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{{short description|Canadian cooking reality television series}}
{{short description|Canadian cooking reality television series}}
{{about||the most recent season|MasterChef Canada (season 7)}}
{{Update|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| genre = [[Cookery]] / [[Reality television#Reality competition or game shows|Reality competition]] / Food
| genre = [[Cookery]] / [[Reality television#Reality competition or game shows|Reality competition]] / Food
| creator = [[Franc Roddam]]
| creator = [[Franc Roddam]]
| director = Dave Russell
| director = Dave Russell
| judges = [[Claudio Aprile]]<br />[[Michael Bonacini]]<br />[[Alvin Leung]]
| judges = [[Claudio Aprile]]<br />[[Michael Bonacini]]<br />[[Alvin Leung]]
| narrated = Charlie Ryan
| narrated = Charlie Ryan
| country = Canada
| country = Canada
| language = English
| language = English
| num_seasons = 7<!-- increment when new season begins -->
| num_seasons = 7<!-- increment when new season begins -->
| num_episodes = 93 <!-- as of May 16, 2021 -->
| num_episodes = 93 <!-- as of May 16, 2021 -->
| list_episodes = List of MasterChef Canada episodes
| list_episodes = List of MasterChef Canada episodes
| executive_producer = Guy O'Sullivan, Cathie James, Elisabeth Murdoch
| executive_producer = Guy O'Sullivan, Cathie James, Elisabeth Murdoch
| location = [[Etobicoke]], [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/life/home-and-garden/masterchef-canada-s-tv-kitchen-has-its-secrets/article_b473f00a-ef28-5b90-a8d1-65023d241d9a.html|title=MasterChef Canada's TV kitchen has its secrets|work=[[Toronto Star]]|date=January 9, 2014|access-date=September 13, 2024}}</ref>
| runtime = 60 minutes with commercials.
| runtime = 44 minutes
| company = [[Endemol Shine Group|Endemol Shine International]]<br />Proper Television<br />[[Bell Media]]
| network = [[CTV Television Network|CTV]]
| company = [[Banijay|Banijay Rights]]<br />Proper Television<br />[[Bell Media]]
| network = [[CTV Television Network|CTV]]
| picture_format =
| audio_format =
| first_aired = {{start date|2014|1|20}}
| first_aired = {{start date|2014|1|20}}
| last_aired = {{End date|present}}
| last_aired = present
| related =
| related =
}}
}}
'''''MasterChef Canada''''' is a Canadian competitive cooking reality show, part of the ''[[MasterChef]]'' franchise, open to amateur home cooks. It premiered on [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] on January 20, 2014, and has aired its seventh season.<ref>{{cite web|title=MasterChef Canada|url=http://www.ctv.ca/MasterChefCanada.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608105630/http://www.ctv.ca/MasterChefCanada.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 8, 2013|work=[[CTV Television Network|CTV]]|publisher=[[Bell Media]]}}</ref> The show stars three judges: [[Claudio Aprile]], [[Michael Bonacini]] and [[Alvin Leung]].<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/09/19/masterchef-canada_n_3952909.html 'MasterChef Canada' Introduces Judges Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini, and Alvin Leung]</ref> The show is produced by [[Endemol Shine Group|Endemol Shine International]] and Proper Television.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://propertelevision.com/productions.php?showid=60 |date= 2014 |title= MasterChef Canada |publisher= Proper Television }}</ref>
'''''MasterChef Canada''''' is a Canadian competitive cooking reality show, part of the ''[[MasterChef]]'' franchise, open to amateur home cooks across [[Canada]]. It premiered on [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] on January 20, 2014, and has since aired its [[MasterChef Canada (season 7)|seventh season]].<ref>{{cite web|title=MasterChef Canada|url=http://www.ctv.ca/MasterChefCanada.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608105630/http://www.ctv.ca/MasterChefCanada.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 8, 2013|work=[[CTV Television Network|CTV]]|publisher=[[Bell Media]]}}</ref> The show stars three judges: [[Claudio Aprile]], [[Michael Bonacini]] and [[Alvin Leung]].<ref name=":1">[http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/09/19/masterchef-canada_n_3952909.html 'MasterChef Canada' Introduces Judges Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini, and Alvin Leung]</ref> The first seven seasons of the show was produced by [[Endemol Shine Group|Endemol Shine International]] and Proper Television.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://propertelevision.com/productions.php?showid=60 |date= 2014 |title= MasterChef Canada |publisher= Proper Television }}</ref>


MasterChef Canada airs Tuesday nights on CTV and the [[Cooking Channel]] in the United States.{{Citation needed|reason=No citation given|date=January 2017}} The current season airs starting in September of each year in the U.S. It airs also in Sweden, Italy and Spain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115013627/http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2015|title=MasterChef Canada - Home|website=masterchefcanada.ctv.ca|access-date=2017-05-09}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=No citation given|date=January 2017}}
The first seven seasons of ''MasterChef Canada'' aired on CTV and the [[Cooking Channel]] in the [[United States]]. It also aired in Sweden, Italy and Spain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115013627/http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2015|title=MasterChef Canada - Home|website=masterchefcanada.ctv.ca|access-date=2017-05-09}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=No citation given|date=January 2017}} A total of seven seasons has been produced, with the first six produced under the executive production of [[Guy O'Sullivan]].


After a three-year hiatus, CTV announced on October 22, 2024, an eighth season of the show for the 2025-26 season, to be produced by Toronto-based McGillivray Entertainment Media (MEM). Production is set to begin in early 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CTV Delivers a Fresh Serving of MASTERCHEF CANADA for 2025/26 Season, with Casting Now Open - Bell Media |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/ctv-delivers-a-fresh-serving-of-masterchef-canada-for-2025-26-season-with-casting-now-open/ |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=CTV Delivers a Fresh Serving of MASTERCHEF CANADA for 2025/26 Season, with Casting Now Open - Bell Media |language=en}}</ref>
On August 8, 2018, CTV renewed MasterChef Canada for another season, announcing that audition casting for the all new sixth season was greenlit. Filming began in October 2018 and concluded in January 2019. Season 6 premiered on CTV on April 8, 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BmNrxAWnGnp/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BmNrxAWnGnp |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|title=MasterChef Canada on Instagram: "Your time to apply starts NOW! Casting is now OPEN for season 6 of @ctv's #MasterChefCanada! Apply now on CTV.ca."|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://premieredate.news/tv-series/2990-masterchef-canada.html|title=Season 6 of Masterchef Canada is Officially Happening|website=premieredate.news|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2019/03/11/masterchef-canada-returns-with-a-special-two-hour-premiere-april-8-on-ctv/|title=MasterChef Canada returns with a special two-hour premiere, April 8 on CTV &#124; TV, eh?|website=www.tv-eh.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/canada-s-favourite-culinary-competition-masterchef-canada-returns-with-a-special-two-hour-premiere-april-8-on-ctv-892127727.html|title=Canada's Favourite Culinary Competition MASTERCHEF CANADA Returns With a Special Two-Hour Premiere, April 8 on CTV|website=www.newswire.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.restobiz.ca/masterchef-canada-return-april-8-two-hour-premiere/|title=Masterchef Canada to return on April 8 with two-hour premiere - Restobiz|date=13 March 2019}}</ref> and ended on June 10.

The series was renewed for a seventh season, which is a Back to Win season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctv.ca/MasterChef-Canada/Articles/Latest/Season-7-back-to-win|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720022133/https://www.ctv.ca/MasterChef-Canada/Articles/Latest/Season-7-back-to-win|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2020|title=All-Stars Season MasterChef Canada: Back To Win Is Ready To Be Served|last=Dowling|first=Amber|date=23 June 2020|website=www.ctv.ca/|publisher=Bell Media|access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> It aired its premiere on February 14, 2021, and its finale on May 16, 2021.


==Plot==
==Plot==
On ''MasterChef Canada'', amateur, non-professional homecooks are given the opportunity to compete in a series of challenges to win a trophy, a $100,000 [[Canadian dollar|CAD]] cash prize, and the title of ''MasterChef Canada''. Each season generally begins with a larger group of finalists invited to compete in an initial challenge or series of challenges in order to win a white [[apron]] and a spot in the primary stages of the competition. Alvin Leung, Claudio Aprile and Michael Bonancini have served as the series' judges for the entire series.<ref name=":1" />


In the [[MasterChef Canada (season 1)|first]] [[MasterChef Canada (season 2)|two]] seasons of ''MasterChef Canada'', fifty contestants<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-01-08 |title='MasterChef Canada' Season 2 finalists revealed |url=http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/News/‘MasterChef-Canada’-Season-2-finalists-revealed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212012922/http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/News/%E2%80%98MasterChef-Canada%E2%80%99-Season-2-finalists-revealed |archive-date=2015-02-12 |website=MasterChef Canada |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first=Greg |date=2015-01-12 |title=CTV unveils MasterChef Canada season 2 competitors |url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2015/01/12/ctv-unveils-masterchef-canada-season-2-competitors/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=TV, eh? |format=en}}</ref> were given the opportunity to prepare and present their signature dish to judges, where a "yes" vote (concerning whether a contestant's dish is worthy of the judges' approval) from at least two of the three judges was required in order to win the coveted apron. Those who were successful were then presented with an additional challenge to determine which contestants deserved a spot in the Top 16; over a third of the apron-winners were eliminated at that stage. The [[MasterChef Canada (season 3)|third]] season featured a twist on the original auditioning format, in that three "yes" votes were required to win an apron, while three "no" votes eliminated a hopeful homecook, and a second chance battle between those with one or two "yes" votes was then held to determine the remaining competitors who would advance to a Top 14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Block |first=Sheri |date=2016-02-12 |title=Season 3 of 'MasterChef Canada' unlike anything you've ever seen, says judges |url=http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/news/season-3-of-masterchef-canada-unlike-anything-you |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216082817mp_/http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/news/season-3-of-masterchef-canada-unlike-anything-you |archive-date=2016-02-16 |website=MasterChef Canada |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-01-18 |title=Season 3 of 'MasterChef Canada' to kick off Valentine's Day on CTV, with exclusive preview beginning Feb. 8 |url=http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/News/Season-3-of-MasterChef-Canada-to-kick-off-Valentin |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223225826mp_/http://masterchefcanada.ctv.ca/News/Season-3-of-MasterChef-Canada-to-kick-off-Valentin |archive-date=2016-02-23 |website=MasterChef Canada |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first=Greg |date=2016-01-18 |title=MasterChef Canada gets Vaneltine's Day premiere |url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2016/01/18/masterchef-canada-gets-valentines-day-premiere/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=TV, eh? |language=en}}</ref> Seasons [[MasterChef Canada (season 4)|four]], [[MasterChef Canada (season 5)|five]] and [[MasterChef Canada (season 6)|six]] simplified the audition process by facing slightly smaller groups of contestants (eighteen to twenty-four finalists) with more specific, concentrated challenges with only twelve aprons up for grabs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first=Greg |date=2017-02-06 |title=MasterChef Canada season 4 finalists revealed in advance of March 2 premiere on CTV |url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2017/02/06/masterchef-canada-season-4-finalists-revealed-in-advance-of-march-2-premiere-on-ctv/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=TV, eh? |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first=Greg |date=2017-03-02 |title=MasterChef Canada returns with a shocking episode 1 twist |url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2017/03/02/masterchef-canada-returns-with-a-shocking-episode-1-twist/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=TV, eh? |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first=Greg |date=2018-03-14 |title=MasterChef Canada Season 5 finalists revealed in advance of April 3 premiere |url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2018/03/14/masterchef-canada-season-5-finalists-revealed-in-advance-of-april-3-premiere-on-ctv/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=TV, eh? |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first=Greg |date=2019-04-08 |title=MasterChef Canada gets cooking with Season 6 on CTV |url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2019/04/08/masterchef-canada-gets-cooking-with-season-6-on-ctv/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=TV, eh? |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first=Greg |date=2019-03-11 |title=MasterChef Canada returns with a special two-hour premiere, April 8 on CTV |url=https://www.tv-eh.com/2019/03/11/masterchef-canada-returns-with-a-special-two-hour-premiere-april-8-on-ctv/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=TV, eh? |language=en}}</ref>
Amateur chefs compete in a series of challenges to become the best amateur home cook in Canada through challenges issued by judges [[Claudio Aprile]], [[Michael Bonacini]] and [[Alvin Leung]]. The rest of the format is very similar to the U.S. version starring [[Gordon Ramsay]].


With exceptions to the rule, the primary phase of the competition on ''MasterChef Canada'' involved a two-episode cycle, in which two challenges were held in an episode; the former challenge would grant immunity and/or advantage(s) to one or more competitiors, and the latter challenge would result in at least one competitors being permanently eliminated from the competition. This cycle of challenges would be repeated until a small number of homecooks remain, usually three or four, in which each season holds a unique series of semifinalist challenges before a final two (or three) competitors are named. The main two-episode cycle's challenges generally consist of:
Each season begins with around 20 applicants invited to the kitchen. To secure a place in the competition, they are tasked with creating their signature audition dish in a certain amount of time. Judging based on the food plating, flavours, technique, and sophistication, the judges will decide whether or not the applicants and their signature dishes are worthy of receiving a coveted white apron (a spot in the competition). In the first three seasons the traditional audition format (like the U.S. version) requires the applicants to earn an affirmative "yes" (thumbs up) from at least two out of the three judges to advance. Since season 4, changes to the audition format have been made. Applicants who fail to produce a passable dish are rejected and sent home. Some other rejected applicants are given a second chance to compete for the white apron.


* '''Mystery Box Challenge''': The competitors are all given a box with the exact same ingredients. The box usually conceals of specific ingredients (fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, fish, etc.) or a required kitchen utensil underneath, and they contestants must utilize only those ingredients (sometimes with an additional pantry of staples) to create an elevated, ''MasterChef Canada''-worthy dish within a set amount of time. Sometimes, a special guest may also appear to inspire the cooks and will serve as a guest judge for the challenge. At the end of the challenge, the judges take a quick look at all of the completed dishes and usually call forward the three most promising dishes up for tasting. A single winner from these three is usually named, and the competitor is then invited to join the judges in the pantry to hear about the advantage won - this typically includes a form of control over the upcoming elimination challenges, as well as occasionally immunity from the elimination challenge that night.
* '''Skills Test''': An immunity challenge where the home cooks observe and pay close attention to a judge demonstrating essential cooking skills (dicing onions and vegetables, filleting fish, separating eggs, French trimming a rack of lamb, peeling crayfish, breaking down a crab, breaking down a duck, breaking down a whole chicken, etc.) before they must properly replicate their work. Those who succeed are safe from elimination up on the balcony (and in some cases, those who flawlessly nailed the skills test are made team captains in next week's field team challenge episode) while those who fail to properly replicate must face the Elimination Test, whereby they must make an elevated MasterChef worthy dish featuring that key ingredient.
* '''Elimination Challenge''': Competitors are tasked with completing a specific challenge directly inspired by the decision(s) of the winner of the mystery box challenge. At the end of the challenge each of the contestant's dishes are separately brought up for evaluation and critiquing by the judges. Usually the two or three best competitors in the elimination challenge are named opposing team captains in the upcoming team challenge. The judges then call forward a bottom two or three, from which at least one cook is eliminated permanently from the competition.
* '''Mystery Box''': An immunity challenge where the home cooks are all given a box with the exact same ingredients. They discover ingredients (fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat or fish or kitchen utensils,) underneath and they must utilize only those to create a stunningly elevated, MasterChef worthy dish featuring said ingredient as the star of their dish within a fixed amount of time for a shot at immunity. Sometimes, a special guest may also appear to inspire the home cooks and will serve as a guest judge for this challenge before leaving. The judges will usually bring forward the top three (in a few cases, even more or less) dishes up to the judges' podium for tasting based on the beautiful plating, technique and sophistication alone to taste, and from those three (or more) select one winner (or at most two) who usually gains a number of advantages in the upcoming elimination test. They usually win immunity, automatically advancing forward in the competition and win a spot of safety up on the balcony, and have some sort of control over the elimination test, but in some cases, they do not win immunity and must also cook in the elimination challenge, as well as being given the chance to save a fellow competitor.
* '''Team Challenge''': The competitors arrive at an off-site location (beach, carnival, airbase, wedding, school, etc.) and are split into two or three teams by either the judges or team captains (who themselves are either decided by the judges directly or the results of the previous elimination challenge). The teams are asked to serve a single-dish or mult-course meal for a set group of diners; the winning team is decided either by voting from the diners or by the call of the judges themselves. The winning team is exempt from the upcoming pressure test, while the losing team(s) are to individually cook for their lives. Typically when there are six competitors remaining, the team challenge is a Restaurant Takeover challenge, in which cooks take over a well-known restaurant (sometimes owned by one of the judges) for a set service.
* '''Elimination Test''': Shortly after the elimination challenge is explained, judges evaluate all dishes based on taste and visual appeal. Contestants who produce the best, winning dishes of the night are usually made team captains for next week's off-site field team challenge episode. The judges nominate the worst dishes for elimination, criticize them and single them out for elimination before eliminating at least one contestant.
* '''Pressure Test''': Competitors who lost the previous team challenge are required to compete against one another back in the ''MasterChef Canada'' kitchen; occasionally, before the challenge begins competitors may be saved from partaking in the pressure test by either the judges, the winning team, the losing team's captain, or team consensus. Often requiring competitors to replicate a technically complicated dish predetermined by the judges, all of the dishes are evaluated and critiqued by the judges. Those who rise to the occasion and put out up-to-standard dishes are sent to safety on the balcony while the weakest cooks are faced with elimination; at least one cook is permanently eliminated from the competition.
* '''Team Challenge''': The cooks arrive at an off-site location (beach, carnival, airbase, vineyard, wedding, racetrack, school) and are split into usually two (sometimes three) teams by either the team captains or the judges. While contestants who perfectly nailed the skills test or produced the top-notch, best dishes in the previous elimination test are usually made team captains by the judges and get to pick their teams after a coin toss, sometimes the judges dictate and form the teams and their captains. The teams (Red Team and Blue Team; sometimes a Green Team) must create a fine dining restaurant meal for a group of VIP diners (lifeguards, wedding guests, race car drivers, firefighters, military soldiers, motorcyclists, construction workers, etc.). Diners taste both meals and vote for their favourite. This similar challenge often occurs in the Restaurant Takeover or Pop-Up Restaurant challenge (where the final 6 contestants divide into 2 groups of three and run a full dinner service in a professional Michelin-starred restaurant kitchen, serving appetizers and entrees shortly after a tutorial and demonstration from a judge), taking the place of the staff of a particular restaurant. Although the client comment cards are taken into account, the judges ultimately decide the winning and losing team. The winning team advances forward in the competition, safe from elimination up on the balcony, while the losing team will participate in the replication Pressure Test.
* '''Pressure Test''': Another form of the Elimination Test, in which the losing team members return to the kitchen the next morning after the field team challenge. Donning on their black aprons, they compete against each other for survival in a replication elimination challenge whereby they must recreate a very technical and difficult, professional, Michelin-starred dish, sweet or savoury (sometimes replicate two or at most three different versions/plates) within a very limited amount of time that requires a great degree of cooking finesse. Sometimes before the test begins, the judges, the losing team captain, or even the winning team, can save at least one member of the losing team from this replication elimination test while in other cases, all members must participate and not one, but one or two contestants are sent home (double-elimination). Each dish is judged on taste, visual appeal and technique. Contestants who produced a flawless, top-notch replication are sent to safety up on the balcony, and the losing chefs are eliminated.


This cycle is occasionally disrupted for special challenges following double eliminations, in which challenges such as a skills test or gauntlet can take place. Additionally, on several occasions there have been opportunities for selected competitors to win their way back into the competition through anywhere from one to three challenges.
After the Restaurant Takeover challenge, the next mystery box challenge is a family-reunion themed episode where the final 5 remaining contestants are visited by their family members. This particular mystery box tasks the contestants with making a stunningly elevated, home-style family-inspired dish while their family members look on from the balcony, followed by the elimination test. In later seasons the family members assisted the contestants.


After a final two (or three) competitors are determined through a unique-to-each-season semifinalist challenge sequence, the finalists are given their final challenge: they will compete head-to-head in a three-hour, three-course (appetizer, entrée, dessert) final challenge while friends, family and former competitors spectate and cheer them on. Each course is judged privately by the judges; in some seasons, the finalists are required to cook each course back-to-back without rest. After all of the courses have been sampled, and the judges have deliberated, a winner is eventually crowned - the winner receives a trophy, a $100,000 CAD cash prize, and the title of ''MasterChef Canada''.
In the Top 3 semifinals, the final three remaining semifinalists face the last mystery box/immunity challenge of the season for a shot at immunity. The semifinalist who wins this immunity challenge will automatically advance to the finals and secure a place in the grand finale, safe from elimination, while the remaining two semifinalists go head-to-head and compete against each other in the final replication Pressure Test of the season to earn to last spot in the grand finale. Other times, the semifinalist who wins this first challenge does not automatically advance to the finals/grand finale and must also participate in the last Elimination Test (which they have an advantage over in terms of getting to choose a key ingredient to work with for themselves while giving different key ingredients to the other two semifinalists).

Once the competition is reduced to the final two remaining competitors left standing, the two or three finalists will compete against each other in a three-hour, three-course dinner cook-off in a ring-like arena while their family members (joined by previously eliminated contestants), spectate and cheer them on. The finalists join the judges in the private dining room for the judging and tasting of their dishes at the end of each course. All three courses of the meal are judged and an overall winner is crowned after the two finalists switch places with the judges and stand on their podium. The winner of each season wins a $100,000 cash prize money, the ''MasterChef Canada'' trophy, and the title of ''MasterChef Canada''. Some seasons have also added other prizes. In the first three seasons, the finalists had separate time for each item. Since the Season 4 finale, the finalists must continuously cook non-stop for three whole hours, making sure that each course is ready for serving at the end of each hour and then join the judges in the private dining room once time is up to hear the judges feedback.


==Judges and hosts==
==Judges and hosts==
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*'''[[Claudio Aprile]]''', chef and owner of [[Toronto]] restaurant Xango.
*'''[[Claudio Aprile]]''', chef and owner of [[Toronto]] restaurant Xango.
*'''[[Michael Bonacini]]''', chef and co-owner of the O&B family of Toronto restaurants Jump, Canoe, Luma and Bannock.
*'''[[Michael Bonacini]]''', chef and co-owner of the O&B family of Toronto restaurants Jump, Canoe, Luma and Bannock.
*'''[[Alvin Leung]]''', Owner of [[Michelin stars|Michelin-starred]] restaurants Bo Innovation in [[Hong Kong]] and Bo London in [[London, UK]].
*'''[[Alvin Leung]]''', owner of [[Michelin stars|Michelin-starred]] restaurants Bo Innovation in [[Hong Kong]] and Bo London in [[London, UK]].
Additionally, several guest judges have appeared throughout the series for specific challenges, such as [[Joe Bastianich]], [[Graham Elliot]], [[Chris Hadfield]] and [[Tessa Virtue]].

MasterChef U.S. judge [[Joe Bastianich]] guest starred in the Season 1 semi-finals (Episode: "Not-Your-Average-Joe") which aired on April 21, 2014. Additionally, MasterChef U.S. judge [[Graham Elliot]] guest starred in an episode of Season 2 (Episode: "Good Things in Small Packages").


==Seasons==
==Seasons==


{{Main|List of MasterChef Canada episodes}}
{{Main|List of MasterChef Canada episodes}}

<onlyinclude>
<onlyinclude>
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; width:100%"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; width:100%"
Line 72: Line 65:
! colspan="5" |Viewership in
! colspan="5" |Viewership in
Canada
Canada
! rowspan="3" |Contestants
! rowspan="3" |Finalists
! rowspan="3" |Winner
! rowspan="3" |Winner
! rowspan="3" |Runner-up
! rowspan="3" |Runner-up
Line 86: Line 79:
!TV season
!TV season
|-
|-
| scope="row" style="background:#7851A9; color:#100;"|
| scope="row" style="background:#7851A9; color:#100;" |
| '''[[MasterChef Canada (season 1)|1]]'''
| '''[[MasterChef Canada (season 1)|1]]'''
| rowspan="3" | 15
| rowspan="3" | 15
Line 98: Line 91:
|averaged 819,000<ref name="Marketing" />
|averaged 819,000<ref name="Marketing" />
|Canada’s 2nd Most-Watched Canadian Series
|Canada’s 2nd Most-Watched Canadian Series
| rowspan="2" |16{{Citation needed|date=March 2018}}
| rowspan="2" |16
|[[Eric Chong]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/food-trends/from-masterchef-to-toronto-restaurant-owner-how-eric-chongs-career-went-from-0-to-100/article23887008/|title=From MasterChef to Toronto restaurant owner: How Eric Chong's career went from 0 to 100|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=10 April 2015|last1=Lee|first1=Cliff}}</ref>
|[[Eric Chong]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/food-trends/from-masterchef-to-toronto-restaurant-owner-how-eric-chongs-career-went-from-0-to-100/article23887008/|title=From MasterChef to Toronto restaurant owner: How Eric Chong's career went from 0 to 100|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=10 April 2015|last1=Lee|first1=Cliff}}</ref>
| Marida Mohammed
| Marida Mohammed
|-
|-
| scope="row" style="background:#32127A; color:#100;"|
| scope="row" style="background:#32127A; color:#100;" |
| '''[[MasterChef Canada (season 2)|2]]'''
| '''[[MasterChef Canada (season 2)|2]]'''
|Sundays at 7 p.m.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/tv/ctv/masterchef-canada-2/|title=MasterChef Canada – Bell Media|website=www.bellmedia.ca|access-date=2017-01-08}}</ref>
|Sundays at 7 p.m.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/tv/ctv/masterchef-canada-2/|title=MasterChef Canada – Bell Media|website=www.bellmedia.ca|access-date=2017-01-08}}</ref>
Line 117: Line 110:
Pelletier
Pelletier
|-
|-
| scope="row" style="background:#5A4FCF; color:#100;"|
| scope="row" style="background:#5A4FCF; color:#100;" |
| '''[[MasterChef Canada (season 3)|3]]'''
| '''[[MasterChef Canada (season 3)|3]]'''
|Sundays at 7 p.m.
|Sundays at 7 p.m.
Line 128: Line 121:
|631,000 15th most watched<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/ratings-bloom-ctv-claims-eight-of-canadas-top-10-most-watched-program-this-spring/|title=Ratings Bloom! CTV Claims Eight of Canada's Top 10 Most-Watched Programs this Spring – Bell Media|website=www.bellmedia.ca|language=en|access-date=2017-05-31}}</ref>
|631,000 15th most watched<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/ratings-bloom-ctv-claims-eight-of-canadas-top-10-most-watched-program-this-spring/|title=Ratings Bloom! CTV Claims Eight of Canada's Top 10 Most-Watched Programs this Spring – Bell Media|website=www.bellmedia.ca|language=en|access-date=2017-05-31}}</ref>
|Canada’s 3rd Most-Watched Competition Series 15th over all<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/tv-top-10-canadians-watched-2015/|title=TV Top 10: What Canadians Watched in 2015 – Bell Media|website=www.bellmedia.ca|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/ratings-bloom-ctv-claims-eight-of-canadas-top-10-most-watched-program-this-spring/|title=Ratings Bloom! CTV Claims Eight of Canada's Top 10 Most-Watched Programs this Spring – Bell Media|website=www.bellmedia.ca|language=en|access-date=2018-03-30}}</ref>
|Canada’s 3rd Most-Watched Competition Series 15th over all<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/tv-top-10-canadians-watched-2015/|title=TV Top 10: What Canadians Watched in 2015 – Bell Media|website=www.bellmedia.ca|access-date=2017-01-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/ratings-bloom-ctv-claims-eight-of-canadas-top-10-most-watched-program-this-spring/|title=Ratings Bloom! CTV Claims Eight of Canada's Top 10 Most-Watched Programs this Spring – Bell Media|website=www.bellmedia.ca|language=en|access-date=2018-03-30}}</ref>
|14
|14{{Citation needed|date=March 2018}}
|[[Mary Berg (chef)|Mary Berg]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ctv.ca/MasterChef-Canada/Articles/Latest/Mary-Berg-MasterChef-Canada-Season-3-Winner|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405214657/https://www.ctv.ca/MasterChef-Canada/Articles/Latest/Mary-Berg-MasterChef-Canada-Season-3-Winner|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 5, 2018|title=Toronto's own Mary Berg captures the Season 3 title|date=June 20, 2016|website=ctv.ca}}</ref>
|[[Mary Berg (chef)|Mary Berg]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ctv.ca/MasterChef-Canada/Articles/Latest/Mary-Berg-MasterChef-Canada-Season-3-Winner|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405214657/https://www.ctv.ca/MasterChef-Canada/Articles/Latest/Mary-Berg-MasterChef-Canada-Season-3-Winner|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 5, 2018|title=Toronto's own Mary Berg captures the Season 3 title|date=June 20, 2016|website=ctv.ca}}</ref>
| Jeremy
| Jeremy
Line 167: Line 160:
|Mondays at 8 p.m.
|Mondays at 8 p.m.
|{{Start date|2019|4|8}}
|{{Start date|2019|4|8}}
|{{End date|2019|6|10}}
|{{End date|2019|6|10}}
|2018-19
|2018-19
| -
| -
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|May 16, 2021
|May 16, 2021
|2020-21
|2020-21
|TBA
| -
|TBA
| -
|
| -
|
| -
|
| -
|Christopher Siu
|Christopher Siu
|Andy Hay<br />&<br />Thea VanHerwaarden
|Andy Hay<br />&<br />Thea VanHerwaarden
Line 200: Line 193:
! style="background: #87CEFA; width: 20%" |Canadian viewers (thousands)
! style="background: #87CEFA; width: 20%" |Canadian viewers (thousands)
|-
|-
|
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|Title = MasterChef Canada: A Holiday Special
|Title = MasterChef Canada: A Holiday Special
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/masterchef-canada-cooks-return-to-compete-on-holiday-special-1.2142530|title='MasterChef Canada' cooks return to compete on holiday special|website=[[CTV News]]|date=10 December 2014|access-date=April 11, 2018}}</ref>
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/masterchef-canada-cooks-return-to-compete-on-holiday-special-1.2142530|title='MasterChef Canada' cooks return to compete on holiday special|website=[[CTV News]]|date=10 December 2014|access-date=April 11, 2018}}</ref>
|OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2014|12|15}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2014|12|15}}
|ShortSummary = Four home cooks (Dora Cote, Marida Mohammed, Pino DiCerbo, and Tammara Behl) from Season 1 return to the kitchen, joined by spouses, parents, and siblings as they complete a series of festive food challenges for the chance to win $10,000 for the charity of their choice. In the end, Pino DiCerbo is announced the winner.
|ShortSummary = Four home cooks (Dora Cote, Marida Mohammed, Pino DiCerbo, and Tammara Behl) from Season 1 return to the kitchen, joined by spouses, parents, and siblings as they compete in a series of festive food challenges for the chance to win $10,000 for the charity of their choice. In the end, Tammara placed fourth, Marida placed third, Dora was the runner-up, and Pino was announced the winner.
|Viewers = 1407
|Viewers = 1407
|LineColor = #87CEFA
|LineColor = #87CEFA
Line 212: Line 206:
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/home-cooks-and-their-families-face-off-in-masterchef-canada-all-star-family-edition-premiering-december-5-on-ctv/|title=Home Cooks and Their Families Face Off in MASTERCHEF CANADA: ALL-STAR FAMILY EDITION, Premiering December 5 on CTV|website=[[Bell Media]]|access-date=April 11, 2018}}</ref>
|RTitle = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/home-cooks-and-their-families-face-off-in-masterchef-canada-all-star-family-edition-premiering-december-5-on-ctv/|title=Home Cooks and Their Families Face Off in MASTERCHEF CANADA: ALL-STAR FAMILY EDITION, Premiering December 5 on CTV|website=[[Bell Media]]|access-date=April 11, 2018}}</ref>
|OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2016|12|5}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{start date|2016|12|5}}
|ShortSummary = The three MasterChef Canada champions and the winner of Holiday Special are joined by their families to compete in four increasingly difficult culinary challenges: the Better-Half Skills Race, the Mother and Child Mystery Box, the Bossy Sibling Coaching Challenge, and the Family Feast Team Cook. Over the course of the two-hour special, select family members will compete alongside Eric Chong, David Jorge, Mary Berg, and Pino DiCerbo, as they work to impress the judges with their creativity and skill. The family who cooks their way to victory will win the first MasterChef Canada: All-Star Family Edition and $10,000 for their chosen charity. For the final challenge, the two remaining chefs were assisted with contestants from the previous seasons as their sous-chefs: Julie Miguel and Dora Cote (season 1), Christopher Siu and Line Pelletier (season 2), and Veronica Cham and Jeremy Seneris (season 3). In the end, Pino DiCerbo is announced the winner for the second time of the specials series.
|ShortSummary = The first three MasterChef Canada champions (Eric Chong, David Jorge, Mary Berg) and the winner of Holiday Special (Pino DiCerbo) are joined by their families to compete in four increasingly difficult culinary challenges: the Better-Half Skills Race, the Mother and Child Mystery Box, the Bossy Sibling Coaching Challenge, and the Family Feast Team Cook; the grand prize is $10,000 for the charity of the family's choice. After the first two competitors are eliminated, in a final challenge the two remaining chefs were joined by previous MasterChef Canada competitors Julie Miguel, Dora Cote (season one), Line Pelletier, Christopher Siu (season two), Jeremy Senaris and Veronica Cham (season three) as assistant sous chefs. In the end, Eric placed fourth, Mary placed third, David was the runner-up, and Pino was once again announced as the winner.
|Viewers = 910
|Viewers = 910
|LineColor = #87CEFA
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
}}
|}

== Episodes ==


Below is a full list of MasterChef Canada episodes per season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://premieredate.news/tv-series/2990-masterchef-canada.html|title=Has CTV Decided the Fate of Masterchef Canada Season 5? Jamie Oliver guest stars in the current cycle among other celebrity chefs|website=premieredate.news|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-31}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Season
!Episode
!Episode title
!Air Date
|-
| rowspan="15" |1
|1
|White Is the New Black
|Jan 20, 2014
|-
|2
|Chicken Little
|Jan 27, 2014
|-
|3
|First Kick at the Box
|Feb 3, 2014
|-
|4
|The Puck Drops Here
|Feb 10, 2014
|-
|5
|Where's the Beef?
|Feb 17, 2014
|-
|6
|Edible Art
|Feb 24, 2014
|-
|7
|Brains before Beauty
|Mar 3, 2014
|-
|8
|Major Steaks
|Mar 10, 2014
|-
|9
|Great Canadian Bake Off
|Mar 17, 2014
|-
|10
|Meals on Wheels
|Mar 24, 2014
|-
|11
|Claws Out
|Mar 31, 2014
|-
|12
|Line of Fire
|Apr 7, 2014
|-
|13
|Family Style
|Apr 14, 2014
|-
|14
|Not-Your-Average-Joe
|Apr 21, 2014
|-
|15
|And Then There Were Two
|Apr 28, 2014
|-
| rowspan="15" |2
|1
|Fit to Be Tied
|Feb 1, 2015
|-
|2
|Patriotic Pantry
|Feb 8, 2015
|-
|3
|Constant Cravings
|Feb 15, 2015
|-
|4
|Juggling Act
|Mar 1, 2015
|-
|5
|Slice of Life
|Mar 8, 2015
|-
|6
|One Potato, Two Potato
|Mar 22, 2015
|-
|7
|No Piece of Cake
|Mar 29, 2015
|-
|8
|Wedding on the Waves
|Apr 5, 2015
|-
|9
|Good Things in Small Packages
|Apr 12, 2015
|-
|10
|Walking on Eggshells
|Apr 19, 2015
|-
|11
|Tea for Two
|Apr 26, 2015
|-
|12
|Fine Dining Under Fire
|May 3, 2015
|-
|13
|From Home, with Love
|May 10, 2015
|-
|14
|The Trip Bountiful
|May 17, 2015
|-
|15
|Ring of Fire
|May 24, 2015
|-
| rowspan="15" |3
|1
|Yes, No, Maybe So
|Feb 14, 2016
|-
|2
|A Cut Above
|Feb 21, 2016
|-
|3
|At Home and Abroad
|Mar 6, 2016
|-
|4
|Trial by Fire
|Mar 13, 2016
|-
|5
|Off the Hook
|Mar 20, 2016
|-
|6
|Feast Your Eyes
|Mar 27, 2016
|-
|7
|From the Heart
|Apr 10, 2016
|-
|8
|Oktoberfest Feast
|Apr 17, 2016
|-
|9
|Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes
|Apr 24, 2016
|-
|10
|Out of This World
|May 1, 2016
|-
|11
|Demon at the Pass
|May 8, 2016
|-
|12
|Cooking with Cocktails
|May 29, 2016
|-
|13
|Meals and Wheels
|Jun 5, 2016
|-
|14
|Only the Best
|Jun 12, 2016
|-
|15
|Finale
|Jun 19, 2016
|-
| rowspan="12" |4
|1
|Special Delivery
|Mar 2, 2017
|-
|2
|Home on the Range
|Mar 9, 2017
|-
|3
|True Patriot Love
|Mar 16, 2017
|-
|4
|The Blind Leading the Blind
|Mar 23, 2017
|-
|5
|Burgers for Bikers
|Mar 30, 2017
|-
|6
|Jamie in the House
|Apr 6, 2017
|-
|7
|Egg Showdown!
|Apr 13, 2017
|-
|8
|Auberge Anniversary
|Apr 27, 2017
|-
|9
|Take Five
|May 4, 2017
|-
|10
|Harvest Family Dinner
|May 11, 2017
|-
|11
|Sweet Francaise
|May 25, 2017
|-
|12
|Finale
|Jun 1, 2017
|-
| rowspan="12" |5
|1
|Opportunity Knocks
|Apr 3, 2018
|-
|2
|How Do You Take Your Mystery Box?
|Apr 10, 2018
|-
|3
|Building An Appetite
|Apr 17, 2018
|-
|4
|Fast and Epicure-ious
|Apr 24, 2018
|-
|5
|Baker's Dozen
|May 1, 2018
|-
|6
|Vive La Pressure Test
|May 8, 2018
|-
|7
|The Magnificent Seven
|May 15, 2018
|-
|8
|Cooking with Corner Gas
|May 22, 2018
|-
|9
|On the Line of Fire
|May 29, 2018
|-
|10
|Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
|Jun 5, 2018
|-
|11
|Pop- Up Star
|Jun 12, 2018
|-
|12
|Three Courses, One Crown
|Jun 19, 2018
|-
| rowspan="12" |6
|1
|Masterchef Canada Invitational
|Apr 8, 2019
|-
|2
|Home Cooks, Your Roots Are Showing
|Apr 8, 2019
|-
|3
|Top Hats And Tails
|Apr 15, 2019
|-
|4
|Tastes Like Teen Spirit
|Apr 22, 2019
|-
|5
|School Lunch!
|Apr 29, 2019
|-
|6
|Risk And Reward
|May 6, 2019
|-
|7
|Knife Fight!
|May 13, 2019
|-
|8
|Into The Fire
|May 20, 2019
|-
|9
|Wheel Of Fruit
|May 27, 2019
|-
|10
|Gifts From The Earth
|May 27, 2019
|-
|11
|Fire And Ice
|Jun 3, 2019
|-
|12
|Final Showdown
|Jun 10, 2019
|-
| rowspan="12" |7
|1
|The Dish That Haunts You
|Feb 14, 2021
|-
|2
|Japanese Showdown
|Feb 21, 2021
|-
|3
|MCC4U Delivery
|Mar 7, 2021
|-
|4
|Pressure, Italian Style
|Mar 14, 2021
|-
|5
|Plant-Based Paradise
|Mar 21, 2021
|-
|6
|Kitchenary!
|Mar 28, 2021
|-
|7
|Food of the Future
|Apr 4, 2021
|-
|8
|Seafood Extravaganza
|Apr 11, 2021
|-
|9
|Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
|Apr 18, 2021
|-
|10
|The Sweet Taste of Success
|Apr 25, 2021
|-
|11
|Ordinary to Extraordinary
|May 9, 2021
|-
|12
|Back to Win Finale
|May 16, 2021
|-
|}
|}
</onlyinclude>
</onlyinclude>
Line 619: Line 222:
{{MasterChef}}
{{MasterChef}}
{{MasterChef Canada}}
{{MasterChef Canada}}
{{CTVNetwork Shows (current and upcoming)}}
{{CTV Television Network Shows (current and upcoming)}}
{{Proper Television}}
{{Proper Television}}


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[[Category:2010s Canadian reality television series]]
[[Category:2010s Canadian reality television series]]
[[Category:2014 Canadian television series debuts]]
[[Category:2014 Canadian television series debuts]]
[[Category:Canadian English-language television shows]]

[[Category:English-language television shows]]
[[Category:CTV Television Network original programming]]
[[Category:CTV Television Network original programming]]
[[Category:Television series by Proper Television]]
[[Category:Television series by Proper Television]]
[[Category:Television series by Bell Media]]
[[Category:Television series by Bell Media]]
[[Category:Television series by Endemol]]
[[Category:Television series by Banijay]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Toronto]]
[[Category:MasterChef]]
[[Category:Canadian television series based on British television series]]
[[Category:Canadian television series based on British television series]]
[[Category:2020s Canadian reality television series]]
[[Category:2020s Canadian reality television series]]

Latest revision as of 10:37, 22 December 2024

MasterChef Canada
GenreCookery / Reality competition / Food
Created byFranc Roddam
Directed byDave Russell
JudgesClaudio Aprile
Michael Bonacini
Alvin Leung
Narrated byCharlie Ryan
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons7
No. of episodes93 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersGuy O'Sullivan, Cathie James, Elisabeth Murdoch
Production locationsEtobicoke, Toronto, Ontario[1]
Running time44 minutes
Production companiesBanijay Rights
Proper Television
Bell Media
Original release
NetworkCTV
ReleaseJanuary 20, 2014 (2014-01-20) –
present (present)

MasterChef Canada is a Canadian competitive cooking reality show, part of the MasterChef franchise, open to amateur home cooks across Canada. It premiered on CTV on January 20, 2014, and has since aired its seventh season.[2] The show stars three judges: Claudio Aprile, Michael Bonacini and Alvin Leung.[3] The first seven seasons of the show was produced by Endemol Shine International and Proper Television.[4]

The first seven seasons of MasterChef Canada aired on CTV and the Cooking Channel in the United States. It also aired in Sweden, Italy and Spain.[5][citation needed] A total of seven seasons has been produced, with the first six produced under the executive production of Guy O'Sullivan.

After a three-year hiatus, CTV announced on October 22, 2024, an eighth season of the show for the 2025-26 season, to be produced by Toronto-based McGillivray Entertainment Media (MEM). Production is set to begin in early 2025.[6]

Plot

[edit]

On MasterChef Canada, amateur, non-professional homecooks are given the opportunity to compete in a series of challenges to win a trophy, a $100,000 CAD cash prize, and the title of MasterChef Canada. Each season generally begins with a larger group of finalists invited to compete in an initial challenge or series of challenges in order to win a white apron and a spot in the primary stages of the competition. Alvin Leung, Claudio Aprile and Michael Bonancini have served as the series' judges for the entire series.[3]

In the first two seasons of MasterChef Canada, fifty contestants[7][8] were given the opportunity to prepare and present their signature dish to judges, where a "yes" vote (concerning whether a contestant's dish is worthy of the judges' approval) from at least two of the three judges was required in order to win the coveted apron. Those who were successful were then presented with an additional challenge to determine which contestants deserved a spot in the Top 16; over a third of the apron-winners were eliminated at that stage. The third season featured a twist on the original auditioning format, in that three "yes" votes were required to win an apron, while three "no" votes eliminated a hopeful homecook, and a second chance battle between those with one or two "yes" votes was then held to determine the remaining competitors who would advance to a Top 14.[9][10][11] Seasons four, five and six simplified the audition process by facing slightly smaller groups of contestants (eighteen to twenty-four finalists) with more specific, concentrated challenges with only twelve aprons up for grabs.[12][13][14][15][16]

With exceptions to the rule, the primary phase of the competition on MasterChef Canada involved a two-episode cycle, in which two challenges were held in an episode; the former challenge would grant immunity and/or advantage(s) to one or more competitiors, and the latter challenge would result in at least one competitors being permanently eliminated from the competition. This cycle of challenges would be repeated until a small number of homecooks remain, usually three or four, in which each season holds a unique series of semifinalist challenges before a final two (or three) competitors are named. The main two-episode cycle's challenges generally consist of:

  • Mystery Box Challenge: The competitors are all given a box with the exact same ingredients. The box usually conceals of specific ingredients (fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, fish, etc.) or a required kitchen utensil underneath, and they contestants must utilize only those ingredients (sometimes with an additional pantry of staples) to create an elevated, MasterChef Canada-worthy dish within a set amount of time. Sometimes, a special guest may also appear to inspire the cooks and will serve as a guest judge for the challenge. At the end of the challenge, the judges take a quick look at all of the completed dishes and usually call forward the three most promising dishes up for tasting. A single winner from these three is usually named, and the competitor is then invited to join the judges in the pantry to hear about the advantage won - this typically includes a form of control over the upcoming elimination challenges, as well as occasionally immunity from the elimination challenge that night.
  • Elimination Challenge: Competitors are tasked with completing a specific challenge directly inspired by the decision(s) of the winner of the mystery box challenge. At the end of the challenge each of the contestant's dishes are separately brought up for evaluation and critiquing by the judges. Usually the two or three best competitors in the elimination challenge are named opposing team captains in the upcoming team challenge. The judges then call forward a bottom two or three, from which at least one cook is eliminated permanently from the competition.
  • Team Challenge: The competitors arrive at an off-site location (beach, carnival, airbase, wedding, school, etc.) and are split into two or three teams by either the judges or team captains (who themselves are either decided by the judges directly or the results of the previous elimination challenge). The teams are asked to serve a single-dish or mult-course meal for a set group of diners; the winning team is decided either by voting from the diners or by the call of the judges themselves. The winning team is exempt from the upcoming pressure test, while the losing team(s) are to individually cook for their lives. Typically when there are six competitors remaining, the team challenge is a Restaurant Takeover challenge, in which cooks take over a well-known restaurant (sometimes owned by one of the judges) for a set service.
  • Pressure Test: Competitors who lost the previous team challenge are required to compete against one another back in the MasterChef Canada kitchen; occasionally, before the challenge begins competitors may be saved from partaking in the pressure test by either the judges, the winning team, the losing team's captain, or team consensus. Often requiring competitors to replicate a technically complicated dish predetermined by the judges, all of the dishes are evaluated and critiqued by the judges. Those who rise to the occasion and put out up-to-standard dishes are sent to safety on the balcony while the weakest cooks are faced with elimination; at least one cook is permanently eliminated from the competition.

This cycle is occasionally disrupted for special challenges following double eliminations, in which challenges such as a skills test or gauntlet can take place. Additionally, on several occasions there have been opportunities for selected competitors to win their way back into the competition through anywhere from one to three challenges.

After a final two (or three) competitors are determined through a unique-to-each-season semifinalist challenge sequence, the finalists are given their final challenge: they will compete head-to-head in a three-hour, three-course (appetizer, entrée, dessert) final challenge while friends, family and former competitors spectate and cheer them on. Each course is judged privately by the judges; in some seasons, the finalists are required to cook each course back-to-back without rest. After all of the courses have been sampled, and the judges have deliberated, a winner is eventually crowned - the winner receives a trophy, a $100,000 CAD cash prize, and the title of MasterChef Canada.

Judges and hosts

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Additionally, several guest judges have appeared throughout the series for specific challenges, such as Joe Bastianich, Graham Elliot, Chris Hadfield and Tessa Virtue.

Seasons

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Season Episodes Time slot

(ET/PT)

Originally aired

(Canadian and U.S. dates)

Viewership in

Canada

Finalists Winner Runner-up
Viewers (millions) 18-49 (age) 18-34 (age) 25-54 (age) Show rank
Season premiere Season finale TV season
1 15 Mondays at 8 p.m. January 20, 2014 (2014-01-20) April 28, 2014 (2014-04-28) 2013-14 1.8[17] averaged 788,000[18] - averaged 819,000[18] Canada’s 2nd Most-Watched Canadian Series 16 Eric Chong[19] Marida Mohammed
2 Sundays at 7 p.m.[20] February 1, 2015 (2015-02-01) May 24, 2015 (2015-05-24) 2014-15 1.4[21][22] - - - - David Jorge[23] Line

Pelletier

3 Sundays at 7 p.m. February 14, 2016 (2016-02-14) June 19, 2016 (2016-06-19) 2015-16 1.5[24] - - 631,000 15th most watched[25] Canada’s 3rd Most-Watched Competition Series 15th over all[26][27] 14 Mary Berg[28] Jeremy

Senaris

4 12 Thursdays at 9 p.m.[29] and Sundays at 4 p.m. March 2, 2017 (2017-03-02)[29] June 1, 2017 (2017-06-01) 2016-17 1.4[30] 12th most watched[31] 10th most watched[31] 11th most watched[31] - 12 Trevor Connie[32] Thea VanHerwaarden
5 Tuesdays at 9 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. April 3, 2018 (2018-04-03)[33] June 19, 2018 (2018-06-19) 2017-18 - - - - - Beccy Stables[34] Andy Hay[34]
6 Mondays at 8 p.m. April 8, 2019 (2019-04-08) June 10, 2019 (2019-06-10) 2018-19 - - - - - Jennifer Crawford Andre Bhagwandat
7 Sundays at 9 p.m. February 14, 2021 (2021-02-14)[35] May 16, 2021 2020-21 - - - - - Christopher Siu Andy Hay
&
Thea VanHerwaarden

Specials

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Title Original air date Canadian viewers (thousands)
"MasterChef Canada: A Holiday Special"[36]December 15, 2014 (2014-12-15)1407
Four home cooks (Dora Cote, Marida Mohammed, Pino DiCerbo, and Tammara Behl) from Season 1 return to the kitchen, joined by spouses, parents, and siblings as they compete in a series of festive food challenges for the chance to win $10,000 for the charity of their choice. In the end, Tammara placed fourth, Marida placed third, Dora was the runner-up, and Pino was announced the winner.
"MasterChef Canada: All-Star Family Edition"[37]December 5, 2016 (2016-12-05)910
The first three MasterChef Canada champions (Eric Chong, David Jorge, Mary Berg) and the winner of Holiday Special (Pino DiCerbo) are joined by their families to compete in four increasingly difficult culinary challenges: the Better-Half Skills Race, the Mother and Child Mystery Box, the Bossy Sibling Coaching Challenge, and the Family Feast Team Cook; the grand prize is $10,000 for the charity of the family's choice. After the first two competitors are eliminated, in a final challenge the two remaining chefs were joined by previous MasterChef Canada competitors Julie Miguel, Dora Cote (season one), Line Pelletier, Christopher Siu (season two), Jeremy Senaris and Veronica Cham (season three) as assistant sous chefs. In the end, Eric placed fourth, Mary placed third, David was the runner-up, and Pino was once again announced as the winner.


References

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  1. ^ "MasterChef Canada's TV kitchen has its secrets". Toronto Star. January 9, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
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  9. ^ Block, Sheri (2016-02-12). "Season 3 of 'MasterChef Canada' unlike anything you've ever seen, says judges". MasterChef Canada. Archived from the original on 2016-02-16.
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  15. ^ David, Greg (2019-04-08). "MasterChef Canada gets cooking with Season 6 on CTV". TV, eh?. Retrieved 2023-02-26.
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  19. ^ Lee, Cliff (10 April 2015). "From MasterChef to Toronto restaurant owner: How Eric Chong's career went from 0 to 100". The Globe and Mail.
  20. ^ "MasterChef Canada – Bell Media". www.bellmedia.ca. Retrieved 2017-01-08.
  21. ^ "Sunday Sizzles on CTV as MASTERCHEF CANADA Has Season-High Overnight Audience of 1.4 Million Viewers – Bell Media". www.bellmedia.ca. Retrieved 2017-01-08.
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  23. ^ "MasterChef Canada winner David Jorge celebrates his win". ctv.ca. May 25, 2015. Archived from the original on April 5, 2018.
  24. ^ "Ratings Bloom! CTV Claims Eight of Canada's Top 10 Most-Watched Programs this Spring – Bell Media". www.bellmedia.ca. Retrieved 2017-01-08.
  25. ^ "Ratings Bloom! CTV Claims Eight of Canada's Top 10 Most-Watched Programs this Spring – Bell Media". www.bellmedia.ca. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
  26. ^ "TV Top 10: What Canadians Watched in 2015 – Bell Media". www.bellmedia.ca. Retrieved 2017-01-09.
  27. ^ "Ratings Bloom! CTV Claims Eight of Canada's Top 10 Most-Watched Programs this Spring – Bell Media". www.bellmedia.ca. Retrieved 2018-03-30.
  28. ^ "Toronto's own Mary Berg captures the Season 3 title". ctv.ca. June 20, 2016. Archived from the original on April 5, 2018.
  29. ^ a b "MasterChef Canada - 'MasterChef Canada' Season 4 to premiere March 2 on CTV". Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  30. ^ "CTV Delivers a Fifth Serving of Hit Culinary Series MASTERCHEF CANADA for 2017/18 Season ### Casting is Now Open For Season 5 ### – Bell Media". www.bellmedia.ca. Retrieved 2018-03-24.
  31. ^ a b c "2016/2017 Canadian Television Report Card: CTV is Canada's Most-Watched Network for the 16th Year in a Row". www.newswire.ca. Retrieved 2018-03-24.
  32. ^ "Trevor Connie is the winner of MasterChef Canada Season 4". ctv.ca. June 2, 2017. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018.
  33. ^ "CTV Confirmed Masterchef Canada Season 5 Premiere for April 3, 2018". premieredate.news. Retrieved 2018-02-14.
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  35. ^ "MasterChef Canada: Back to Win". Bell Media. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
  36. ^ "'MasterChef Canada' cooks return to compete on holiday special". CTV News. 10 December 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  37. ^ "Home Cooks and Their Families Face Off in MASTERCHEF CANADA: ALL-STAR FAMILY EDITION, Premiering December 5 on CTV". Bell Media. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
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