MasterChef Junior returns to Telefe with high ratings

Telefe has premiered the new season of MasterChef Junior in Argentina after a ten-year hiatus. Hosted by Vero Lozano, the reality show features 14 young contestants between the ages of 8 and 13. The judging panel consists of Maru Botana, Germán Martitegui, and Ian Lucas.

The debut episode achieved significant viewership, starting with 9.9 rating points and peaking at 11.8 points. The first challenge required participants to work in pairs to prepare smash burgers. During the broadcast, chef Germán Martitegui shared a personal reflection, noting that his previous experience with the junior format influenced his decision to become a father.

Following the premiere, a 9-year-old participant named Toto faced online backlash after a tense moment during a cooking challenge involving another contestant. The child released a video requesting that social media users stop the negative comments and harassment, expressing that the online hate was deeply affecting him.