Argentina’s MasterChef Celebrity continues its run as a television ratings leader,drawing notable viewership and generating buzz six weeks after its debut. The reality cooking competition, featuring celebrities navigating high-pressure culinary challenges, reached a peak of 14.2 rating points during its most recent broadcast on Telefe. This week’s episode featured a surprising departure from contestant Valentina Cervantes and a closely-watched dynamic involving host Wanda Nara and competitor Maxi López, her former partner.
MasterChef Celebrity continues to dominate television ratings six weeks after its debut, fueled by a winning combination of culinary competition and off-screen drama. While viewership fluctuates, the show has consistently drawn a large audience, boosted in part by the presence of Wanda Nara. The reality series is becoming a major talking point in entertainment circles as it builds momentum.
One contestant gaining increasing attention is Maxi López, the former partner of host Wanda Nara. López not only navigates the challenges presented by his ex but also consistently delivers impressive dishes. Following a recent elimination night where Ian Lucas was saved by his goulash with spaetzle, Emilia Attias, Momi Giardina, Claudio Turco Husain, Valentina Cervantes, Evangelina Anderson, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, Eugenia Tobal, Andy Chango, Alex Pelao and Sofi Martínez faced intense pressure to remain in the competition.
The evening began with a head-to-head competition featuring teams from Pasapalabra – Anita Pauls, Mery Granados, and Maxi Trusso versus Jorge ‘Carna’ Crivelli, Maite Lanata, and designer César Juricich – against the cast of Buenas noches familia, giving Telefe a significant advantage. Iván de Pineda’s show led the ratings during its time slot, peaking at 10.9, while Guido Kaczka’s program secured second place with a 5.0 rating. MasterChef Celebrity then kicked off its sixth elimination gala at 10:10 PM, starting with a solid 11.3 rating. The challenge required contestants to create a free-form dish cooked “al disco” – a traditional method using a plow disc – and a complementary side dish.
With fellow competitors observing from the balcony, the contestants worked to overcome the challenge and avoid elimination. However, MasterChef threw a curveball: each contestant had the opportunity to solve a riddle. A correct answer earned them a key to unlock a chest, guaranteeing a direct pass to the balcony. Evangelina Anderson successfully solved the riddle and automatically advanced to the next week. As the competition progressed, ratings climbed to 13.3 points.
Guido Kaczka remained in second place with a peak of 5.3 points, featuring a performance by a group of senior dancers raising funds for a rehearsal space. Pasó en América reached a high of 2.4 points, closely competing with Laurita Fernández’s Bienvenidos a ganar, which scored 2.1. At 10:43 PM, Mario Pergolini’s Otro día perdido began with a floor of 3.8. The host engaged in a conversation with Valeria Lynch about her career beginnings, her musical journey, and a playful competition with her mother involving high notes. The eltrece program remained second in its time slot, but with numbers lower than its usual average.
During the judging, not all dishes were well-received. Emilia Attias presented a bondiola stew with sage butter and bean puree, while Andy Chango prepared chorizo in tomato sauce with avocado salad. Sofi Martinez offered beer-braised bondiola with potatoes, Tobal served bondiola medallions with potato rings, and Turco created beer-braised beef with fried sweet potatoes. Momi’s chicken with green vegetables and potatoes, and Miguel Ángel Rodríguez’s chorizo with beer and small potatoes, received harsh criticism from the judges. Only Valu’s Portuguese-style chicken and Alex Pelao’s bondiola with fresh salad earned praise. “If I had to show everyone, before they even start cooking, what a dish made ‘al disco’ and a complementary side dish looks like, it would be this,” declared Germán Martitegui.
At 11:00 PM, Polémica en el bar launched with 1.1 points. Mariano Iúdica, alongside Dalia Gutman, Nito Artaza, Diego Moranzoni, José Chatruc, Luis Piñeyro, and Luis Ventura, discussed current events and celebrated National Humorist Day.
MasterChef Celebrity led the night with a peak of 14.2 points, during which Valentina Cervantes surprised everyone by announcing her departure from the show: “It’s incredibly difficult, but I have to leave the competition because my family needs me, and my children want their mom and dad together. That’s why I’m going. I’m leaving with an incredible group, and I didn’t think I had so much to offer in a place like this.” Andy Chango and Miguel Ángel Rodríguez found themselves on the chopping block, but were both spared elimination by the judges due to Valu’s exit.
