It's no MasterChef USA, but I do like the authenticity and warmth from both Claudio Aprile and Michael Bonacini, but Alvin Leung is just plain annoying with his arrogant and cocky over-the-top attitude (maybe trying to be like Ramsay? not even close), and makes me lose my appetite when he samples the home-cook's food. He needs to learn some eating etiquette, and not stuff his mouth like a starving monkey smh. The show really needs to replace him. It's an 8/10, but would be 10/10 if it wasn't for 'Annoying Alvin'
9 Reviews
Good Effort; Nice To See Us In The Spotlight For Change . . .
harconn2120 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I've watched the US version of Masterchef since its first season and now that they're going on six seasons, I admit that sometimes it gets tiring, listening to Ramsay's repetitive phrases etc (how come he does almost all the talking? I think he's hogging the judges' spotlight). It's nice to see Canada's judges take a different approach ('cept for Leung; does he have to be so bloody dramatic? He scares me; too much like Ramsay . . .)
I hope we get a second season, as it was a nice change for the first season to offer Canadian ingredients and Canadian-themed challenges. And even though the show finished ages ago, if I remember correctly, our Masterchef is much less dramatic than the U.S. one. Everything is such a big deal to them.
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see who we have next on the show. I think it was good for a younger home cook to take home the first Masterchef Canada trophy.
I hope we get a second season, as it was a nice change for the first season to offer Canadian ingredients and Canadian-themed challenges. And even though the show finished ages ago, if I remember correctly, our Masterchef is much less dramatic than the U.S. one. Everything is such a big deal to them.
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see who we have next on the show. I think it was good for a younger home cook to take home the first Masterchef Canada trophy.
Best cooking show available ever, by far.
santiagoacosta-9459724 July 2020
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!
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!
saddest version of all masterchefs
akopp-412-45644730 May 2016
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.
I am actually cringing sometimes. Please, please, improve.
Avoid at any time of day
barrybrowne-356-74016711 May 2017
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.
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.
A bitter disappointment
james-4976220 June 2021
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.
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.
Boy must win
jmtalas3 May 2021
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.
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.
Good Canadian culinary show ,but...
thomasverghis5 March 2021
Interesting and gripping at times
Predictable at times
Didn't understand how an amateur cook like Eric could beat out a professional like Marita in season1-she was the clear forerunner and consumate pro
Maybe Alvin had something to do with it?
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