Top Chef Format Set for Canadian Treatment

TORONTO: Canwest Broadcasting has signed a deal with NBC Universal to produce a Canadian version of the hit show Top Chef, teaming up with Insight Productions on the development of the local adaptation.

Top Chef is the number one food show on cable in the U.S., where it has spawned a number of spin-offs. The Canadian version, slated to premiere in spring 2011 exclusively on Food Network Canada, will not only challenge the contestants’ cooking skills, but also investigate if they have the customer service, management and teamwork abilities required to be named a ‘top chef.’

“Top Chef is a proven performer and audience favourite on Food Network and we are delighted to team up with NBC Universal and Insight Productions to launch the format in Canada,” said Karen Gelbart, the senior VP of content for lifestyle channels at Canwest Broadcasting. “Canadians are passionate about food and as our culinary landscape across the country continues to grow, so does the opportunity to showcase our wealth of talent ranging from amateur cooks to trained chefs.”

“We’re honored to be onboard, working alongside Canwest and NBC Universal on the Canadian production of such a top-rated international series,” added John Brunton, the president of Insight Production Company. “There is a strong pool of talent to draw from in this country and we are committed to discovering the best of the best and producing an outstanding program.”

“We are delighted to add Canwest to our growing list of international productions of Top Chef,” commented Yvonne Pilkington, the executive VP of international format sales at NBC Universal. “The search to find the Top Chef of tomorrow has become nothing less than a phenomenon and its international success looks set to continue.”