MasterChef Canada

I grew up watching Masterchef in the UK, an edition that highlighted the contestants and their cooking prowess by means of a tiered tournament structure. 'Goes Large' simultaneously allowed two likable presenters to provide their thoughts and opinions without overwhelming the program.

Masterchef Canada does none of this.

Like the US version, it relies too heavily on bombast, gimmicks and 'emotional' music. The 'drama' is cloying at best, and is insufferable at its worst. The judges add little to the 'spectacle' other than rousing speeches. We learn nothing of the contestants' cooking skills simply because there is so little time to watch their work in the kitchen, given how fascinated the show is on cheap side-interviews/pre-commercial soundbites. Challenge 'winners' (a joke in itself, given that often only three or four of the dishes are actually tasted) either watch from the balcony or can decide who cooks what and/or who cooks at all. Which, naturally, leads to snarky contestant 'rivalries'.

How is it possible that a program called 'Masterchef Canada' has more in common with Survivor, America's Got Talent and The Housewives of... than it's own source material?

The show avoids a lower rating as the production value is admittedly very impressive. But this is not a cooking show. Based on the potential and the original from which it has spun, it is pandering, it is consumed with 'drama', and it is a bitter disappointment.

My experience with cooking shows is not an extensive one. It all started this year, with me watching the first couple of seasons of Masterchef US, which wasn't bad, Ramsay is unbearable to watch sometimes. After this, I moved on to Masterchef Junior, which was significantly better since the judges weren't so presumptious and pretentious. However, they were still very much annoying. Quarantine began, and my partner suggested that we watched Masterchef Canada. I wasn't too excited about the idea, but began watching it nonetheless.

God, was it fun. The first couple of episodes I also disliked Leung and his over the top rage, but this soon went away after the first couple of seasons, where he showed he truly is the sweetest of the bunch. Michael Bonaccini and Claudio Aprile are amazing judges and I liked them from the get go. Soon I was endeared with all of the judges, and the show became such a comfort binge material.

The contestants are absolutely amazing, not only cooking-wise, but they make the show very funny and entertaining.

I've never gotten this much into anything cooking related, but it got to the point where I was absolutely joyous when they announced they're coming back for a seventh season (needless to say, I've seen all 6 six seasons and love them all) and can't wait to see it!

love masterchef, especially UK, UK professionals, NZ and Australia. US is OK, but agree that Ramsay has become unauthentic. just watch his old UK Kitchen nightmares, totally different person. but this.. is not watchable.. the Canadian version seems to be choosing their candidates based on looks, pink hair and tattoos and always wearing a hat. very big brother all of it. the drama of the judges, especially Mr Leung comes across very forced. and then, the very blatant product placements, with Kraft products that are definitely fresh local produce. it is so obvious and makes me NOT want to buy these products.

I am actually cringing sometimes. Please, please, improve.

It's pretty obvious with the most recent elimination that they are eliminating the women.

Sadly if last weeks, weakest dish had been one of the women, and not Chris, they would have eliminated her.

This week they did just that, Mai is too strong a cook and competitor. They can't let her go to the finally against one of the remaining boys.

Oh, wait, you say, there is Thea. Only Thea falls apart second guessing herself along with her lack of time management. No, this is more about ensuring a boy wins then good cooking and tasty food.

Certainly wanted this show to be good. Cooking shows have become ubiquitous. Advertising for the "hosts". Original Julia Child shows, wow. Jacques Pepin. Real deal. Even the Japanese Iron Chef episodes were amazing. Sakai.

Yes it is business but we all can vote and my vote for this sh plus and IT is 0.01.

Embarrassing. Since we vote with our wallets, it is suggested to never purchase anything associated with the individuals commenting on the prepared food. Asian guy with blue hair dye? That went out ages ago.

Interesting to see who was a "judge" on the show then quit. Anyone good did. Chefs are arrogant dill weeds. Hey, it is a job like any other. We go to get our vehicles fixed. Drop the shop like a hot rock if you get treated poorly. Same with restaurants/prissy chefs. More female chefs are needed IMO.

Completely agree with above reviewer who wrote: "love master-chef, especially UK, UK professionals, NZ and Australia. US is OK, but agree that Ramsay has become unauthentic. just watch his old UK Kitchen nightmares, totally different person. but this.. is not watchable.. the Canadian version seems to be choosing their candidates based on looks, pink hair and tattoos and always wearing a hat. very big brother all of it. the drama of the judges, especially Mr Leung comes across very forced. and then, the very blatant product placements, with Kraft products that are definitely fresh local produce. it is so obvious and makes me NOT want to buy these products.

Have a lovely day.