Shaw Media orders local version of Chopped reality series

Shaw Media has ordered a local version of the chef dream-dashing TV food competition series Chopped from Paperny Entertainment for Food Network Canada.

The format deal with Scripps Networks Interactive will see the elimination-style reality series famous for signature mystery baskets and chefs frantically trying to save dishes cross the border in Canada.

Paperny has put out a call for Canadian chefs to audition for the local adaptation, to debut in winter 2014.

The original U.S. Chopped series has performed as a top-rated show on Food Network Canada since 2009.

“Since its premiere, Chopped has firmly established its position on the Food Network schedule as one of the channel’s most-watched series,” said Barb Williams, senior VP of content at Shaw Media, said Wednesday in a statement.

“We’re delighted to bring this popular format to Canada and give it its own local flavour,” she added.

Food Network Canada found earlier success with Top Chef Canada, another U.S. transplant.