If you’re a fan of MasterChef, you’re probably excited about the fifteenth season, MasterChef: Dynamic Duos, which premiered on May 21, 2025, on FOX. At NetFilming, we’re diving into the details of where this exciting season was filmed, along with what makes it unique. This season shakes things up with a fresh format, new judges, and a surprising filming location. Let’s explore where MasterChef: Dynamic Duos was shot and why the chosen spot adds flavor to the show.
A Fresh Twist for MasterChef: Dynamic Duos
This season of MasterChef is all about teamwork. Unlike past seasons where home cooks competed solo, Dynamic Duos pairs up contestants—think couples, siblings, friends, or even exes—competing for a $250,000 prize, the MasterChef trophy, and the title of MasterChefs. The judging panel features familiar faces like Gordon Ramsay and Joe Bastianich, with a new addition: James Beard Award-nominee Tiffany Derry, who steps in for Aarón Sánchez. The Pressure Test challenge also makes a comeback, adding extra heat to the kitchen.
The unique duo format means contestants must blend their culinary ideas, which can lead to brilliant dishes or tricky clashes. It’s a fun twist that keeps people interested, and the filming location makes the season even more exciting.
MasterChef: Dynamic Duos Season 15 Filming Locations
MasterChef: Dynamic Duos was primarily filmed at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Melbourne, Australia, using the set of MasterChef Australia. The filming is reportedly taking place toward the end of 2024, between mid-October and mid-December.
Melbourne, Australia
Unlike previous seasons, which were shot in a Los Angeles studio, MasterChef: Dynamic Duos takes a bold step by filming primarily in Melbourne, Australia. Specifically, the show was filmed at the Melbourne Showgrounds in the Centenary Hall, located at 7 Leonard Cres, Ascot Vale, a suburb of Melbourne. This is the same kitchen used for MasterChef Australia since its fifth season in 2013. Filming took place between mid-October and mid-December 2024, with auditions for the selected duos happening around the same time.
Why choose Melbourne? Some sources say the move was driven by cost savings, but the quality of the production is still very high. The Melbourne Showgrounds have a big, modern kitchen that is perfect for the high-energy challenges of MasterChef. The set has cooking stations, a pantry full of food, a freezer and fridge area, and a fancy restaurant area for special challenges. This lively place gives the show a new feel, and Melbourne is the perfect setting because it is a foodie paradise.
Why Melbourne Is a Perfect Fit
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia, is a city that loves food. It is known as one of the best places in the world to eat because it has a wide range of restaurants, from busy bistros to cozy cafes. Many restaurants serve food from all over the world on Smith Street (between Fitzroy and Collingwood), Chinatown on Bourke Street, Lygon Street in Carlton, Sydney Road in Brunswick, and Victoria Street in Richmond. The famous Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich food culture, is also held there.
The MasterChef spirit, which challenges contestants to create new recipes, aligns well with this variety of foods. For instance, MasterChef Australia star Reynold Poernomo owns the KOI Dessert Bar at 100 Queen Street in Melbourne. This shows how the city has an effect on top chefs. The city’s lively atmosphere probably helped the two of them as they worked on their problems, which ranged from making desserts to learning how to cook savory foods.
What Tiffany Derry Says About Filming
In an interview with Eater Dallas, Tiffany Derry shared what it was like stepping into her role as a judge for the first time. She described the selection process as somewhat unexpected. After an initial conversation, she didn’t hear back for weeks — then suddenly, she got the call confirming her spot.
She also talked about how hands-on the production really is. From planning where the contestants stand to coordinating camera movements and timing the challenges, Derry said there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than most viewers realize. She mentioned how much she enjoyed being part of those detailed conversations that shape each episode.
Other Shows Filmed in Melbourne
Reality TV is not new to Melbourne. The city is also known for being a hub for entertainment because it has hosted shows like The Real Housewives of Melbourne, All Star Family Feud, and My Kitchen Rules. The Melbourne Showgrounds is a popular place for big productions because it has many different spaces. That’s why MasterChef chose it.
For more insights into your favorite shows and their filming locations, keep exploring with NetFilming!
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