Celebrity Chefs on CTV
Celebrity Chefs on CTV do more than cook: they entertain, inspire, and connect with viewers. Whether it’s a high-energy competition or a cozy kitchen moment, their personalities make food content feel personal. Here are ten chefs you’ve likely seen across CTV shows, and why audiences love them.
Key Takeaways
- CTV’s food programming showcases a diverse lineup of globally recognized celebrity chefs.
- Each chef brings a unique personality and cooking philosophy, from fine dining to family comfort food.
- These chefs are not only culinary experts but also beloved TV personalities who shape food trends worldwide.
1. Gordon Ramsay
When it comes to celebrity chefs, Gordon Ramsay is in a league of his own. His fiery energy, sharp tongue, and high standards have made him one of the most recognized faces in food TV. But beyond the shouting and drama, there’s a chef who genuinely cares about helping others grow. Whether he’s turning around struggling restaurants in 24 Hours to Hell and Back or guiding home cooks on MasterChef, Ramsay brings passion, purpose, and serious kitchen know-how.
He’s known for his love of elevated British cuisine, especially his famous Beef Wellington, but what really makes him stand out is how deeply he believes in potential. He pushes people hard because he wants to see them succeed. And every so often, we get a glimpse of his softer side, like the time he got emotional watching his daughter’s cooking show because her burger didn’t turn out just right.
As seen on: Hell’s Kitchen, 24 Hours to Hell and Back, MasterChef, Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service
Cuisine specialty: Modern British dishes, with Beef Wellington as his standout
Famous quote: “I don’t run restaurants that are just good, I run restaurants that are unforgettable.”
Fun fact: Ramsay once said that watching his daughter cry over a cooking mistake reminded him how powerful food can be, even for young chefs.
2. Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver has always made home cooking feel completely accessible. From the moment he appeared on screen, his easy-going nature and genuine charm made him instantly relatable. It quickly became clear that he wasn’t just a talented and lovable chef, but someone who truly wanted to help people eat better. His CTV shows, such as Jamie’s 15-Minute Meals and Jamie’s Super Food, are packed with helpful tips and easy techniques that make it possible to cook healthy, delicious meals quickly, using fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
But Jamie’s impact goes well beyond the kitchen. He’s been a passionate advocate for healthier school meals, better food education, and helping families make nutritious meals part of daily life. He doesn’t just teach people how to cook; he teaches them that they can. That honesty, warmth, and real sense of purpose are what have made him a beloved figure across generations.
As seen on: Jamie’s 30-Minute Meals, Jamie’s Super Food, Jamie’s Quick & Easy Food
Cuisine specialty: Mediterranean and British fusion with a focus on healthy meals
Famous quote: “Real food doesn’t have ingredients; real food is ingredients.”
Fun fact: Jamie has dyslexia and didn’t read an entire book until he was 38, and it was one of his own cookbooks.
3. Nigella Lawson
Nigella Lawson is a culinary storyteller. Her smooth voice, poetic commentary, and indulgent recipes have charmed audiences for years. On CTV, her shows Nigella Bites and At My Table celebrate the intimate joy of cooking at home. Her warm approach turns everyday meals into personal rituals.
Lawson isn’t a professional chef, and she embraces that. Her lack of formal training makes her highly relatable to home cooks, and her dishes often emphasize comfort, emotion, and self-love.
As seen on: Nigella Bites, Simply Nigella, Nigella: At My Table
Cuisine specialty: Comfort food with a blend of European and Middle Eastern flavors
Famous quote: “Cooking is not about just joining the dots, following one recipe slavishly and then moving on to the next.”
Fun fact: Before becoming a household name in the culinary world, Nigella studied medieval and modern languages at Oxford and worked as a literary critic.
4. Curtis Stone
Curtis Stone brings together culinary skill, on-screen charm, and a genuine passion for great ingredients. A classically trained chef with a background in fine-dining kitchens, he has since become a familiar and trusted face on food television. On CTV, his shows combine thoughtful cooking with immersive storytelling, taking viewers on a journey that goes beyond the plate.
His cooking style focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple techniques that make high-quality food approachable at home. In Field Trip with Curtis Stone, he explores where ingredients come from and how their stories shape the meals we love, offering a deeper connection to the food we eat.
As seen on: Take Home Chef, Field Trip with Curtis Stone, Top Chef Masters
Cuisine focus: Modern, ingredient-driven cooking with global influences
Famous quote: “Cooking should be a pleasure, not a chore.”
Fun fact: Curtis studied psychology before choosing the kitchen over the classroom. He’s also designed his own line of kitchen tools to make cooking more enjoyable.
5. Kylie Kwong
Kylie Kwong is the kind of chef who makes you feel right at home the moment she steps into the kitchen. Her food is soulful, simple, and always made with intention, offering comfort and curiosity in every bite.
What sets Kylie apart on CTV is her deep belief that food is more than sustenance, it’s a way to care for others and the planet. With a gentle voice and an eye for beauty, she shows viewers how cooking can be both joyful and deeply meaningful.
As seen on: Heart and Soul, Simply Magic
Cuisine specialty: Chinese-Australian fusion with a focus on plant-based dishes
Famous quote: “The spirit of food is just as important as its flavor.”
Fun fact: Kylie is also an artist and often collaborates with indigenous painters and musicians in her restaurants and public events.
6. Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay is a true master of culinary competition. On CTV, his appearances on Iron Chef America and Beat Bobby Flay exemplified his skill and daring nature. Renowned for his bold flavors and steadfast technique, Flay excels in high-pressure circumstances.
Flay has a unique ability to take everyday dishes and infuse them with upscale flair. Whether it’s burgers, tacos, or barbecue, his signature spice blends and grilling expertise elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.
As seen on: Beat Bobby Flay, Iron Chef America, BBQ Brawl
Cuisine specialty: Bold, spice-forward grilling and barbecue
Famous quote: “I still love doing what I do, and I try to challenge myself every day.”
Fun fact: Bobby Flay dropped out of high school at age 17. His first job in a restaurant was making salads at Joe Allen’s in New York.
7. Guy Fieri
With his signature spiked hair and high-octane personality, Guy Fieri is one of the most instantly recognizable names in food entertainment. His breakout series, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, became a cultural phenomenon, celebrating humble eateries and the comfort food that keeps people coming back.
Fieri brings unmatched charisma to every show he hosts, from culinary competitions to kitchen hangouts with fellow chefs. Beyond his bold flavors and flair for the dramatic, he’s known for spotlighting independent restaurants and giving them a platform to thrive.
As seen on: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy’s Ranch Kitchen
Cuisine specialty: Comfort food classics with bold, unapologetic flavor
Famous quote: “If it tastes really good, it’s good for you.”
Fun fact: He legally changed the spelling of his last name to “Fieri” as a tribute to his Italian grandfather.
8. Rachael Ray
Rachael Ray built her career on accessibility. Her show 30 Minute Meals, frequently featured on CTV, helped redefine what weeknight dinners could look like for busy families. With practical tips, pantry hacks, and quick solutions that never sacrifice flavor, she’s made home cooking feel achievable for everyone.
What sets Ray apart is her relatability. She embraces imperfections and openly shares her cooking mishaps, which has only deepened her connection with viewers.
As seen on: 30 Minute Meals, The Rachael Ray Show, Week in a Day
Cuisine specialty: Fast, family-friendly meals with bold flavors
Famous quote: “Good food and a warm kitchen are what makes a house a home.”
Fun fact: Rachael Ray has never received formal culinary training. She began her career in food while working at Macy’s and a gourmet market in New York.
9. Ina Garten
Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, brings grace and calm to every episode she hosts. Her shows feel more like an escape than a typical cooking segment, blending sophistication with simplicity. With her soothing voice and elegant, no-fuss recipes, she transforms home cooking into a refined yet approachable experience.
Garten focuses on quality over complexity, encouraging the use of fresh ingredients and confident presentation. Her signature style makes even the most hesitant home cooks feel empowered in the kitchen.
As seen on: Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, Cook Like a Pro
Cuisine specialty: French-American comfort food
Famous quote: “Cooking is one of the great gifts you can give to those you love.”
Fun fact: Before her culinary journey, Ina worked as a nuclear policy analyst at the White House.
10. Matty Matheson
Matty Matheson brings an unapologetic energy to food television. Known for his larger-than-life personality and tattooed chef persona, Matheson’s shows are as much about storytelling and culture as they are about cooking. His comfort food creations — think fried chicken, pasta, and diner-style eats — are infused with heart, humor, and a respect for technique.
He’s become a familiar face on CTV food programming, where his mix of chaos and craft keeps audiences hooked.
As seen on: Dead Set on Life, It’s Suppertime!, The Bear (as producer)
Cuisine specialty: Comfort food, Canadian-American fusion
Famous quote: “If it’s made with love, it tastes better.”
Fun fact: Despite his wild image, Matheson trained at Le Cordon Bleu and is deeply passionate about local ingredients and food sustainability.
Summary
CTV’s culinary programming showcases a dynamic mix of celebrity chefs who bring more than just recipes to the screen. They offer personality, perspective, and a genuine passion for food. From intense culinary masters to laid-back storytellers, each chef adds a unique flavor to the viewing experience. Their presence transforms cooking shows into moments of learning, entertainment, and inspiration for everyday audiences.
These chefs reflect a wide spectrum of styles and specialties, making food content accessible, exciting, and deeply engaging. Whether they’re breaking down complex techniques or sharing personal food philosophies, their ability to connect with viewers sets them apart. CTV’s food-focused content thrives on the influence of these standout personalities who continue to shape and elevate culinary storytelling across screens.
