International reality formats continue to win over Canadian viewers, with Chopped Canada earning Food Network Canada a record audience for its premiere episode.

The Paperny Entertainment-produced series premiered Thursday Jan. 2 at 10 p.m., earning 393,000 viewers (2+, AMA), according to overnight BBM Canada data supplied by Shaw Media.

The ratings represent the highest-rated series premiere in Food Network Canada history (including originals and acquisitions), a release from Shaw stated, and won the night against all entertainment specialty programs. The ratings win knocks the premiere of Top Chef Canada season 1 off its perch as the previous holder of the title.

The series is hosted by Canadian Dean McDermott and features celebrity Canadian chefs including Lynn Crawford, Chuck Hughes, Michael Smith and Susur Lee. The format, an elimination-style cooking competition, was licensed from U.S.-based Scripps Networks Interactive.

The order for the series was first announced in February and has been promoted heavily by Shaw Media, which supported the series from Dec. 16 with a campaign that included everything from transit shelters to branded grocery bags.

It is also supported by brand integrations from KitchenAid and Uncle Ben’s.