Meghan Markle’s recent appearance on MasterChef Australia set new viewership records, attracting a significant audience. The Duchess of Sussex served as a guest judge on the show, guiding contestants in creating a dish suitable for royalty. The episode was filmed during Meghan and Prince Harry’s visit to Australia in April, where they engaged in various activities across Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.

The episode garnered over 1.5 million views, making it the highest-rated Sunday broadcast since July 2023 and setting a new record for the largest overnight streaming audience. Network 10 reported that the show also achieved a total of 1.22 million national viewers over seven days, marking a 16% increase in national TV viewership compared to the same episode last year. The Australian metric of Total TV, which combines traditional broadcast television with digital video-on-demand viewing, was used to measure the overall viewership.

While some viewers expressed mixed feelings about Meghan’s participation as a guest judge, many appreciated her presence on the program. Some viewers felt that the show’s guest judge position is typically reserved for professional chefs rather than home cooks like Meghan. However, others enjoyed Meghan’s calm demeanor and encouraging words in the usually intense MasterChef kitchen.

During the episode, Meghan shared her passion for cooking, expressing that food and cooking serve as a language of love for her. She emphasized the sentimental and meaningful connections food creates and how it reflects her care and affection for her loved ones.

Behind-the-scenes footage captured Meghan interacting warmly with fellow judges and contestants. Meghan explained her motivation for joining the show, citing her love for food and Australia as key reasons for her participation. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to judge the contestants’ dishes and engage with the MasterChef Australia kitchen.

Overall, Meghan’s appearance on the show generated significant buzz online, with viewers sharing contrasting opinions about her involvement. Despite the debate, Meghan’s presence brought a unique dynamic to the program, showcasing her genuine interest in food and her positive impact on the contestants and audience alike.