Meghan Markle’s appearance on MasterChef Australia has set new viewership records, drawing a substantial audience. The Duchess of Sussex served as a guest judge on the show, guiding contestants to prepare a dish ‘fit for a Duchess’ during the episode, which was filmed in April while Meghan and Harry were in Australia for official engagements in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.
The episode garnered over 1.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched Sunday program since July 2023 and the highest overnight streaming audience ever, as reported by Network 10. It also achieved a total of 1.22 million national viewers over seven days, marking a 16% increase compared to the same episode last year. Total TV metrics, a unique measurement in Australia that combines traditional TV broadcast with digital video-on-demand viewing, were used to assess the show’s performance.
Despite some online debate over Meghan’s role as a guest judge, fans appreciated her presence for bringing a calm and encouraging energy to the MasterChef kitchen. While some viewers felt that industry chefs should occupy the judging seats, others enjoyed seeing a different perspective with Meghan’s participation.
During the episode, Meghan expressed her passion for cooking, describing it as a form of communication and love. She shared how cooking allows her to connect with others and express her care for her loved ones. Behind-the-scenes footage captured her interacting warmly with fellow judges and contestants, showcasing her genuine interest in the culinary experience.
Meghan’s decision to join MasterChef Australia was driven by her love for food and Australia, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to judge the dishes presented on the show. Her positive influence and insights added a unique touch to the program, resonating with many viewers who appreciated her genuine approach to cooking and connection with others.
