TORONTO (February 6, 2017) – CTV’s MASTERCHEF CANADA is changing the recipe for the home cook selection process as the series cooks up its fourth season, airing Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT beginning March 2 on CTV and the CTV GO app, with encores Sundays at 7 p.m. ET beginning March 19 on Gusto. As revealed in a new promo that premiered in last night’s SUPER BOWL LI broadcast on CTV, in a series first, 24 finalists from across Canada are surprised with their first challenge at their homes and offices in their hometowns. Presented with a box of uncooked rice, each aspiring chef has only 20 minutes to decide what they will make, as well as gather all their ingredients, before they travel to the MASTERCHEF CANADA kitchen in Toronto.

Turning up the heat for the Top 24 this season are returning judges Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung, and Claudio Aprile. Instead of preparing and presenting their signature dish one-by-one, home cook auditions begin on the finalists’ home turf. With only 12 coveted white aprons up for grabs, the home cooks have to prove they have the culinary skills to cut it in the MASTERCHEF CANADA kitchen, as they compete for $100,000 and a life-changing title.

“MASTERCHEF CANADA has been a solid performer over the past three seasons as part of CTV’s midseason lineup, and with a new twist and entertaining batch of home cooks, it’s the perfect addition to our new Thursday nights,” said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, CTV and Specialty, Bell Media. “MASTERCHEF CANADA is paired with THE BIG BANG THEORY and new series POWERLESS for a family-friendly programming block.”

The Top 24 cooking for the MASTERCHEF CANADA title are:

• Aaron Polsky, a director of operations, from Montréal, Qué.
• Ali Jadavji, a designer, from Calgary, Alta.
• Alice Luo, a PhD student, from Toronto, Ont.
• Alisha Sood, a make-up artist, from Mississauga, Ont.
• Barrie McConachie, an employee relations consultant, from Vancouver, B.C.
• Chris Rivest, a YouTuber and nutrition specialist from Calgary, Alta.
• Connor Robinson, a musician, from North York, Ont.
• Grace Liang, a mining engineer intern, from Sudbury, Ont.
• Jason Mayo, a high school teacher, from Jarvis, Ont.
• Jay Choo, a medical technician, from Toronto, Ont.
• Jillian Nowak, a food blogger, from Calgary, Alta.
• Jordan Levin, a server, from Winnipeg, Man.
• Justine Joyal, a business student, from Montréal, Qué.
• Kimberly Cairns, a paramedic, from Saskatoon,
• Kimberly Duffus, a sales rep, from Malton, Ont.
• Mai Nguyen, a health and safety advisor, from Edmonton, Alta.
• Matt VanderHelm, a category manager, from Toronto, Ont.
• May Nazair, a youth centre manager, from Campbellton, N.B.
• Miranda Wasstrom, a corporate safety administrator, from Edmonton, Alta.
• Nii Addico, a contractor, from Kitchener, Ont.
• Raffaele Spataro, a comedian, from Toronto, Ont.
• Sheila Lumsden, a homemaker, from Iqaluit, Nunavut
• Thea VanHerwaarden, a broker, from Vancouver, B.C.
• Trevor Connie, a plumber/gas fitter, from Edmonton, Alta.

Throughout the season fans are invited to visit CTV.ca/MasterChefCanada for exclusive content, including background on this season’s finalists and the MASTERCHEF CANADA judges, as well as interviews, recipes, and more. CTV.ca will also offer viewers behind-the-scenes glimpses of this season’s challenges, culinary creations, triumphs, and upsets.

Seasons 2 and 3 of MASTERCHEF CANADA are currently streaming on CraveTV™, and in encore broadcasts on Gusto.

Over 12 episodes of MASTERCHEF CANADA, the home cooks will have their culinary prowess tested through a series of mystery boxes, pressure tests, and team and elimination challenges, with judges Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung, and Claudio Aprile providing direction and feedback throughout the process. At the end of each episode, at least one home cook will be eliminated from the competition until only two remain to battle it out in the finale for a chance to take home $100,000 and the sought after title of MASTERCHEF CANADA.

The MASTERCHEF format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Endemol Shine Group, and is based on a format originally created by Franc Roddam.

MASTERCHEF CANADA is produced by Proper Television in association with CTV. Proper’s Vice-President and Creative Director Cathie James is the show runner and executive producer; Marike Emery is the Series Producer; President of Proper Television, Guy O’Sullivan, is the executive producer. For Bell Media, Danielle Pearson is Manager, Factual and Reality, Independent Production; Robin Johnston is Production Executive, Factual and Reality, Independent Production; Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production; Mike Cosentino is Senior Vice-President, CTV and Specialty; Randy Lennox is President, Broadcast and Content.