The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1 ... May 2026
The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1: A New Clay Classic
If you're a fan of the gentle, supportive spirit found in The Great British Bake Off, then The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down is your next must-watch "comfort show." Premiering on CBC Television on February 8, 2024, this CBC series brought the UK's beloved ceramics competition to Canadian shores, celebrating the immense talent and grit required to master the wheel. The Craft Behind the Competition
Filmed at the former site of the Emily Carr University of Art and Design on Granville Island, Vancouver, the show leans into Canada's rich artistic history. The setting—an industrial-turned-artistic hub—provides a picturesque and authentic backdrop for ten amateur potters from across the country to face off in eight weeks of high-stakes firing and glazing. The Faces of the Show
The series is hosted by Jennifer Robertson, best known for her role as Jocelyn Schitt in Schitt's Creek. Joining her is a powerhouse of expertise:
Seth Rogen: The actor and passionate amateur potter serves as an executive producer and guest judge. Rogen’s presence isn't just for show; he’s deeply involved in the craft, even contributing his own designs, like a Vancouver-inspired bong/sculpture in the premiere. The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1 ...
Brendan Tang: A Vancouver-based award-winning artist and instructor.
Natalie Waddell: A renowned ceramicist and educator from Toronto. Meet the Season 1 Potters
Ten potters from across Canada were selected for their unique styles and backgrounds:
Jen Sonnenberg (Stonewall, MB) – A substitute teacher and hockey coach known for her sophisticated, clean geometric style. The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down Season 1:
Kiefer Floreal (Winnipeg, MB) – A 27-year-old with a passion for film photography.
Alice Gibson (Penticton, BC) – The youngest contestant at 21.
Thomas Haskell (Toronto, ON) – Dedicated several pieces to his grandmother.
Jackie Talmey-Lennon (Vancouver, BC) – An outdoors enthusiast and skilled illustrator. Guide: The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown — Season
Renu Mathew (Olds, AB), Andrew McCullough (Fredericton, NB), Elsa Valiñas (Fredericton, NB), Michael Wood (Salisbury, NB), and Susan Johnston (Surrey, BC). Season 1 Highlights & Finale
The episodes challenged contestants through "Main Challenges" (multi-day projects with firing) and "Spot Tests" (technical skills like pulling handles or bowl trimming).
Guide: The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown — Season 1
Skills to Watch & Learn
- Centering the clay quickly and cleanly
- Pulling walls evenly for uniform thickness
- Creating consistent lip and foot finishes
- Trimming and refining form
- Proper joining techniques for handles and additions
- Surface decoration methods and timing (leather-hard vs bone-dry)
- Understanding kiln temperatures and glaze fit issues
Critical Reception
The show was praised for:
- Kindness and camaraderie – Unlike cutthroat reality TV, potters help each other and celebrate successes.
- Educational value – Viewers learn about kiln types, glazing chemistry, and hand-building techniques.
- Canadian representation – Indigenous pottery traditions, regional clay sources, and diverse artistic voices are highlighted.
It holds a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes (audience score) and was described by The Globe and Mail as “the most soothing and inspiring competition show on Canadian television.”