Do you like building with Lego®? Do you like watching other people build with Lego? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then you'll love Lego Masters! Lego Masters is a popular TV show that has captivated audiences with its unique concept of combining the beloved childhood toy with the thrill of competition. It is a reality TV show that pits teams against each other in a series of challenges to see who can build the best Lego creation.
In this article, we will delve into the history and format of the show, the personalities behind it, and the builds of the contestants that make Lego Masters so compelling to watch. Whether you're a long-time Lego fan or just discovering the joys of the toy brick, this article will give you an in-depth look at the world of Lego Masters.
What is Lego® Masters?
Lego® Masters is the first TV show to feature an exciting new competitive format focused on the beloved Lego building system. Hosted by actor and comedian Will Arnett, the Lego Masters invites teams of Lego enthusiasts to compete in building challenges that put their creativity and building skills to the test. With stunning builds and a cast of diverse and talented contestants, the show has become a hit among both Lego fans and reality TV viewers alike.
History of the show
The Lego® Masters first premiered in the United Kingdom in 2017, on Channel 4. The show was created by the production company Tuesday's Child. The show quickly became a hit in the UK and was praised for its unique concept and the creativity of the builds.
Due to its popularity, the show was soon adapted and produced in other countries. As of January 2023, the countries that have aired the show include:
- The United Kingdom: The show ran for three seasons in the UK and it was followed by a spin-off, "Lego® Masters: Battle of the Brick," and a charity special, "Lego Masters: Unplugged."
- Australia: The Australian version of the show premiered in 2019 and was hosted by Hamish Blake and Ryan "Lego®" McNaught, a certified Lego professional.
- The United States: The US version of the show premiered in 2020 and was hosted by Will Arnett, also known as the voice of Lego® Batman, and the judging panel was composed of Amy Corbett, Jamie Berard, and Matthew Ashton.
- Germany: The German version of the show premiered in 2020 under the name "Lego® Masters Germany".
- Canada: In 2021, the show was adapted to Canada under the name "Lego® Masters Canada" and was hosted by comedian and actor Andrew Younghusband, and judged by a panel including Brick Specialists, Brick Artists, and Brick Architects.
- Spain: In 2022, the show was adapted to Spain under the name "Maestros de Lego®" and was hosted by the Spanish comedian and actor David Broncano.
The Lego Masters is jointly owned by The Lego Group, Tuesday's Child, and Banijay as of 2020. The show is available to watch on different platforms. In the United States, the show is aired on Fox channel and can also be streamed on the Fox website or through a cable or streaming provider. In the UK, the show aired on Channel 4 and can be streamed through the Channel 4 website or through a cable or streaming provider.
Format of Lego® Masters
The Lego® Masters is very simple. Teams of two Lego enthusiasts compete in building challenges using Lego bricks provided by the show. In each episode, the teams are given a different Lego theme and a set of specific bricks, and they have to build something that corresponds to the theme within a certain time frame. The builds are judged by a panel of experts, and the team with the lowest score is eliminated.
Criteria for winning Lego® Masters
The Judging panel typically consists of a Lego® master builder, as well as other experts in fields such as design, engineering, or architecture. There are many things that the judges look for when they are deciding who the winner of the Lego Masters is. The criteria for winning the competition typically include:
- Creativity
- Technical skill
- Adherence to the theme
- Execution
- Overall impression
- Teamwork
The criteria for winning the competition may change slightly depending on the season and the host country, but the basics remain the same, which is to evaluate the contestants' skills, creativity, and adherence to the theme.
Key features of Lego® Masters
In its first season, Lego® Masters was the most-watched unscripted series on cable TV. The show was a hit with viewers of all ages, thanks to its kid-friendly and family-friendly nature. What made the show so captivating? Here are some key features of Lego Masters:
1. Creativity
Just like in planning and building your own Lego® city, building your own creation in Lego Masters allows for endless possibilities and imagination. The show features a wide range of themes. It can be based on popular movies, TV shows, or other media, and they can also be more abstract, such as recreating a specific emotion or building something that represents a particular concept. The contestants must use their creativity and engineering skills to build incredible creations for the specified theme.
The show is also considered to be a kid-friendly show, with a light-hearted tone, and an emphasis on creativity and imagination. The show also features behind-the-scenes segments, interviews with contestants, and time-lapse videos of the builds being constructed, which provides a good educational aspect for children.
2. Collaboration
The show features a diverse group of contestants, from different backgrounds and with different levels of experience with Lego®. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Each team must work together to come up with an idea, and then work together to bring it to life.
Whether it be building a Lego house or whatever fits the given theme, teams must brainstorm together, negotiate compromises, delegate tasks and help each other build their masterpiece. This unique opportunity allows viewers to appreciate the importance of working together as a team and utilizing one another’s strengths in order to achieve success.
3. Challenge
Each week, teams are given a new challenge, with only a limited amount of time to complete it. The challenge can be anything under the sun. It can be creating a Lego that is remote controlled, Lego Star Wars theme-inspired, or basically anything! The challenges are judged by a panel of expert judges, who score the teams based on their creativity, technical ability, and use of Lego® bricks.
Lego® Masters: FAQ
So, do you have what it takes to be a Lego® Master? This FAQ will provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the show that might help you decide:
Can I compete in Lego® Masters?
You don’t have to memorize all the important terms in the Lego glossary to be able to join. Anyone aged 18 and over is eligible to compete in Lego® Masters, as long as they’re not professional builders or have been employed by The Lego Group within the last five years.
How can I apply to be on the Lego® Masters?
You can apply online at www.legomasters.tv, and fill out the online application form. You'll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your teammate, as well as a brief description of your team's building skills. Once you've submitted your application, you'll be contacted if you've been selected to participate in the show.
Do contestants get paid for joining Lego® Masters?
Contestants receive a stipend for participating in the show, depending on the country and season. It's always best to check the terms and conditions of the specific season and country before applying to the show.
How many hours a day do they build on Lego® Masters?
The exact amount of time contestants are given may vary depending on the challenge and the episode. They usually work on their builds for long hours, sometimes up to 12 hours a day. However, it is important to note that this is a TV show and the conditions may not be the same as a real-world building process, and some elements may be edited out or added in the final cut.
What is the prize for winning Lego® Masters?
The prize can vary depending on the specific version of the show and the country it is airing in. In the US and Australian versions, the winning team will receive a $100,000 cash prize. In the UK version, the winning team will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £10,000.
It's worth noting that the prizes may have changed over time and it's always recommended to check the official website or the current airing season for the latest information.
Conclusion: The impact of Lego® Masters on the Lego Community
The Lego® Masters has brought attention to the creative possibilities of Lego building and has inspired many people to take up Lego building as a hobby. It has encouraged more people to buy and build with Lego sets and has sparked interest in different Lego themes and building techniques.
The show has also had an educational aspect, providing information on different Lego building techniques and concepts, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. It's a family-friendly, entertaining, and educational show that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. As long as Lego is around, Lego Masters will be a fun, creative, and exciting way to enjoy the beloved toy.
And if you can’t join the Lego Masters, don’t worry! Because you can still enjoy building your own Lego MOC in the comforts of your home. Just remember to buy the right Lego that you are interested in, for the price that fits your budget. In the Brickfact price comparison you can choose from a variety of suppliers and buy Lego sets at bargain prices. The Brickfact App also informs you via push notification as soon as new Lego deals are available. The Brickfact app is free and available for iOS and Android.
