Bell Media rolled out the Red Carpet and took over Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in a big way, welcoming seventy eight Stars to preview their forthcoming 2014 Fall/2015 Mid-Season Lineup.

Balancing Canadian content with some major renewals – like a third season of Saving Hope and second seasons of Bitten and Spun Out – a focus also is placed on several of its new and proven American titles, CTV (and CTV 2!) – Canada’s number one Network for 13 consecutive years – looks to take a chance on some high-profile new releases.

New major Titles seeing a release in the forthcoming Fall and Mid-Season include:

GOTHAM

THE MILLERS

THE MCCARTHYS

SECRETS AND LIES

THE ODD COUPLE

MARVEL’S AGENT CARTER

AMERICAN CRIME

CSI: CYBER

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER

RESURRECTION

SUNDAY NFL 

THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA

FOREVER

BUZZYS

THE FLASH

Among the several Stars walking the Red Carpet today were Beau Bridges (The Millers), Judd Hirsch (Forever), Alana De La Garza (Forever), Ben McKenzie (Gotham), Donal Logue (Gotham), Robin Taylor (Gotham), Anthony Lemke (19-2), Tyler Ritter (The McCarthys), Kelen Coleman (The McCarthys), Jimmy Dunn (The McCarthys), Michael Emerson (Person of Interest), Alfie Enoch (How to Get Away with Murder), Matt McGorry (How to Get Away with Murder),  Caitlin Gerard (American Crime), Elvis Nolasco (American Crime), Jack Falahee (How to Get Away with Murder), Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder),  Kirsten Vangsness (Criminal Minds), William Moseley (The Royals – he came with Actress Girlfriend Kelsey Chow!), Alexandra Park (The Royals), Chloe Bennet (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), George Wendt (Buzzys), Elizabeth Henstridge (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Stephen Amell (Arrow), David Ramsey (Arrow), Candice Patton (The Flash), Danielle Panabaker (The Flash), Jared Keeso (19-2), Laura Vandervoort (Bitten), Steven Lund (Bitten), Michael Xavier (Bitten), Greg Bryk (Bitten), Greyston Holt (Bitten), Wendi McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs), Kristin Lehman (Motive), Brendan Penney (Motive), Louis Ferreira (Motive), Erica Durance (Saving Hope), Daniel Gillies (Saving Hope) and several more. Newcomer Grant Gustin, formerly of Glee, drew the most anticipation on the Fan-filled Red Carpet, many predicting that new CW Series The Flash will propel his Career to the stratosphere.

For more on CTV‘s upcoming Lineup, click here.

And now for the fun stuff!  We snagged a few Autographs from some of today’s CTV Upfront Stars including Laura Vandervoort, Ben McKenzie, Matt McGorry, Elizabeth Henstridge and Chloe Bennet!  To enter to win, specify at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook under this Post whose Autograph you’d like to win and click “like” also.  You may enter for multiple Autographs!

Good luck, Wongsters!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

A National Hero, an Internet Phenomenon and now an Author.  Commander Chris Hadfield has been in Toronto this past week  promoting his first Book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, which details his experiences as an Astronaut and Commander of the International Space Station.  Hadfield captivated the World with mind-blowing Photos shared via Social Media from his Expeditions, including his final one in which he aided scientific experiments dealing with the low impact of gravity on Human Biology.  A slick, self-made Music Video for his Cover of David Bowie’s Space Oddity recorded in Space  to date has garnered over 18-million views worldwide on YouTube.

As an Homage to Bowie, who has been front-and-center of late in Toronto with his popular Art Gallery of Ontario Exhibit taking place right now, Maclean’s features Hadfield on the Cover of their October issue made-up as Bowie in his Aladdin Sane Era.  Earlier in the week, he also did Interviews out of the Venue to be fully thematic.

See the Cover below:

Fans got a chance to connect with Hadfield last night as he met in-excess of 600 Fans at Indigo- Manulife Centre, signing Copies of his Book, while earlier in the day he head to the West-End for an appearance at Kobo‘s Headquarters. Generous in allotting the Media face time, he went on a blitz which included appearances on Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), 104.5 CHUM-FM’s Roger, Darren and Marilyn, KISS 92.5’s Roz & Mocha Show, City’s Breakfast Television, eTalk, CBC‘s Q Radio and George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight.  Although he’s scheduled to visit New York for a quick minute Thursday, he’ll be back in Toronto again this weekend to face Fans again at an Event hosted by Maclean’s at the MaRS Discovery District this Sunday at 1:00 PM.  Details here.

As he jogged across Bloor Street following a TV appearance yesterday into a silver Mercedes Benz, he apologized profusely as he didn’t have a moment for a Photo. This morning though, I spotted Hadfield and his Assistant grabbing a Coffee at Starbucks as they head-off for another day of Press.  Recognizing me right away, he came out of his car and shook my hand, taking a minute kindly for a Snap.  “Are we gonna be able to manage a Selfie?” and after a failed attempt, he was more than patient to Review the Photo with me. “That one will do!”, he gestured at the winning Pic on my LED Screen.

See our Snap:

Order a Copy of on Hadfield‘s Book here!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Chris Hadfield)

Bell Media unveiled their 2013 Fall/Midseason Lineup at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts today, bringing-in a number of familiar faces to ring-in the occasion.  Among the Stars in Toronto today were Eric Dane, Snooki, Shawn Ashmore, Meghan Ory, Katie Cassidy, Shemar Moore, A.J. Cook, Tate Donovan, Bethenny Frankel and several more.

Despite persistent rain, Fans still lined the Red Carpet to catch a glimpse of the Talent and many were more than accommodating despite less-than-ideal conditions, although Snooki left several Fans disappointed by rushing-in, bypassing  interviews.

See some of the names and faces from earlier today and the Shows announced:

Once Upon a Time: Now in its third season, the Fantasy-Drama Series shot in Vancouver, returns Sunday nights on CTV this Fall at 7:00 PM and present today was Ruby herself, Meghan Ory.

Hostages: Although only on short-order, this Drama Series starring Toni Collette, Dylan McDermott and Tate Donovan (pictured below) airs this Fall on CTV Mondays at 10:00 PM.

Arrow: Already proving a Hit, this Action-Adventure Series starring Toronto’s Stephen Amell returns a second Season this Fall on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM on CTV. Katie Cassidy who stars as Laurel Lance, appeared today on behalf of the Series.

Bethenny: Daughter of Horse Racing Great Bobby Frankel and every bit a Business Magnate in her own right, Bethenny Frankel, gets her own Talk Show this Fall which airs daily at 2:00 PM on CTV.

The Following: Returning for a second season in 2014, the Psychological-Thriller Series starring Kevin Bacon was represented by Stars Valorie Curry and Toronto’s own Shawn Ashmore.

The Amazing Race Canada: After an extensive Talent Search, the Reality Series is set to debut this Fall on Sundays at 8:00 PM on CTV with Gold Medal-winning Olympian Jon Montgomery hosting.

Believe: J.J. Abrams produces this Fantasy Series about a gifted young Girl who has an unlikely pairing with a Prisoner and together they must fight off the evil elements that hunt her powers. CTV airs Sunday nights at 9:00 PM this Fall. Delroy Lindo who stars as Winter in the Series, appeared today.

The Goldbergs: One of this Season’s biggest potential Hits is the Family Comedy, The Goldbergs, which centers on a protective Matriarch, her Husband and three Children.  Sean Giambrone  (below) was among the Kids from the Cast who came to town.

Criminal Minds: The wildly-popular Crime Series returns again this Fall on Wednesday nights at 9:00 PM on CTV and appearing today were Shemar Moore (who comes for a second consecutive year) and Toronto’s own A.J. Cook.

Snooki & JWoww: The MTV Reality Series gets renewed for a third season and Snooki herself came to ring-in the occasion.

Hilarious Nia Vardalos has returned to Toronto, this time to promote her new Book, Instant Mom.  Many of us know her from her unforgettable performance in self-written, Oscar-nominated My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Vardalos‘ Book details the Writer/Director/Actress’ experience as a Mother after adopting her Daughter Ilaria together with Husband Ian Gomez.  It includes innovative tips to take-on the challenges of becoming a Mom and also a How-to-Adopt section.

In addition to a busy morning of appearances including a visit to CTV‘s Marilyn Denis Show, City‘s Breakfast Television, she also will be co-hosting for two days straight on Global Television‘s The Morning Show.  She even learned how to make Sake Cocktails today, joking with the Mixologist, “You’re just making this up as you go, aren’t you?”.

I caught-up with the beautiful Vardalos as she was waiting on her ride away from the rain, next outfit in-hand.  In addition to snapping an awesome Photo together, we chat about my Blog quickly and she was excited for me to spread the word for her.   It’s always amazing seeing one of our v. own go on to do well abroad and returning home just as humble and genuine!

Those of you hoping to meet Vardalos have your chance tonight as she signs copies of Instant Mom at Indigo – Yonge & Eglinton tonight at 7:00 PM.  Have fun!

Our Snap below:

Order Instant Mom right here.

UPDATE: Look who Re-Tweeted this Post!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/HarperOne)

Irish-born and UK-based Pop Duo Jedward need little introduction to the Pop Music-savvy, but they are about to enter the Canadian consciousness. Even the election of a new Pope wasn’t enough to steal their Social Media spotlight with their trending on Twitter in Canada earlier today as the most popular topic.

The 21-year-old identical Twins who got their big break on The X Factor (UK) before getting signed, are in Toronto the entire week. They treated Fans who were devoted enough to trek to Scarborough’s CTV Studios bright and early this morning for a live interview and two-song performance on Canada AM. Jedward, John (normally on the left) and Edward (normally on the right) drew Fans from as far away as Atlanta, expressing their love for our Country – this their second time in Toronto this year.

Being Irish, Jedward told Canada AM‘s Beverly Thompson and Jeff Hutcheson that they plan to spend St. Patrick’s Day in our City, celebrating by listening to a bit of Irish Music and dining on some Irish fare. They even joked that they have a Canadian Girlfriend named Phoebe – that of course being Phoebe Dykstra of MuchMusic, Host of New.Music.Live, who has been showing the Boys around town along with Co-Host Lauren Toyota.  They even Tweeted that they may attend a Toronto Maple Leafs Game this Saturday!

Jedward wowed Fans with a costume changing, one-handed Somersault, Mic Stand-shattering performances of their Hits Waterline, followed by Happens in the Dark. Watch a Clip of their Interview and Performances below:

Truly Jenergetic and outright Jepic!

The Boys were super-gracious to stay behind and meet everyone in the Audience, generously snapping Photos and signing Autographs.  I got my moment with Jedward and they of course were super fun.  John told me I was super-coordinated and noticed me in the Audience! I assured him his Autograph definitely won’t wind-up on eBay and in fact, I would love for one Reader to win it!

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share this Post from my Facebook Page or Re-Tweet the below and double your chances!

http://www.mrwillwong.com/jedward @MRWILLW met @PlanetJedward and now he’s giving away a Signed Photo! #win #jedward

All are welcome to enter. Good luck!

See more Snaps below:

Jedward‘s Disc Young Love is now available on iTunes Canada. Get it.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Audio content: Universal Music)

It’s a hit! CTV Two‘s Arrow nails the target, scoring a ratings record for the Network with an audience of 1.1 million Viewers across Canada in its Debut.  Overall, the Series ranked number three last night.  The Series which stars Toronto’s Stephen Amell, has the distinction of being the Network’s top rated Series Premiere ever. It also more than doubled the Viewers of Emmy and Golden Globe Winner, Modern Family at 8:00 PM.

An Encore Presentation of Arrow airs this coming Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 9:00 PM on CTV.

Check out some Snaps of Amell which I got at the CTV Upfronts this Spring here.  And I just might have an Autograph of his to give away!

To enter to win a Signed Photo from Stephen Amell, simply click “like” on this Post on Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. All are welcome to enter. Your deadline is November 12, 2012.  You must also be following on  Twitter.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)