Production has kicked off in St. John’s for the second season of CBC’s original reality competition Canada’s Ultimate Challenge, with Canadian broadcaster Brandon Gonez, formerly of CP24 and Your Morning, set to host.

Shooting on the 7 x 60-minute series, produced by Boat Rocker’s Insight Productions and The Gurin Company, continues through October. It’s slated to premiere on CBC and CBC Gem in 2024.

Gonez, CEO and founder of Gonez Media, takes over hosting duties from season one’s Craig McMorris and Nikki Reyes.

Canada’s Ultimate Challenge sees 20 Canadians competing in teams of four as the entire country is turned into a giant coast-to-coast obstacle course. Details on the players and locations for the new season will be revealed in the coming months.

Executive producers on Canada’s Ultimate Challenge are Insight’s Erin Brock, John Brunton, Mark Lysakowski, and Jeff Thrasher, and The Gurin Company’s Phil Gurin. CBC and The Gurin Company co-created the format, with international format rights handled by TGC Global Entertainment.

“We’re delighted that Brandon has joined the team — he’s a total pro,” said Brunton, chair and CEO of Insight Productions, in a statement. “His interview skills and live broadcast experience combine perfectly to connect viewers right to the heart of the competition… viewers will see more of those stories and be blown away by the epic challenges that showcase the astonishing beauty of Canada.”

Photo by Jag Gundu, courtesy of CBC