MasterChef is a U.S. competitive cooking reality show, open to amateur and home chefs. It is co-hosted and co-produced by Gordon Ramsay.[1] Produced by Shine America and One Potato Two Potato, it debuted on July 27, 2010 at 9 pm ET/PT on the Fox Television Network, following one of Ramsay's other series, Hell's Kitchen.[2] The first series was initially seen Tuesday nights at 9 pm ET/PT; it moved to Wednesday nights at 8 pm ET/PT on August 18.
On September 7, 2010, MasterChef was renewed for a second season.[3] The second season started with a two night premiere on June 6 and 7, 2011.
On October 6, 2011, MasterChef was renewed for a third season. The third season started with a two night premiere on June 4 and June 5, 2012, following Hell's Kitchen.[4][5]
On July 23, 2012, MasterChef was renewed for a fourth season.[6][7] Season 4 premiered on May 22, 2013, in its new Wednesday at 8 p.m. timeslot.[8]
On May 10, 2013, FOX renewed MasterChef for an additional two seasons, bringing its grand total to six seasons. In addition, FOX ordered a spinoff, Junior MasterChef, which will feature participants between the ages of eight and thirteen. [9] Junior MasterChef will air on Fridays at 8/7c, beginning in Fall 2013. [10]