THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT “MASTERCHEF” BEGINS WITH OPEN CASTING CALLS STARTING SATURDAY, OCT. 29 IN LOS ANGELES

Casting Calls Continue in Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Austin,

Savannah, Chicago, Seattle, New York and San Francisco

 

FOX has ordered a third season of the hit culinary competition series MASTERCHEF, it was announced today by Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

Chef Gordon Ramsay will once again give talented amateur cooks the chance to prove to him, and to fellow judges, restaurateur Joe Bastianich (Del Posto, Eataly) and Chef Graham Elliot (Graham Elliot, Grahamwich), that they have what it takes to make their mark on the culinary world. In the series, Ramsay, Bastianich and Elliot coach and critique the amateur cooks in a series of challenges designed to test their palates, knowledge and determination to follow their dreams of making a mark in the culinary world.

MASTERCHEF will travel to more cities than ever before to uncover the country’s very best amateur cooks. Open casting calls begin Saturday, Oct. 29 in the following cities:

Cities	Dates	Venues/Times
Los Angeles	Saturday, Oct. 29	Le Cordon Bleu                    6370 Sunset Blvd.                  Los Angeles, CA  90028     10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Boston	Saturday, Nov. 5	TBA
Miami	Saturday, Nov. 5	TBA
Atlanta	Saturday, Nov. 12	TBA
Washington, D.C.	Saturday, Nov. 12	TBA
Austin	Saturday, Nov. 19	TBA
Savannah, GA	Saturday, Nov. 19	TBA
Chicago	Saturday, Dec. 3	TBA
Seattle	Saturday, Dec. 3	TBA
New York	Saturday, Dec. 10	TBA
San Francisco	Saturday, Dec. 10	TBA

 

Additional venues will be announced soon.

 

Over the past two seasons, the $250,000 grand prize and title of “MasterChef” have gone to Jennifer Behm, a realtor from Wilmington, DE; and Whitney Miller, a student from Poplarville, MS. Since winning the show, Whitney Miller released her first cookbook, while Jennifer Behm is currently writing a cookbook and already has established a successful private catering company.

 

Additional casting information, including forms and eligibility requirements, are available online at www.masterchefcasting.com.

MASTERCHEF is produced by Reveille and One Potato Two Potato and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Shine. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Pat Llewellyn and Ben Adler serve as executive producers. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/masterchef and follow the series on Twitter @masterchefonfox.

JENNIFER BEHM, A REALTOR FROM WILMINGTON, DE, CROWNED WINNER OF “MASTERCHEF”

MASTERCHEF Season Finale Achieved the Show’s Highest Ratings Ever

Among Adults 18-49 and Total Viewers

The second season of MASTERCHEF came to a sensational end last night as judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot named Jennifer Behm the winner during the two-hour season finale on FOX. Behm, 34, a realtor from Wilmington, DE, walked away with the $250,000 grand prize.

Behm competed against several thousand hopefuls for a coveted spot among the finalists, and in the end went head-to-head with Adrien Nieto, a server from Ventura, CA. For the final challenge, Behm won the judges over with a delicious and perfectly cooked gourmet three-course meal: an appetizer of Pan-Seared Scallops with Quail Egg, Creamed Corn and Pea Puree; a main course of Stuffed Quail with Creamy Potatoes and Spinach; and a dessert of Braised Pear with Poached Apples and Mascarpone.

“Winning MASTERCHEF has been a complete thrill,” said Behm. “All of the hard work paid off! I am absolutely elated and honored to represent the 100 amateur cooks who made it to Los Angeles. I’m excited about my culinary future, and can’t wait to continue to inspire others to bring smiles to the faces of their families and friends through food.”

MASTERCHEF’s two-hour season finale night posted a 2.6/8 overall and was up +30% from last year’s two-hour finale. Last night’s 9pm finale episode was up +40% versus last year and achieved the show’s highest ratings ever among Adults 18-49 and Total Viewers.

MASTERCHEF is produced by Reveille and One Potato Two Potato and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Shine. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Howard T. Owens, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Pat Llewellyn, Ben Adler and Liz Cook serve as executive producers. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/masterchef and follow the series on Twitter at @masterchefonfox.

A REALTOR, A STAY-AT-HOME DAD, A SERVER AND A NEURAL ENGINEER ARE THE “MASTERCHEF” TOP 4 FINALISTS

Amateur Cooks Jennifer Behm, Christian Collins, Adrien Nieto and Suzy Singh

Vie for MASTERCHEF Title Monday, August 15, and Tuesday, August 16, on FOX

 

Jennifer Behm from Wilmington, DE; Christian Collins from Gloucester, MA; Adrien Nieto from Ventura, CA; and Suzy Singh from Chicago, IL, are the MASTERCHEF Top 4 finalists.

 

On Monday, Aug. 15 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 4 enter into their last team challenge where they will present dishes for MASTERCHEF judges from around the globe, including France, India and Israel. The losing team will be forced to enter the pressure test, and one cook will be sent home. Then on a two-hour season finale, airing Tuesday, Aug. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 3 will compete head-to-head as judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot determine which hopeful truly has the passion, palate and potential to be named America’s next MASTERCHEF and walk away with the $250,000 grand prize.

 

The Top 4 finalists reveal their favorite MASTERCHEF moments and what they learned from the show:

 

Jennifer Behm Age: 34 Occupation: Realtor Hometown: Wilmington, DE Mystery Box Challenges Won: 3 Team Challenges Won: 2

 

Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “Making friendships and memories that were life-changing! Winning three mystery box challenges and cooking with Adrien for the international judges panel were all great moments for me!”

 

What she learned from the show: “I learned not to be afraid because they smell fear! With calculated risk comes great reward. I would taste things in my mind then would create from all the passion I have for cooking, and I think the belief in myself and my love for cooking showed through.”

 

 

Christian Collins Age: 31 Occupation: Stay-at-Home Dad Hometown: Gloucester, MA Mystery Box Challenges Won: 1 Team Challenges Won: 4

 

Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “Cooking for the mothers was my favorite moment. Converting Gordon’s mother into a fish-eater was not only one of my greatest achievements on the show, but the greatest in my culinary career. I get excited every time I think no one else was able to prepare a piece of fish that she liked until me!”
What he learned from the show: “I learned so much from the experience. They put you in so many different situations, and you have to learn to adapt to the challenges and take risks – all under extreme pressure. We all poured our hearts and souls into this, and to make it to the Top 4 is really an unbelievable feeling and achievement.”

 

 

Adrien Nieto Age: 28 Occupation: Server Hometown: Ventura, CA Mystery Box Challenges Won: 2 Team Challenges Won: 3

 

Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “I coined a saying that we all used, ‘retrospect and speculation,’ because the competition seemed to take us out of the moment, but looking back we faced the competition as a group, so we were absolutely in every moment together! I was happy to be with such beautiful people every moment of MASTERCHEF, and now they’re my awesome friends!”

 

What he learned from the show: “I learned all about perseverance and never to give up! Nothing is an obstacle you can’t find a way around, and winning and losing are only temporary things. There is always something about your dream and if you go after it, you can get it!”

 

 

Suzy Singh Age: 27 Occupation: Neural Engineer Hometown: Chicago, IL Mystery Box Challenges Won: 0 Team Challenges Won: 4

 

Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “Was definitely when I was challenged to make Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred dish. The anticipation to do something like this loomed over me all season. I felt very proud that I was at the top for making this dish and moved forward to the Top 4!”

 

What she learned from the show: “I learned a great deal from the show! The first is to stay humble and grounded through the challenges. Secondly, I found that I excelled under pressure, and the most important lesson I learned was to K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple, Suzy. I have woven this thread of simplicity through other aspects in life, and it has created a great deal of clarity. All three judges were phenomenal mentors, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them!”

 

 

MASTERCHEF is produced by Reveille and One Potato Two Potato and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Shine. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Howard T. Owens, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Pat Llewellyn, Ben Adler and Liz Cook serve as executive producers. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/masterchef and follow the series on Twitter at @masterchefonfox.

FOX ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO SUMMER SCHEDULE

CULINARY COMPETITION SERIES “MASTERCHEF”

AIRS AT 9:00 PM ON MONDAYS BEGINNING JUNE 13

GORDON RAMSAY’S “HELL’S KITCHEN”

SERVES UP TWO-NIGHT SEASON PREMIERE

MONDAY, JULY 18 AND TUESDAY, JULY 19

NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES “BURIED TREASURE”

DEBUTS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24

FOX updates its summer schedule with a new time period for MASTERCHEF on Mondays, the two-night season premiere of HELL’S KITCHEN and the debut of new unscripted treasure-hunting series BURIED TREASURE.

 

On the second season of hit culinary competition series MASTERCHEF, America’s best amateur cooks from all walks of life will compete for the coveted white apron two nights a week: Mondays in a new time period beginning June 13 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Tuesday episodes of MASTERCHEF will move to 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT beginning July 19.

 

Superstar chef Gordon Ramsay throws open the doors of HELL’S KITCHEN for the series’ ninth season, beginning with a tantalizing two-night premiere Monday, July 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Tuesday, July 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The series puts aspiring restaurateurs through an intense culinary academy on its regular nights as Ramsay seeks out the one chef who possesses the right combination of ingredients to win the life-changing grand prize.

 

BURIED TREASURE, the new unscripted series in which identical twin brothers Leigh and Leslie Keno (“Antiques Roadshow”) travel across the country to help ordinary people discover the unknown treasures in their homes, debuts on its regular night, Wednesdays starting Aug. 24 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The Keno brothers are modern-day treasure hunters – world-renowned antique experts and appraisers who have helped people all over the world sell more than $1 billion worth of collectibles. From one-of-a-kind comics to a 300-year-old violin, the pair will travel the country to uncover age-old mysteries and change people’s lives forever.

 

As previously announced, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE wraps up auditions with special two-hour episodes this week Wednesday, June 8 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, June 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Live episodes of television’s hottest dance series kick off next week beginning Wednesday, June 15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and Thursday, June 16 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

 

 

 

 

RECAP – FOX 2011 UPDATED SUMMER SCHEDULE

(All times ET/PT except as noted)

 

MONDAY

Mondays, beginning June 13:

8:00-9:00 PM                        MASTERCHEF (Encores)

9:00-10:00 PM            MASTERCHEF (All-New Episodes) (Time Period Premiere)

 

Mondays, beginning July 18:

8:00-9:00 PM            HELL’S KITCHEN (Season Premiere, Part 1)

9:00-10:00 PM            MASTERCHEF (All-New Episodes)

 

***************************

 

TUESDAY

Tuesdays (current schedule):

8:00-9:00 PM                     MASTERCHEF (Season Premiere, Part 2)

9:00-9:30 PM                        RAISING HOPE (Encores)

9:30-10:00 PM            RAISING HOPE (Encores)

 

Tuesday, July 12:

8:00-11:00 PM ET            MLB ALL-STAR GAME 2011 (FOX Sports Special)

 

Tuesdays, beginning July 19:

8:00-9:00 PM                        HELL’S KITCHEN (Season Premiere, Part 2)

9:00-10:00 PM            MASTERCHEF (All-New Episodes)

 

***************************

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, June 8:

8:00-10:00 PM            SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Las Vegas Callbacks

(2-Hour Episode)

 

Wednesdays, beginning June 15:

8:00-10:00 PM            SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Performance Shows

(Live Episodes)

 

Wednesday, Aug. 17:

8:00-9:00 PM                        MOBBED (Encore Airing)

9:00-10:00 PM            HOUSE (Encore Episode)

 

Wednesdays, beginning Aug. 24:

8:00-9:00 PM                        BURIED TREASURE (Series Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            HOUSE (Encores)

 

 

THURSDAY

Thursday, June 9:

8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Meet the Top 20

(2-Hour Episode)

Thursdays, beginning June 16:

8:00-9:00 PM                     SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Results Shows

(Live Episodes) (Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM            GLEE (Encores)

 

***************************

FRIDAY

Friday, June 10:

8:00-9:00 PM                        BONES (Encore)

9:00-10:00 PM            LIE TO ME (Encore)

 

Fridays, beginning June 17:

8:00-9:00 PM                     BONES (Encores)

9:00-10:00 PM                     HOUSE (Encores)

 

***************************

 

SATURDAY

Saturday, June 18:

8:00-8:30 PM                        COPS (Season Finale)

8:30-9:00 PM                        COPS

9:00-10:00 PM            AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (Season Finale)

 

Saturday, June 25 and July 2:

8:00-8:30 PM                         COPS (Encores)

8:30-9:00 PM                        COPS (Encores)

9:00-9:30 PM                        COPS (Time Period Premiere) (Encores)

9:30-10:00 PM            COPS (Time Period Premiere) (Encores)

 

Saturdays, beginning July 9:

8:00-8:30 PM                         COPS (Encores)

8:30-9:00 PM                        COPS (Encores)

9:00-9:30 PM                        ANIMATION DOMINATION (Time Period Premiere) (Encores)

9:30-10:00 PM            ANIMATION DOMINATION (Time Period Premiere) (Encores)

 

***************************

SUNDAY

Sundays (current schedule):

7:00-10:00 PM            ANIMATION DOMINATION (Encores)

“MASTERCHEF” GETS COOKING MONDAY, JUNE 6, ON FOX

NATIONWIDE SEARCH BRINGS 100 AMATEUR COOKS

TO LOS ANGELES TO VIE FOR COVETED TITLE

Top 18 Revealed Tuesday, June 14

Famed chef Gordon Ramsay is back for Round Two of his culinary smash hit and last summer’s highest-rated new series, MASTERCHEF, Monday, June 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. After conducting a nationwide search, 100 of the best amateur cooks in America, including a police officer, an oil rig engineer, an interior designer, a forklift operator, a professional poker player, a classical pianist and a tattoo shop owner, were flown to Los Angeles in the hopes of becoming the next MASTERCHEF and walking away with the life-changing grand prize.

In the premiere episode, the hopefuls will prepare their signature dishes and present them to the renowned MASTERCHEF judging panel: Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay; restaurateur and wine maker Joe Bastianich; and the youngest four-star chef in America, Graham Elliot. The judges are looking for presentation, flavor, originality and creativity, but most importantly – to have a chance – every contender must possess an immense passion for food. The amateur cooks will be put through the paces, and only the most deserving among them will win the coveted white apron and move on to the next round of the competition. One thing is certain in MASTERCHEF: Winning will be no piece of cake.

 

On Tuesday, June 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Monday, June 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), the judges will continue to winnow down the Top 100 and ultimately reveal the Top 38. The competition heats up as more hopefuls are eliminated until the Top 18 are announced on Tuesday, June 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

 

Below are the hometowns, names and professions of the 100 amateur cooks:

 

California
	Burbank	Edgardo Geronimo	Teacher
		Michelle Farmer	Clothing Designer
	Calabasas	Pauline McAloon	Realtor
	Fremont	Denise Jacinto	Event Planner
		Julie Lafoya	Human Resources Manager
	Fresno	Jervis Cole	Sport Management
	Laguna Beach	Tahera Smith	Sales Representative
	Los Angeles	Esther Kang	Lawyer
	Modesto	Brian Dolnick	Physician
	Napa	Kevin West	Nursing Supervisor
	Newhall	Michael Labrador	Aerospace Company President
	Pasadena	Kristie Amobi	Oncology Marketing Vice President
	Playa Del Rey	Alejandra Schrader	Architect/Urban Planner
	San Francisco	David Gunderman	Homemaker
	Ventura	Adrien Nieto	Server

 

-more-

 

“MASTERCHEF” TOP 100 – Page 2

 

Colorado
	Denver	Jonathan Baiardo	Electrical Engineer
	Colorado Springs	Kayla Hildebrand	Homemaker
		Christine Wendell	Government Contractor
		Joey Stasolla	Business Owner
	Highlands Ranch	DeVoyn Huddy-Nickels	Tattoo Shop Owner
	Longmont	Josh Heilbrun	Forklift Operator
		Gladys Jackson	Homemaker
	Parker	Jarvis Green	Construction/Retired Pro-Football Player
Delaware
	Wilmington	Jennifer Behm	Real Estate Agent
Florida
	Clermont	Rhonda Sweet	Produce Company Owner
	Coral Springs	Tracy Kontos	Style Consultant
	Davenport	Dustin Gatward	Pool Maintenance Technician
	Dunedin	Christin Carson	Teacher
	Nokomis	KC Quaretti-Lee	Internet Host
	Orlando	Kala Fillmann	Sales
		Ashley Pado	Student/Server
		Joe Palladino	Restaurant Manager
	Panama City	Yi Lynne Weber	Homemaker
	Saint Cloud	Joe Jayne	Pipe Superintendent
	Sopchoppy	Christine Corley	Homemaker
Idaho
	Nampa	Michelle Dean	Homemaker
Illinois
	Chicago	Lou Bank	Non-Profit Management
		Erryn Cobb	Publicist
		Brian Dombrowski	Mortgage Banker
		Giuseppe Morisco	Granite Sales Representative
		Mark Raffaeli	Real Estate Broker
		Suzy Singh	Neural Engineer
	Grant Park	Tony Scruggs	Truck Driver
	Naperville	Beth Peterson	Homemaker
	Rockton	Chad Ryan	Police Officer
Kentucky
	Richmond	Jeannie Burchett	Rental Property Management
Louisiana
	Baton Rouge	Jay Ducote	Program Coordinator
	Madisonville	Jason Broussard	Oil Rig Engineer
	New Orleans	Brant Langlinais	Nursing Student

 

 

 

 

 

-more-

“MASTERCHEF” TOP 100 – Page 3

 

Massachusetts
	Boston	Alice Phillips	School Psychologist/Education Therapist
		AJ Williams	Event Planner
	Gloucester	Christian Collins	Unemployed
	Lowell	Bob Rafferty	Farmer
	Milton	Mike Donovan	Firefighter
	Northampton	Jeff Dalton	Ph.D. Student
	Rowley	Ana Hammond	Interior Designer
	Scituate	Laura Raposa	Gossip Columnist
	Somerville	Erin Cabana	Customer Service Representative
		Kathy-Ann Hart	Lawyer
	Worcester	Natalie Rodriguez	Phlebotomist
Maryland
	Baltimore	David Bersch	Bartender
Michigan
	Howell	Reneen Chodkowski	Cooking Teacher/Kitchen Tools Salesperson
Minnesota
	Eden Prairie	Rebekah Garneau	Homemaker
Mississippi
	Jackson	Aaron Thomas	Student
	Kiln	Albert Necaise	Truck Driver
Nebraska
	Omaha	Timothy Hagedorn	Server
New Jersey
	Montville	Donna Zicarelli-Pierro	Homemaker
	Morristown	Alterik Wilburn	Lawyer
Nevada
	Henderson	Christian Alonso	Event Planner
New York
	Brooklyn	Morenike Lambert	Tutor/Freelancer
	Massapequa	John Addona	Plumber
	New York	Monica Chung	Classical Pianist
		Cidele Curo	Make-Up Artist
		Chiharu Dixon	Interactive Media Consultant
		Max Kramer	Student
	Saratoga Springs	Gary Styczynski	Professional Poker Player
	West Babylon	Derrick Prince	Musician
Ohio
	Columbus	Angel Moore-Soukkay	Property Manager
	Maysfield Heights	Kyle Manning	Catering Account Manager
Oregon
	Gladstone	Jim Miller	Martial Arts Teacher
	Portland	Garrett Lee	Student
		Craig Tyson	Computer Engineer

 

-more-

“MASTERCHEF” TOP 100 – Page 4

 

Pennsylvania
	Elizabethtown	Heather Conger	Homemaker
Texas
	Arlington	Cynthia Price	Human Resources Representative
	Dallas	Donna Collins Yamini	President of Global Peace Project/ Feng Shui Master
		Anthony Fedele	Semi-Retired Brand Specialist
		Shamarra Garmon	Youth Cooking Instructor
		Risa Goldstein	Retired
		Jennie Kelley	Musician
		Amber Montgomery	Restaurant Manager
	Frisco	Stephen Russell	Bartender
	Houston	Jason McConniel	Property Tax Consultant
		Alvin Schultz	Retail Manager
	Lewisville	Ben Starr	Freelance Writer
	Mc Kinney	Bryce Hendricks	Office Manager
	McAllen	Seby Joseph	Student
	Plano	Shawn Guenther	Product Engineer
	Round Rock	Juliet Mossman	Homemaker
Washington
	Tacoma	Jason Albert	Hydraulic Technician
Wisconsin
	Milwaukee	Jenny Jennings	Car Sales Representative

 

MASTERCHEF is produced by Reveille and One Potato Two Potato and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Shine. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Howard T. Owens, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Pat Llewellyn, Ben Adler and Liz Cook serve as executive producers. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/masterchef and follow the series on Twitter at www.twitter.com/masterchefonfox (@masterchefonfox).

SIZZLING SUMMER BEGINS THIS MAY ON FOX

“SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” LAUNCHES NEXT SEARCH

FOR AMERICA’S FAVORITE DANCER THURSDAY, MAY 26

AMERICA’S AMATEUR COOKS COMPETE TO BE THE NEXT “MASTERCHEF” BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 6

GORDON RAMSAY SERVES UP NINTH COURSE OF “HELL’S KITCHEN”

STARTING TUESDAY, JULY 19

FOX sizzles this summer with the return of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, HELL’S KITCHEN and MASTERCHEF.

Back for an eighth season this summer, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE kicks off with a two-hour premiere Thursday, May 26 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Hosted by Cat Deeley, the hit dance competition series will inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from hip-hop to ballroom compete to be named America’s Favorite Dancer. This season’s auditions feature resident judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, as well as guest judges Robin Antin, Lil C, Tyce Diorio, Toni Redpath and Jason Gilkison. Once the auditions conclude, weekly two-hour performance shows will air Wednesdays (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), and weekly results shows will air Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), followed by encore episodes of GLEE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and chef Graham Elliot return to challenge a new batch of hopefuls on the second season of hit culinary competition series MASTERCHEF beginning Monday, June 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). America’s best amateur cooks from all walks of life will compete two nights a week for the coveted white apron Mondays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

Chef Ramsay takes over Tuesdays when HELL’S KITCHEN starts cooking July 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) following all-new episodes of MASTERCHEF. HELL’S KITCHEN puts aspiring restaurateurs through an intense culinary academy as Ramsay seeks out the one chef who possesses the right combination of ingredients to win the life-changing grand prize.

Starting June 3, FOX Fridays lead with encores of BONES (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) featuring the investigative work of fearless forensic duo Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz), followed by encores of LIE TO ME (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) starring Tim Roth as deception expert Cal Lightman.

The most arresting night of television airs Saturdays with a mixture of all-new and encore episodes of COPS (8:00-8:30 and 8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) followed by all-new episodes of AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) until its season finale on June 18. Encores of compelling new police drama THE CHICAGO CODE begin Saturday, June 25 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Sundays feature everyone’s favorite animated families with encores all summer long of THE SIMPSONS, THE CLEVELAND SHOW, FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD and newcomer BOB’S BURGERS (7:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

RECAP – FOX 2011 SUMMER SCHEDULE

(All times ET/PT except as noted)

MONDAY

Mondays, beginning June 6:

8:00-9:00 PM MASTERCHEF (Season Premiere, Part 1)

9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE (Encores)

****************************

TUESDAY

Tuesdays, beginning June 7:

8:00-9:00 PM MASTERCHEF (Season Premiere, Part 2)

9:00-9:30 PM RAISING HOPE (Encores)

9:30-10:00 PM TRAFFIC LIGHT (Encores)

Tuesday, July 12:

8:00-11:00 PM ET MLB ALL-STAR GAME 2011 (FOX Sports Special)

Tuesdays, beginning July 19:

8:00-9:00 PM MASTERCHEF

9:00-10:00 PM HELL’S KITCHEN (Season Premiere)

***************************

WEDNESDAY

Wednesdays, beginning June 1:

8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (Season Premiere, Part 2)

***************************

THURSDAY

Thursday, May 26:

8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (Season Premiere, Part 1)

Thursdays, beginning June 2:

8:00-9:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (Time Period Premiere)

9:00-10:00 PM GLEE (Encores)

FRIDAY

Fridays, beginning June 3:

8:00-9:00 PM BONES (Encores)

9:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME (Encores)

***************************

SATURDAY

Saturday, June 18:

8:00-8:30 PM COPS (Season Finale)

8:30-9:00 PM COPS

9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (Season Finale)

Saturdays, beginning June 25:

8:00-8:30 PM COPS (Encores)

8:30-9:00 PM COPS (Encores)

9:00-10:00 PM THE CHICAGO CODE (Time Period Premiere) (Encores)

***************************

SUNDAY

Sundays, beginning June 5:

7:00-10:00 PM ANIMATION DOMINATION (Encores)

WHITNEY MILLER, A STUDENT FROM POPLARVILLE, MS, NAMED AMERICA’S FIRST-EVER “MASTERCHEF”

The first season of MASTERCHEF came to a sensational end tonight as judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot named Whitney Miller the winner during the two-hour season finale on FOX. Miller, 22, a student from Poplarville, MS, and the youngest competitor in the competition, walked away with the $250,000 grand prize and will publish her own cookbook.

Whitney Miller competed against several thousand hopefuls for a coveted spot among the finalists, and in the end went head-to-head with David Miller, 29, a software engineer from Newton Centre, MA. For the final challenge, Whitney won the judges over with a delicious and technically savvy gourmet three-course meal: an appetizer of Sweet Shrimp on a Crispy Corncake with Turnip Green Pesto, a main course of Buttermilk Chicken with Creamed Collard Greens and a dessert of Bread Pudding with Raspberry Coulis with White Chocolate Sauce.

“Winning MASTERCHEF was amazing,” said Whitney. “I really felt all the hard work I put into the competition had just paid off. Being the youngest competitor, I was able to prove that age is just a number, and I cannot wait to continue my culinary career because now there is definitely no turning back. I’m just elated.”

“Whitney is a brilliant ambassador for the MASTERCHEF brand around the world,” said Ramsay. “She is one of the most instinctive, naturally gifted home cooks I’ve ever come across. Her innate ability to create stunning desserts and cakes, in particular, is mind-blowing. Graham, Joe and I are all thrilled for her, and we are really excited to see what happens next for the Pastry Princess!”

Home cooks who believe they have what it takes to be the next MASTERCHEF should visit www.fox.com/masterchef.

MASTERCHEF is produced by Reveille, Shine TV and One Potato Two Potato and is based on format created by Franc Roddam and Shine TV. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Franc Roddam, Mark Koops, Howard T. Owens, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Pat Llewellyn, JD Roth and Todd Nelson serve as executive producers.

A TEACHER, A STUDENT, A SOFTWARE ENGINEER AND A BARTENDER ARE THE “MASTERCHEF” TOP 4 FINALISTS

Home Cooks Sheetal Bhagat, Lee Knaz, David Miller and Whitney Miller

Vie for Title on Final Showdown Wednesday, September 15, on FOX

Sheetal Bhagat from Chicago, IL; Lee Knaz from Venice, CA; David Miller from Newton Centre, MA; and Whitney Miller from Poplarville, MS, are the MASTERCHEF Top 4 finalists. On Wednesday, Sept. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), these home cooks will go head-to-head one last time as judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot determine which hopeful truly has the passion and potential to transform his or her culinary dreams into reality.

On the two-hour season finale, the remaining Top Four chefs compete in the first challenge and the judges waste no time eliminating two home cooks. Then, the final two are challenged to prepare a delicious three-course meal. With their family members cheering them on, they must use all of their culinary skills to create a mouth-watering appetizer, a delicious main course and a fabulous dessert. Only the strongest competitor will embark on a life-changing journey – earning the title of MASTERCHEF, winning the $250,000 grand prize and publishing his or her own cookbook.

The Top 4 finalists reveal their favorite MASTERCHEF moments and what they learned from the show:

Sheetal Bhagat

Age: 37

Occupation: Teacher

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Mystery Box Challenges Won: 1

Invention Tests Won: 0

Field Challenges Won: 3

Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “If I had to choose, it’d be during the fishing challenge when we were waiting to present our dishes to the three food critics. Back in the kitchen, Gordon, Joe and Graham started sharing stories about their own experience with food critics and tales about opening their own restaurants. I felt so connected to them at that moment, and it was great to see that side of them and hear their experiences they’ve had in the culinary world.”

What she learned from the show: “The thing that stands out most was when we had to handle, cook and take apart a crab. I didn’t even know where to begin, and I had a big fear of failure, but I overcame that fear and it was one of the biggest hurdles I had to conquer while I was there, but I’m so glad that I was able to do it.”

Lee Knaz

Age: 27

Occupation: Bartender

Hometown: Venice, CA

Mystery Box Challenges Won: 1

Invention Tests Won: 1

Field Challenges Won: 1

Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “My favorite MASTERCHEF moment would have to be winning the romance challenge when I cooked the beef tenderloin with port-plum reduction sauce. It was such an exciting and proud moment, and I thought it elevated me to the level where I was considered to be a frontrunner in the competition. After having only one year of cooking experience, to be getting recognition from three culinary greats – Gordon, Joe and Graham – was just amazing.”

What he learned from the show: “The main thing I learned on the show was how to work under pressure and be able to perform and think on my feet while improvising all at the same time – it’s totally different than cooking in my own kitchen. I was in a professional environment and cooking for the judges who all have amazing culinary backgrounds. It gave me the confidence in my abilities as a chef and proved to me that I was going in the right direction to follow my culinary dreams.”

David Miller

Age: 29

Occupation: Software Engineer

Hometown: Newton Centre, MA

Mystery Box Challenges Won: 0

Invention Tests Won: 0

Field Challenges: 3

Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “By far my favorite moment was when we did the fishing challenge and were given one hour to complete our dishes and present them to three top food critics. In the end, I won the challenge and received an 11.5 stars out of 12 from the critics. It was such a humbling and an unbelievable experience. I almost can’t even describe it to you now because it still thrills me to this day. It was an amazing moment, and I still can’t contain my excitement.”

What he learned from the show: “I learned so much from the show, but the biggest thing I took away is that there is so much talent hiding in people’s kitchens. Being on the show with so many passionate and brilliant people and enduring such an intense competition was just thrilling.”

Whitney Miller

Age: 22

Occupation: Student

Hometown: Poplarville, MS

Mystery Box Challenges Won: 1

Invention Tests Won: 1

Field Challenges Won: 1

Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “My favorite moment was when I won the very first mystery box challenge. Being the youngest competitor in the competition I felt I really had to prove myself to the judges and the other competitors. So, when I won, I felt like I had made my mark on MASTERCHEF and really had a chance to make it far in the competition. It was a super-exciting moment.”

What she learned from the show: “I was introduced to a variety of new ingredients that I had never used in any dishes, like gooseberries and passion fruit. That passion fruit really threw me for a loop, and it challenged me to try new things and broadened my horizons. I will certainly continue to incorporate new ingredients throughout my dishes for many years to come.”

Recipes inspired by the MASTERCHEF Top 4 are featured in the “MasterChef Cookbook” published by Rodale Books, on stands now. For more information, please visit www.fox.com/masterchef.

MASTERCHEF is produced by Reveille, Shine TV and One Potato Two Potato and is based on format created by Franc Roddam and Shine TV. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Franc Roddam, Mark Koops, Howard T. Owens, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Pat Llewellyn, JD Roth and Todd Nelson serve as executive producers.

FOX GOES BACK FOR SECONDS WITH SEASON TWO OF GORDON RAMSAY’S “MASTERCHEF”

Next All-New Episode of Summer’s No. 1 New Series Airs Tomorrow;

Thrilling First Season Finale Airs Wednesday, September 15

FOX has ordered a second season of Gordon Ramsay’s newest culinary competition series, MASTERCHEF, it was announced today by Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“Gordon Ramsay is an incredible talent and the biggest culinary star on television today, so we’re very happy to have Gordon and MASTERCHEF back for another season on FOX,” said Darnell. “MASTERCHEF has resonated with viewers this summer, and we look forward to seeing where Gordon takes the show in Season Two.”

“It’s amazing and refreshing to see how much passion and raw talent there is from amateur home cooks across America,” said Ramsay. “It’s extraordinary the amount of energy and excitement the show brought in Season One, and I’m thrilled to be back at FOX for a second season.”

“The amazing reception for MASTERCHEF on FOX has been hugely rewarding for all of us at Shine Group,” said MASTERCHEF executive producer and Shine Group Chairman and CEO, Elisabeth Murdoch. “As the creators of this unique global franchise, we’re thrilled to see the U.S. audience love this show as much as we do. We are looking forward to building on this early success with an even broader, bigger search in Season Two, and to seeing the brand grow as it continues to do so in Australia, the U.K., France and around the world, breaking viewing and ancillary records as it goes.”

MASTERCHEF is the No. 1 new program of the summer among Adults 18-49, outperforming the next highest-rated show by +14%.

In the next all-new episode, airing tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 8 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, the MASTERCHEF judges – Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot – force the home cooks to work for their food as they all go fishing and are allowed to use only what they caught to make a delicious meal.  At the end of the episode, one more contestant will be sent home.

The following week on the season finale, airing Wednesday, Sept. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the remaining four home cooks go head-to-head and battle it out to become America’s first-ever MASTERCHEF. The winner will earn the title of America’s Best Home Cook, walk away with $250,000 and a cookbook-publishing deal and embark on a life-changing journey.

For those that believe they are the next MASTERCHEF please visit fox.com/masterchef.

MASTERCHEF is produced by Reveille, Shine TV and One Potato Two Potato and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Shine TV. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format.

GORDON RAMSAY, JOE BASTIANICH AND GRAHAM ELLIOT ANNOUNCE THE “MASTERCHEF” TOP 14

Teacher, Software Engineer, Construction Worker and Doctor Among Finalists

Competition Continues Next Week with a Two-Hour Episode on a New Night

Wednesday, August 18, on FOX

After scouring the nation for the best amateur cooks in America, the judges of MASTERCHEF have chosen the 14 hopefuls who will compete for the title of America’s first-ever MASTERCHEF. The Top 14 are Sheetal Bhagat, Tony Carbone, Jake Gandolfo, Sharone Hakman, Jenna Hamiter, Kim Dung “Slim” Huynh, Faruq Jenkins, Mike Kim, Lee Knaz, David Miller, Whitney Miller, Tracy Nailor, Avis White and Sheena Zadeh.

The competition heats up next when the MASTERCHEF Top 14 enter the kitchen on a new night and time beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Throughout the season, the home cooks will undergo a series of high-pressure individual and team challenges from creating incredible gourmet dishes using mystery ingredients and identifying components in a complex dish to providing an all-American send-off meal for hundreds of U.S. Marines and catering a high-end wedding. The MASTERCHEF judges – Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot – are looking for the contestant who possesses a refined palate as well as the right blend of skill, passion and creativity.

Below are the Top 14 home cooks on MASTERCHEF:

Sheetal Bhagat Age: 37 Occupation: Teacher Hometown: Chicago, IL

Cooking inspiration: My mom had the biggest influence on me. Everything she made used fresh ingredients; there was nothing canned or processed. I have carried her philosophy of healthy eating using only pure fresh ingredients into my cooking today.

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Tony Carbone Age: 31 Occupation: Server Hometown: Boston, MA

Cooking inspiration: My mother and grandmother. They spoiled me with great food growing up, so I knew that when I got older if I wanted to keep eating as good as I did growing up, then I’d need to learn to cook like them.

Jake Gandolfo Age: 38 Occupation: Construction Worker Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA

Cooking inspiration: My mother and Julia Child. Some of my earliest memories are of standing on a stool and canning vegetables from the family garden with my mom while watching “The French Chef” on television.

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Sharone Hakman Age: 28 Occupation: Financial Advisor Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Cooking inspiration: I’d have to say I inspired myself. When I was a kid, my mother was not part of our lives, and my dad was always working to support us. When my grandma wasn’t around, I had to go into our fridge and make something out of nothing. I taught myself how to create dishes at a very young age. This “survival” mode was how I started out, but cooking then became a creative outlet that I haven’t been able to stop since.

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Jenna Hamiter Age: 23 Occupation: Homemaker Hometown: Euless, TX

Cooking inspiration: My 85-year-old grandmother, who is a successful homemaker with nine children and 25 grandchildren. She’s has always been the gracious hostess, turning out spectacular desserts and parties for decades. I am thankful and privileged to still enjoy moments with her in the kitchen.

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Kim Dung “Slim” Huynh Age: 22 Occupation: Student Hometown: Harvey, LA

Cooking inspiration: My mom. As a child, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen trying to see over the stove to find out what she was cooking.

Faruq Jenkins Age: 30 Occupation: Bartender Hometown: Glendale, CA

Cooking inspiration: My mother and grandmother. My fondest memories of the holidays are staying up late and waking up early to help cook. The time I was able to spend with them in the kitchen was priceless.

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Mike Kim Age: 34 Occupation: Server Hometown: Redondo Beach, CA

Cooking inspiration: While my parents were instrumental in inspiring me to cook, fishing also played an important role. I started deep-sea fishing when I moved to California, and as I encountered a plethora of the freshest fish imaginable – from Yellowtail to Pacific Sheepshead and more – my understanding, passion and inspiration for cooking reached a whole new level.

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Lee Knaz Age: 27 Occupation: Bartender Hometown: Venice, CA

Cooking inspiration: I grew up in a family of non-cooks, but growing up in Israel I would watch hours of cooking shows. My first memories are of satellite-broadcasted French channels that would air cooking shows with Joël Robuchon and Jacques Pépin. I didn’t understand a word they were saying, but I was completely fascinated by them.

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David Miller Age: 29 Occupation: Software Engineer Hometown: Newton Centre, MA

Cooking inspiration: My mother. I always loved helping her in the kitchen – whether it was doing prep work, making gravy or doing dishes. As a teenager, I was vegetarian, and my mom accommodated that – she loves making people happy through food.

Whitney Miller Age: 22 Occupation: Student Hometown: Poplarville, MS

Cooking inspiration: My great-grandmother. My family would eat lunch at her house every Sunday when I was younger. I spent hours watching her make homemade biscuits, seafood gumbo, lemon meringue pies and countless other Southern favorites.

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Tracy Nailor Age: 42 Occupation: Doctor Currently Resides: Atlanta, GA

Cooking inspiration: My mother is the person who taught me the fundamentals of cooking. When I create a dish or prepare a family favorite, I am carrying on her legacy and honoring her memory by doing something she loved. I am grateful we were able to share that time.

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Avis White Age: 47 Occupation: Elderly Caregiver Currently Resides: Vacherie, LA

Cooking Inspiration: My grandmother always instilled in me the importance of family. She also felt it was important that I knew how to cook, clean, pay bills, and take care of myself at a young age. The one thing she wanted me to be really good at was cooking and baking, so she spent countless hours teaching me how to do just that. I am so grateful for those life lessons because it has made me the great cook that I am.

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Sheena Zadeh Age: 26 Occupation: Marketing Executive Hometown: Anaheim, CA

Cooking Inspiration: My first urge to cook came from watching cooking shows on television, but I was truly inspired to cook when I saw the smile on my dad’s face the first time I put dinner on the table for my family.

Additionally, recipes inspired by the MASTERCHEF Top 14 will be featured in the upcoming “MasterChef Cookbook” published by Rodale Books, set to be released on September 1. For more information, please visit www.fox.com/masterchef.

MASTERCHEF is produced by Reveille, Shine TV and One Potato Two Potato and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Shine TV. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Franc Roddam, Mark Koops, Howard T. Owens, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Pat Llewellyn, JD Roth and Todd Nelson serve as executive producers.

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