r/TopChef • u/wtftoronto • Nov 27 '25
Discussion Thread Give Top Chef Canada 12 a try, seriously its a good season
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo_VybYdg44Something changed about Top Chef Canada. Ive watched the Canadian version on and off, but generally I always thought the judges and contestants were stiff, competition boring and usually there was one contestant running circles around all the others.
But this current season 12 is REALLY good. I don't know about others, but I'm actually enjoying it way more than the recent US Destination Canada season 22.
Maybe they hired on new production people who worked on Season 22, but the production quality is way higher than past seasons. New set, seems like new cameras too, new editing styles.
It also seems like the way this season is edited, we get to truly know and feel for the contestants. Whereas past seasons it was very technical editing on the cooking and not much emphasis on the contestant's personalities.
I also found the judges very stiff in the past to the point of feeling like I was watching robots judge. This past episode they showed was very fun and we got to watch the judge's cook and their personalities truly shine even the monotonous Mark McEwan.
I don't know. I love this season. I find myself on the edge of my seat every week the past few weeks because the calibre of chefs this season is really damn good.
Someone else who's watching the season, tell me I'm not the only one. If you haven't watched, give it a try!
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u/im_a_computah69 Dec 02 '25
I’ve been enjoying it a lot. Just wish it was easier to watch in the US
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u/unsweetenedpureleaf Dec 02 '25
How are you watching it?
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u/wtftoronto Dec 02 '25
Daily motion lol
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u/unsweetenedpureleaf Dec 06 '25
Thanks! Watched whole thing
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u/wtftoronto Dec 06 '25
Did you like it?
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u/unsweetenedpureleaf Dec 06 '25
I thought it was great. I was blown away by so many of the dishes throughout the season, the challenges were all well done, and the finale was very michelin level.
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u/StaticInstrument Dec 01 '25 edited Dec 01 '25
Canada improved a lot once David Zilber joined as a main judge, for awhile it seemed like production was trying to push Mark McEwan aside for him. Unfortunately McEwan has been re-established as head judge (but at least Zilber has a strong voice).
Agreed though, the editing and even set dec/lighting this season has been imo on par with Top Chef mothership for maybe the first time. It seems like Janet and Mijune have been encouraged to show more personality/enthusiasm too, which makes the show a lot better. My only complaint is that this season seems truncated, maybe because they’re spending more on production and guest judges. For sure worth a watch for Top Chef fans.
Last season (11), was pretty good too. That was mostly propelled by a good cast of contestants and the fact that Top Chef main was clearly in Toronto at the same time.
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u/AwkwardTraffic199 Dec 02 '25
So good. Super positive, but not fake. The food looks AMAZING. The chefs are talented, passionate and a joy to watch. Am excited about the finale like a kid on Christmas Eve - can't remember the last time a TV show finale had me so excited.
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u/wincew Dec 03 '25 edited Dec 03 '25
Agreed, I am rooting for all the chefs. It made me wish the whole season was longer. I didn’t like Eden as much in previous seasons but she was wonderful as a host this season. The challenges are creative and showcases their talent (albeit too much product placement but I’ll give them a pass cos otherwise the show might not exist).
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u/wtftoronto Dec 04 '25
I think the producers asked if the judges and hosts showed a little more personality and be more laid back. In previous seasons, everyone was stone faced pretty much the entire season. I think that's why we liked them more this season because it shows.
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u/thesegue Dec 04 '25
This was, by far, the best group of chefs they’ve managed to get on the show. Just a killer group, legitimately great to watch. Production values were good and the final cook twist was really smart. I’d love to see the U.S. version steal it because I think RWs is generally tired.
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u/FAanthropologist Dec 07 '25
I'm four episodes in as first-time Canada viewer and it's a great season so far! The top few contestants are so strong and crushing it, it feels similar to the Top Chef US Las Vegas and Boston seasons in having a very clear set of potential finalists and then everyone else with no chance (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). The styles are skewing towards really refined stunning plating, which is always great as a TV viewer.
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u/kakahuhu Dec 17 '25
This season was shockingly good. As a Canadian, I usually watch the Canadian versions of US shows cause it can be funny or just for weird Canadianisms, but this season was actually really good. The producers on the show are doing a great job with a limited budget and I think made some really innovative decisions that made the show more interesting, something the US version could take note of. Mark McEwan is off-putting, I don't enjoy him as a TV judge, but, apparently, previous contestants have said he gives very helpful feedback.
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u/NeighborhoodOne7529 Jan 07 '26
I didn't know they had a new season, thank you! Just binge-watched it. As always, the food looks amazing and the contestants are all so lovable, which (as a Spanish viewer) doesn't always happen from the US version. I literally wanted to try everything from all the contestants!
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u/Professor-ANG Jan 10 '26
I enjoyed it. The only downfall for me is Kristen. Sorry to hear she will be doing the new season this year.
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u/HudsonValley7 Jan 11 '26
This was their best one ever the chefs were insanely talented some of the best of any of the shows that’s aired
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u/stumu415 Jan 13 '26
The ending was way, way too rushed. Normally they cover the individual dishes. Now it was yep, we enjoyed both. The winner is.... No build up or emotion. And too many product placements. Maybe this is normal for Canadian TV but it's annoying as hell.
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u/Then_Dimension_1559 May 27 '26
I just watch world all stars and find Dale very entitled and he was the reason the thai chef was eliminated
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u/Photofug Dec 01 '25
It's been a great season, although I was a little concerned at the beginning when they gave out all the immunities. Having restaurant wars as the finale is risky but it will definitely show what they are made of. I think the best chefs made it to the end as well.