaping dining evaluations by reintroducing star ratings and appointing new voices, while food influencers are increasingly securing traditional TV deals and funding for educational content.
Cookbooks, Food TV and the Critics' Table — 2026-10-20
Reality TV Ratings and Schedule Changes in Latin America
MasterChef Junior debuted on Telefe on October 16, facing strong competition from football broadcasts but establishing a new weekly elimination dynamic. The show, hosted by Verónica Lozano, features 14 young contestants and has already sparked debate over its scheduling and competitive format. Meanwhile, MasterChef Celebrity shifted its elimination gala to Monday, October 19, to accommodate programming changes, with Wanda Nara hosting and 24 celebrities competing.
SF Chronicle Revives Star Ratings for Restaurants
The San Francisco Chronicle has officially brought back its star rating system for restaurant reviews after an eight-year hiatus under previous critic Michael Bauer. Current critic MacKenzie Chung Fegan announced the return of the stars at a live event, aiming to provide clearer guidance for diners. This move has generated significant discussion among local food writers about the utility and fairness of numerical ratings in modern dining.
New Critics and Personnel Shifts
The Dallas Morning News has appointed Sarah Blaskovich as its first dedicated restaurant critic since 2019, signaling a renewed investment in food journalism in North Texas. Blaskovich, who has covered the local food scene for over a decade, will now focus on high-level reviews and industry analysis. In the UK, Restaurant magazine’s "People on the Move" column highlights ongoing executive and chef transitions across the fine dining sector, reflecting a fluid industry landscape.
Food Influencers Secure Traditional Media Deals
Food YouTubers and social media creators are increasingly being courted by traditional broadcasters for low-cost, high-engagement intellectual property. Netflix and other streamers are acquiring creator-led cooking series, recognizing the value of established online audiences. In Sacramento, a local food influencer recently secured funding to launch a 13-episode television show focused on food literacy and accessible recipes, bridging the gap between digital content and broadcast TV.
Local view
In Argentina, the debate centers on the scheduling of MasterChef franchises. Clarín notes that MasterChef Junior’s debut faced tough ratings competition against soccer matches, prompting discussions about the best timeslots for family-oriented reality TV. El Destape reports that Telefe’s decision to move the MasterChef Celebrity elimination gala to a Monday was a strategic response to viewer feedback and scheduling conflicts. In Ecuador, speculation is mounting regarding the replacement of judge Jorge Rausch on MasterChef Ecuador, with names like Sergio Puglia and Laurent Lainé circulating in local media.
Context & numbers
- MasterChef Junior Debut: The show premiered on October 16, 2026, with 14 participants.
- MasterChef Celebrity Cast: The 2026 season features 24 celebrity contestants.
- Star Ratings Gap: The SF Chronicle star system was absent for eight years before its recent reinstatement.
On the radar
- MasterChef Ecuador Judge Reveal: The network has released teasers hinting at new judges, with the official announcement expected soon.
- Washington Post Critic Q&A: Food critic Elazar Sontag is actively engaging with readers on their "40 best restaurants" list and dining inquiries.
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