Cooking shows hot and profitable (3)

On Dragon TV, the Chinese version of the hit cooking reality show "MasterChef" created by Franc Roddam will broadcast its final contest in early April. The winner gets one million yuan (US$160,183) to pursue his cooking career. The four top finalists will have a chance to take a nine-month course at the training centers of Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts Institute in France, the UK, Canada and Australia.

The first season debuted last year from July to October, and the second season is now running.

During the first season in 2012, Western food was the major theme, but now around 80 percent of the dishes that contestants must prepare are Chinese. The episodes are keyed to Chinese traditional festivals, folk culture and customs.

"All we have is a kitchen, not a stage, and that's a big challenge," says Yang Ping, producer of the Chinese version of "MasterChef."

There's no singing and dancing and the cooking process can be boring, long and tedious, so Yang says the show emphasizes the contestants' improvement, the fierce competition among them as well as the emotional stories behind some dishes.

The "MasterChef" franchise is produced in more than 35 countries and often earns at least US$100 million a season, Yang says.

Profit comes mainly from ads, product placement, chef training lessons and the opening of new restaurants.

"The Chinese version likewise has huge potential to develop by-products," she says, adding that the show is working on a practical cooking and recipe book.

China Central Television and regional television channels are also developing food programs.

'A Bite of China'

The second season of the hit documentary series "A Bite of China" produced by CCTV will finish shooting by the end of this year. Unlike the first season that focused on presenting regional dishes, the second season will provide audience interaction online and through microblogs. Viewers can recommend their favorites, share home recipes and cooking tips when the show is broadcast next year.

The Travel Channel's weekly food game show "Delicious Life" invites both celebrity and ordinary families to compete in a light-hearted contest.

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