Televisión Nacional de Chile (TVN) said on May 15, 2026 [2], that the cooking competition MasterChef Chile will return to its prime-time schedule this year [1].
The revival of the program represents a strategic effort by the public broadcaster to strengthen its evening lineup. By bringing back a globally recognized franchise, TVN aims to recover viewership and stability following a period of institutional volatility.
The return of the show comes after a significant delay. The network had originally planned for the program to premiere in 2025 [1]. However, a state-signal crisis forced the suspension of those plans, pushing the launch back by one year [1].
This iteration of the competition will differ from previous celebrity-focused versions. TVN said that this season will not feature famous contestants, focusing instead on amateur cooks competing for the title in the prime-time slot [1].
The announcement on May 15 [2] signals the network's intent to fill its 2026 calendar with high-impact entertainment. The move is designed to revitalize the public signal's presence in the competitive Chilean television market, utilizing the established brand power of the MasterChef franchise to draw audiences back to the channel.
While specific premiere dates for the first episode have not been detailed, the network said that the production is moving forward for the 2026 broadcast cycle [1].
“MasterChef Chile will return to TVN’s prime-time schedule in 2026”
The return of MasterChef Chile serves as a bellwether for TVN's recovery from its previous state-signal crisis. By pivoting away from the 'celebrity' format toward a standard amateur competition, the network is attempting to capture a broader demographic and stabilize its prime-time ratings through a proven, scalable international format.
