Fire up the grill and let the battle begin! Corus Entertainment’s hot and juicy new Canadian Original series, Big Burger Battle premieres Monday, April 21, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Flavour Network and STACKTV. Hosted by award-winning actor and comedian Andrew Phung, viewers can sink their teeth into this beefy competition that gives the beloved burger its moment in the spotlight with non-stop grilling action.
Host Andrew Phung is joined on the judging panel by celebrated chef and restaurateur, Connie DeSousa, and author, Burger Scholar, and TV personality, George Motz. Each episode, the competitors unleash their creativity in three high-stakes challenges. The battle begins with the “Fast Food” challenge, where they must transform a mystery ingredient into a crave-worthy, burger-adjacent dish. Those with the judges’ least favourite creations are sent to “Burgatory”, forced to sit out the next round.
Next up is “Burger Bucks”, where a juicy $5,000 prize is up for grabs. Here, the remaining competitors craft an outside-the-box burger featuring a star ingredient that pushes culinary boundaries.
Finally, in the “Big Burger Elimination” challenge, the chefs exiled to “Burgatory” return for a last shot at redemption. This time, they must create a stunning gourmet burger with a delectable side, knowing that one competitor will be sent home.
Week after week, the pressure mounts until only three chefs remain. In the end, one champion will rise—grilling, smashing, and frying their way to victory to claim a $25,000 cash prize, an all-inclusive tropical vacation for two provided by Sunwing Vacations, and the coveted title of Big Burger Battle Champion!
The burger connoisseur chefs battling it out for the ‘Big Burger Battle Champion’ title are:
Think Turkey joins Big Burger Battle as an official protein sponsor, bringing fresh taste to the competition. Their products are stocked in the pantry throughout the season, reminding Canadians to grill with turkey. The brand is also featured in a custom challenge this season.
Viewers of Big Burger Battle have a chance to win big! Flavour Network is giving one lucky winner $15,000 to put toward their grocery bill. Throughout the month of April, tune into Flavour Network every night at 9 p.m. ET to catch the daily code word which can be entered for a chance to win. Entries can be submitted at the official contest page flavournetwork.ca/article/watchandwin, which goes live March 14.
Visit flavournetwork.ca for the full cast and contestant bios, and additional show content.
Big Burger Battle is produced by Nikki Ray Media Agency for Flavour Network. For Nikki Ray Media Agency, Mike Sheerin and Tanya Linton are Executive Producers, and Louise Wood is Series Producer. For Flavour Network, Debbie Brown is the Executive in Charge of Production, Lynne Carter is Director of Original Programming, and Rachel Nelson is Vice President of Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios.
Season 7 of BLACK MIRROR arrives on Netflix April 10, 2025. At long last we get a new Trailer for this latest season of the popular Anthology series.
ABOUT BLACK MIRROR S7:
Premiere Date: April 10, 2025
Logline: Charlie Brooker’s dark, satirical anthology series will return on 10 April, 2025 with six brand new episodes, including a sequel to the sci-fi adventure USS Callister.
Production Company: Broke & Bones
Created By: Charlie Brooker
Series Executive Producers: Charlie Brooker Charlie Brooker, Jessica Rhoades, Annabel Jones
New Cast Announced: Michele Austin, Ben Bailey Smith, Asim Chaudhry, Josh Finan, James Nelson-Joyce, Will Poulter, Jay Simpson, Michael Workéyè
Previously Announced Lead Cast: Awkwafina, Milanka Brooks, Peter Capaldi, Emma Corrin, Patsy Ferran, Paul Giamatti, Lewis Gribben, Osy Ikhile, Rashida Jones, Siena Kelly, Billy Magnussen, Rosy McEwen, Cristin Milioti, Chris O’Dowd, Issa Rae, Paul G. Raymond, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jimmi Simpson, Harriet Walter
Turning up the heat yet again, 4x GRAMMY® Award and Emmy award winning, RIAA multi-platinum certified superstar Lizzo serves up her new single, “Still Bad”, available now on all streaming platforms via Nice Life Recording Company/Atlantic Records. Listen here and watch the official music video directed by Collin Tilley.
Lizzo remains as unapologetic as ever on the enthusiastic and self-assured anthem. A thumping bass line sets the tempo for the track between pulsating eighties-style keys and head-nodding claps. She comes to a realization on the chorus, “I don’t need him. I need a drink,” giving way to fiery funk guitar. Embracing confidence, charisma, and her power, she incites an irresistible chant, “After everything, I’m still surviving and I’m still bad, baby, so bitch I can’t complain.” The music video translates this energy to the screen!
She’s not just “Still Bad;” there’s no one badder in 2025…
The track lands in the wake of “Love In Real Life,” which took flight as her first solo release in three years since 2022. Its Colin Tilley-directed music video has already amassed over 7 million YouTube views and counting, while the song has posted up north of 2 million Spotify streams so far.
“Love In Real Life” has also incited widespread critical applause. People applauded how, “Sonically, ‘Love in Real Life’ finds Lizzo channeling her late mentor Prince as she sings lyrics about overcoming hardship to enjoy a night out over funky upbeat production inspired by the rock icon’s ‘Let’s Go Crazy’.” Pitchfork professed, “Lizzo is back,” and The FADER stated, “‘Love In Real Life’ is filled with fuzzy guitar riffs and agile drums.” HYPEBEAST raved, “Exploring the complexities of both self-love and romantic relationships, ‘Love In Real Life’ delivers an uplifting message through Lizzo’s powerhouse vocals and dynamic instrumentation.” Billboard christened it a “rollicking, uptempo pop rock tune.”
EUPHORIA. declared, “A little bit of pop, a little bit of soul and a little bit of rock was what it took to make ‘Love In Real Life,’ and if you’re not dancing, nodding your head, or tapping your feet as the high tempo song plays, what kind of person are you?”
Everything heralds the arrival of her fifth full-length LP and one of the most anticipated albums of 2025, Love In Real Life.
To celebrate the start of this chapter, Lizzo is performing three super intimate fan shows. She just graced the stage of The Wiltern in Los Angeles this week and will rock Irving Plaza in New York, NY on March 16 and First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN on March 18.
In February, she ignited social media by teasing “Love In Real Life.” First up, she bid “farewell” to her Special era in a viral post followed by the reveal of a flute-soundtracked trailer for “Love In Real Life,” generating hundreds of thousands of views and “likes.” Rolling Stone noted, “She
is entering a ‘new era’ of music,” and Billboard excitedly proclaimed, “It’s about damn time for some new Lizzo music.”
Lizzo delivers now.
Stay tuned for more music and surprises soon.
This chapter is all about love, life, and Lizzo…
SHOW DATES 3/16 New York, NY Irving Plaza 3/18 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
From Apple Original Films and the filmmakers from Top Gun: Maverick comes the high-octane, action-packed feature film F1, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski. The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Kosinski, seven-time FORMULA 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Chad Oman.
Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition—and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.
F1 also stars Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem, and has been shot during actual Grand Prix weekends as the team competes against the titans of the sport.
Kosinski directs from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger. The film is executive produced by Daniel Lupi. Collaborating with Kosinski behind the scenes are his creative team, including director of photography Claudio Miranda, production designers Mark Tildesley and Ben Munro, editor Stephen Mirrione, costume designer Julian Day, casting director Lucy Bevan and composer Hans Zimmer.
Apple Original Films Presents a Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Film by Joseph Kosinski, F1, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres and IMAX nationwide on June 27, 2025
With only a few days left till its wrap, CBS Pilot EINSTEIN continues to plow through a tight timeline. Lightning struck twice and we spotted its star Matthew Gray Gubler once more as he wrapped filming for the day in the west end of the City. As always, he was so lovely and gracious and he remembered me from last night, admiring my coat! It was a timely chance to wish him a belated Happy Birthday as he celebrated this past weekend!
The Pilot has him starring as the great-grandson of Scientist Albert Einstein who works as a professor. He gets himself in trouble with the law, only to find himself teaming with a detective (Rosa Salazar) to solve mysterious cases.
We are thrilled we got to see Salazar also as she wrapped for the day, politely declining a snap, though she did say her Co-Star would be more than happy to do it!
@mrwillwong Lightning strikes twice!! Delighted to see Matthew Gray Gubler and get to wish him a happy birthday! Really hoping his new CBS pilot EINSTEIN gets picked up and films here again! We're all hungry for more! Again, the nicest guy ever❤️ #matthewgraygubler #einstein #einsteinseries #criminalminds #spencerreid #toronto ♬ Criminal Minds – Movie Sounds Unlimited
Really hoping this gets picked-up and that it comes back to the City to film!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
ABURI TORA at Yorkdale is welcoming spring early in North York with a Cherry Blossom-themed menu created in collaboration with MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa and TORA’s Head Chef Young Son. Available for a limited time from March 4 to May 31, 2025 the menu highlights five new dishes crafted with fresh, premium ingredients like Hokkaido scallop, Sakura shrimp, and cherry sea bream. Inspired by the beauty of Cherry Blossom season, this special offering blends seasonal flavors with Japanese culinary traditions, showcasing TORA’s signature Aburi-style sushi alongside elevated spring-inspired ingredients. Guests are invited to indulge in this exclusive dining experience, available for dine-in only. Visitors are encouraged to check ABURI TORA’s website for the latest restaurant hours before planning their visit.
In Japan, Cherry Blossom season marks the arrival of spring, when cherry blossoms bloom across the country, symbolizing renewal and the fleeting beauty of life. This cherished tradition is celebrated with hanami, the practice of gathering under the blossoms to appreciate their beauty, often accompanied by seasonal foods. Similarly, Toronto welcomes its own Cherry Blossom season in late April to early May, drawing visitors to scenic spots like High Park for their own hanami celebrations. Inspired by this tradition, TORA is showcasing its signature Aburi-style sushi with limited-time creations that capture the essence of spring, offering guests a taste of Japan’s most celebrated season.
The TORA Sakura Menu includes:
–Sakura Dai Carpaccio ($18) – Cherry Sea Bream, Strawberry Radish, Yellow Beet, Green Onion, Benitate, Amazu Sauce
–Sakura Dai Kobujime ($4.50) – Konbu-cured Cherry Sea Bream, Japanese Plum Sauce, Seaweed Chip
–Aburi Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri ($9) – Aburi-style Flame-seared Hokkaido Scallop, Sakura Shrimp, Avocado Saikyo-miso Sauce
–Sakura Mochi ($6.50) – Red Bean Paste, Cherry Rice Mochi, Pickled Cherry Blossom Leaf
–Sakura Cola ($4)
Don’t miss the chance to experience this limited-time Cherry Blossom menu at ABURI TORA, where tradition meets innovation in every bite. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Aburi-style sushi or discovering it for the first time, this seasonal offering promises an unforgettable dining experience. Visit ABURI TORA at Yorkdale to celebrate the beauty of spring through this special menu.
After much acclaim in its run on CBC and CBC GEM, NORTH OF NORTH gets an official Netflix release April 10, 2025 on Netflix! The Series had a Red Carpet Premiere here in Toronto recently. More on that here.
ABOUT NORTH OF NORTH
Logline: A young Inuk woman wants to build a new future for herself after a spontaneous — and extremely public — exit from her marriage. But it won’t be easy in a small Arctic town where everybody knows your business.
Episodes: 8 episodes x 30min
Creators / Executive Producers: Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril
Executive Producers: Miranda de Pencier, Anya Adams, Susan Coyne, Garry Campbell
Directors: Anya Adams (101, 102) Aleysa Young (103, 104) Renuka Jeyapalan (105), Zoe Leigh Hopkins (106), Danis Goulet (107, 108)
Writers: Stacey Aglok MacDonald (101), Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (101, 104), Kathryn Borel, Jr. (102), Susan Coyne (102, 107), Garry Campbell (103, 105, 108), Linsey Stewart (104, 106), Moriah Sallaffie (105), Aviaq Johnston (108), JP Larocque (108)
Cast: Anna Lambe (Siaja), Maika Harper (Neevee), Braeden Clarke (Kuuk), Jay Ryan (Alistair), Mary Lynn Rajskub (Helen), Kelly William (Ting), Zorga Qaunaq (Millie), Bailey Poching (Colin), Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds (Elisapee), Keira Belle Cooper (Bun), Tanya Tagaq (Nuliajuk)
Filming Locations: Iqaluit, Nunavut and Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Quote from Stacey Aglok MacDonald (Creator, Executive Producer):
“While these stories are all fictional, a lot of them come from grains of truth in our lives. It feels like we’re opening up our diary to the world, which is scary but also incredibly cathartic.”
Quote from Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Creator, Executive Producer):
“The best part about this job is trying to paint a true picture of humanity through comedy – because sometimes the most beautiful and powerful illustrations of that come when we are at our most ridiculous and raw. It’s really exciting to be able to take the deep work that we have been doing in our Indigenous community for many years, and bring our life experiences as modern Inuit to the global stage.”
Quote from Anna Lambe (Star):
“With this character, I saw a story that I was familiar with, about so many people that I grew up with. That drove me to want to be a part of telling this story, to go through all of Siaja’s layers and unpack why she is how she is.”
Rachel Zegler, the star of “Disney’s Snow White,” delighted audiences earlier today with a special performance of Waiting on a Wish, the first single from the film’s original soundtrack, at a European event at the Alcázar of Segovia Castle in Spain. Joining Zegler at the event was the film’s director Marc Webb, press, content creators, children and their families from Spanish CSR Organizations (Fundación Aladdina, Fundación sin daño, Juegaterapia, Pequeño Deseo and CEMU), and families from Segovia.
The Alcázar of Segovia, a medieval castle located in the city of Segovia, in Castile and León, Spain, was the inspiration for the castle that appears in the 1937 animated film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
“Disney’s Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb, written by Erin Cressida Wilson, and produced by Marc Platt, p.g.a., and Jared LeBoff, p.g.a., with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer, and features all-new original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including Waiting on a Wish, the recently released first single from the film’s original soundtrack. Waiting on a Wish is available now digitally on Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify.
Nobu Hotel Toronto will be opening its doors early this summer. Following the headline-hitting success of its Toronto restaurant opening in August 2024 – and its luxury residences selling out in record time – the hotel is now available for online reservations from June 1, 2025. An urban sanctuary in the sky, the highly anticipated 36 room and suite hotel is set to elevate Toronto’s luxury hospitality landscape as it unveils the city’s most private retreat for guests seeking respite from the public eye. Founded by internationally renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, Nobu Hospitality blends modern luxury and minimal Japanese tradition with the energy of a lifestyle hotel.
Rising 45 stories in the heart of downtown Toronto’s vibrant Entertainment District, just one block from the Toronto International Film Festival, Nobu Hotel Toronto is the first luxury hotel in the city to be situated at the very top of a mixed-use property, located on floors 41 to 45. The hotel’s remarkably central location is a short walk from the city’s preeminent shopping, live theatre, sports and entertainment venues and moments from the city’s most distinguished landmarks including the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, Union Station and Toronto Harbourfront. Offering dazzling, panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, the hotel’s exclusive 36 rooms and suites will unveil a captivating blend of Japanese-inspired design and Canadian craftsmanship.
“Nobu Hotel Toronto will be a monumental addition to the luxury hotel landscape in the city”, says General Manager of Nobu Hotel Toronto, Benoit Pretet. “Situated in a prime location in the heart of the entertainment district and just steps from cultural landmarks like TIFF, Nobu Hotel Toronto will quickly become the city’s urban oasis.”
Additional standout hotel features include:
-Complimentary mini-bar: indulge in an assortment of locally curated treats and non-alcoholic refreshments.
-Priority restaurant access to Nobu Toronto: priority access to Nobu Toronto restaurant reservations at the time of hotel booking.
-Sakura Lounge: a private escape exclusively for hotel guests, who enjoy complimentary full breakfast daily, as well as all-day dining and curated weekly programming.
-Wellness experiences: a state-of-the-art fitness centre featuring TechnoGym equipment, Peloton bikes and Frame Pilates reformer, as well as an in-room Zen Wellness program including Alo yoga equipment, on-demand fitness classes on TV, stretching rituals, nutrition guides and local spa and fitness recommendations.
-Guestroom amenities: Includes a Japanese Deep Soaking Wood Tub, Japanese Toto, Bathorium and Byredo products, and Dyson appliances.
I-n-room dining: Guests can order signature Nobu-style dishes right to their room at any time throughout the day.
-Visitors are now able to book hotel reservations for stays. Starting today, guests can make reservations online through the Nobu Hotel Toronto website, for dates starting from June 1, 2025. To celebrate the hotel’s official debut, travellers are invited to book a limited-time-only offer:
Grand Opening Offer – Click Here for Opening Offer Page
Be one of the first to experience Nobu Hotel Toronto with a Hotel Credit up to $200 including the following benefits:
-Daily Full Breakfast in Sakura Lounge
-Complimentary In-Room Mini Bar*
-$100 or $200 Hotel Credit**
-Valet Parking
-Room upgrade, based on availability at time of arrival
-Guaranteed dinner reservations at Nobu Toronto at time of hotel booking
-Welcome Amenity
*Does not include alcohol.
Starting today, guests can make reservations online through the Nobu Hotel Toronto website, for dates starting from June 1, 2025.
**Credit is per stay. Value contingent on room category: $100 Hotel Credit for Deluxe, Zen and Hikari room types. $200 Hotel Credit for Mizu and Miyabi one-bedroom suites. Based on availability at time of booking. Blackout dates apply. Prices in Canadian dollars and do not include taxes or service fees. Full terms and conditions apply and can be found at time of online booking.
Nobu Toronto Restaurant, Bar & Lounge is located below the hotel at 25 Mercer St. For more details and to make restaurant reservations up to 30 days in advance or hotel reservations from June 1, 2025, onwards, please visit the official Nobu Toronto website. Stay updated by following Nobu Toronto on social media via @nobutoronto #NobuToronto.
About Nobu Hotel Toronto
Dine with us. Stay with us. Rising 45 storeys in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Entertainment District, Nobu announces its Canadian debut with the brand’s first-ever announced Nobu Hotel, Restaurant & Residences in the world. Founded by internationally renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, Nobu Hospitality blends modern luxury and minimal Japanese tradition with the energy of a lifestyle hotel. Now accepting reservations from June 1, 2025, Nobu Hotel Toronto is situated above the historic Pilkington Glass Factory with two dramatic residential towers housing 660 units with the hotel located atop the west tower on floors 41 to 45, offering dazzling, panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.
An urban sanctuary in the sky, the 36 room and suite hotel is Toronto’s most private retreat for guests seeking respite from the public eye, offering 24/7 personalized service. The largest in the city, our spacious suites welcome you to a haven of tranquility with warm neutral tones and breathtaking floor-to-ceiling window views. Japanese spa-inspired bathrooms offer heated floors, double stone vanities, a Japanese Toto and luxurious rainfall shower while Nobu’s iconic deep-soaking wood tub situated beside the window invites guests to indulge in serene relaxation overlooking downtown Toronto. Savour the flavours of our renowned Nobu-Style Japanese cuisine with South American influences at the 10,000 sq ft, two-level Nobu restaurant with separate bar & lounge, two private dining rooms, sushi bar and outdoor terrace. Guests will find their zen at the hotel’s wellness centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, Peloton bikes, and Frame Pilates reformer or can explore the city on our stylish cruiser bikes. Refuel with access to Sakura Lounge – a private escape exclusively for hotel guests to enjoy daily complimentary full breakfast and signature Nobu experiences or indulge in privacy with in-room dining and complimentary mini-bar.
Your first look at “Lilo & Stitch” is here! The eagerly anticipated film, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, will open exclusively in theatres May 23, 2025. Be sure to check it out and share with your readers.
“Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. “Lilo & Stitch” is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.
“Lilo & Stitch” opens exclusively in theatres nationwide May 23, 2025
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com