“Master Chief” returns this Monday, March 27. La 1 on TVE doubles the excitement. In this eleventh edition of the culinary talent show, twice as many hopefuls will face the most demanding tests in the program’s history. A prize of 100,000 euros awaits, with the winner earning a published recipe book and a professional cooking course at a prestigious gastronomy school.
The general channel will air two episodes per week, on Mondays and Tuesdays, with only two tests in each episode rather than the usual three. In the first delivery, two matches will be held weekly, one elimination on set, and in the second delivery, another elimination after an outdoor test. Contestants must give their best every night, as two will leave the competition each week.
‘MasterChef’ will return to TVE soon: this is the premiere date for its 11th edition
Some 70,000 amateur chefs signed up, and 60 contestants will battle for the white apron in the final elimination. For the first time, a 19-year-old culinary student who previously appeared on ‘MasterChef Junior’ will return to the kitchens. A Cadiz air controller will launch a catering service for airlines. The jury will evaluate a young TikTok creator with the potential to shake things up. They will also consider the judge who loves Harley-Davidson, a Venezuelan Dominican priest, and a technician from a Spanish multinational telecom, all serving as enthusiastic fans who remember the show’s format well.
tests
Contestants will face a mix of challenges: gourmet deliveries, ancient preservation techniques, a calf race, honey experiments, and a broad spectrum of global cuisines. They will attempt to craft a breadless sandwich and even work with cocoa trees in a totally chocolate-focused task.
Each week, the kitchens will tour the country to discover remarkable places and the best local products. Meals will be served in notable locations such as Toledo Cathedral, Valencia Oceanography, Andorra’s Grau Roig, a seaside port, and other iconic venues. The show will unfold in settings ranging from historic sites to a circus-like finale that showcases hospitality and culinary artistry.
Miguel Bosé, Toñi Moreno and more guest stars
The program will host familiar TV personalities, a renowned artist, and a seasoned jury member from another show. Guests include Miguel Bosé, Toni Moreno, and a host of celebrity chefs, friends of the series, and familiar faces from various talent formats. Expect a mix of star power, past winners, and beloved nominees from MasterChef and related programs.
‘MasterChef 11’ opens kitchens
The MasterChef studio has undergone a complete renovation for this edition, introducing two filming plates, a first supermarket, lounge, and expanded kitchens. The facility spans more than 600 square meters and now hosts more contestants at once, with 30 of the highest-scoring applicants able to compete concurrently. A gallery space showcases a collection of over 2,000 books in a striking six-meter bookshelf.
The second set comprises about 300 square meters, featuring a new restaurant and multipurpose area, plus a walk of fame with photographs of all winners. The scenery is designed to impress with an American-style ballroom vibe, a mechanical bull rodeo, a fortune-telling booth, a wedding banquet, and a performance by the Sakura Duo.
Among the new spaces, design elements by an internationally renowned studio stand out. The layout, coordinated by Lawrence Castillone, emphasizes on-set lounges and a sea-facing gallery, creating a distinctive atmosphere.
The production includes 12 fixed cameras, one hothead camera, and eight robotic cameras in the kitchen. The second set features 10 fixed cameras and a hothead, allowing the crew to capture up to 16 signals simultaneously.
“We learned a lot on a social level”
RTVE’s Communications and Engagement director notes that MasterChef returns with doubled participation, challenges, and broadcasts. The showrunners highlight the effort involved in producing a two-day-per-week format, describing the process as intense and transformative. The pasta king commented on the high-pressure schedule and its impact on the project.
The cast selection faced scrutiny, with some calling the experience a lively, immersive journey that celebrated cooking, creativity, and human connection. Pepe Rodríguez reflected on the remarkable scale of the production and its vibrant, human moments.
Samantha Vallejo-Nágera expressed pride in the experience, describing it as a dynamic, entertaining broadcast that feels like a TV show viewers become hooked on.
For Jordi Cruz, the edition represents double the hurdles and double the effort, offering insights into today’s kitchen landscape and a strong social dimension that showcases a diverse culinary scene.