Woodbine Entertainment and Rogers Sports & Media today announced they have entered into a multi-year media rights agreement for Canada’s most prestigious Thoroughbred horse race, The King’s Plate. This new media rights partnership will provide fans with an extensive lineup of live premier horse racing from around the world, offering more opportunities to enjoy the sport than ever before.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sportsnet and Citytv to deliver The King’s Plate – one of our country’s longest and most storied sporting traditions – and premier racing from Woodbine and around the world to sports fans across Canada,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Through this new partnership we see an exciting opportunity to grow our sport and we look forward to working with Sportsnet to deepen sports fans’ connections and engagement with racing.”

As part of the agreement, the 165th Kings Plate on Saturday, August 17 will air on both Sportsnet and Citytv, and stream on Sportsnet+ and Citytv+. The second and third legs of the Canadian Triple Crown – The Prince of Wales Stakes (run at Fort Erie Race Track on Tuesday, September 10) and the Breeders’ Stakes (Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, September 29) – will also air on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

In addition, fans can watch the following races from Woodbine Racetrack on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+: Woodbine Oaks presented by Stella Artois (Saturday, July 20), Greenwood Stakes (Saturday, September 7), Turf Champions Day (Saturday, September 14) which features the newly named Rogers Woodbine Mile, and Turf Finals Day (Saturday, October 5), featuring the Neartic Stakes and bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes. Select international races will also air on Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, Citytv, and Citytv+.

Cancel your plans. Citytv has you booked all week long with a schedule chock-full of TV’s buzziest nights in 2024/25. Building on the success of last year’s schedule, Citytv is the only national English Canadian network to grow audience share year-over-year with an increase of 2% in prime-time tuning.

“Rogers Sports & Media’s Total TV solution delivers unparalleled value for advertisers by creating meaningful, lasting connections with the most desirable audiences across leading TV networks Citytv and Sportsnet, and fan-favourite streaming platforms Citytv+, Sportsnet+, Disney+, and Tubi,” said Al Dark, Chief Revenue Officer, Rogers Sports & Media. “We understand our partners have big ambitions just like us. By combining the most entertaining content on the best video platforms with robust technology and measurement tools, we optimize campaigns to deliver more efficient reach than any other media brand in Canada.”

NEW TO CITYTV & CITYTV+ THIS FALL:

Joining the 21 returning proven hits and special events on Citytv and Citytv+ this fall are four all-new shows and one new-to-Citytv series. Anchoring Mondays on Citytv is the highly-anticipated spinoff for Bachelor Nation – new unscripted series, The Golden Bachelorette, followed by all-new medical drama Brilliant Minds. The Golden Bachelorette follows Joan Vassos in the search for a partner with whom to share the sunset years of life. Then, Inspired by the extraordinary life and work of world-famous author and physician Oliver Sacks, “Brilliant Minds” follows a revolutionary, larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns as they explore the last great frontier – the human mind – while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

Animation Domination Sundays return to Citytv with an outstanding lineup of comedies – The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, Krapopolis, and new-to-Citytv series Universal Basic Guys – to have you laughing right through the Sunday Scaries. Universal Basic Guys centers on two brothers, Mark and Hank Hoagies (voiced by Adam Malamut, Game of Zones), who lose their jobs to automation and are given $3,000 a month in a new basic income program. Now, they’re using their free time and free money to find purpose in a world where they’re no longer needed.

Exclusive to Citytv+ on Amazon Prime Video Channels is all-new drama Stags, which follows groom-to-be Stu (played by Nico Mirallegro, Passenger) and his friends on his stag party in South America. What was meant to be a week of drink, drugs, and fun turns dark as airport security discovers that one of the stags is smuggling cocaine.

Joining Citytv’s schedule in daytime is Judy Justice, an arbitration-based reality court show featuring Emmy® -award winner and retired Judge of the Manhattan Family Court, the Honourable Judy Sheindlin (Judge Judy, Hot Bench). Judy brings her signature blend of sharp wit and wisdom, hilarious candor, and unwavering honesty as she presides over real cases, arbitrates binding decisions and delivers what only she can: “Judy Justice.”

THIS SUMMER ON CITYTV:

Before heading into the fall, Citytv brings the heat to its summer schedule with all-new seasons of What Would You Do?, the hidden camera show which examines the reactions of passing strangers as they encounter conflict, on Wednesday, June 19, followed by Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette on Monday, July 8. Then, an all-new season of Celebrity Family Feud on Tuesday, July 9, Claim to Fame – a reality competition series hosted by Kevin Jonas and Frankie Jonas – on Wednesday, July 10, unscripted courtroom comedy series Judge Steve Harvey on Tuesday, July 16, and high-stakes game show Press Your Luck on Thursday, July 18. Plus, don’t miss new episodes of jaw-dropping talent on America’s Got Talent on Tuesdays.

COMING UP ON FX CANADA:

FX Canada continues to be the home for compelling and critically-acclaimed dramas, comedies, and limited series this fall with all-new seasons of The Old Man starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow, and What We Do in the Shadows, plus new series including English Teacher and Ryan Murphy’s American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez and Grotesquerie.

New and returning hits to Citytv in 2024/25 are:

Knock-your-socks-off reality/competition series America’s Got Talent, American Idol, The Golden Bachelorette, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Dancing with the Stars, and Hell’s Kitchen
Gripping dramas Brilliant Minds, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., Found, Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and The Irrational
Feel-good comedies Bob’s Burgers, Krapopolis, Lopez vs. Lopez, The Simpsons, and Universal Basic Guys
Newsmagazine series Dateline
Iconic special events Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve, Hockey Night in Canada, 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, and 67th GRAMMY Awards

*Numeris: Total Canada, A18+, Share% of Total TV Eng., Dayparts: M-Sun 2a-2a, and M-Sun 7p-11, Confirmed Data BY 23/24 (08-28-23 to 5-5-24 vs 08-29-22 to 05-07-23), Spring ’24 (02-19-24 to 5-5-24 vs 02-20-23 to 05-07-23).

Citytv’s New Series Descriptions – Fall

All dates are subject to change. All times ET/PT. (s) = simulcast

BRILLIANT MINDS

60-minute drama series (s) on Citytv

From Berlanti Productions and executive producer/writer Michael Grassi (Riverdale), inspired by Oliver Sacks’ extraordinary life and work, Brilliant Minds follows revolutionary, larger-than-life neurologist Oliver Wolf (Emmy® nominee Zachary Quinto – Heroes) and his team of interns as they explore the last great frontier — the human mind — while also grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: Berlanti Productions, Fabel Entertainment, The Imaginarium, Grassi Productions and Tavala produce in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Michael Grassi serves as writer and executive producer. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Melissa Aouate, Henrik Bastin, Andy Serkis, Jonathan Cavendish and Will Tennant also executive produce.

CAST: The cast includes Zachary Quinto, Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Teddy Sears and Donna Murphy.

JUDY JUSTICE

60-minute unscripted reality series (s) on Citytv

EMMY AWARD WINNER – The Honourable Judy Sheindlin – retired Judge of the Manhattan Family Court, brings her signature blend of sharp wit and wisdom, hilarious candor and unwavering honesty that has made her America’s favourite judge for over 25 years, as she presides over real cases, arbitrates binding decisions and delivers what only she can: “Judy Justice.”

PRODUCTION COMPANY: Amazon MGM Studios and Sox Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Randy Douthit, Amy Freisleben, Scott Koondel

CAST: Judy Sheindlin (Judge Judy, Hot Bench), Kevin Rasco, Whitney Kumar

STAGS

60-minute drama (s) on Citytv+

Stags follows groom-to-be Stu and his friends on his stag party in South America. What was meant to be a week of drink, drugs, and fun turns dark as airport security discovers that one of the stags is smuggling cocaine. Instead of boarding a plane, the group is thrown into a notorious and depraved prison island run by two warring, drug-dealing siblings and it becomes clear that the stags need to pick a side if they have any chance of survival. Friendships are tested and life-long loyalty is sacrificed as Stu and his friends begin to question, who will make it home?

PRODUCTION COMPANY: Eleven

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Carissa Hope Lynch (Red Rose), Joel Wilson (Ten Pound Poms), Olivia Trench (Ten Pound Poms), David Kerr (Johnny English Strikes Again!), and Jamie Campbell (Sex Education)

CAST: Nico Mirallegro (Passenger) as Stu, Charlie Cooper (This Country) as Ant, Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing) as Greg, Corin Silva (SAS: Rogue Heroes) as Ryan, Sophie Lenglinger as Clem, Paul Forman (Emily in Paris) as Hugo, Jojo Macari (Sex Education) as Kai, Cavan Clerkin (The Last Kingdom) as John, Paulina Gálvez (Desperation Road) as Selma, Oscar Foronda (Mallorca Files) as Branco

THE GOLDEN BACHELORETTE

60-minute unscripted reality series on Citytv

The Golden Bachelorette spotlights a second chance at love for one radiant woman in her golden years. The men vying for her final rose have journeyed through the highs and lows of love, navigating moments of joy and heartbreak, and arrive with anticipation, eager to foster a connection that sparks a future of limitless possibilities. The first-ever Golden Bachelorette is Joan Vassos.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon

DISTRIBUTOR: Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich, Bennett Graebner and Andrew Frank serve as executive producers on “The Golden Bachelorette.”

UNIVERSAL BASIC GUYS

30-minute comedy (s) on Citytv

Universal Basic Guys centers on two brothers, Mark and Hank Hoagies, who lose their jobs to automation and are given $3,000 a month in a new basic income program. Now, they’re using their free time and free money to find purpose in a world where they’re no longer needed.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: FOX Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Adam Malamut (Game of Zones), Craig Malamut (Game of Zones), Dan Lagana (American Vandal)

CAST: Adam Malamut (Game of Zones), Craig Malamut (Game of Zones), Fred Armisen (Big Mouth, Saturday Night Live, Portlandia), Talia Genevieve, Ally Maki (Hacks)

The parade of Stars in Toronto just won’t quit!  In one of the most hectic stretches of Starpower we’ve seen in quite some time in our City,  Entrepreneur and Megastar Jessica Alba, is in-town promoting HONEST  – a Line of toxin-free Household Goods, Diapers, and Bodycare Products which she co-founded with Christopher Gavigan, launched last year.

Alba began her day early, arriving for a morning full of Press at CityTV for appearances on Breakfast Television and Cityline – the latter which celebrates its 1,000th episode today –  before heading-off to CBC for another appearance.  Zipping through an array of different outfits, the Los Angeles-based Star wowed as an Entourage of Beauty Experts were on-hand eagerly ensuring she looked her absolute best.  Watch her Interview on Breakfast Television – Toronto earlier here.

On why she stands behind HONEST, Alba told Host Dina Pugliese, “It’s just not a priority for Government to update the legislation on chemicals. So we as Parents and Entrepreneurs, we get to think ‘What is the ultimate Family Brand? What do I want for my Family and think everyone deserves?'”.  She adds,  “That’s really where this idea came out of.”.

Family Products aren’t the only thing on Alba‘s Agenda though – she has a full slate of Films due out over the course of the next year including Machete Kills in which she is seen briefly; Cuban Missile Crisis-Drama Dear Eleanor; Stretch, a Thriller, in which she stars alongside Chris Pine and Patrick Wilson; and Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, in which she reprises the role of Nancy Callahan.

Alba is scheduled this jam-packed Visit for appearances also on CTV‘s The Marilyn Denis Show and The Social; Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), CBC‘s Steven and Chris and KISS 92.5‘s The Roz & Mocha Show.  Now that’s what I call work!

Despite being in a rush, Alba stopped to sign a few Autographs for Fans who waited at least three hours for her.  “I don’t have time for Photos, sorry!”, she told me, staring directly at me and Billy.  I suppose this rejection shouldn’t be a surprise though, as such was the case when I spotted Alba in New York City this past May on her way to the Met Gala 🙁  One day!

To learn more about HONEST, click here.

UPDATE (October 9, 2013 – 10:00 AM EST): OMG. She did it!  “Okay, let’s do this quick!”, said Alba earlier this morning. I even posed for a Pic for her Publicist who was smitten by Billy, wanting to remember us!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

His Career couldn’t be any hotter right now!  Yes, that’s James Badge Dale, known also as Badgett Dale, whom those of us who grew-up in the early ’90s will remember him from Boys-turned-Savages Thriller, Lord of the Flies.  After a bit of a hiatus which saw him focus on Hockey, fate could not be avoided as his Star would rise once again with successive Blockbusters lined one right after the other.

Although he’s in town to promote Gore Verbinski‘s The Lone Ranger which has him starring as Ranger Dan Reid alongside Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, he also has a little Zombie/Apocalypse Movie called World War Z coming out this weekend.  That Film is  expected to debut huge with Brad Pitt front-and-center, going head-to-head with Disney Heavyweight in Monsters University.  And did I mention the record-breaking success of Iron Man 3, in which Dale stars as the villainous Savin?

The Actor arrived at KISS 92.5 Studios super-early this morning, casual in a Button-Down, Jeans and Toque, bringing some of that effortless New York City Style to our City.  Although strapped for time, he still made time to stop for a Photo, heading right over after greeting Roz & Mocha Show Producer, Maurie Sherman. Shortly after, he head over to City‘s Breakfast Television to chat with Jennifer Valentyne, singing the praises of Co-Star Johnny Depp stating that The Lone Ranger will be a complete surprise for Moviegoers.

A busy day of Press is scheduled ahead for Dale in advance of the Wednesday, July 5, 2013 release of The Lone Ranger from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Dale can next be seen in Parkland, produced by Tom Hanks, about the Events of Parkland Hospital the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  Colin Hanks who also stars in that Film, also currently is in town filming RomCom, No Stranger Than Love.

See our Snap:

Reprising once again the beloved role of Mike Wazowski, Funnyman Billy Crystal landed in Toronto to promote eagerly-anticipated  Monsters University for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictues.  The Film set ten years prior to the events of Monsters, Inc., centers around the friendship between Mike and  James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman) and how they went on to become elite Scarers.

The nine-time Academy Awards Host was up and at it early today with a visit to City‘s Breakfast Television, before speaking to a room full of Journalists at the Rooftop Lobby Peess Conference in his Hotel, moderated by Film Critic/Author Richard Crouse.  Appearances on eTalk, Entertainment Tonight Canada and CBC also were slated.  Watch Crystal‘s Breakfast Television appearance right here.

Crystal, who looks a young 65, was amazingly nice to stop for a couple round of Autographs, signing generously despite initially stating “One only each”, to a large group of Fans. Bringing my own little “Monster” along for the occasion, he was beyond nice to stop of a quick Snap with another popular Billy (of the Doggy variety).  “Now, I know you didn’t name your Dog after me!”, he tells me upon being introduced.

Our Snap:

Video Excerpts and Recap from Crystal‘s Press Conference right here.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada releases Monsters University on Friday, June 21, 2013.

 To enter to win a photo signed by the gracious Crystal himself, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Share on Facebook and double your chances!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Acclaimed Director Guillermo Del Toro is back in Toronto once again, now promoting his latest $300-million Robots vs. Monsters Sci-Fi/Action Epic, Pacific Rim which he filmed in Toronto at Pinewood Studios.

In addition to a series of interviews scheduled today, a noticeably slimmer del Toro did some TV appearances including City‘s Breakfast Television, where he not only charmed Host Jennifer Valentyne, but also wowed Fans stopping generously to pose for Photos and sign Autographs. While on a quick break, del Toro did the impossible, coming out to greet Fans and some workers inside the building too. Often the Talent are content resting in their Green Rooms, but del Toro certainly is something special.

The Director/Producer/Writer known best for Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labrynth and Hellboy will pretty much be making Toronto his home for at least a year as he feels TV Series The Strain in the City this Fall, followed by Crimson Peak next Spring. The latter reunites him with his new Muse, Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy). It is said that del Toro held a private screening of Pacific Rim for the Toronto Cast of the Film.

I had the pleasure of filming a week’s worth of scenes as a Background Performer and cannot wait to see it!

See my Snap of del Toro:

Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on Friday, July 12, 2013.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

She’s certainly no Stranger to Toronto, that’s for sure!  Actress/Author Tori Spelling gained widespread popularity starring as Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210 in the ’90s, but has transitioned into a new chapter of her Career with grace, balancing life as a Mother and Wife to Toronto-born Actor Dean McDermott.

In addition to promoting CelebraTORI, her Party Planning Book, she also is here to relaunch a Childhood Favourite of mine, McCain Deep ‘n Delicious Cakes which now feature real ingredients we can find in our kitchens.  Two new flavours are available now too: Carrot and Apple Caramel.  Yum.   New Pies also are being launched including: Cookies & Cream, Double Chocolate and Coconut Cream.  Yes to all the above!

Spelling appeared on KISS 92.5‘s Roz & Mocha Show earlier today, followed by a visit to City‘s Breakfast Television (watch her appearance) and Cityline for most of the morning. Promising to stop for Fans on her way out, some were baffled at her v. irritated Driver’s (he was ticketed during the wait for Spelling) decision to pick her up at a hidden Studio exit.  Thankfully, she was sweet enough to stop for Fans before heading along Queen Street for he next appearance.

Our Snap below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Gallery Books)

Teen Pop Sensation Austin Mahone is back in Toronto once again and while opening for multiple GRAMMY Winner Taylor Swift on her Red Tour along with Ed Sheeran, he managed to take some time out to do a little Promo!

The Singer flew-in to the City last night, getting spotted right away upon landing! Starting earlier today at City‘s Breakfast Television, excited Fans were rewarded with a big Group Photo.  Following his City appearance, the 17-year-old from San Antonio, hopped over to Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition) where he was greeted outside by hoards of female Fans, many who got Selfies with the burgeoning Star.  Surrounded by a large entourage of Security Guards to protect the Star, Autograph Seekers unfortunately were denied, despite Mahone trying his best to reach over to accommodate them!  Sorry Wongsters, I tried for you but it wasn’t happening!

Mahone performs tonight at Rogers Centre and Fans can see more of him Sunday on the MuchMusic Video Awards, which air this Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM on MuchMusic and Fuse.

The Singer just released the Video to latest Single What About Love earlier this week. Check it out below:

See Mahone‘s Fans (Mahomies) freaking-out below:

Mahone was last in Toronto in December for The Jingle Bell, when I had the pleasure of meeting him!  Read about it here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)

City announced its eagerly-awaited new 2013 Fall and Mid-Season Lineup earlier today this morning on Breakfast Television and although the Starpower may not have been as stellar as previous Upfronts, the Station did introduce some promising welcome additions and the welcome return of some Favourites!

Unveiled earlier today were:

Package Deal – a Vancouver-filmed Sitcom about three dysfunctionally-close Brothers and the Woman who comes between them. The Series stars Randal Edwards, Julia Voth, Jay Malone and Harland Williams. The Series airs Mondays this Fall at 8:30 PM EST. Learn more here.  The Principal Cast of the Series came to introduce the Series earlier today and pictured below are Voth (L), Malone (Top R), Williams (Bottom R).

One of Canada’s favourite Rock Bands, the Barenaked Ladies, are in promotional high gear right now in support of upcoming eleventh Studio Disc, Grinning Streak. All week long the now Quartet, have been doing various appearances around the City including performances at City‘s Breakfast Television, CTV‘s Marilyn Denis Show and today they made their way to Global Television‘s Bloor Street Studios to perform a Live Concert free for Fans, interspersed with interviews for both the Toronto and National Editions of The Morning Show.  Drawing a huge Crowd, the Band performed a mix of material – new and old – met with ecstatic reaction from Fans.  Watch the Set here!

After recording a series of lengthy interviews to air later, the Barenaked Ladies came out to greet Fans on the street, including one who was celebrating her Birthday today.

Check-out BNL‘s new Single, Boomerang below:

Raisin’ Records releases Grinning Streak on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.  Click here to pre-order.

See our Snap with Billy below!  As you can see, Kevin Hearn (Keyboardist) just loves him!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Audio content: Raisin’ Records)