Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, has announced a landmark deal that secures the return of global cookery hit MasterChef to Pakistan following an 11-year hiatus.  

Under the agreement, Karachi-based Pixel Entertainment will produce a new version of MasterChef Pakistan after being handed the rights to secure its own broadcast partner – with its appointed channel set to be announced over the coming months.   

The deal was brokered by Rashmi Bajpai, EVP Asia, Banijay Rights, who said, “More than ten years have passed since a Pakistani version of MasterChef captured the hearts and minds of this nation’s viewers. To secure this world-famous format’s comeback is an exciting prospect for us and we can’t wait to use MasterChef as a platform to celebrate Pakistan’s rich culinary heritage.” 

Rizwan Siddiqui, Co-founder, Pixel Entertainment, Pakistan, added, “MasterChef Pakistan presents an amazing opportunity to explore and unearth the rich culinary traditions of the country and offers a tremendous forum for all participants to showcase their talent. The format is set to inspire aspiring chefs and nurture exceptional talent for many years ahead.” 

Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records). Commissioned across 70 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 700 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to-date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the superbrand is known and enjoyed across the globe.  

Headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan, Pixel Entertainment is involved in the local adaptation and production of international formats for the country’s market.