Joe Bastianich on New Food Show Format ‘Foodish,’ Launching at Mipcom: ‘It’s a Potential “MasterChef” Lite’

Joe Bastianich, who has long starred as a judge on “MasterChef” U.S., believes his Italian show “Foodish” could become “a potential ‘MasterChef’ lite” in terms of global reach.

Banijay is launching the format internationally at the upcoming Mipcom TV market in Cannes.

“Foodish,” which is now in its second season on Sky Italia’s free-to-air channel TV8 — where it’s reaping stellar ratings — revolves around finding neighborhood-style restaurants that make the best version of a local specialty or just any type of yummy dish, including hot dogs.

Each episode features Bastianich and a celebrity guest tasting four interpretations of the dish,…