Meghan Markle's appearance as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia broke viewership records, drawing more than 1.5 million overnight viewers, according to broadcaster Network 10. The episode aired on Sunday and was filmed in April during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's trip to Australia.
Record-Breaking Ratings
The episode recorded the biggest overnight Sunday audience since July 2023 and the biggest-ever overnight streaming audience. It also achieved a seven-day total viewing audience of 1.22 million national viewers, marking a 16% increase in national total TV audience compared to the same episode the previous year.
Mixed Viewer Reactions
Viewers were divided online over the Duchess's role, as the guest judge spot is typically reserved for professional chefs. One viewer commented: "It makes you feel a bit sorry for the contestants. They've gone on that show to learn from industry chefs, which Meghan is not. She's a home cook, like the competitors are." Others praised her calm energy and encouraging words.
Meghan's Cooking Philosophy
During the episode, Meghan told contestants: "Food and cooking to me is really a love language." She added: "I think it's such a great way to connect. It's something that can feel sentimental and meaningful and it's how I show my nurturing and love for my friends, family, and my kids." Earlier this month, she explained her decision to appear: "What attracted me to the MasterChef Australia kitchen? Two things: my love of food and my love of Australia. It was an easy yes."
