#NEWMUSIC: ED SHEERAN – NEW ALBUM “PLAY”

After closing the chapter on his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025. An artist known for constantly evolving, Sheeran’s latest album, ‘PLAY’ finds him exploring new musical ground through collaboration with producers and musicians from around the world, as well as diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have made him one of the world’s best-loved pop artists. Inspired in part by his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures—and their surprising connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with, through shared scales, rhythms, and melodies—he explored this borderless musical language, giving the album its distinctive, fresh edge. On more familiar ground, Sheeran also reminds us why he remains the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation, delivering a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven songs. The result is a collection that plays with both the familiar and the new, creating a bold, pop-driven sound that only Ed Sheeran could deliver — a vibrant showcase of his artistry that feels both exciting and transformative, and promises to be one of the defining albums of the year.

Ed said…”Play was an album that was made as a direct response to the darkest period of my life. Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring. I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India, and had some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father. Going into this album campaign I said to myself ‘I just want everything I do to be fun and playful’ – so that’s why we are building pubs for folk jams, doing gigs on open top buses and singing in pink cowboy hats on bars. The older I get the more I just want to enjoy things, and savour the moments that are mad and chaotic. You can preorder play now, many many more playful things to come before it’s out x”

After the release of his global, hedonistic, technicolor pop hit ’Azizam’, Sheeran gets nostalgic on his brand new single ‘Old Phone’, narrating the disorienting act of reconnecting with his past. Powering up an old phone unused since 2015, he unearths messages from a lost friend, an argument with an ex, and distant family, highlighting how time and separation reshape identity. Blending nostalgic acoustic melodies with raw emotion, the song recalls Ed’s early songwriting roots while exploring growth and memory, capturing an artist that is shaped and transformed by his past ‘Old Phone’ has been produced by Blake Slatkin & Ilya Salmanzadeh.

‘PLAY’ will be released on 12th September 2025. (Pre-order here). 

To mark the occasion he has released a new single ‘Old Phone’  (Listen here). 

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE BETTER SISTER” TRAILER

Today, Prime Video released the official trailer and key art for the upcoming thrilling crime drama The Better Sister, starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks. All eight episodes of the highly anticipated limited series produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Tomorrow Studios (part of ITV Studios) will premiere on Thursday, May 29, 2025 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

The Better Sister, based on the book by bestselling author Alafair Burke, is an 8-episode electric thriller limited series about the terrible things that drive sisters apart and ultimately bring them back together. Chloe (Jessica Biel), a high-profile media executive, lives a picturesque life with her handsome lawyer husband Adam (Corey Stoll) and teenage son Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan) by her side while her estranged sister Nicky (Elizabeth Banks) struggles to make ends meet and stay clean. When Adam is brutally murdered, the prime suspect sends shockwaves through the family, reuniting the two sisters as they try to untangle a complicated family history to discover the truth behind his death.

The series stars Jessica Biel as Chloe Taylor, Elizabeth Banks as Nicky Macintosh, Corey Stoll as Adam Macintosh, Kim Dickens as Detective Nancy Guidry, Maxwell Acee Donovan as Ethan Macintosh, Bobby Naderi as Detective Matt Bowen, Gabriel Sloyer as Jake Rodriguez, Gloria Reuben as Michelle Sanders, with Matthew Modine as Bill Braddock, and Lorraine Toussaint as Catherine Lancaster.

The Better Sister is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Tomorrow Studios (part of ITV Studios). Olivia Milch (Ocean’s 8) and Regina Corrado (Mayor of Kingstown) are executive producers and showrunners. Series director Craig Gillespie (Pam & Tommy) and Annie Marter are executive producers through Fortunate Jack Productions alongside executive producers Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, and Alissa Bachner through Tomorrow Studios (One Piece), Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Purple, and Kerry Orent.

#HOTDOCS: “MY MISSING AUNT” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

My Missing Aunt is a powerful Documentary about familial secrets and harmful societal beliefs.

South Korean Filmmaker Juyeon Yang uncovers the erased existence of her aunt, who died by suicide before graduating from college. As she confronts family secrets and dating violence, she exposes generations of patriarchal damage inflicted on women to live as “good daughters.”

My Missing Aunt begins as a deeply personal story of Yang learning she had an aunt. We follow her interviews with her parents to find out who her late aunt was. It isn’t easy to hear the stories Yang includes in her interviews. Her aunt was essentially erased from her family due to being found dead in a man’s home. The worst of it might be the intentional absence of her name on the family gravestone.

It’s through confronting her dark familial secret that Yang exposes societal expectations, norms, and patriarchal damage in South Korean culture. So what begins as a personal story evolves into an exposé of culture and societal beliefs that must be challenged.

Overall, My Missing Aunt is a moving Documentary about honouring those forgotten and ensuring they’re remembered. These women lived and existed, they shouldn’t be erased.

My Missing Aunt screens at Hot Docs ’25:

April 26 at 11:45 AM at TIFF Lightbox 3

April 30 at 10:30 AM at TIFF Lightbox 2

#FIRSTLOOK: “SHŌGUN” SEASON TWO BEGINS PRODUCTION JANUARY 2026

The FX and Disney+ global hit drama series “Shōgun,” based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell, is scheduled to begin physical production for season two in January in Vancouver, it was announced today by Gina Balian, President, FX Entertainment. “Shōgun,” the most-viewed program in FX history, is produced by FX Productions.

Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, who created the series for television, recently wrapped a writers’ room devoted to creating a wholly original new chapter to the first season, which was an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel.

In the first season, Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) fought for his survival as his enemies in the Council of Regents united against him. When a mysterious European ship was found marooned in a nearby village, its English pilot John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) shared vital strategic secrets with Toranaga that tipped the scales of power in his favour to win a century-defining civil war.

Part two of “Shōgun” is set ten years after the events of the first season and continues the historically-inspired saga of these two men from different worlds whose fates are inextricably entwined.

Marks and Kondo are Executive Producers alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell and Michael De Luca. Hiroyuki Sanada is set to return and star as “Toranaga” and has been elevated to Executive Producer on the second season. Cosmo Jarvis will also reprise his role as “Blackthorne” and serve as Co-Executive Producer.

The first season of “Shōgun” won 18 Emmy® Awards, setting the record for the most Emmy Awards by a series in a single season. It was FX’s first series to win Outstanding Drama Series. Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and Anna Sawai made history as the first actress of Asian descent to win Lead Actress in the same category. A global phenomenon, the show won numerous other awards, including the Golden Globe® Award for Best Television Series – Drama, AFI TV Program of the Year, and top honours from SAG, WGA, DGA, PGA, TCA, the Independent Spirit Awards, among many others.

#FIRSTLOOK: SHAWN LEVY TO BE INDUCTED ON CANADA’S WALK OF FAME

Canada’s Walk of Fame, the country’s highest honour for outstanding achievement, proudly announces that Montreal’s acclaimed filmmaker and director Shawn Levy will be inducted to its esteemed ranks. Known for bringing bold authentic and entertaining storytelling to the big and small screen, with credits such as Deadpool & Wolverine, Night at the Museum franchise, Stranger Things and the recently announced Star Wars: Starfighter –Levy returns to his Canadian roots to join this year’s extraordinary class of Inductees, which includes:

Liona Boyd (Arts and Entertainment) – Five-Time Juno Award-Winning “First Lady of Guitar”
Dr. Tirone David (Science, Technology and Innovation) – Pioneering Cardiovascular Surgeon
Dr. Samantha Nutt (Humanitarianism) – Champion of Children’s Wellness on the Frontlines of Global Crises
Our Lady Peace (Arts and Entertainment) – Multi-platinum, Diamond-Selling Band
Isadore Sharp (Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy) – Visionary Hotelier and Philanthropist
Mike Weir (Sports and Athletics) – The first Canadian golfer to win the Masters Tournament
Toronto International Film Festival (Arts and Entertainment) – The Largest Public Film Festival in the World
Tonya Williams (Arts and Entertainment) – Award-Winning Actress, Producer and Advocate

Click image to view & download Shawn’s Reaction Video from Japan.

Levy is the creative force behind some of the biggest film and television hits of a generation, as a Writer, Director and Producer. With a track record that spans genres and decades – and box office totals in the multi-billions – Levy has cemented his status as one of the most influential storytellers of our time. He first broke out with the 2000s classic Big Fat Liar, setting the stage for a string of blockbuster franchises including Cheaper by the Dozen, The Pink Panther, and Night at the Museum franchise, Free Guy and Deadpool & Wolverine. On the television side, Levy’s impact is just as profound, with hits like All the Light We Cannot See and the global phenomena Stranger Things further showcasing his creative vision and cultural influence. As the founder of 21 Laps Entertainment, Levy is rigorously committed to empowering filmmakers’ voice and vision, while remaining devoted to crafting stories built for audience connection and delight, with titles such as Academy Award®-nominated Arrival, The Spectacular Now, The Perfect Couple and Shadow and Bone.

“This year’s Inductees represent the very best of Canada – visionaries, pioneers, and changemakers who have shaped our cultural identity and elevated our global reputation,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “From the world stage to the operating room, from the concert hall to the frontlines of humanitarian work, each of these remarkable individuals and organizations has made a lasting impact. We are proud to celebrate their extraordinary contributions and welcome them to Canada’s Walk of Fame.”

These nine extraordinary Canadians will join more than 230 Inductees who have earned their place on Canada’s Walk of Fame and will be honoured at the highly anticipated 2025 Induction Gala on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – and evening that shines a spotlight on remarkable Canadians whose achievements have made a lasting impact.

For more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame, visit www.canadaswalkoffame.com.

#FIRSTLOOK: SAM ELLIOTT ADDED TO CAST OF SEASON TWO “LANDMAN”

Paramount+ today announced that Academy Award® nominee and Screen Actors Guild Award®-winner, Sam Elliott (1883) will join the second season of Taylor Sheridan’s hit series Landman as a series regular.

Sam Elliott won the Screen Actors Guild Award® for his role in Taylor Sheridan’s 1883 and received an Academy Award nomination and a National Board of Review Award for his performance in A Star Is Born. His numerous other film credits include The Big Lebowski, Tombstone and The Contender. On television, Elliott’s credits include a Critics Choice-award-winning performance in Justified, as well as Parks & Rec, Grace and Frankie and The Ranch.

LANDMAN stars Oscar® winner Billy Bob Thornton, Academy Award nominee Demi Moore, Academy Award nominee Andy Garcia, Academy Award nominee Sam Elliott, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan and Canadian Colm Feore.

The original drama series is co-created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace. Season two production is currently underway in Texas.

Landman is set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas and is a modern-day tale of fortune-seeking in the world of oil rigs. Based on the notable 11-part podcast Boomtown from Imperative Entertainment and Texas Monthly, the series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.

The series had 35 million global streaming viewers for the premiere episode and set new records for Paramount+:

• #1 Paramount+ original ever on the service
• #1 engagement driver

Billy Bob Thornton scored a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role as “Tommy Norris.”

Landman is executive produced by co-creator Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, co-creator Christian Wallace, Billy Bob Thornton, Geyer Kosinski, Michael Friedman and Stephen Kay. Dan Friedkin and Jason Hoch for Imperative Entertainment, and J.K. Nickell and Megan Creydt for Texas Monthly also executive produce. Tommy Turtle serves as co-executive producer.

The series is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios and Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions.

Landman is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. Season one is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+.

Landman is the latest addition to Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+, which includes YELLOWSTONE, 1923, 1883, Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King and Lawmen: Bass Reeves.

#FOOD: HARBOUR SIXTY WEEKDAY LUNCH PRIX FIXE

Following an extensive renovation, Harbour Sixty has quietly debuted a new weekday lunch prix fixe—an accessible entry point into one of Toronto’s most iconic fine-dining rooms. Now, getting in and out in just about 45 minutes is no longer a trade-off between quality and convenience. The restaurant, known for its sleek, iconic atmosphere, has revamped its lunch offering, making fine dining both accessible and efficient.

Available Monday to Friday, the menu features two courses ($65) or three ($79), with options that span classic steakhouse staples and lighter, seafood-forward choices. Whether you’re seeking the bold flavours of a steak frites or the refreshing elegance of Big Glory Bay salmon, the quick-paced yet refined experience has you covered.

APPETIZER (choice of)
Steak Tartare — Chopped Filet, Quail Egg, Chives, Parmesan, Toast

Green Goddess Salad — Gem Lettuce, Avocado, Pistachio, Dill

6 pc Valley Pearl Oysters — Yuzu Kosho Mignonette, Lemon

ENTRÉE (choice of)
7 oz Steak Frites — Filet, Peppercorn Jus, Fries

Big Glory Bay Salmon — Cauliflower, Marcona Almond, Watercress

Lobster Roll — Lobster, Avocado, Cucumber, Yuzu Aioli, Fries

DESSERT (choice of)
Gelato — 3 scoops (dairy-free options available)

Coconut Cream Pie — Vanilla Bean, Toasted Coconut, Dulcey Chocolate

Additional à la carte options include:
Philly Steak & Cheese 7 oz — $41 — Shaved Prime Rib, Horseradish, Arugula, Smoked Cheddar, Fries

Steak & Salad 7 oz — $44 — 7 oz Striploin, Baby Spinach, Roasted Peppers, Roasted Mushrooms, Balsamic Dressing

Steak Frites 7 oz — $59 — Tenderloin Filet, Peppercorn Jus, Fries

Lobster Roll — $55 — Lobster, Avocado, Cucumber, Yuzu Aioli, Fries

The new prix fixe makes it possible to enjoy Harbour Sixty’s legendary flavours and polished ambiance without sacrificing your schedule. The allure of dining in one of Toronto’s most celebrated venues is now available on a lunch break — perfect for those looking to enjoy a moment of luxury amidst a busy day.

Still undeniably Harbour Sixty — it’s the same indulgence, curated to fit into the modern, fast-paced workday.

Reservations for the prix fixe menu at Harbour Sixty can be made HERE.

(Photo credit: Rob Fiocca)

#FIRSTLOOK: “CANADA’S GOT TALENT” APRIL 29, 2025 EPISODE RECAP

On tonight’s episode of Canada’s Got Talent on Citytv, the #CGT judges – Howie Mandel, Shania Twain, Katherine Ryan, Kardinal Offishall – and host Lindsay Ell selected the 14 acts moving on to The Eliminations. They are:

BRITISH COLUMBIA

• TWOFOURSEVEN – Dance, Vancouver
• CARSIM BIRMINGHAM – Singer/Musician, Vancouver – **Kardinal’s Golden Buzzer**

NEW BRUNSWICK

• THE MARTIN BOYS – Singer/Musician, Woodstock

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

• JACOB LEWIS – Singer/Musician, Butlerville – **Shania’s Golden Buzzer**

ONTARIO

• DARREN LEO – Comedy, Toronto – **Katherine’s Golden Buzzer**
• SAI KIT LO – Comedy, Markham
• ILLUMIN DRONE SHOWS – Variety, Toronto
• BEN KAHAN – Magic, Toronto
• FUNKYVERSE – Dance, Toronto – **Group Golden Buzzer**
• NICOLINA – Singer/Musician, Vaughan – **Lindsay’s Golden Buzzer**

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

• DEEDEE AUSTIN – Singer/Musician, Abegweit First Nation – **Howie’s Golden Buzzer**

INTERNATIONAL

• THE JAMBO BROTHERS – Variety, Kenya
• TULGA – Variety, Mongolia
• CHANTAAAAL – Variety, France

Plus, key moments from tonight’s episode of Canada’s Got Talent, include:

• WHYTE WHYNE AND YOUNG RIESLING (Toronto, ON) had the audience laughing with a funny, high-energy musical performance of their own original rap.
• Singer and Shania Twain superfan, JULIANNA MOORE (St. Lazare, MB) delivered a stunning and heartfelt cover of Faith Hill’s “There You’ll Be.”
• AVA VAL (Whitby, ON) brought the house down with a raw, witty, stand-up performance rooted in her experience as a trans woman.
• SANDRINE & ROBIN (Granby, QC) gave a mesmerizing dance performance, full of grace and precision, leaving the crowd cheering.
• Dynamic dance crew FUNKYVERSE (Toronto, ON) received the Group Golden Buzzer after lighting up the stage with flawless synchronization. (seen above)

Rogers is once again providing the winner of Canada’s Got Talent with a life-changing prize of $1M (plus $50 from Howie Mandel) – the biggest cash prize in Canadian television history, plus financial advice from CIBC. And that’s not all! Every Golden Buzzer recipient will receive $25,000 (totaling $150,000), courtesy of CIBC, to help realize their ambitions.

Tonight’s Performances (Tuesday, April 29)

WHYTE WHYNE AND YOUNG RIESLING – Variety

Toronto, ON
Check Out WHYTE WHYNE AND YOUNG RIESLING’s Performance

JULIANNA MOORE – Singer/Musician

St. Lazare, MB

Check Out JULIANNA MOORE’s Performance

BADUNKAFUNK – Singer/Musician

Norfolk County, ON

AVA VAL – Comedy

Whitby, ON

Check Out AVA VAL’s Performance

SANDRINE & ROBIN – Dance

Granby, QC
Check Out SANDRINE & ROBINs Performance

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS – Variety

London, UK
Check Out FORBIDDEN NIGHTS’s Performance 

FUNKYVERSE – Dance

Toronto, ON

Check Out FUNKYVERSE’s Performance 

**COMING UP**

A Sneak Peek at Next Week’s Contestants (Tuesday, May 6)

THE JAMBO BROTHERS – Variety

Nairobi, KENYA

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

TULGA – Variety

Mongolia
CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

THE MARTIN BOYS – Vocal Group

Woodstock, NB

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

DEEDEE AUSTIN – Singer/Musician

Abegweit First Nation, PEI

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

DARREN LEO – Comedy

Toronto, ON
CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

SAI KIT LO – Comedy

Markham, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

ILLUMIN DRONE SHOWS – Variety

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

BEN KAHAN – Magic

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

CHANTAAAAL – Singer/Musician

Cancon, France

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

TWOFOURSEVEN – Dance

Vancouver, BC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

FUNKYVERSE – Dance

Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

NICOLINA – Singer/Musician

Vaughan, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

CARSIM BIRMINGHAM – Singer/Musician

Vancouver, BC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

JACOB LEWIS – Singer/Musician

Butlerville, NL

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

Canada’s Got Talent is produced by MEM Inc., and Fremantle, in association with Citytv, a division of Rogers Sports & Media based on the Got Talent format owned by Fremantle and SYCO Entertainment.

#FIRSTLOOK: “NORTH OF NORTH” RENEWED FOR SECOND SEASON

APTN, CBC and Netflix have renewed NORTH OF NORTH for a second season. Series star Anna Lambe announced the renewal on social media tonight. This news comes on the heels of the comedy series’ successful first season launch on APTN, CBC and Netflix, having instantly captivated audiences in Canada and around the world.

NORTH OF NORTH stars Lambe (True Detective, Trickster, The Grizzlies) as Siaja, a young Inuk woman who dreams of reinventing herself in her tiny Arctic community of Ice Cove, a town where everybody knows your business. After a spontaneous — and extremely public — exit from her marriage, Siaja finds herself navigating the unpredictable, and often hilarious, highs and lows that come with relationships, motherhood, a new job, and finding your way. The first season also features actors Maika Harper, Braeden Clarke, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jay Ryan, Zorga Qaunaq, Bailey Poching, Kelly William, Keira Belle Cooper and Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds.

The series first premiered in Canada on APTN and CBC in January 2025 and then globally on Netflix in April 2025. NORTH OF NORTH was the most-watched new series on CBC Gem since the launch of the streaming platform.* Additionally, the comedy was one of the most-watched programs on CBC among the A25-54 demographic.** On APTN, NORTH OF NORTH was among the top-performing new scripted shows during the Winter 2025 season and the top new program on APTN lumi. Globally NORTH OF NORTH debuted at No. 9 on Netflix’s global top 10 for English-language television series the week of its Netflix release on April 10. The series also broke into Netflix’s top 10 in 27 countries.

An APTN, CBC and Netflix original series, NORTH OF NORTH is produced by Red Marrow Media and Northwood Entertainment. The series is created, executive produced and written by writer and producer Stacey Aglok MacDonald (Qanurli, The Grizzlies) and filmmaker Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Angry Inuk, The Grizzlies) of Red Marrow Media and executive produced by Miranda de Pencier of Northwood Entertainment (Anne with an E, Beginners, The Grizzlies). Anya Adams (Yellowjackets, Ginny & Georgia), Susan Coyne (Mozart in the Jungle, Daisy Jones & The Six) and Garry Campbell (The Kids in the Hall, Less Than Kind) also executive produced the first season. For APTN, Adam Garnet Jones is Director of TV Content and Special Events, and Danelle Granger is Executive in charge of Development and Scripted Production. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports; Trish Williams is Executive Director, Scripted Content; Sandra Picheca is Director of Current Production, Comedy; and Mélanie Lê Phan is Executive in Charge of Production. For Netflix, Danielle Woodrow, Director, Content – Canada and Tara Woodbury, Director, Content – Canada.

*Source: Adobe Analytics, CBC Production, OTT Segment, Content Starts, On-demand Programs, 1/5-2/22/25.

**Source: Numeris TV Meter, Jan. 7 – Feb. 18, 2025, CBC Total, A25-54, Tues. 9-10p, Total Canada, AMA, generated by Instar.

About Red Marrow Media

Red Marrow Media is an Indigenous-owned production company based in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Co-founded by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald, Red Marrow is genre-promiscuous. We like surprising perspectives, twisted humour with heart, and breaking generational curses in order to be a little less f*cked up. We love to entertain, but we also want to connect and involve audiences in larger conversations.

About Northwood Entertainment

Founded by Miranda de Pencier, Northwood Entertainment is an independent film and television production company with a mission to create a thriving home for creators with singular voices to reach broad audiences. de Pencier’s producing credits include Beginners, Thanks For Sharing and Anne with an E. de Pencier made her feature film directorial debut with The Grizzlies, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and for which she was awarded the Director’s Guild of Canada Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a Feature Film.

About APTN

APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world. Since then, the network has become a global leader in programming that celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples from home and abroad. A respected charitable broadcaster, APTN shares authentic stories to Canadian households through basic channel packages via two distinct HD channels: APTN (English and French language programming) and APTN Languages (Indigenous language programming). APTN proudly features over 80% Canadian content and inspires audiences via multiple platforms, including its Indigenous-focused streaming service, APTN lumi.

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

About Netflix

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

#PRODUCTWATCH: 2024 ACURA ZDX TYPE S

I’ll admit it. I’ve been slow to embrace electric vehicles, because the unknown is always scary. After getting a chance to test drive the 2024 ACURA ZDX TYPE S in a striking Double Apex Blue Pearl, the dial has definitely been moved for me in understanding the technology and accepting it. The advantages obviously are the environmental impacts and cost savings, and above this the SUV is constructed like a powerful machine.

The main disadvantage is the lack of charging stations available and the time required to charge the SUV. This is however, simply a growing pain as electical vehicles become increasingly popular, and we should start seeing an increase in access to these stations. I mean, who wouldn’t just want to fill their car with fuel and be on with their day, instead of allotting time in the day to sit at a charging station for what could be hours?

My week was filled wth engagements. Spring time means event season and tons of premieres, events and launches took place around the City. We were so grateful for the luxury of this magnificent ride getting us to and from so safely and efficiently.

Let’s highlight the essentials for you with the sizy 2024 ACURA ZDX TYPE S. It operates at an incredible 499 horsepower with AWD and feels it every bit of the way. It also has102 Battery Capacity (kWh), and also a comprehensive 8 year battery warranty. Owners also benefit from perks of the ACURA MAINTENANCE PROGRAM. The ZDX comes with four driving options: Snow / Normal / Sport / Individual Drive Modes, tailored for Canadian driving, plus a very responsive Brembo® Front 6-Piston Braking System.

In terms of charging specifics, which is something new to consider for me, here are some numbers, which of course vary depending on the charging station type:

•29.4 240-Volt AC Charge Time – Level 2 (Miles Per Hour of charging)
•72 DC Fast Charger (Miles in 10 mins of charging)
•42 DC DC Fast Charge Time (20% to 80% state of charge, mins)

Everything about the ZDX Type S is elevated. We were so impressed that it came with a Premium BANG & OLUFSEN® Sound System with count ’em, 18 speakers! It’s ready for SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, comes with a unique standup Wireless Phone Charger, positioned beside the cupholders (be careful not to put objects in there!), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, USB Audio Interface with Charging Port, USB Audio Interface with Charging Port, Front Console (2 port), USB-C Charging Port – Rear (2 port), Front Console with 11-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, plus an amazing 11.3-inch Color Touchscreen Display with Volume Knob, mixing a bit of new school and old school. And yes, it’s Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ ready as well.

The Driver gets lots to work with including Front 16-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support, Thigh Extension and Side Bolsters (!), Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed with Embossed Type S Logo Heated Front Seats, Ventilated Front Seats, Driver Seat Memory (2 Positions), Heated Rear Seats (Outboard Positions), Front Passenger Seat Memory (2 Positions).

The SUV exemplifies a true concern for the comfort of the Passenger, not just the Driver. This is extended also to Climate Control where its Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration make drives that little bit more pleasant. Those in the back also get a Rear HVAC Control Panel because we all have different preferences for temperature.

We got several looks from onlookers when pulling up this past week, and these were looks of admiration! We can’t blame them. The ZDX Type S is flashy, with its oversized Panoramic Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function, Power Lift Tailgate with Hands Free Access, Jewel Eye® LED Headlights, Chicane™ Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Chicane™ LED Taillights. And how about its 22 x 9.5 Berlina Black w/Machined Face Aluminum-Alloy Wheels? You’re encourage to dream big and drive big here!

Adding to the aesthetics are an illuminated Seamless Pentagon Grille, Gloss Black Roof, Roof Rails, Rear Privacy Glass (our dear beanie appreciates her discretion!). We felt like Batman arrving at our destinations in Ambient LED Cabin Lighting, and the SUV broadcasting around it with light projections that this masterpiece was made by Acura!

The SUV‘s rear and front cameras are incredibly sophisticated, giving you an overhead view as you are backing out or in close proximity of pedestrians, just for added visibility. And we cannot deny that Rear Seat Reminders are so helpful when you have things in the backseat. Milk will never get spoiled again because you forgot it in the car!

I will say that I did wish the ZDX Type S came with Proximity Entry. I am exactly that person who fumbles for their keys and gets flustered trying to find the button on the remote key with full hands. Having this would have taken the experience up another notch.

As the SUV is quite wide, parking in those tight spots downtown or at the mall can be a little more challenging. It benefits from Side Mirrors with power Power-Folding, Reverse Gear Tilt-Down, and a huge benefit is its LED Side Mirror-integrated Directional Signals which ensure you’re very aware of blind spots and movement happening in them.

Let’s talk safety. And there is no shortage of features which protect Driver and Passenger, including: Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist,
Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Reverse Automatic Braking, Side Blind Zone Alert,
Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Auto High-Beam, AcuraWatch™ 360+, Parking Sensors (4 Front & 4 Rear), and Blind Zone Steering Assist.

In terms of passive safety features, the ZDX Type S comes with: Dual-Stage Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS), Front Side Airbags Side Curtain Airbags, Front Knee Airbags, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Child Seat (LATCH), 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist (!) and Location and Pressure Indicators , Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer, and Self-Sealing Tires. The latter automatically seals punctures in the tread up to 5mm in diameter. Now that’s technology! And we’d expect no less of Acura.

Highlights from our Test Drive:

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The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S starts at $87,216. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)