TV, eh?

From a media release:

Sex and Secrets in Space: New CTV Series DEFYING GRAVITY Lifts Off August 2

• Two-Hour Premiere to air in Super-Simulcast on CTV, A and ABC
• Vancouver-based series created by GREY’S ANATOMY’s James Parriott and executive produced by DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES’ Michael Edelstein
• International ensemble cast led by Ron Livingston (SEX AND THE CITY) and Canadian Laura Harris (24)
• Award-winning visual effects team behind GREY’S ANATOMY, HEROES and UGLY BETTY partner with set designer for THE OUTER LIMITS to create stunning visual backdrops
• New episodes available post-broadcast on CTV.ca

As Canadian astronaut Julie Payette preps for the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour tomorrow morning to join fellow Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk on the International Space Station, CTV is also preparing to defy gravity. The new CTV/SPACE drama series DEFYING GRAVITY debuts Sunday, August 2 at 9 p.m. ET in a special two-hour super-simulast premiere on CTV, /A\ and ABC. CTV’s fourth cross-border scripted series continues August 9 in its regular timeslot, Sundays at 10 p.m. on CTV (visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times). Created by GREY’S ANATOMY’s James Parriott and executive produced by DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES’ Michael Edelstein DEFYING GRAVITY is a sexy, provocative space thriller set in the very near future, following eight astronauts – from five countries including Canada – on a mysterious mission through the solar system.

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From BBM Canada:

• Top programs – Total Canada
  #16 The Listener (798,000)
  #23 Canada’s Next Top Model (698,000)

From Bill Brioux of TV Feeds My Family:

• Degrassi Set Visit Wins Over Crusty Critic
  “As anyone who reads this blog or read me at The Toronto Sun knows, I’ve never been a fan of Degrassi: The Next Generation. I was too old for the first series, which always looked fairly slapped together to me, like it was shot through a silk stalking with a leg still in it. The new shows all seem so overheated, with teen pregnancy and drug overdose storylines piled on top of cutting and teen suicide scenarios. Aren’t there any kids left who just get pimples or periods?” Read more.

From Amy Haggar of Media in Canada:

• CTV still mum on Flashpoint
  “CTV remains tight-lipped about its programming plans for Flashpoint, following word that CBS has changed course and bumped the remaining episodes of the cop drama’s second cycle to mid-season 2010.” Read more.

From Kat Angus of Dose:

• Q&A with Canada’s Next Top Model reject Maryam Massoumi
  “Ultimately, ripping Linsay’s toilet paper dress was the last straw for Maryam, and the 18-year-old Iranian (now living in Vancouver, B.C.) was sent home.” Read more.

From Brian Coulton of Metro:

• Being a Top Model can take its toll
  “It can’t be easy to outlast eight model hopefuls in pursuit of the Canada’s Next Top Model title, let alone to face constant criticism from the show’s panel of judges. But for the competition’s three finalists, their harshest criticism may have come after the show began airing.” Read more.

From the Futon Critic (and a media release):

• ASTRONAUTS EMBARK ON PROVOCATIVE SPACE THRILLER IN “DEFYING GRAVITY,” A NEW SERIES STARRING RON LIVINGSTON AND LAURA HARRIS, BEGINING WITH A SPECIAL TWO-HOUR PREMIERE SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK
  “From executive producers James Parriott and Michael Edelstein comes “Defying Gravity,” a sexy, provocative space thriller set in the very near future against the background of our solar system, in which eight astronauts from five countries (four women and four men) undertake a mysterious six-year international space mission covering eight billion miles. The adventure begins on SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 with a two-hour premiere from 9:00-11:00 p.m. The series will air regularly from 10:00-11:00 p.m., starting Sun, August 9 on the ABC Television Network.” Read more.

From the Canadian Press:

• Sask. town says ‘Corner Gas’ set falling into disrepair since series over
  “The pumps may have gone dry on the TV show Corner Gas, but something is fuelling a debate in the town that stood in for the fictional community of Dog River, Sask.” Read more.

From Bill Harris of Sun Media:

• Hugh Dillon enjoying success
  “Two hit shows and a new CD — it’s a win/win situation for Kingston actor-musician Dillon.” Read more.

• Two Solitudes helps Dillon with dark role
  “Not speaking French while working in Montreal has helped Hugh Dillon formulate the isolated, brooding character that is Mike Sweeney of Durham County.” Read more.