Today, Disney+ announced that the Emmy®-winning, Original comedy series “Only Murders in the Building” will return for season four on August 27, exclusively on Disney+ in Canada. Seasons one to three are available to stream on the service now.

In season four of “Only Murders in the Building”, our amateur podcasting trio wrestles with the shocking events at the end of season three surrounding Charles’ stunt double and friend Sazz Pataki. Questioning whether she or Charles was the intended victim, their investigation leads them all the way to Los Angeles where a Hollywood studio is readying a film about the Only Murders podcast. As Charles, Oliver, and Mabel race back to New York, they embark on an even more epic journey — traversing their building’s courtyard to delve into the twisted lives of the Arconia’s West Tower residents.

Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Michael Cyril Creighton, with special guest stars including Meryl Streep, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, Zach Galifianakis, Molly Shannon, Kumail Nanjiani, Melissa McCarthy, Richard Kind, and more.

“Only Murders in the Building” hails from co-creators and writers Steve Martin and John Hoffman (“Grace & Frankie,” “Looking”). Martin and Hoffman executive produce along with Martin Short, Selena Gomez, “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast casted their votes and the results are in. REBECCA STRONG from Prince Albert, SK is the Canada’s Got Talent Season 3 champion after impressing the audience, the #CGT judges – Howie Mandel, Lilly Singh, Kardinal Offishall, Trish Stratus – and host Lindsay Ell with her captivating voice during tonight’s highly-anticipated live two-hour finale on Citytv and Citytv+.

“Thank you, Rogers, and thank you to everyone who voted for me. Thank you to my family and friends and everyone back home. Thank you so much, Marsi Cho,” said Rebecca Strong, Winner, Canada’s Got Talent.

“Like the rest of the country, I was inspired by the incredible performances from this season and am proud to be part of this special moment in helping this year’s Canada’s Got Talent winner reach future success,” said Colette Watson, President, Rogers Sports & Media.

Together with Canada’s Got Talent, Rogers is committed to investing in diverse original Canadian stories while nurturing homegrown talent. Last year, Rogers contributed approximately $950 million to Canadian content and produced over 12,700 hours of unique Canadian programming.

“Rogers just awarded the biggest cash prize in Canadian television history, enabling a true talent the ability to reach their potential. It doesn’t get more magical than that,” said Howie Mandel, Judge, Canada’s Got Talent.

“This season brought all the emotions from laughter to tears, as we rallied behind these acts who were brave enough to take to the Canada’s Got Talent national stage. Our judges, host and production crew showed their commitment to the program by helping Canadian talent shine while delivering an epic show for viewers,” said Michela Di Mondo, Executive Vice President, Fremantle.

“Watching the show resonate in real time with Canadians each week as talent competed on the stage in front of thousands of CGT fans was nothing short of extraordinary. We are motivated by a deep passion to lift Canadian talent up in this country, creating moments for them, bolster their profile, fight for their dreams and be truly recognized for their talents. Even beyond our incredible winner, there are so many success stories from this incredible season to be proud of,” said Scott McGillivray, CEO MEM Inc. 

Rebecca is a 20-year-old singer from Prince Albert, SK who has quickly become both an internet sensation, and a hometown hero who is now being recognized after appearing on Canada’s Got Talent. After years of bolstering her presence with her songs on TikTok, Rebecca Strong (Prince Albert, SK) stole Canada’s hearts and votes with her epic performance of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”

Key moments from tonight’s episode include:

·       Dance duo FUNKANOMETRY (Vancouver Island, BC) brought their A-Game with a high-energy performance that had the crowd dancing in their seats.

·       TRAVIS LINDSAY (Halifax, NS) had the judges in stitches with his comedy routine.

·       MARK CLEARVIEW (Toronto, ON) brought his epic mixture of comedy-meets-magic to impress Canadians, leaving it all on the stage.

·       Toronto Maple Leaf’s anthem singer NATALIE MORRIS (Toronto, ON) moved the crowd with her stunning vocals, performing a rendition of “Mamma Knows Best” by Jessie J.

·       Kardi’s Golden Buzzer MAT & MYM (Quebec City, QC) moved in unbelievable, acrobatic unison on roller-skates.

·       Lilly’s Golden Buzzer REBECCA STRONG (Prince Albert, SK) stunned the audience at OLG Stage when she sang “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele.

·       Comedian STERLING V. SCOTT (Edmonton, AB) had the audience and judges in hysterics with his performance.

·       Singer ESHAN SOBTI (Mission, BC) performed an incredible cover of “Titanium” by David Guetta.

A Recap of Tonight’s Finale

Performances (Tuesday, May 14)

FUNKANOMETRY– Dance Act

Vancouver Island, BC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

TRAVIS LINDSAY – Comedy Act
Halifax, NS
CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MARK CLEARVIEW – Magic Act
Toronto, ON

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

NATALIE MORRIS – Singer/Musician

Toronto, ON
CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

MAT & MYM – Stunt

Québec City, QC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

REBECCA STRONG – Singer/Musician
Prince Albert, SK

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

STERLING V. SCOTT – Comedy Act
Edmonton, AB

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

ESHAN SOBTI – Singer/Musician

Mission, BC

CGT.Citytv.com / YouTube

Benevolence Hall is a free art installation and community space that invites visitors to reflect on their own journeys and relationships to Canada, through the lens of the Hakka. The installation includes a reading room focused on Hakka authors and artists, a short film about Victoria’s Tam Kung Hakka Temple, and a video installation “Moon Gate,” created for the Market Gallery. The project is presented by Toronto History Museums and produced with the support of Why Not Theatre, and mentor Yung Yemi.

Details:

Benevolence Hall by Kevin Matthew Wong
Venue: Market Gallery, 95 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C2
Enter St. Lawrence Market via the central doors on the North Side of the building and then take the stairs or closest elevator to the second floor.
Exhibition Dates: May 18 – August 4, 2024, 11 am – 5pm daily
Opening Celebration: May 18, 2-4 pm*

• This will be a casual event to mark the opening weekend, and the gallery will be open to the public during these hours.
  Live Activations:
• Benevolence Hall Artist Talk on Thursday June 6, 5-7pm
• “Benevolence” Play Reading on Thursday July 11, 5-7pm
  More info at: broadleafcreative.ca

Today we get a new Trailer for HANDLING THE UNDEAD starring Renate Reinsve (THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD). Elevation Pictures release in theatres as follows:

May 31st
Toronto, ON – The Carlton
Montreal, QC – Cinema du Parc

June 2nd
Vancouver, BC – The Rio Theatre

Synopsis:

On a hot summer day in Oslo, the newly dead awaken. Three families faced with loss try to figure out what this resurrection means and if their loved ones really are back. Based on the book by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Today, during Prime Video’s inaugural Upfronts presentation, it was announced that the Emmy-winning hit drama series The Boys, has been ordered for a fifth season. The Boys will premiere its diabolical fourth season on June 13, 2024, with three episodes, followed by a new episode each week, ending with the epic season finale on Thursday, July 18. The eight-episode season will stream exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Prime has all your entertainment and streaming needs in a single membership.

“The Boys is an unabashed and bold series that continues captivating our customers all over the world by piercing the cultural fabric season after season,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “We are proud of this series that has grown into a global franchise, and we are thrilled that Eric Kripke and the creative team have more engaging stories to tell for all the loyal fans.”

“The Boys could be the best job I’ll ever have. What other show allows me to write about politics, capitalism, family, and exploding genitalia, though not in that order,” said Eric Kripke, Showrunner for The Boys, “the cast and crew are deeply grateful to Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios for the opportunity to tell this story for another season. My only problem is that since this year promises to be free of any conflict or misinformation, we’re not sure what to write about.”

“Since its premiere, devoted fans across the globe have been down with The Boys for this unapologetically wild ride,” says Katherine Pope, President, Sony Pictures Television Studios, “and we couldn’t be more proud of our producers, writers, cast, and crew who bring this genius insanity to life. Now, with a fifth chapter to their story, we can’t wait to see where Eric Kripke and The Boys go next.”

The Boys is based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, who also serve as executive producers, and developed by executive producer and showrunner Eric Kripke. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Phil Sgriccia, Michaela Starr, Paul Grellong, David Reed, Meredith Glynn, Judalina Neira, Ken F. Levin, and Jason Netter also serve as executive producers. The Boys is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios with Kripke Enterprises, Original Film, and Point Grey Pictures.

In Season Four, the world is on the brink. Victoria Neuman is closer than ever to the Oval Office and under the muscly thumb of Homelander, who is consolidating his power. Butcher, with only months to live, has lost Becca’s son and his job as The Boys’ leader. The rest of the team are fed up with his lies. With the stakes higher than ever, they have to find a way to work together and save the world before it’s too late.

The fourth season of The Boys stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, Colby Minifie, Claudia Doumit, and Cameron Crovetti. Season Four also will welcome Susan Heyward, Valorie Curry, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Harbourfront Centre announces the 2024 summer programming lineup to celebrate its landmark 50th anniversary with a mix of ticketed, free and pay-what-you-wish events.

As an independent not-for-profit organization, Harbourfront Centre has played a pivotal role over the last five decades, shaping local and international arts communities and symbolizing Toronto’s cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and innovation. This summer, the legacy continues with a commitment to making arts, culture and recreation accessible for everyone.

“With a jam-packed summer schedule of events, Harbourfront Centre promises to provide transformative experiences to neighbours and visitors alike, sparking unforgettable moments to cherish at its waterfront,” says Laura McLeod, Director of Cultural Engagement at Harbourfront Centre. “We are so proud to celebrate 50 years of Harbourfront Centre, and we look forward to the many more years to come.”

Highlights of free summer programming include:

· June 1: Block Party – Neighbours and friends are invited to join us for a live performance by Canadian alternative country band Elliott Brood, a chance to sing on stage with Good Enough Live Karaoke band, participate in a free social line dancing class, enjoy family-friendly activities and delicious street food, drinks and a birthday cake (of course)!

· Tuesdays, June 25 – August 27: Free Flicks – One of the city’s favourite summer traditions returns with ten free outdoor film screenings at the Concert Stage every Tuesday all summer, showing popular films and old-school classics.

· Wednesdays, July 10 – August 28: Dancing on the Square – Enjoy live dance at the new Public Square with an eclectic lineup of Latin, Bollywood, hip-hop and contemporary dance.

· Thursdays and Sundays, June 21 – August 27: Summer Music in the Garden – 18 free concerts at the Toronto Music Garden, including the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Moneka Arabic Jazz and Nichol Robertson’s Country All-Stars.

· June 28–July 1: Canada Day Long Weekend – Celebrate on the waterfront with Harbourfront Centre’s July long weekend lineup of free and ticketed programming in music, dance, comedy, food and family-friendly activities for all ages.

o June 28: Fefe Dobson and Tyler Shaw (pay-what-you-wish)

o June 29: Choir! Choir! Choir! (ticketed)

o June 30: Martha Chaves (free) and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (free)

o July 1: Crystal Shawanda (free)

· August 1–5: Island Soul Festival – Inspired by the many different flavours of the islands, the 26th edition of Island Soul celebrates the vibrant people and culture of the Caribbean through a unique blend of music, film, food, comedy, multidisciplinary arts and cultural activities.

o August 1: Comedy Night with Trixx and Friends (ticketed)

o August 2: Destra and DJ Power (ticketed)

o August 3: Johnny Osbourne (free) and The Clash! (free)

o August 4: Sean Jones’ Summer Soul (ticketed), Etana (free) and Jay Douglas (free)

Also returning this summer are the adored multicultural festivals, Habari Africa, TAIWANfest, Toronto International Tap Dance Festival and Fun Philippines Toronto Food & Music Festival, promising a rich exploration of culture.

To learn more about summer programming and purchase tickets, please visit HarbourfrontCentre.com/summer.

About Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre is a leading international centre for contemporary arts, culture and ideas, and a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization operating a 10-acre campus on Toronto’s central waterfront. Harbourfront Centre provides year-round programming 52 weeks a year, seven days a week, supporting a wide range of artists and communities. We inspire audiences and visitors with a breadth of bold, ambitious and engaging experiences. We champion contemporary Canadian artists throughout their careers, presenting them alongside international artists and fostering national and international artistic exchange between disciplines and cultures.

Harbourfront Centre acknowledges the generous support of Site Partners: Government of Canada and the City of Toronto; Programming Partners: Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Government of Ontario, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the City of Toronto and its Corporate Site Partner, Labatt.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release Dìdi (弟弟) in theatres on Friday, July 26, 2024. The Drama premiered at Sundance ’24 to award-winning acclaim. Today we get a new Trailer.

Written and Directed By: Sean Wang
Cast: Izaac Wang, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua, Raul Dial, Aaron Chang, Mahaela Park, Chiron Cilia Denk, Montay Boseman, Sunil Mukherjee Maurillo, Alaysia Simmons, Alysha Syed, Georgie August and Joan Chen
Producers: Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush, Sean Wang
Executive Producers: Dave A. Liu, Jennifer J. Pritzker, Chris Columbus, Eleanor Columbus, Robina Riccitiello, Joan Chen, Chris Quintos Cathcart and Tyler Boehm
Synopsis: In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.

Contrada, ranked eighth in Toronto Life’s Best New Restaurants list for 2024, is celebrating by launching a new brunch menu and opening its patio doors in time for the summer season.

Last night, Contrada participated in Toronto Life’s Best Restaurants 2024 event alongside the other winning restaurants across the city. Partners Patrick Groves, Jessie Mak and Chef de Cuisine Mike Vieira served their mouth-watering Ricotta Gnocchi with fresh pesto and Calabrian chili to the 1,000 guests at Evergreen Brick Works.

“Contrada was brought to life by industry veterans and trusted friends coming together to make our dream a reality,” said Vieira. “We are incredibly thankful to have been recognized by Toronto Life as one of the best new restaurants in the city and we had an incredible night celebrating.”

To welcome the warmer weather, Contrada has begun seating guests in the restaurant’s two semi-enclosed patios. The patios accommodate up to 50 guests cocktail style and are comfortably heated during cooler evenings. Located on the corner of College St. and Euclid Ave., patrons dine against the lively backdrop of Little Italy while delighting in unique flavours such as their popular Agnolotti ($27) made with smooth chicken liver, rich mascarpone, aged balsamic, cippolini onion, and squash and apple for a touch of sweetness; or their best-selling Cod ($41) served on white beans alongside juicy scallops, fresh artichokes and Tuscan kale.

Contrada’s extensive beverage menu features the perfect summer cocktails including the Contrada Spritz ($17), a perfectly balanced drink made with a base of skin contact wine, prosecco, Cocchi Rosa, akvavit, and tart sumac with tangy pomegranate. The Army Brat ($21) crafted with Tanqueray gin, Teremana tequila, Cocchi Bianco, IPA Orgeat, Nepeta Majora, vincotto and lemon is the drink that will be on repeat all season. Each wine at Contrada has been selected by Patrick Groves, general manager and sommelier at Contrada, for both quality and flavour, from Italian classics to rosés, orange wines, and a variety of sparkling options, making a robust wine list of mostly Italian wines with a focus on sustainably produced wines.

Contrada has also released a newly curated brunch menu featuring breakfast dishes finished with an Italian kiss such as the creamy Breakfast Carbonara ($17), a reinvented classic pasta dish topped with crispy bacon and a poached egg. Guests can also enjoy the decadent Croque Contrada ($22) layered with roasted pork shoulder, prosciutto, mustard, provolone, fonduta and finished with a perfectly fried egg; or their French Toast But Italian ($19), made for those with a sweet tooth, served with Nutella, whipped ricotta, figs, and a drizzle of 100 per cent Canadian maple syrup.

The brunch menu also features brand new signature cocktails such as the Italian Coffee ($18) with Montenegro, Bocale Grappa, Branca Menta, sweet vanilla and cream; or the Contrada Caesar ($18), crafted with vodka, Clamato, colatura di alici, and a blend of pepperoncini, Calabrian chili and lime. Guests looking to enjoy a non-alcoholic drink can sip on Star Witness ($12), a juicy combination of basil, olive oil, cinnamon, lime and grapefruit; or Imposter Syndrome ($13), a fresh blend of cranberry, beet, peach, ginger and tonic for a delicious mocktail.

To learn more about Contrada or book a reservation, visit contradarestaurant.com or connect on Instagram: @contrada.to

Additional imagery of Contrada’s patios and brunch dishes can be found: HERE

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Saturday: 5 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday: Closed

More about Contrada
Contrada is a new Italian-inspired restaurant in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood located at 537 College St. The name Contrada, Italian for district or ward, is a homage to the Contrada team proudly representing the Little Italy neighbourhood and a place where good food and wine can be found. Patrick Groves serves as General Manager and Sommelier, Jessie Mak holds the position of Assistant General Manager and Lead Designer and Mike Vieira heads the kitchen as Chef de Cuisine. Together, they bring an impressive resume full of experience at some of Toronto’s most prominent establishments including Alo and alobar Yorkville, Lee Restaurant, Brothers Food & Wine, Giuletta, Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie and Aburi Hana.

About Chef Mike Viera
After pursuing culinary education at George Brown College, Mike Viera began his career at some of the most prominent dining establishments in Toronto, working as Garde Manger and Expediter at Susur Lee’s eponymous Lee restaurant, followed by a formative role as Saucier at Susur’s Bent. Viera has opened three restaurants with Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants as Executive Sous Chef simultaneously in North York’s Bayview Village: Beauty Barbecue & Smokehouse, where he brined, cured, and smoked his way through the intricacies of Southern American BBQ; and Parcheggio and Village Loft. Currently at Contrada as Chef de Cuisine, Viera returns to his first love – Italian food – interpreting this most essential of cuisines for the modern North American guest, and incorporating all the love, the technique, and the confident playfulness he’s developed in his already long and storied career in gastronomy.

Attendees at Amazon’s inaugural upfront presentation this morning in New York City were transported back to Middle-earth as Prime Video unveiled a first look at the upcoming second season of the hit series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The series’ first season was an unprecedented global success and one of the top original series for Prime Video, viewed by more than 100 million people worldwide, and driving more Prime sign-ups worldwide during its launch window than any other previous content to date.

Prime Video also announced that Season Two will debut globally on Thursday, August 29, 2024, in more than 240 countries and territories in multiple languages.

Stunning new Season Two key art was also revealed today, featuring the return of Charlie Vickers in the role of Sauron, one of the world’s greatest literary villains, appearing in a new form – one that will aid him in deceiving the denizens of Middle-earth.

The debut teaser trailer takes viewers on an action-packed journey back to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age, and shows the ascending evil presence of Sauron as he continues his vengeful quest for complete power. Showcasing the cinematic splendor that the series is known for, and heralding the return of many fan favorite characters, including Galadriel, Elrond, Prince Durin IV, Arondir, and Celebrimbor, this first-look also reveals the much-anticipated creation of more Rings.

In Season Two of The Rings of Power, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

From producer M. Night Shyamalan comes “The Watchers,” written and directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan and based on the novel by A.M. Shine. The film follows Mina, a 28-year-old artist, who gets stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. When Mina finds shelter, she unknowingly becomes trapped alongside three strangers who are watched and stalked by mysterious creatures each night. You can’t see them, but they see everything.

“The Watchers” stars Dakota Fanning (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Ocean’s Eight”), Georgina Campbell (“Barbarian,” “Suspicion”), Oliver Finnegan (“Creeped Out,” “Outlander”) and Olwen Fouere (“The Northman,” “The Tourist”). The film is produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan and Nimitt Mankad. The executive producers are Jo Homewood and Stephen Dembitzer.

Joining writer/director Shyamalan behind-the-camera are director of photography Eli Arenson (“Lamb,” “Hospitality”), production designer Ferdia Murphy (“Lola,” “Finding You”), editor Job ter Burg (“Benedetta,” “Elle”) and costume design by Frank Gallacher (“Sebastian,” “Aftersun”). The music is by Abel Korzeniowski (“Till,” “The Nun”).New Line Cinema presents “The Watchers,” set to open in theatres in Canada on June 7, 2024; it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.