MasterChef Heads to the Maldives

Endemol Shine has inked a deal with PSM in the Maldives for its global mega-format MasterChef, which is set to launch in prime time in the island nation later this year.

The 20-episode order sees the Maldives become the 63rd country to produce a local version of the worldwide culinary hit. 2019 was the most successful year to date for MasterChef, with 53 confirmed productions across 35 markets. The format made a comeback in India on Star and celebrated its 10th anniversary and 200th episode in the U.S., as well as drawing in audiences in major markets including the U.K., Brazil, Australia, Italy and Spain.

The MasterChef format launched in 1990 in the U.K. and aired for over a decade on the BBC. In 2005, the show was revived for the BBC, and four years later, Australia became the first country to adapt the format outside of the U.K., with MasterChef Australia launching in 2009 as the highest-rated show in Australian history. MasterChef was created by Franc Roddam.

Rashmi Bajpai, executive director for Asia at Endemol Shine, said: “MasterChef remains one of our smash-hit performers and the deal with PSM further proves how viewers in Asia love to see their own culture reflected in a local version. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Maldives.”

PSM Managing Director Ali Khalid added: “There is a tremendous array of culinary talent here in the Maldives and we are excited to see how these inspired, youthful, amateur chefs fare with the television audience. The Maldives being a popular hotel destination around the world is proud to bring a show packed with extraordinary cookery showdowns, MasterChef is renowned for its excellent ratings and we are delighted to have this long-running global hit franchise on our network.”