#SPOTTED: HASAN MINHAJ IN TORONTO FOR “THE KING’S JESTER” TOUR

Funnyman Hasan Minhaj brought his The King’s Jester Tour to Toronto, playing not one but FOUR shows at Coca Cola Colisseum over two nights. Minhaj has the distinction of being the first Comedian ever to play four shows at that venue, situated on Canadian National Exhibition grounds. And the fans were taking to Twitter after the Shows to express their love after having had their phones locked away on arrival.

Known best for his work on The Daily Show as a Senior Correspondent, and also his acclaimed Netflix Series Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, he is a regular on the Just for Laughs Festival circuit, and his Toronto fans made noise after noticing they were excluded originally. Most recently he was seen on Season Two of Apple TV+‘s hit Series THE MORNING SHOW.

So happy we got to meet Minhaj during his visit, and he was so cool, slipping-on his shades for the Snap. Love him! If you missed him, worry not. He’s actually going to be back in Toronto again early July at the CCYAA Celebrity Classic with Simu Liu and Jeremy Lin! Details on that here. There are a few other events linked to the game, so who knows if he’ll show up to those as well!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#SPOTTED: BRADLEY WHITFORD IN TORONTO FOR “THE HANDMAID’S TALE”

Primetime EMMY and SAG Award winner Bradley Whitford is no stranger to Toronto, having been hard at work on Hulu’s THE HANDMAID’S TALE, joining the acclaimed Series since its second season as Commander Joseph Lawrence. His celebrated body of work needs no introduction: The West Wing, Transparent, Get Out, Tick, Tick… Boom! are perfect showcases for his immense talent.

So jealous that he’s been spotted around town, but I finally had my own sighting of him as he was out enjoying a quiet dinner by himself! And he was so amazingly nice, stopping for a Snap walking on-foot. And look how matchy we are! No fancy SUV or Driver as you might think someone of his stature would have. He’s casual and we love it! Honourary Torontonian!

Whitford next can be seen with Kaitlyn Dever in upcoming Hulu/Disney+ release ROSALINE. The Film is an updated take on Romeo & Juliet, told through Juliet‘s cousin’s eyes. Cannot wait!

(Photo credit: Hulu/Mr. Will Wong)

#NEWMUSIC: LIZZO – “GRRRLS”

We always welcome new Lizzo! The Goddess herself has teamed with Pop Legends Benny Blanco, Max Martin and more on new Summer banger GRRRLS, pumping us up for her upcoming Album, SPECIAL! The Song is a celebration of the female bond. We’ve loved every track we’ve heard so far off this Album. It’s going to be ICONIC!

Warner Music Canada release SPECIAL on July 15, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada)

#INTERVIEW: “LIGHTYEAR”

It’s the definitive story behind Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the beloved Toy Story character, and its set to win the hearts of Moviegoers this Summer. Disney and Pixar‘s LIGHTYEAR features the voice of Chris Evans and we were so thrilled to sit down in a Virtual Press Junket for the Film.

Participating at the Junket, which our Justin Waldman had the pleasure of attending, were:

Galyn Susman – Producer
Angus MacLane – Writer/Director
Michael Giacchino – Composer
Chris Evans – Buzz Lightyear
Keke Palmer – Izzy Hawthorne
Dale Soules – Darby Steel
Taika Waititi- Mo Morrison
James Brolin – Emperor Zurg
Peter Sohn – Sox

Angus MacLane who co-directed Finding Dory, talks about developing and pitching the idea of this Film.

MacLane: “The idea came to me because I always wanted to know about the backstory of the Space Rangers, Star Command and Buzz Lightyear – what the Movie is for that. I also wanted to make something that was fun to make after doing Dory, which was fun but it was really challenging when you have a protagonist that’s always forgetting everything about what they want. So I thought, why don’t we make a cool Sci-Fi Movie? That’s the way I pitched it. What’s the Movie that Andy (the boy in Toy Story) saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear figure? Why don’t we just make something awesome, that’s simple like that? Just make that geeky Buzz Lightyear movie and just make an adventure of that? That was the simple idea we sold to the Studio.”.

Michael Giacchino oversaw the Film’s Score and talks about his childhood and what Disney films meant to him growing-up.

Giacchino: “These are the movies I grew-up on. I pretty much was raised on them. One of the things I used to do was sneak a small tape recorder into the theatre so that I could – when I was a kid – record the Movie Audio so that I could have the audience response – all of that on it – and I would listen to it. There was no internet when I was growing up. That was the only way for me to experience that Movie again out of the theatre, was to listen to it. I would record them and at home every night I would play them under my pillow because I loved to listen how the Sound works in these movies. And how Music worked with Sound Effects and Dialogue and all of that. It’s ingrained in my head in a massive way. If someone asked me at 12-years-old, ‘Hey! You get to make your own one of these things. What do you want to do with it?’. I’m like, ‘Great! I would do THIS!’. That’s what I love so much about working with Angus. Often we’d get sidelined into these crazy conversations about a Movie from a certain era or a Character Actor from certain era. We have so much love for what came before and what introduced us to everything we’re now playing with today.”.

Star Chris Evans is asked about how he brought something new to a character we all love and adore so much already in Buzz Lightyear.

Evans: “I loved getting to explore a Character we all know so well and in a slightly more nuanced interpretation. The Buzz we all know is a toy and as a toy there are certain ways they go about the world without the weight that we carry. A toy knows its purpose, a toy doesn’t have to worry about disease or the choices that we have to make.”.

Evans also talks about his relationship with Buzz Lightyear before being cast in this Film, plus he reveals which other Disney Character he would love to play.

Evans: “I love Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story. When Toy Story came out, it kicked the doors down in terms of a new approach to the Medium, so I was thrilled and excited to know there was more to come. I love all the characters in Toy Story deeply. If there were another character to play, I don’t think I could pull it off. But I am a big an of Robin Hood, the old animated Disney Film. I just thought Robin Hood was so cool. When I think of all the Animated Characters in the Disney library, Robin Hood stands alone. He’s smooth, charming and capable, and I don’t have that cool British accent, but I’d love a crack!”.

Keke Palmer tells us about connecting to her Character, Izzy Hawthorne, discovering who she was and what she cared about most.

Palmer: “Her love for her grandmother Alisha, and the legacy she wants to uphold. She wants to make her family proud and I think that’s something we can all relate to. And the fact that she’s not afraid to pivot. I really admire that about her. I feel she displays so many great leadership qualities because sometimes she gets overshadowed. She knows how to push her friends forward, and she knows how to see something in somebody so that they can carry out their duties. She empowers others and I love the character.”.

Taika Waititi stars as Mo Morisson, who is more understated than some of the other characters he’s played in his career. He has made Marvel films as we all know, but he talks about how he approaches Pixar films differently.

Waititi: “I think with Pixar especially, it’s the relentless pursuit of a perfect Story. I go back to them time and time again not just for entertainment or to feel something emotional, but I got back to study how they structure their Films and the Economy of Storytelling, the way that they write their Scripts. And knowingly, they just get it right every time. So I’m not afraid to rip-off those practices that they use, because it’s inspiring as a Filmmaker to see these guys make these perfect films every time.”.

Screen Legend James Brolin talks about that resonated most with him with the Film.

Brolin: “I walked in, didn’t know who I am or what my lines were, so that was a tough one. I saw an unfinished, unpolished version of the Film without Music, and actually realized then that my Character was much more complex than that I had imagined. Even at this point I’m not supposed to tell you everything that Zurg is. Certainly multiple personalities and a Con Man. And could I say even a Shrink and an Alter-Ego? There’s so many things to learn from this Movie. There’s a lot of messages about how we approach things and how we solve our problems, and how we avoid them.”.

Peter Sohn talks about Sox the Cat‘s scene-stealing performance here and if he foresees a Spinoff.

Sohn: “I don’t want any of that burden! What are you talking about? The curse of that burden. I love Sox and I’ve been real lucky hanging-out with all of you right now, doing this process has been awesome.”.

Dale Soules talks about her thoughts on a potential Spinoff for Darby Steel.

Soules: “I’d like to see more Darby and Sox and their own adventure. I love Sox, though you don’t see that part of her very much. There’s an expression on the face of the animated Darby when Buzz thanks her and says ‘Nice job, elderly convict’. There’s a look on her face that says what I’d like to see more of. It’s not sentimental, mushy but it’s more like, ‘Okay, I gotcha. I hear you.’. I’d like to see more of that attitude in the Series.”.

Disney and Pixar’s LIGHTYEAR arrives in theatres June 17, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Disney and Pixar)

#BOXOFFICE: “JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION” DOMINATES IN OPENING

JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION completely dominates the Box Office in its debut with $142 million from 4,676 theatres for Universal PIctures. This latest installment gets 31% on the Tomatometer. The biggest opening for the Franchise still belongs to 2015’s Jurassic World with $202 million.

Knocked off its throne is TOP GUN: MAVERICK which still is going well with $50 million from 4,262 theatres in its third weekend for Paramount Pictures, taking it to $393 million thus far domestically.

Third spot goes to DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS with $5 million from 3,345 theatres for Disney, a total $398 million grossed.

Landing in fourth is THE BAD GUYS with $2.4 million for Universal Pictures, taking its run to $91.6 million.

THE BOB’S BURGERS MOVIE closes out the Top Five with $2 million in its third weekend for 20th Century Fox, a total $26.75 million.

#FIRSTLOOK: BOOKING.COM SPONSORS TIME100 SUMMIT & GALA

BOOKING.COM was an official signature sponsor of the TIME100 Summit and Gala at Lincoln Center in New York, which included stars like Toronto’s own Simu Liu!  The site is one of the largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, enabling properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses.

Booking.com aimed to further support getting important topics the increased attention they need and deserve while also providing travel inspiration for Summit & Gala attendees. The events brought together a cast of past and present TIME100 honorees and other influential figures  from the worlds of art, culture, politics and entertainment with Booking.com polling the influential attendees on their summer travel plans via a survey at the brand’s dedicated activation space at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Key insights include:

-Sustainability efforts at accommodations play a strong role in TIME100 event attendee’s vacation decisions, with 50% of survey respondents saying they would select one property over another if it had Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable badge.

-TIME100 event respondents said they prefer to stay at vacation rentals over hotels (62%).

-Trips where travelers get to enjoy the outdoors was the preference for TIME100 attendees with 46% of respondents wanting to take a beach vacation this summer and 41% wanting to take any type of nature trip.

-Experiencing local culture is TIME100 event respondents main motivation to travel this summer (37%), with relaxation not far behind at 32%.

-When asked what destination was top of the list this summer, Greece, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Colorado and Puerto Rico were the most popular among TIME100 event attendee survey respondents.

Some of the A-Listers at the affair:

(Photo credit: Booking.com)

#BELLMEDIAUPFRONT: BELL MEDIA ANNOUNCE FALL 2022/2023 LINEUP, NEW & RETURNING PROGRAMMING

Bell Media held their annual Upfront, previewing their upcoming 2022/2023 programming slate of returning and new programming across their family of networks, and also streaming service Crave. The event returned in-person at Meridian Hall, giving a glimpse for the for the first time many new acquisitions and confirmations. Here to ring-in the occasion were some recognizable names like Chad Michael Murray, Scott Patterson, Mena Massoud, Will Yun Lee, Meg Donnelly, Rebecca Romijn and several more!

CTV‘s Fall 2022 Programming Schedule has been firmed-up, all times are listed in Eastern Time:

MONDAYS
7 p.m. ETALK
7:30 p.m. THE BIG BANG THEORY (S)
8 p.m. CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING
8:30 p.m. BOB HEARTS ABISHOLA (S)
9 p.m. THE CLEANING LADY (S)
10 p.m. THE GOOD DOCTOR (S)

TUESDAYS
7 p.m. ETALK
7:30 p.m. THE BIG BANG THEORY (S)
8 p.m. THE RESIDENT (S)
9 p.m. LA BREA (S)
10 p.m. THE ROOKIE: FEDS (S)

WEDNESDAYS
7 p.m. ETALK
7:30 p.m. THE CONNERS
8 p.m. THE MASKED SINGER (S)
9 p.m. THE AMAZING RACE (S)
10 p.m. BIG SKY (S)

THURSDAYS
7 p.m. CALL ME KAT
7:30 p.m. YOUNG SHELDON
8 p.m. STATION 19 (S)
9 p.m. GREY’S ANATOMY (S)
10 p.m. ALASKA (S)

FRIDAYS
7 p.m. ETALK
7:30 p.m. THE BIG BANG THEORY (S)
8 p.m. SHARK TANK (S)
9 p.m. TRANSPLANT
10 p.m. BLUE BLOODS (S)

SATURDAYS
7 p.m. W5
8 p.m. CTV Movie

SUNDAYS
7 p.m. NFL (cont’d)
8 p.m. CELEBRITY JEOPARDY! (S)
9 p.m. EAST NEW YORK (S)
10 p.m. THE ROOKIE (S)

Daytime and Late-Night

CTV’s premium daytime and late-night lineups return, including CTV YOUR MORNING, LIVE WITH KELLY AND RYAN, THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, THE SOCIAL, DR. PHIL, THE VIEW, and ETALK.

Also returning to CTV are THE DAILY SHOW WITH TREVOR NOAH and the final season of THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN, with THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON and LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS on CTV2.

Awards and Live Events

CTV is home to appointment viewing live events, including the 95th OSCARS®, the 74th EMMY® AWARDS, the AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS, and the CMA AWARDS on CTV2.

As Bell Media is the exclusive television broadcast partner of the NFL in Canada, CTV delivers extensive coverage of the NFL regular season, the NFL playoffs, and the biggest broadcast event of the year, SUPER BOWL LVII.

CTV News

Connecting with audiences from coast-to-coast-to-coast, the country’s most-watched national newscast, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LISA LAFLAMME, airs weeknights at 11 p.m. ET.

Across the country, viewers turn to CTV’s local newscasts to stay informed on breaking news in their communities, including CTV’s award-winning CTV NEWS AT SIX, ​as well as CTV MORNING LIVE, CTV NEWS AT NOON, CTV NEWS AT FIVE, and CTV NEWS AT 11:30 p.m.

The award-winning W5 returns for a 57th season Saturdays at 7 p.m. ET on CTV, and landmark political program QUESTION PERIOD, hosted by CTV News’ Evan Solomon, returns Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. ET.

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Bell Media have made several exciting new acquisitions, bringing their viewers some exciting new things to look forward to, including the latest from Oscar-winning talents Tom McCarthy and Hilary Swank, ALASKA. Hit ’80s Sitcom NIGHT COURT gets a Reboot and CTV will be home to it, as well, while CTV Sci-Fi will carry Supernatural Origins Series THE WINCHESTERS. There’s also tons for buzz for upcoming Drama Series EAST NEW YORK with breakout star Amanda Warren.

CTV

ALASKA

From the mind of Academy Award®-winner Tom McCarthy (Spotlight), ALASKA stars Hilary Swank (AWAY) as Eileen Fitzgerald, a recently disgraced reporter who leaves her high-profile New York life behind to join a daily metro newspaper in Anchorage, on a journey to find both personal and professional redemption. Alongside Swank, ALASKA stars Jeff Perry (SCANDAL), Matt Malloy (In the Company of Men), Meredith Holzman (Blow the Man Down), Grace Dove (The Revenant), Pablo Castelblanco (Admission), Ami Park (THIS IS US), and Craig Frank (8.13). Tom McCarthy is creator and executive producer. Hilary Swank, Melissa Wells, Bert Salke, Kyle Hopkins (Anchorage Daily News), and Ryan Binkley (Anchorage Daily News) are executive producers, with Peter Elkoff (THE RESIDENT) serving as showrunner and executive producer. ALASKA is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

ALERT

When police officer Nikki Parker’s son goes missing, she joins the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Missing Persons Unit to help other people find their loved ones, even as she searches for her own. Six years later, her world is turned upside-down when her ex-husband, Devon Zoellner, shows up with a proof-of-life photo of their missing boy…or is it? The series is a procedural drama with a search for a missing person in each episode that runs alongside the overarching storyline of Nikki and Devon’s quest to find out the truths about the person claiming to be their long-lost son. ALERT is produced by Sony Pictures Television and FOX Entertainment. John Eisendrath will write and executive produce. Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner will also executive produce.

CELEBRITY JEOPARDY!

In the all-new game show CELEBRITY JEOPARDY!, celebrity contestants compete for a chance to win money and donate it to a charity of their choice. From Sony Pictures Television, CELEBRITY JEOPARDY! is executive produced by Michael Davies.

EAST NEW YORK

From the executive producers of NYPD BLUE, EAST NEW YORK stars Amanda Warren (DICKINSON) as Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood, the newly promoted boss of the 74th Precinct, in East New York – a working-class neighborhood on the edge of Brooklyn in the midst of social upheaval and the early seeds of gentrification. With family ties to the area, Haywood is determined to deploy creative methods to protect her beloved community with the help of her officers and detectives, but first, she has the daunting task of getting them on board, as some are skeptical of her promotion, and others resist the changes she is desperate to make. Her team includes her mentor, shrewd veteran two-star Chief John Suarez (Emmy® Award winner Jimmy Smits, L.A. LAW); Marvin Sandeford (Tony Award® winner and current nominee Ruben Santiago-Hudson, CASTLE), a highly respected training officer and expert on the neighborhood; Tommy Killian (Kevin Rankin, Dallas Buyers Club), a detective with some old-school approaches to policing; Capt. Stan Yenko (Richard Kind, Inside Out), Haywood’s gregarious and efficient right hand; Crystal Morales (Elizabeth Rodriguez, Logan), an intuitive detective who can’t be intimidated; Andre Bentley (Lavel Schley, GROWN-ISH), a trainee from an upper middle-class background; and ambitious patrol officer Brandy Quinlan (Olivia Luccardi, It Follows). Emmy® Award-winner William Finkelstein, Mike Flynn, Emmy® Award-winner Michael M. Robin, Christine Holder, and Mark Holder are executive producers. Andrew Maher is a co-executive producer. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television.

NIGHT COURT

Unapologetic optimist judge Abby Stone (Melissa Rauch, THE BIG BANG THEORY), the daughter of the late Harry Stone, follows in her father’s footsteps as she presides over the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court and tries to bring order to its crew of oddballs and cynics, most notably former night court prosecutor Dan Fielding (John Larroquette). The cast also includes India de Beaufort (Run Fatboy Run), Kapil Talwalkar (ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST), and Lacretta (Second Act). Writer Dan Rubin executive produces with Melissa Rauch and Winston Rauch. John Larroquette will produce. NIGHT COURT is produced by Warner Bros. Television, in association with After January Productions and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

THE ROOKIE: FEDS

From the executive producers of THE ROOKIE comes THE ROOKIE: FEDS, starring Niecy Nash-Betts (CLAWS) as Simone Clark, the oldest rookie in the FBI Academy. The spinoff was introduced as a two-part event during the fourth season of THE ROOKIE, where Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion, CASTLE) and the L.A. division of the FBI enlist the help of Simone Clark when one of her former students is a suspect in a terror attack. The series also stars Frankie Faison (White Chicks) as Christopher “Cutty” Clark, and Felix Solis (The International) as Special Agent Matthew Garza. Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter are co-creators and executive producers. Mark Gordon, Niecy Nash-Betts, Nathan Fillion, Michelle Chapman, Bill Norcross, and Corey Miller are executive producers. Entertainment One (eOne) is the lead studio and international distributor of THE ROOKIE: FEDS, a co-production with ABC Signature.

TRUE LIES

Inspired by James Cameron’s hit action/comedy film of the same name, TRUE LIES follows Harry (Steve Howey, Bride Wars), a first-class international spy for U.S. intelligence agency Omega Sector, and his wife, Helen (Ginger Gonzaga, TOGETHERNESS), a language professor bored with her daily routine, who makes the shocking discovery that her seemingly ordinary husband is leading an extraordinary double life. With the secret out, Omega recruits Helen, who impresses everyone with her formidable skills, and she joins Harry and his team of top-notch operatives, embarking on covert missions around the globe and an exhilarating life of danger and adventure. The renewed bond between them adds much-needed sizzle to the Taskers’ emotionally distant marriage and upends the top-secret world of Omega Sector. As Harry says, if you’re going to save the world, you might as well do it for the ones you love. TRUE LIES also stars Erica Hernandez (BRIDGE AND TUNNEL) as Maria, Omar Miller (BALLERS) as Gib, Mike O’Gorman (TINY APARTMENT) as Luther, Annabella Didion (OUTER BANKS) as Dana, and Lucas Jaye (The Sleepover) as Jake. Matt Nix, James Cameron, Rae Sanchini, McG, Mary Viola, Corey Marsh, and Josh Levy are executive producers. Anthony Hemingway is an executive producer and directed the pilot from a script by Nix. Sean Hoagland and Whitney Davis are co-executive producers. The series is produced by 20th Television.

CTV Specialty Channels

CTV Sci-Fi Channel:

THE ARK

THE ARK takes place 100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. The first of these missions on a spacecraft, known as Ark One, encounters a catastrophic event causing massive destruction and loss of life. With more than a year left to go before reaching their target planet, a lack of life-sustaining supplies and loss of leadership, the remaining crew must become the best versions of themselves to stay on course and survive. The series stars Christie Burke (MAID), Richard Fleeshman (CALL THE MIDWIFE), Reece Ritchie (The Lovely Bones), Stacey Read (Aneni), and Ryan Adams (Orange Peel). Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner are co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan-Wilson of Electric Entertainment. Jonathan English of Balkanic Media and Steve Lee serve as producers.

THE WINCHESTERS

Before Sam and Dean, there were their parents, John and Mary. Told from the perspective of narrator Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles, SUPERNATURAL), THE WINCHESTERS is the epic, untold love story of how John Winchester (Drake Rodger, The In Between) met Mary Campbell (Meg Donnelly, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE) and put it all on the line to not only save their love, but the entire world. When John returns home from fighting in Vietnam, a mysterious encounter sparks a new mission to trace his father’s past. In his journey, he crosses paths with 19-year-old demon hunter Mary, who is also searching for answers after the disappearance of her own father. Together, the two join forces with young hunter-in-training Latika (Nida Khurshid, STATION 19), and easygoing hunter Carlos (Jonathan “Jojo” Fleites) to uncover the hidden truths about both their families. Their investigation leads them to a rare book emporium, whose owner, Ada (Demetria McKinney, HOUSE OF PAYNE), takes an interest to the occult and could provide the missing pieces to their puzzle. But secrets run deep for both the Winchesters and Campbells, and despite the best efforts of John’s mother Millie (Bianca Kajlich, Bring It On) to protect her son from pursuing a dangerous life of demon hunting, John and Mary are both determined to work together to uphold their families’ legacies while beginning to form a family of their own. A prequel to the long-running hit series SUPERNATURAL, THE WINCHESTERS is written and executive produced by Robbie Thompson. Jensen Ackles and Danneel Ackles executive produce via their Chaos Machine Productions. David H. Goodman joined the creative team as an executive producer for the series. McG serves as an executive producer. The series is from Chaos Machine Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Studios.

STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS, filmed here in Toronto, just premiered in May on CTV Sci-Fi and Star Rebecca Romijn popped-by to say “hello”! Always flawless.

CTV Drama Channel:

PANHANDLE

A serialized dramedy set in the Florida Panhandle. Since personal tragedy struck five years ago, loquacious, eccentric Bell Prescott (Emmy® Award-winner Luke Kirby, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) hasn’t left the decaying property he shares with his mother and a pet alligator. When Bell discovers a dead body, he browbeats the only cop in town, the practical, brutally direct Cammie Lorde (Tiana Okoye, The Good Place), into solving the case. That leads the unlikely duo into a collision course with Bell’s past. They’ll wrestle with personal demons, shocking twists, and Panhandle craziness on their journey to heal themselves and their town. Carla Kettner (THE BLACKLIST), Nicholas Stoller (MUPPETS MOST WANTED), and Conor Welch (GOOSEBUMPS) are Executive Producers. The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television.

CTV Life Channel:

JAMIE’S ONE PAN WONDERS

JAMIE’S ONE PAN WONDERS is the ultimate solutions-based guide to brilliantly easy meals perfect for now, offering a delicious range of dishes all cooked in just one pan or tray. Each recipe uses only a handful of ingredients, as the pan does all the hard work – and there’s hardly any cleaning up.

Each meal has been created by Jamie Oliver specifically to answer people’s everyday needs: from speedy meals that can be made in 15 minutes or less, ovenbaked dishes that can be left to cook low and slow while people do with other things, brilliant principle recipes that big-up batch cooking, or clever shortcuts to family favourites that everyone will love to eat, but don’t always have the time to cook.

JAMIE’S ONE PAN WONDERS is the solution for anyone who wants to cook delicious food with minimal ingredients, less cleaning up, and big flavour.

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Bell Media continues to show its commitment to delivering and supporting Canadian voices with the following new English-Language programs, including the eagerly-awaited SULLIVAN’S CROSSING starring One Tree Hill‘s Chad Michael Murray, which begins production this week shortly on the East Coast. You know we love RuPaul’s Drag Race, and a CANADA’S DRAG RACE: CANADA VS. THE WORLD branch of the Series is on the way pitting Canadian Queens against some international-level competition!

New English-Language Series:

ACTING GOOD – CTV Comedy *previously announced
ACTING GOOD stars Rabliauskas as Paul, a witty but sensitive comic who returns home to the fictional Grouse Lake First Nation after a botched attempt to move to the big city. Inspired by Rabliauskas’ own isolated community of Poplar River First Nation, the half-hour comedy also stars actor, comedian, and series co-showrunner Pat Thornton, as Brady, the “only white guy on the rez.” The homegrown lineup of cast and crew also features Billy Merasty (Elijah) as voice of the rez and radio DJ, Roger Laughingstick, Roseanne Supernault (THE DRIVE) as reformed bad girl and band councillor, Jo. Gabriel Daniels (The Ice Road) joins the cast as big-hearted Dean, along with series producer Tina Keeper (NORTH OF 60) as the family matriarch Agnes. And in their debut acting roles, Avery Claudia Sutherland stars as Jo’s rebellious daughter Chickadee, comedian Cheyenna Sapp as Paul’s, on-again-off-again girlfriend, Rose, and writer, poet, and radio host Rosanna Deerchild as First Nation Grouse Lake chief, Deedee. (Buffalo Gal)

A CUT ABOVE – Discovery *previously announced
Hosted by Golden Globe®-nominee Adam Beach, this competition series puts 12 of the best chainsaw carvers from across the world to the ultimate test of creativity, strength, and skills, as they turn ordinary logs into extraordinary works of art. Each episode, the carvers compete in weekly Quick and Master Carve challenges, while racing against the clock, in hopes of avoiding elimination. At the end of the grueling competition, the carver who out carves the rest, wins a cash prize and will be named “A Cut Above”. World-renowned Canadian chainsaw carver Ryan Cook and esteemed United Kingdom sculptor, Katharine Dowson serve as judges. (marblemedia)

BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS – CTV
BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS is an exciting new 20-episode, 60-minute CTV Original quiz format that asks not only how well you know someone else’s generation – but how well you know your own. Each episode of this nostalgia-packed quiz show features four charismatic contestants, each representing a different generation (Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z), who battle it out to discover who knows the most about ALL generations. Whoever triumphs in this unique game of time travelling trivia will enter The Vault for a chance to win big money. Fast and fun, tactical and tenacious, BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS is the primetime game show that’s genuinely for everyone. (Bell Media Studios/Motion Content Group)

BRIA MACK GETS A LIFE – Crave
A half-hour comedy series that follows Bria Mack, a 25-year-old Black woman, as she navigates adulthood in a predominantly white world – which is made all the more difficult, but also more tolerable – by Black Attack, her invisible hype girl. Created by Sasha Leigh Henry, the series is executive produced by Henry, Tania Thompson, and Mark Montefiore, with Angelique Knights and Tamar Bird serving as producers. (New Metric Media)

BUSH WRECK RESCUE – Discovery
BUSH WRECK RESCUE is a new take on the ever-popular car and truck restoration genre, with a twist – all the projects begin as long-abandoned wrecks tracked down in farmers’ fields, barns, and ravines in the backcountry. BUSH WRECK RESCUE’s “gearheads” attempt to turn a profit by pulling vintage vans, muscle cars, and pick-up trucks out of the bush and transforming them into Instagram-worthy gems. (Omnifilm Entertainment)

CANADA’S DRAG RACE: CANADA VS THE WORLD – Crave
After two wildly successful seasons of CANADA’S DRAG RACE, and a third on the horizon, the queens of the north have proven they can “sleigh” in every way. With Canada acting as host nation, CANADA’S DRAG RACE: CANADA VS THE WORLD is a six-episode battle that brings back fan-favourites from the international Drag Race family for an elite competition to crown the “Queen of the Mother-Pucking World.” At this level of competition, there are no weak links – just seasoned queens with a thirst for victory. Let the international games begin! (Blue Ant Studios, Saloon Media, World of Wonder)

CROSS COUNTRY CAKE OFF – CTV
CROSS COUNTRY CAKE OFF is an original competition series that celebrates the unbridled creativity of Canada’s best cake-makers, and showcases the incredible stories of heart and humour that inspire them. A feel good national event, CROSS COUNTRY CAKE OFF connects the country through cake in 10 delightful episodes, including four Holiday specials. Buckle up for a wild and delicious ride! (Proper Television)

DINE YOUR SIGN – CTV Life *previously announced
Hosted by Chef Siobhan Detkavich, DINE YOUR SIGN connects appetite with the astrological, with each episode featuring a menu designed around one of the 12 Zodiac signs. (Gusto TV)

EVOLVING VEGAN – CTV Life Channel and Crave
EVOLVING VEGAN is an eight-part food, travel, and adventure series, starring, and based on Canadian actor Mena Massoud’s (Aladdin) cookbook, of the same name. Each one-hour episode features Massoud as he explores the exploding plant-based food scene across North America, visiting cities such as Los Angeles, Portland, Toronto, Vancouver and New York City to meet the trailblazing chefs and restaurateurs serving up the best vegan eats each city has to offer. He will also meet with exciting innovators within the plant-based food space and link up with celebrity friends and locals as they eat their way through each locales’ best vegan offerings. Massoud’s mission is to show people how incredibly delicious and accessible plant-based options are and encourage people to evolve vegan, to move in that direction, even if it’s for one night of the week in a judgement-free manner. EVOLVING VEGAN is set to premiere on CTV Life and Crave in 2023. (Bell Media Studios)

FARMING FOR LOVE – CTV *previously announced
An adaptation of the hit international format THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE, FARMING FOR LOVE follows the journeys of rural Canadian singles on their quest for romance. In FARMING FOR LOVE, five Canadians searching for their soulmates open up their farms – and their hearts – to a select group of urban singles. As they live and work together, the daters must adjust to a new lifestyle, and immerse themselves in a series of challenges, group activities, and intimate one-on-one dates, with the goal of finding their one true love. The CTV Original series consists of 10, one-hour episodes. (Lark Productions in collaboration with Fremantle and in association with CTV)

I HAVE NOTHING – Crave
I HAVE NOTHING is a factual comedy about amateur abilities and enormous ambitions and follows series creator and star Carolyn Taylor (BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW) on her eternal quest to escape the familiar and pursue her wildest dreams, even when she doesn’t have the talent, or skills (or basic knowledge) to realize them. The series follows Carolyn on a quixotic quest to choreograph the perfect full-length pairs figure skating routine to Whitney Houston’s 1992 hit song ‘I Have Nothing.’ What begins as a light-hearted, nostalgic comedy quickly morphs into a high-stakes, real-life mission – with a few wild detours along the way. (Content Catalyst Fund in association with Blue Ant Studios)

JUST FOR LAUGHS Specials – CTV Comedy
Slated to be filmed at the 2022 Just for Laughs Festival in Montréal in July, four new stand-up comedy specials to feature the best in homegrown and international comedy talent. Hosted by Russell Peters, Chelsea Handler, Jo Koy, and Patton Oswalt. (Just For Laughs)

LATE BLOOMER – Crave
LATE BLOOMER is a new comedy series created by and starring comedic sensation Jasmeet Raina, aka JusReign. The series is inspired by his real-life experiences navigating new-found internet fame, dating, spirituality, culture, and his dysfunctional (yet loving) family. (Pier 21 Films)

LISTING LARGE – CTV Life
Odeen Eccleston and Lamont Wiltshire are building a real estate empire: buying, selling, renovating and flipping, all while juggling parenthood, friendship and love. Amidst luxury custom builds and multi-million dollar deals, this on-again off-again couple are determined not to let anything stand in the way of their wildly successful business partnership. (Proper Television)

LITTLE BIRD – Crave *previously announced
Created by showrunner Jennifer Podemski and head writer Hannah Moscovitch, LITTLE BIRD follows an Indigenous woman on a journey to find her birth family, and uncover the hidden truth of her past. The series, a co-production with APTN, explores themes of resilience in the face of trauma and loss. Removed from her home in Long Pine Reserve in Saskatchewan, Bezhig Little Bird is adopted into a Montréal Jewish family at the age of five, becoming Esther Rosenblum. Now in her 20s, Bezhig longs for the family she lost and is willing to sacrifice everything to find them. Her quest lands her in the Canadian prairies, worlds apart from everything she knows. As she begins to track down her siblings, she unravels the mystery behind her adoption, and discovers that her apprehension was connected to a racist government policy now known as the Sixties Scoop. Bezhig’s sense of identity shatters and she is forced to reckon with who she is and who she wants to become. The character-driven drama features an extraordinary cast of Indigenous actors, including Darla Contois, Ellyn Jade, Osawa Muskwa, Joshua Odjick, Imajyn Cardinal, Braeden Clarke, Eric Schweig, and Michelle Thrush. Lisa Edelstein also stars. Award-winning filmmakers Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Zoe Hopkins each direct three episodes, while Hopkins writes three of the episodes. Executive producers are Christina Fon, Ernest Webb, Catherine Bainbridge, Linda Ludwick (Rezolution Pictures), Kim Todd, Nicholas Hirst (Original Pictures), Jeremy Podeswa, Jennifer Podemski, and Hannah Moskovitch, along with Christian Vesper and Dante Di Loreto (Fremantle). Producers are Tanya Brunel and Jessica Dunn (OP Little Bird), Claire MacKinnon and Philippe Chabot (Rezolution Pictures) and Lori Lozinski and Ellen Rutter. The series is currently in production in Manitoba and is set to premiere on Crave next year. (Rezolution Pictures, APTN, OP Little Bird)

THE MIGHTIEST – Discovery
THE MIGHTIEST is a six-part series that zeros in on the most exciting and compelling stories from the MIGHTY franchise (MIGHTY TRAINS, MIGHTY SHIPS, MIGHTY PLANES, MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS), one of Discovery’s most successful series seen in more than 100 countries around the world. Each themed episode of THE MIGHTIEST goes a step further by embedding on new missions to highlight mind-blowing feats of science and engineering that are set to change the game once again, including an exclusive visit to the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford – the US Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier. Principal photography on THE MIGHTIEST is underway, and the series premieres on Discovery later this year. (Bell Media Studios)

ONE DAY WE’LL ALL BE DEAD – Crave
Based on the critically acclaimed, national bestselling book by Scaachi Koul, One Day We’ll All Be Dead And None Of This Will Matter, this new half-hour comedy, created by Lakna Edilima and Koul, follows a first-generation Brown woman juggling her invasive family, her burgeoning journalism career, and her own strong-willed nature while processing her own grief. (First Generation Films)

PARANORMAL REVENGE – CTV Sci-Fi
PARANORMAL REVENGE is a brand new, original series from the newly amalgamated, Sphere Media. Each hour explores two chilling stories of real-life paranormal encounters that intersect with one of the most powerful forces of darkness – revenge. Those who experience para-revenge often describe a strong feeling of possession. And in every encounter… violence and terror follow. Each story is unpacked by the witnesses who experienced these revenge hauntings. And whether it’s a person, place or object from the past seeking its victim, the history drives the horror. These are mystery filled camp-fire tales with twists and turns, driving toward a terrifying final revelation. (Sphere Media)

SHELVED – CTV
Set in the Jameson Public Library in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood, SHELVED is a single-camera, workplace comedy that follows the employees and patrons as they go about their lives in this unassuming and extraordinary place. (Counterfeit)

SIGHT UNSEEN – CTV
After losing her vision, former homicide detective Tess Burke is haunted by the unsolved cases she left behind. When she meets professional seeing-eye guide Sunny Patel through a visual assistance app, they decide to take action. Using a hidden camera and earpiece, Sunny steers Tess remotely around life’s obstacles — and crimes — as the two challenge preconceptions about ability, trust, and solving crime. (Sisters Troubetzoy Productions Inc. and Bl!nk49 Studios. Worldwide rights controlled by Bl!nk49)

SISTERS – Crave
An Irish-Canadian co-production, SISTERS is a character-driven, half-hour, dark comedy about family, culture, and life in one’s 30s. It’s an exploration of how the absence of parents can influence adult life in unforeseen ways, and how that void can affect a woman’s relationship to alcohol, men, work, and motherhood (or lack thereof) – and the macabre humour that can come with trauma. In SISTERS, the two main characters born continents apart, in Canada and in Ireland, discover they are half-sisters and embark on a road trip to find their alcoholic father. Real life best friends, EMMY® Award-nominee Sarah Goldberg (BARRY) and Susan Stanley (Hotel Amenities), make their writing debuts and star. Emmy Award-nominee Declan Lowney (TED LASSO) is the establishing director and is set to direct the first three episodes of the six-episode series. (Peer Pressure and Shaftesbury, in association with Mermade and Gaze Pictures)

THE SPENCER SISTERS – CTV
Darby Spencer is having a bad day. After being unjustly reprimanded by her boss, Darby impulsively quits her job as a police officer, and then finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her. With no other choice, she returns home to the one person she’s been avoiding for years: her overbearing, best-selling-mystery-novelist mother, Joan. But after the two are thrust into solving a crime together, Darby discovers a side to Joan she never knew, and ultimately takes the plunge on the unlikeliest of ventures: becoming her partner in a private detective agency. (eOne)

SPICE SECRETS – CTV Life *previously announced
From seeds, roots, to bark, and fruits, SPICE SECRETS explores the unique and complex flavours that fill our spice racks. Hosted by Chefs Shahir Massoud and Jasmin Rose Ibrahim, the 10-episode series will feature a variety of spice applications, techniques and unexpected combinations. (Gusto TV)

SULLIVAN’S CROSSING – CTV *previously announced
In SULLIVAN’S CROSSING, Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Kohan) has her world turned upside down when a scandalous incident throws both her personal and professional life into turmoil. She leaves her life in the city and returns to Sullivan’s Crossing, a rural campground and outpost nestled amongst the sweeping vistas and cliffs she once called home, where her estranged father, Sully Sullivan (Patterson), still looks after the day-to-day operations catering to hikers, bikers, and mountain climbers. The 10-episode, hour-long romantic drama sees Maggie navigating her complicated present and confronting her painful past as she attempts to reconnect with a side of herself she had long ago forgotten. Tackling issues including family, community, conflict, loss, and love in a realistic and purposeful way, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is a series about healing, letting go, and ultimately, opening yourself up to a world of new opportunities. (Reel World Management in association with CTV and Fremantle, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is being produced as an interprovincial coproduction with Nova Scotia based producer Mike Volpe and Ontario based producer Mark Gingras)

THUNDER BAY – Crave *previously announced
THUNDER BAY is a four-part Crave Original documentary series based on the groundbreaking podcast from CANADALAND, Thunder Bay. The gripping investigative series is produced and also hosted by Anishinaabe journalist and award-winning writer, Ryan McMahon, who is on a quest to uncover the truth in the recent deaths of multiple Indigenous people in Thunder Bay, Ontario – a city known as the homicide and hate crime capital of Canada. McMahon’s investigation sheds light on the history of racism in Thunder Bay, and examines the failings and the injustices of its social systems and institutions. The series unravels the country’s complicated relationship with colonialism, examining the consequences of the broken system in which some can thrive, while many others, disproportionally struggle to survive. Produced, written, and hosted by Ryan McMahon. The series is currently in production. (eOne)

URBAN LEGEND – CTV Sci-Fi
URBAN LEGEND is a nightmarish anthology series showcasing classic urban legends like never before. Based on widely shared “true” stories that happened to a friend of a friend…of a friend, each episode is a mini-horror film cinematically crafted to deliver a hyper-suspenseful and tension-fuelled experience. Featuring lurking psychopaths, murderous mysteries, creepy creatures and twisting tales, these disturbing legends prey on our most deeply embedded fears to shock and terrify. (Cream Productions)

VEG HEADZ – CTV Life *previously announced
Hosted by two-time MASTERCHEF CANADA winner Chef Pino Di Cerbo, VEG HEADZ reimagines what you can do with fresh produce, creating four tasty plant-based plates per episode. (Gusto TV)

New English-Language Documentaries and Specials:

AFTER THE STORM – Discovery
Two-part documentary about the storm of the century, exploring the mechanics of the disaster, the impact on those affected, and the mammoth efforts to rebuild stronger and safer. (Great Pacific Media)

ANY OTHER WAY: THE JACKIE SHANE STORY – Crave Original Documentary
This new documentary tells the tale of the extraordinary life and mysterious disappearance of pioneering soul singer and Black Transgender trailblazer, Jackie Shane. Her story is brought vibrantly to life through intimate recorded conversations with Jackie, and follows her family’s journey to discover her legacy, and the voices of those who were inspired by her tenacity to be herself. Executive produced by Elliot Page of Page Boy Productions. (Banger Films, National Film Board of Canada)

AUDIOPHILIA – ADVENTURES IN THE WORLD OF HI-FI – Crave Original Documentary
From director Ron Mann, AUDIOPHILIA – ADVENTURES IN THE WORLD OF HI-FI is the story about the love of listening to music on the world’s best stereo equipment. The film profiles the inventors, designers, and major-league audiophiles, engaged in the never-ending quest to find audio nirvana. The film is a deep dive into the subculture of sonic obsessives around the world who seek out esoteric electronics that are often visually stunning, and turn their homes into audio sanctuaries. (Sphinx Productions)

BAM BAM: THE STORY OF SISTER NANCY – Crave Original Documentary *previously announced
BAM BAM: THE STORY OF SISTER NANCY is a feature music documentary that explores the wild story behind how Sister Nancy’s hit song “Bam Bam” became the most sampled reggae vocal of all time. From Nancy’s unprecedented entry into the male-dominated 80s Dancehall scene in Kingston, Jamaica, to her courageous fight to control her music, Sister Nancy’s story is not only one of resilience, but also one of celebration. Ultimately, this is an inspirational music documentary about a woman dusting herself off after being held back by an industry known for silencing female artists, and hell-bent on empowering others with her music, and knowledge to make a difference. Proving to all that good music, no matter what can’t be stopped! Directed by Alison Duke. Produced by OYA Media Group with Ngardy Conteh George and Duke serving as producers. (OYA Media Group)

BUFFY SAINT MARIE: POWER IN THE BLOOD – CTV *previously announced
For more than 50 years, Buffy Sainte-Marie has been a star. Her songs are legendary, her impact undeniable. One of Canada’s most-respected Indigenous leaders, she’s a pioneer of music and activism, and has left an indelible mark on the world. The film tells Buffy’s incredible story through exclusive access, rare archives, insightful interviews, and great music. The 90-min documentary BUFFY SAINT-MARIE: POWER IN THE BLOOD celebrates Buffy’s extraordinary achievements, dispels myths, sets the record straight, and illustrates that in a time of chaos and division, we’ve never needed Buffy more than now. (White Pine Pictures, Eagle Vision)

KINGS OF COKE – Crave Original Documentary *previously announced
People often think about Miami when it comes to cocaine, but Montréal may have been the biggest drug kingdom of them all. By the 70s, Montréal, the infamous party town, was engulfed in mayhem. The city had become known as the bank robbery capital of North America with more heists than New York or Los Angeles. Then, a brazen group of thieves moved into the drug trade, smuggling cocaine on a global scale. This 90-minute, true crime documentary chronicles the path to power of one of Montréal’s most influential and violent gangs, the infamous West End Gang, and the cops and journalists who pursued its three leaders. It’s an unlikely rise and inevitable fall, but more importantly, it’s a largely forgotten and underreported story, even for the most seasoned of true crime fans. KINGS OF COKE is produced by Michael Kronish and directed by Julian Sher, and is set to premiere on Crave later this year. (Connect 3, Urbania Media)

COMING HOME – Crave Original Documentary
COMING HOME is a feature-length documentary by director Erica Daniels taking viewers behind the scenes of the production of the much anticipated Crave Original drama series LITTLE BIRD, and the groundbreaking movement for Indigenous narrative sovereignty as experienced by the series’ creatives, crew and 60’s Scoop advisors. Intimate behind the scenes footage, interviews, and period archive interweave to trace and reveal the ongoing legacy of the 60s scoop and the power of narrative reclamation. (Rezolution Pictures, Logical Mayhem, APTN)

NAKED – Crave Original Documentary *previously announced
A documentary feature film about the gender binary. What is it? How does it manifest itself in our minds and our lives? And how can we go beyond? NAKED follows individuals and communities, experts and artists around the globe who right now, are radically and joyfully redefining gender as we know it. Together, they explore their vision of a future beyond the gender binary. Directed by Stephanie Weimar. Executive Producer is Michael McMahon. Producers are Kevin McMahon and Michael McMahon. (Primitive Entertainment)

RESIDENT ORCA – Crave Original Documentary *previously announced
In the summer of 2018, killer whale Tahlequah makes international news headlines, as she carries her dead calf for more than 17 days and 1,000 miles in an unprecedented show of mourning. Almost 50 years earlier, at the height of the capture era in the Pacific Northwest, four-year-old Lolita is taken in a deadly round-up that separates a mother from her calf, and seals Lolita’s and her wild relatives’ fate. Today, at 56, Lolita is the last remaining Southern Resident Orca in captivity, living in the same concrete tank, thousands of miles from home, where her endangered family struggles to survive. RESIDENT ORCA tells the story of an unlikely partnership between Indigenous elders, a billionaire, journalists, politicians, a whistle-blowing veterinarian, and an ex-Orca catcher as they take on the impossible task of freeing Lolita from captivity and returning her to the Salish Sea to be near her presumed 92 year old mother once again. Meanwhile, a team of scientists led by killer whale godfather, Ken Balcomb, tracks the wild whale’s decline towards extinction asking what it means for us to reconcile the past and fight for a future where we can all survive. Co-directed and executive produced by Simon Schneider and Sarah Sharkey Pearce. (Everyday Films)

ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL (wt) – Crave Original Documentary
ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL (wt) tells the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how against all odds, a history-changing concert came together. This revealing documentary uncovers a series of interesting characters, murky deals, and broken promises, culminating in John Brower, a young struggling promoter, putting his life on the line (literally) in order to achieve his goal. Directed by Ron Chapman and produced by Trish Dolman, Sally Blake, and Ron Chapman. Written by Phyllis Ellis. (Screen Siren Pictures, Chapman Productions, and Films a Cinq)

“SINC”: THE CHRISTINE SINCLAIR STORY – TSN *previously announced
An original documentary that charts the rise of Canada’s greatest soccer player, Christine Sinclair, through both an athletic lens and a tale of humanity, and compassion. (UNINTERRUPTED Canada)

SMOKE & GIFTS – Crave Original Documentary
Filmmaker Stephen Chung pulls back the curtain on the community of musicians and friends of the trailblazing band Broken Social Scene. This stunning POV documentary features never before seen archival footage and pays tribute to the power of indie music and the artists who started out in Toronto bars before rocketing to global fame. (Fathom Film Group)

UNINTERRUPTED Canada: BLACK ICE – TSN *previously announced
UNINTERRUPTED Canada: BLACK ICE explores the journey of Black hockey players from the creation of The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes to the modern-day NHL, highlighting their often overlooked and marginalized contributions to the game. BLACK ICE elevates these individuals who passionately followed a dream to play a sport that continues to be plagued by racial inequity and their collective aspirations to change a sport’s culture. BLACK ICE is directed by OSCAR® and EMMY®-nominated Hubert Davis and produced by Vinay Virmani. Drake, Adele “Future” Nur, LeBron James, Maverick Carter and Scott Moore are Executive Producers. (UNINTERRUPTED Canada, DreamCrew Entertainment, and The SpringHill Company)

UNINTERRUPTED Canada: CHRIS BOUCHER – TSN
From homeless on the streets of Montréal to NBA Champion, Chris Boucher’s story is one of the great, untold narratives in Canadian sport. (UNINTERRUPTED Canada)

UNINTERRUPTED Canada: THE GRIZZLIE TRUTH – TSN *previously announced
The film explores the mysterious departure of the Vancouver Grizzlies NBA franchise through the eyes of director and superfan Kathleen S. Jayme. Her search, 25 years after the team left, explores the unique and remarkable untold story behind the franchise’s downfall and the impact it had on the community. Much more than a sports story, THE GRIZZLIE TRUTH is a blend of mystery, mixed with a comedy of errors and a true underdog epic that drives Jayme’s search for the truth about what happened to the franchise. (Grizz Films in partnership with UNINTERRUPTED Canada)

UNINTERRUPTED Canada: WICK – TSN *previously announced
WICK is a triumphant, reflective, and inspiring story which provides audiences with an intimate and unfiltered snapshot into the world of Canadian icon Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser. The documentary takes viewers on a tour of Wickenheiser’s life journey: from growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan, to teaching women in India and North Korea how to play hockey, to contributing to countless charitable causes and choosing to pursue a medical degree, all the while winning four Olympic hockey golds, seven world championships, and becoming the first female to ever play pro men’s hockey in Europe. (UNINTERRUPTED Canada)

WILFRED BUCK – Crave Original Documentary *previously announced
WILFRED BUCK is a hybrid feature documentary centring on a Cree elder who’s dedicated his life to unearthing and sharing Indigenous star knowledge. Weaving together his harrowing past and his present life with sky stories, this cinematic film explores colonization’s attempts to extinguish Indigenous ways of knowing, the values of interrelationship that shape Indigenous science, and how this worldview paves a healthier path forward for our planet. Directed by Lisa Jackson. Producers are Lisa Jackson, Alicia Smith, and Lauren Grant. Executive producers are David Christensen, Nicholas de Pencier, and Jennifer Baichwal. (Door Number 3 in co-production with the National Film Board)

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As mentioned earlier in the confirmed Fall lineup, and hot off its Canadian Screen Award-winning success, CTV‘s TRANSPLANT has been ordered for a third season, with 13 new episodes to come. Stars Hamza Haq and Laurence Leboeuf were there to make an appearance.

CTV Original Comedy Series CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING also will be back for a second season, and Stars Aaron Abrams, Meaghan Rath and Ennis Esmer were here to tell us about it!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: APPLE TV+ ORDER SERIES “SUGAR”

Apple TV+ have announced a new Series Order for SUGAR. The Sci-Fi Series will star Colin Farrell, who also serves as Executive Producer. Creator Mark Protosevich (‘Thor”, “The Cell”) also will be Executive Producer.

Hailing from Apple Studios, the new series is set to be directed by Academy Award-nominee Fernando Meirelles (“City of God,” “Constant Gardner,” “Two Popes”), who will also serve as Executive Producer, and executive produced by Academy and Emmy Award nominee Simon Kinberg (“X-Men” films, “Deadpool” films, “The Martian”), Audrey Chon (“Invasion,” “The Twilight Zone”) and Scott Greenberg (“The Guilty”). Chip Vucelich also executive produces.

“Sugar” marks the second collaboration for Kinberg’s Genre Films and Apple TV+, and will stream alongside the global hit series “Invasion,” which recently received a second season renewal. The series is a moving, character-driven science-fiction drama series, co-created, written and executive produced by Kinberg and David Weil.

More to come.

(Photo credit: Matt Easton)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW STILLS FROM “PAPER GIRLS”

Based on the popular Graphic Novels of the same name, eight episodes of PAPER GIRLS are coming soon to Prime Video! Here’s a first look at the Stills!

Synopsis:

In the early morning hours after Halloween 1988, four paper girls—Erin, Mac, Tiffany, and KJ—are out on their delivery route when they become caught in the crossfire between warring time-travelers, changing the course of their lives forever. Transported into the future, these girls must figure out a way to get back home to the past, a journey that will bring them face-to-face with the grown-up versions of themselves. While reconciling that their futures are far different than their 12-year-old selves imagined, they are being hunted by a militant faction of time-travelers known as the Old Watch, who have outlawed time travel so that they can stay in power. In order to survive, the girls will need to overcome their differences and learn to trust each other, and themselves.

Based on the best-selling graphic novels written by Brian K. Vaughan, Paper Girls is a high-stakes personal journey depicted through the eyes of four girls, played by breakout leads Camryn Jones as Tiffany Quilkin, Riley Lai Nelet as Erin Tieng, Sofia Rosinsky as Mac Coyle, and Fina Strazza as KJ Brandman. Ali Wong also stars as the grown-up version of Erin, with Nate Corddry as Larry, and Adina Porter as Prioress.

PAPER GIRLS arrives July 29, 2022 on Prime Video.

(Photo credit: Prime Video)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK”

A new Trailer has arrived for PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK featuring the voices of Michael Cera, Ricky Gervais and Samuel L. Jackson.

SYNOPSIS:

A hard-on-his-luck hound Hank (Michael Cera) finds himself in a town full of cats who need a hero to defend them from a ruthless villain’s (Ricky Gervais) evil plot to wipe their village off the map. With help from a reluctant teacher (Samuel L. Jackson) to train him, our underdog must assume the role of town samurai and team up with the villagers to save the day. The only problem… cats hate dogs! Also starring Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Kylie Kuioka, and Cathy Shim.

Paramount Pictures Canada release PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK July 15, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)