MasterChef Celebrity Argentina Season 5 Premieres with Maru Botana as Permanent Judge Alongside Germán Martitegui and Damián Betular
Wanda Nara returns to host 24 famous contestants in the most demanding culinary competition yet
The kitchens of Argentine television are once again filled with heat, pressure, and star power. The fifth season of MasterChef Celebrity Argentina has officially premiered, bringing viewers a refreshed panel of judges, a familiar host, and a brand-new group of 24 celebrities ready to test their skills under intense scrutiny. At the center of the excitement stands the new permanent judge Maru Botana, who steps into the role previously held by Donato de Santis, joining the established duo of Germán Martitegui and Damián Betular.
For fans searching for details on the MasterChef Celebrity Argentina new season with Maru Botana, the premiere delivered exactly what audiences have come to expect: high production values, emotional moments, and a clear message that the bar has been raised even higher than last year.
#MasterChefCelebrity Aplauso DE PIE para MARU BOTANA!!! 👏👏👏, cocinera estrella y con NOMBRE Y APELLIDO PROPIO! pic.twitter.com/wsXlNedTdc
— Pacha Mama (@PachaMamarracha) September 29, 2026
A New Era Begins Without Donato de Santis
One of the biggest storylines heading into the fifth season was the departure of longtime judge Donato de Santis. After more than a decade associated with the MasterChef franchise in Argentina, the Italian-born chef announced his decision to step aside during the previous season’s finale. His exit left a noticeable gap, both emotionally and professionally, for the production and the audience.
Into that space steps Maru Botana, a beloved figure in Argentine gastronomy known for her approachable style, deep knowledge of pastry, and years of television experience. Although she had appeared as a guest and temporary replacement in earlier editions, this marks her first time as a stable member of the judging panel. In recent interviews, Botana described the moment with a mix of excitement and nerves, acknowledging the pressure of following such a respected predecessor while promising to bring her own authentic voice to the table.
The chemistry between Botana, Martitegui, and Betular already feels promising. The three have worked together in different configurations before, and early comments from the judges suggest mutual respect mixed with the healthy professional tension that makes the feedback segments compelling television.
What the Judges Are Saying About the New Season
In the days leading up to the premiere, Germán Martitegui, Damián Betular, and Maru Botana sat down to discuss what viewers can expect. One recurring theme was the elevated standard set by the previous edition. Betular noted that the last season “left the bar very high,” while also expressing optimism after observing the new contestants during early filming days.
Martitegui, the experienced restaurateur known for his precise and sometimes blunt critiques, emphasized that the new group of celebrities appears ready to take the competition seriously rather than treating it as a casual celebrity appearance. Botana, for her part, has spoken about wanting to be a judge who balances honesty with encouragement, particularly for those participants who arrive with limited kitchen experience.
These insights offer a glimpse into the judging dynamic that will define the season. Viewers looking for information on how Maru Botana, Germán Martitegui and Damián Betular will judge MasterChef Celebrity season 5 will find a panel that combines technical expertise, different culinary philosophies, and distinct personalities.
Wanda Nara Returns as Host with 24 New Celebrity Contestants
Wanda Nara continues in the hosting role she has made her own in recent seasons. Her energetic presence and ability to guide both contestants and audience through the emotional highs and lows of elimination nights remain a key part of the show’s appeal.
The cast of 24 participants spans multiple worlds of Argentine entertainment and public life. Among those confirmed are musician Alejandro Lerner, actor Diego Ramos, comedian Campi, journalists and presenters such as Luciana Geuna, Edith Hermida, Paula Trápani, China Ansa, and Elizabeth “La Negra” Vernaci, plus a mix of actors, influencers, athletes, and media personalities including Julieta Poggio, Julieta Nair Calvo, Lizy Tagliani, Luck Ra, Mike Amigorena, Morena Beltrán, Grego Rossello, and others.
This diversity of backgrounds guarantees a wide range of skill levels and personal stories. Some contestants have openly admitted to having almost no cooking experience, while others bring more confidence into the kitchen. That mix has always been one of the strengths of the celebrity format, and season five looks no different.
Where and When to Watch MasterChef Celebrity Argentina Season 5
The fifth season premiered on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 22:15, airing simultaneously on Telefe and the streaming platform HBO Max. This dual release strategy allows traditional television audiences and streaming viewers to experience the episodes at the same time, expanding the show’s reach significantly.
Additional distribution windows on other channels in the following days further ensure that fans who miss the initial broadcast still have convenient options to catch up. For international viewers interested in Argentine reality television, the HBO Max availability is particularly valuable.
Why This Season Feels Different
Beyond the new judge, several elements suggest this edition of MasterChef Celebrity Argentina with Wanda Nara and the new jury panel carries fresh energy. The challenges have been updated, the production continues to refine its formula, and the judges themselves arrive with additional personal projects that keep them creatively active. Betular has been balancing the show with his role in the Argentine production of the musical Hairspray, while Martitegui and Botana are also involved with the return of MasterChef Junior.
These parallel activities seem to feed rather than distract from their work on the celebrity version. The judges have spoken about the long filming days with genuine enthusiasm rather than fatigue, a positive sign for the quality of the season ahead.
For longtime fans, the absence of Donato de Santis will take some adjustment. Yet the early signals from Botana, Martitegui, and Betular indicate a panel that is both respectful of the show’s history and eager to write its own chapter. The combination of technical rigor, personal chemistry, and a diverse cast of celebrities creates the ideal conditions for compelling television.
Whether you are following for the dramatic eliminations, the creative plating, the interpersonal dynamics, or simply the joy of watching famous faces struggle with a mystery box, the fifth season of MasterChef Celebrity Argentina looks ready to deliver. With Maru Botana now a permanent part of the judging trio alongside Germán Martitegui and Damián Betular, and Wanda Nara guiding the proceedings, Argentine prime-time television has a strong culinary contender once again.
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The ovens are hot, the knives are sharp, and twenty-four celebrities are about to discover just how demanding the MasterChef kitchen can be. Season five is officially underway.
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