The success of Season 1 rested squarely on the shoulders of its contestants. They weren't celebrities; they were nurses, carpenters, students, and retirees. Here are the standouts who defined the season:
As of April 2026, The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down has been renewed for a second season. Season 2 premiered in early 2026 (exact dates vary by region) and introduced new contestants, fresh challenges, and the return of Robertson, Tang, and Waddell. Season 1 remains available for streaming as a perfect entry point.
No successful pottery show works without the right chemistry. Season 1 nailed the casting.
The Host: Jennifer Robertson Best known for her scene-stealing role as Jocelyn Schitt on Schitt’s Creek, Robertson brought genuine warmth and slapstick humor. Unlike hosts who stand back and observe, Robertson was frequently found trying (and failing) to throw a pot, breaking a handle, or screaming with genuine horror as a kiln door opened. Her ability to cry during eliminations made her the emotional anchor of the series.
The Judges: The Dynamic Duo of Clay
The two judges often debated the merits of a wobbly but heartfelt mug versus a perfect but lifeless vase, creating riveting television.
The finale required the three finalists (Adam, Brenda, and a surprising dark horse named Chloe) to produce a complete 12-piece dinner service: plates, bowls, cups, and a centerpiece tureen. Adam chose a brutalist black matte finish. Chloe chose rainbow majolica. Brenda chose simple sea-glass blues. Spoiler Alert: Adam won due to technical perfection, but Brenda won the audience’s heart. The show’s final shot was Rogen helping Brenda load her van with her runner-up pieces while she told him to "put his back into it."
Related search suggestions: (functions.RelatedSearchTerms) "suggestions":["suggestion":"The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown Season 1 judges and host","score":0.9,"suggestion":"Episode list The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown season 1","score":0.88,"suggestion":"Pottery throwing techniques center pull trim tutorials","score":0.75]
The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down , which premiered on CBC Television
on February 8, 2024, is an eight-episode competition showcasing the artistry of ten amateur Canadian potters. Production and Leadership The series is an adaptation of the British hit The Great Pottery Throw Down
and was filmed at the historic Granville Island in Vancouver, British Columbia. Jennifer Robertson (known for Schitt's Creek Award-winning ceramicists Brendan Tang and Natalie Waddell. Executive Producer & Guest Judge:
Seth Rogen, an avid amateur potter, served as an executive producer and appeared as a guest judge throughout the season. Season 1 Winner and Finalists In the season finale aired on April 4, 2024, Jen Sonnenberg from Stonewall, Manitoba, was crowned the winner. Jen Sonnenberg Finalists: Kiefer Floreal Elsa Valiñas Contestants
Ten potters from across Canada competed in the debut season: Kiefer Floreal (Winnipeg, MB) Alice Gibson (Penticton, BC) Thomas Haskell (Toronto, ON) Susan Johnston (Surrey, BC) Renu Mathew (Olds, AB) Andrew McCullough (Fredericton, NB) Jen Sonnenberg (Stonewall, MB) Jackie Talmey-Lennon (Vancouver, BC) Elsa Valiñas (Fredericton, NB) Michael Wood (Salisbury, NB) Episode Guide The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down | Shows - CBC Gem
The first season of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down premiered on February 8, 2024, on CBC Television and the streaming service CBC Gem. Adapted from the popular British franchise, the series highlights the skill and creativity of amateur potters from across Canada. Show Format and Setting
Challenges: Each hour-long episode features two distinct tests: a "Main Make" (a large-scale signature piece) and a "Throw Down" or "Spot Test" focused on speed or specific technical skills like trimming and handle-pulling.
Location: The competition was filmed at the historic Granville Island in Vancouver, specifically in the former ceramics studio of Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
Prize: Unlike many reality competitions, there is no cash prize; the artists compete solely for the title of Canada's Top Potter and "bragging rights". Host and Judges Jennifer Robertson
: The Schitt’s Creek star serves as the show's host, providing encouragement and humor. Brendan Tang Natalie Waddell
: These two renowned ceramicists and educators act as the permanent judges. Seth Rogen
: The Canadian actor and executive producer also appears as a featured guest judge. Contestants and Winner
The debut season featured 10 amateur potters from across the country: Jen Sonnenberg Stonewall, MB Kiefer Floreal Winnipeg, MB Alice Gibson Penticton, BC Thomas Haskell Toronto, ON Susan Johnston Surrey, BC Renu Mathew Andrew McCullough Fredericton, NB Jackie Talmey-Lennon Vancouver, BC Elsa Valiñas Fredericton, NB Michael Wood Salisbury, NB Jen Sonnenberg
was crowned the winner in the season finale on April 4, 2024. The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1 ...
Despite its positive reception, the series was not renewed for a second season by CBC as of April 2024.
The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down (Season 1) premiered on CBC Television 8 February 2024 . This reality competition, filmed at Granville Island
in Vancouver, brought together 10 amateur potters from across Canada to compete for the title of "Best Potter in Canada". Cast & Judges Jennifer Robertson (known for Schitt's Creek Renowned ceramicists Brendan Tang Natalie Waddell Guest Judge & Executive Producer: Seth Rogen
, an avid potter, appeared as a guest judge and instructor, even demonstrating his famous ashtray technique in the premiere. Season Highlights & Format Each of the 8 episodes followed a standard format of two weekly challenges: the "Main Make" (a large-scale multi-day project) and a "Throw Down" "Spot Test" (a timed task focused on specific technical skills).
The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1 , "Proper Paper" is the creative brand of Michael Wood
, one of the top contestants. While he is a dedicated potter on the show, Michael is also a letterpress printer and artist based in Salisbury, New Brunswick , who operates under the business name Proper Paper Michael Wood and Proper Paper Contestant Profile Michael Wood , 35, competed in Season 1 of the CBC series
. He became a standout for his technical skill and artistic approach, eventually reaching the finale and finishing as a runner-up. : Outside of the show, Wood specializes in letterpress printing and handmade stationery. His brand, Proper Paper
, often intersects with his ceramic work, showcasing a clean, tactile aesthetic that influenced his pottery designs on the show. Show Highlights
: During the season, Wood was noted for his precision and ability to handle high-pressure builds, such as the chess set challenge in Episode 2 and the intricate table lamp task in Episode 4. Where to Watch Season 1 You can stream all episodes of Season 1 for free on
, where you can follow Michael's journey along with the other nine amateur potters from across Canada. from the show or where to find his letterpress work Meet the potters from The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down 4 Jan 2024 —
The first season of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down premiered on February 8, 2024, on CBC. Over eight episodes, ten amateur potters from across Canada competed in technical and creative challenges at a studio on Granville Island in Vancouver. Season 1 Winner
Jen Sonnenberg, a substitute teacher and hockey coach from Stonewall, Manitoba, was crowned the winner in the finale on April 4, 2024. She defeated fellow finalists Kiefer Floreal and Elsa Valiñas. Cast and Judges Host: Jennifer Robertson (known for Schitt's Creek).
Judges: Visual artist Brendan Tang and ceramic educator Natalie Waddell.
Executive Producer & Guest Judge: Actor and pottery enthusiast Seth Rogen, who appeared throughout the season and participated in the first episode's challenge. Contestants The ten potters featured in the debut season were: Jen Sonnenberg (Winner) – Stonewall, MB Kiefer Floreal (Finalist) – Winnipeg, MB Elsa Valiñas (Finalist) – Fredericton, NB Alice Gibson – Penticton, BC Thomas Haskell – Toronto, ON Susan Johnston – Surrey, BC Renu Mathew – Olds, AB Andrew McCullough – Fredericton, NB Jackie Talmey-Lennon – Vancouver, BC Michael Wood – Salisbury, NB
Watch these highlights and behind-the-scenes looks from the first season:
Jen Sonnenberg , a substitute teacher and hockey coach from Manitoba, was crowned the winner of the debut season of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down . The competition premiered on February 8, 2024, on CBC Television Season Overview
The series is a Canadian adaptation of the popular British format, bringing together 10 of the country's best amateur potters to compete in a studio located on Vancouver's Granville Island Jennifer Robertson (best known for Schitt's Creek Award-winning ceramicists Brendan Tang Natalie Waddell Special Guest & Producer: Seth Rogen
, an avid potter himself, served as an executive producer and guest judge throughout the season. The Path to the Finale
Over eight episodes, contestants faced "Main Makes" and skill-based "Throw Downs". The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down | Season 1
Feature: “The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down” Season 1 – A Gentle, Muddy Masterpiece
In a television landscape dominated by high-stakes culinary battles and cutthroat fashion face-offs, The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down arrived as a quiet, clay-covered breath of fresh air. Season 1 of this CBC gem, which premiered in 2024, did more than showcase impressive ceramic skills—it crafted a warm, inclusive space where creativity, resilience, and community took center stage. The success of Season 1 rested squarely on
The Heart of the Show
Hosted by the effortlessly charming Jennifer Robertson (of Schitt’s Creek fame), the series welcomed ten amateur potters from across Canada. Each week, they faced three challenges: a “Throw Down” (mastering a specific technique), a “Spotlight Challenge” (designing a piece based on a theme), and a heart-stopping “Blindfold Challenge” (testing touch and instinct over sight). But unlike other competition shows, failure here was met not with dramatic music and tears, but with encouragement and genuine respect.
The Judges
At the kiln’s helm were two powerhouse judges:
Together, they offered critiques that were tough but tender—focused on growth, not humiliation.
Memorable Moments from Season 1
Why It Worked
Where other shows manufacture conflict, The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down thrived on collaboration. Potters borrowed tools, shared glaze recipes, and even helped rebuild collapsed pieces. The real villain? A sudden crack in the kiln during a bisque firing. The real drama? Watching someone’s carefully thrown bowl wobble off-center… then seeing them laugh and call it “a learning moment.”
Impact & Reception
Critics praised Season 1 for its “therapeutic pacing” and “visually stunning ceramic artistry.” Viewers took to social media not to argue about eliminations, but to share their own pottery attempts, inspired by the show’s tagline: “It’s not about perfection—it’s about the pinch, the pull, and the patience.”
The season finale drew over 500,000 live viewers—a massive win for CBC—and quickly led to a Season 2 renewal.
Where to Watch
All episodes of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1 are available on CBC Gem (free with ads) and Amazon Prime Video (Canada only, with subscription).
Final Verdict
If you love The Great British Bake Off but wished it was messier, quieter, and somehow more Canadian—this is your show. Season 1 proves that the best reality competition isn’t about who breaks, but who rises from the clay. 🏺🍁
The first season of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down premiered on February 8, 2024, on CBC Television. Filmed on Vancouver's Granville Island, the eight-episode series brought together ten amateur potters from across the country to compete in a supportive yet high-pressure environment. The Creative Team
The show featured a blend of comedic star power and technical expertise: Host: Jennifer Robertson (known for Schitt's Creek). Judges: Award-winning artist Brendan Tang and ceramicist/educator Natalie Waddell . Guest Judge & Executive Producer: Seth Rogen , a passionate amateur potter himself. The 10 Competitors The inaugural season featured a diverse group of potters: Winner: Jen Sonnenberg (Stonewall, MB) Finalists: Elsa Valiñas (Fredericton, NB) and Kiefer Floreal (Winnipeg, MB) Other Participants: Alice Gibson (Penticton, BC), Thomas Haskell (Toronto, ON), Susan Johnston (Surrey, BC), Renu Mathew (Olds, AB), Andrew McCullough (Fredericton, NB), Jackie Talmey-Lennon (Vancouver, BC), and Michael Wood (Salisbury, NB). Season 1 Challenges & Highlights
Each episode consisted of a Main Make (a multi-day project) and a Throw Down (a fast-paced skills test).
Hometown Tributes: In the premiere, potters created pieces representing their roots. Seth Rogen
showcased his own Vancouver tribute: a "mountain-themed" bong.
Technical Trials: Challenges ranged from crafting chess sets and table lamps to building functional water fountains.
Dinnerware Finale: The final three potters faced their ultimate test: creating a full dinnerware set for a nine-course tasting menu.
Memorable Moments: The show was noted for its "Canadian kindness," where competitors frequently helped one another—such as sharing specialized salves or giving advice to fix critical mistakes mid-challenge. The Winner's Journey Jen Sonnenberg
, a substitute teacher and hockey coach, was declared the winner on the April 4, 2024, finale. Known for her calm demeanor and sophisticated geometric style, she consistently impressed judges with her technical precision, ultimately securing the title of Canada's Top Potter.
Seth Rogen's new pottery reality TV show inspired by modern ... - CBC
An informative look at the first season of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down
reveals a competition series that emphasizes artistic expression over cutthroat drama. Premiering on February 8, 2024, the eight-episode season adapted the successful British format to showcase the diverse talents of Canadian amateur potters. Series Overview and Format No successful pottery show works without the right chemistry
The show was filmed on Granville Island in Vancouver, at the former site of the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Each episode followed a structured format of two creative challenges:
Main Make: A multi-day challenge where potters created a large-scale "signature" piece.
Throw Down or Spot Test: A shorter, skill-based technical challenge, such as a race against the clock or a specific technique like pulling handles.
A "Potter of the Week" was named in each episode, and their work was displayed in the show’s Throw Down Gallery. Production Team and Cast
Host: Jennifer Robertson, known for her role in Schitt’s Creek.
Judges: Ceramic artist and educator Natalie Waddell and visual artist Brendan Tang. Executive Producers : Notable figures including Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg
. Rogen, an avid amateur potter, also appeared as a guest judge and instructor throughout the season.
Winner: Jen Sonnenberg was crowned the winner in the season finale, which aired on April 4, 2024. Episode Guide and Challenges
The season's challenges tested both technical prowess and personal storytelling.
The inaugural season of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down successfully adapted the beloved British format, centering on a group of talented potters competing at the historic Granville Island in Vancouver. Hosted by Jennifer Robertson, the show brought a uniquely Canadian warmth to the high-stakes world of ceramic arts, blending technical precision with heartfelt storytelling.
Under the watchful eyes of judges Brendan Tang and Natalie Waddell, the contestants faced a series of "Main Squeeze" challenges and "Second Throw" tests. From crafting functional dinnerware sets to sculpting intricate tributes to Canadian landscapes, the artists demonstrated the immense physical and mental stamina required for the craft. The series highlighted the "glaze of glory" and the "kiln-fired" tension inherent in pottery, where hours of meticulous work can be undone by a single crack in the oven.
Beyond the technicalities of throwing clay, the season resonated because of its community spirit. Unlike many cutthroat reality competitions, the potters frequently supported one another, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect. This camaraderie, set against the backdrop of Canada’s diverse cultural influences, made the first season a celebratory showcase of craftsmanship, culminating in a finale that solidified the show as a refreshing addition to the country's creative television landscape.
The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1 premiered on February 8, 2024, as a feel-good reality competition celebrating the artistry of ceramics. Filmed on Granville Island in Vancouver, the series features 10 amateur potters from across Canada competing for the title of "best at the wheel". Show Overview Host: Jennifer Robertson (known for Schitt's Creek).
Judges: Award-winning artist Brendan Tang and renowned ceramicist Natalie Waddell.
Special Guest: Actor and pottery enthusiast Seth Rogen serves as an executive producer and guest judge.
Format: Based on the UK hit The Great Pottery Throw Down, each episode includes a "Main Make" (a multi-day project) and a fast-paced "Second Challenge" or "Throw Down". Season 1 Episodes & Challenges
The season consists of 8 episodes with themes ranging from personal history to technical precision. Key Challenge 1 Hometown Tribute Create a piece representing their home; trim bowls. 2
Sculpt a functional Chess Set; throw tulip cups off the hump. 3 Abstract Yourself Create self-sculptures; test math skills in clay. 4 Let There Be Light Design a functional Table Lamp. 5 Into The Fire Raku week featuring drink sets. 6 The Table is Set Craft a nine-course dinner set; pull handles for mugs. 7 Calm Waters Semi-finals: Create an indoor Water Fountain. 8 Grand Finale: Create a decorative Tea Set. Season 1 Winner & Contestants Winner: Jen Sonnenberg from Stonewall, Manitoba. Finalists: Kiefer Floreal and Jackie Talmey-Lennon.
Other Competitors: Alice Gibson, Thomas Haskell, Susan Johnston, Renu Mathew, Andrew McCullough, Elsa Valiñas, and Michael Wood. How to Watch The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down | Your Morning
Here’s an informative guide to The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1, covering the show’s concept, judges, contestants, notable moments, and where to watch.
Week 1: Centering drills — 30 mins/day; make 20 small bowls. Week 2: Wall-pulling — focus on uniform thickness; 15 vessels. Week 3: Handles & attachments — practice 50 handles and attachments. Week 4: Trimming & feet — refine 30 pieces; practice different foot styles. Week 5: Surface decoration & glazing — test glazes on tiles; record results. Week 6: Timed mock challenges — 3 full mock episodes under time limits.
When CBC announced it was adapting the beloved British format The Great Pottery Throw Down for a Canadian audience, expectations were high—but cautious. After all, the UK original, hosted by the gentle-judging Keith Brymer Jones and Siobhán McSweeney, had carved out a niche as the "anti-Bake Off": quieter, messier, and surprisingly emotional.
But when The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1 finally aired in early 2024, it didn't just meet expectations; it shattered them. The series immediately became a sleeper hit, proving that Canada has a deep, muddy bench of clay talent. Here is everything you need to know about the debut season that made the nation fall in love with kilns, glaze, and the heartbreak of a cracked rim.