TV, eh?

From Media in Canada:

• Leslie Nielsen’s new medical series examines slapstick*ology
  “It’s factual programming with fictional characters. Leslie Nielsen (Naked Gun, Airplane!) and ‘nephew’ Robert (David Lawrence, Fubar) ‘turn up the good’ in Discovery’s new 13-part series about medicine and technology. Playing an aspiring med student in search of a specialty, Lawrence queries doctors working at the McGill University Health Center about their jobs.”

Pretty Dangerous, a stylish and irreverent new series documents the harrowing, true stories of “bad girls” and the seemingly endless parade of male fools they have scammed, bilked, and sometimes murdered for money. The first of eight half-hour episodes kicks off on Wednesday, February 7 – 10:30pm ET/PT on Global Television with the remarkable tale of Toronto con artist Tracy Sargent, who used her sexuality to defraud a variety of besotted men out of more than a million dollars over 20 years.

In the series’ premiere episode, Sargent, the former call girl is interviewed for the first time ever about her infamous career as a Toronto con artist, devastating the lives of dozens of high-profile men throughout the city, including CEOs, crown attorneys, priests, governors, and royalty. Her latest victim, ‘Jack’ divulges how he was victimized by Sargent, although, and unbelievably, he continues to pay Tracy’s rent even after he put her in prison for five months.

Mixing quirky black & white film-noir footage with highly stylized narration, Pretty Dangerous exposes not only the femme fatales, but also their foolish, unsuspecting victims. The series is a groundbreaking crime documentation which takes a mischievous look at the extremes both gold-diggers and fools will go to in their thirst for money and love.

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From Global:

This Week On ‘Global Currents’… “Rich Nation”
Saturday, December 16th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

Rich Nation follows a new generation of aboriginal leaders who are turning adversities into triumphs, making a difference in their lives and their communities by defying the odds and running successful and profitable businesses. Many of these leaders grew up in difficult and challenging environments void of any love and support, often facing emotional, physical and sexual abuse. For years, the old residential school of St. Eugene Mission near Cranbrook was a place of horrors for many aboriginals. Today, the school still stands but is now a five-star resort, owned and operated by the same children it once housed, generating jobs, profit and new hope for the community. Produced by award-winning director Mark Miller with contributions from Gemini winner and anchor Kevin Newman, the documentary shows how First Nations across Canada are turning from a painful past of government dependence to a self-sufficient and self-reliant future, making them the fastest growing business sector today.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

A new season of Global Currents begins in March 2007. Encore presentations of this season’s documentaries will begin January 2007.

From Global:

“Damage Done: The Drug War Odyssey”
Saturday, December 9th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

Damage Done: The Drug War Odyssey chronicles the efforts of several crusaders battling to clean up major cities where drugs and illegal narcotics are running rampant. Billions of dollars have been spent worldwide on the war on drugs with no end in sight. Directed by Connie Littlefield and produced by Ann Bernier, the film follows these current and former law enforcement officers, who have all spent their entire lives enforcing laws they feel do not work. The documentary examines our existing regulations against drug use and narcotics, whether the current system is making a difference in a world where cities are seeing nothing but ever-increasing problems with the prevalence of drugs. Their answer – to legalize, regulate and tax drugs – bringing narcotics under the control of the government and ending prohibition.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

• Rich Nation – December 16

Broadcast schedules are subject to change.

Everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate, Christmas, high heels, hairstyles, and diets … Pop culture docs delve into our everyday obsessions in the Confidential series on CBC Television – beginning Dec. 14

Ever wondered how many shoes the average North American woman owns? Did you know that if your Christmas turkey isn’t turning out, you can call the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line in Chicago for tips? Is it true that blondes have more fun? CBC Television’s CONFIDENTIAL series introduces viewers to quirky, fascinating and little known facts about obsessions with everything from the joys and stress of the Christmas season to the decadent world of chocolate, the big business behind fad diets to the hottest haircuts and stilettos from the world of fashion. A type of urban anthropology, the CONFIDENTIAL series has proved to have worldwide appeal, selling internationally in over 20 countries.

CHRISTMAS CONFIDENTIAL – Thursday, Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. (Where Available)

The CONFIDENTIAL series opens with an exploration of a holiday that fascinates people all over the world. According to CHRISTMAS CONFIDENTIAL, no event in history has ever marshalled so many people and so much effort to celebrate just one day. Viewers will meet unabashed Christmas enthusiasts-a Brooklyn judge with a house so decorated that it’s a tourist attraction, Santa hopefuls competing in the Father Christmas games in Sweden, and pet photographers who can Christmas-ize almost any animal. Chef and author Nigella Lawson weighs in with ‘Confessions of a Culinary Queen’, offering Christmas recipe secrets and tips to survive the holidays.

In CHRISTMAS CONFIDENTIAL, meet those who take Christmas to the extreme, thousands in the annual running of the Santas in Liverpool, the opera-loving creator of animated holiday windows, and the French filmmaker fixated on how Christmas stopped a war. Eavesdrop on backroom deals of the Christmas industry insiders, and meet the turkey therapists who talk anxious cooks through the big day. From the great Christmas tree showdown, to obsessive ornament collectors, CHRISTMAS CONFIDENTIAL has something for everyone.

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“100 Days of Freedom”
Saturday, November 25th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

100 Days of Freedom follows the trials and tribulations of three criminal offenders attempting to make positive changes in their lives after being released from prison. We meet David, a former cocaine addict who fuelled his addiction with a string of robberies; Gloria, a former prostitute and drug addict convicted of a violent gang-on-gang home invasion; and Wayne, also convicted of a violent home invasion who has only seen three years of freedom in the last 30 years. Directed by Antonio Hrynchuk and produced by Lori Kuffner, the film gives viewers a taste of what life is like in a medium-security prison and the struggles these former inmates face as they try to reintegrate into society with limited job skills and little or no family support.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

• Damage Done: The Drug War Odyssey – December 9
• Rich Nation – December 16

This Week On ‘Global Currents’…
“DecAIDS: Anything is Possible”
Saturday, November 11th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

DecAIDS: Anything is Possible brings viewers behind the scenes of Canada’s hottest fashion fundraising event – Fashion Cares – a renowned, annual gala in support of the AIDS Committee of Toronto. In its 20 th year, Fashion Cares have raised nearly $10 million to date and continues to generate more awareness about HIV and AIDS. The documentary follows the event’s mastermind, artistic director Phillip Ing, as he planned and executed his final Fashion Cares show this year. Ing reflects on the challenges and triumphs organizers have faced in the last two decades to earn credibility, respect, and acceptance in a world not entirely comfortable with the growing visibility of the gay community.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

• 100 Days of Freedom – November 18
• Damage Done: The Drug War Odyssey – December 9
• The Diaries of Friedrich Kellner – December 16

Broadcast schedules are subject to change.

From Global:

“Somba Ke – The Money Place”
Saturday, November 4th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

Somba Ke: The Money Place takes viewers on a journey to the Canadian Arctic where a uranium mine is at the centre of a worldwide demand for a controversial energy source – nuclear power. The local Sahtu Dene First Nations call the mine “Somba Ke” or “the money place.” Few Canadians know that the Canadian government operated this mine in the 1940s that supplied the United States with uranium for the atomic bombs that leveled Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII. Now, that same mine is being re-opened for exploration despite claims by natives that the mine is contaminating sacred land and is the cause of several cancer-related deaths in the community. Directed and produced by Tokyo-based David Henningson, this controversial film uncovers the deadly legacy of Canadians caught between the wave of the future – and the secrets of the past.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

o DecAIDS: Anything is Possible – November 11
o 100 Days of Freedom – November 18*
o Damage Done: The Drug War Odyssey – December 9*
o The Diaries of Friedrich Kellner – December 16* (new)

* New date
Broadcast schedules are subject to change.

This Week On ‘Global Currents’…
“The Stamp Fishery: Loss of a Dream”
Saturday, October 28th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

The Stamp Fishery: Loss of a Dream takes a critical look at the ailing fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and how communities are left dependent on employment insurance (EI) due to generations of over-fishing and government enforced quotas. Through the eyes of two reluctant “stamp fishers” – whose family have fished the shores for nearly 100 years – the Johnson brothers take viewers on a journey of revelations, examining how this EI policy has impacted all sectors of the province’s economy, leaving more than half of its population dependent on Canadian taxpayers’ money.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

* Somba K’e – The Money Place – November 4
* DecAIDS: Anything is Possible – November 11
* 100 Days of Freedom – November 18*
* Damage Done: The Drug War Odyssey – December 9*
* The Diaries of Friedrich Kellner – December 16* (new)

* New date
Broadcast schedules are subject to change.

From Global:

This Week On ‘Global Currents’…
“Polygamy’s Lost Boys”
Saturday, October 21st at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

Polygamy’s Lost Boys follows three young men from Fundamentalist Mormon communities in Bountiful, British Columbia, and Colorado City, Arizona in their struggles to build normal lives in the outside world. Like Peter Pan’s lost boys, they are cast out, or have left on their own accord and are marooned without family, social skills and little education. Caught between a volatile political clash between their Church’s two leaders, Warren Jeffs in the U.S. and Winston Blackmore in Bountiful – the former arrested by the FBI and the latter investigated by the RCMP – the boys make life-changing choices that will ultimately transform them into mature, adult men and rock the Church that devalued them.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

* The Stamp Fishery: Loss of a Dream – October 28
* Somba K’e – The Money Place – November 4
* DecAIDS: Anything is Possible – November 11
* 100 Days of Freedom – November 25*
* Damage Done: The Drug War Odyssey – December 2*
* Rich Nation – December 9*
* Thin Ice – December 16*

* New date
Broadcast schedules are subject to change.

From the Canadian Press:

• Jeff Douglas of”I am Canadian” fame hosts new geneology show

From the Winnipeg Sun:

• Jeff Douglas searching for ‘Ancestors’ 

From Global:

This Week On ‘Global Currents’…
“Dads Who Fought Back”

Saturday, October 14th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)
DADS WHO FOUGHT BACK profiles a wide range of issues….from the emotional child custody battles of two desperate fathers facing a system they feel has developed a deep gender bias against men, to the progress of activist groups including “Fathers for Justice” using guerrilla-like tactics to draw attention to this widespread problem. Along with a startling examination of the Canadian family court system, the documentary provides perspective from both its supporters, and those calling for a change to current divorce laws governing paternal access.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

* Polygamy’s Lost Boys – October 21
* The Stamp Fishery: Loss of a Dream – October 28
* Somba K’e – The Money Place – November 4
* DecAIDS: Anything is Possible – November 11
* 100 Days of Freedom – November 18
* Damage Done: The Drug War Odyssey – November 25
* Rich Nation – December 2
* Thin Ice – December 9

*Broadcast schedules are subject to change.

Women’s hockey grows in popularity, Canada loses its grip on the  game but a revival looms

HOCKEY: A PEOPLE’S HISTORY wraps up on CBC Television this Sunday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m., with back-to-back episodes. Episode 9, Winter of Discontent, shows how Canada’s hockey glory from past decades begins to fade. At the Nagano Olympics in 1998, when Canada’s pros are allowed to compete for the first time, fans are shocked and dismayed when the team loses. Teams begin to move south of the border, and Canada’s unofficial hockey czar, Alan Eagleson, is dethroned – found guilty of fraud and theft and sentenced to nine months in jail. In contrast, women’s hockey grows in popularity with more than a million fans watching the Canadian team win the first-ever World Championship in 1990, and witnessing women’s hockey debut at the 1998 Olympic Games. Manon Rheaume becomes the first woman to play in the NHL, for one period during an exhibition game with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In episode 10, Reclaiming the Game, the focus shifts to minor hockey. With an undue emphasis on winning at all costs, a game kids play wasn’t so much fun anymore. Ken Dryden’s Open Ice Summit, the first national hockey conference of its kind, attempts to create initiatives to renew the game at the grassroots level. Internationally, Canada reclaims gold at the 2002 Olympics and 2004 World Cup of Hockey. And despite the subsequent disappointment of the 2006 Olympics, when Canada finished out of the medals, and the NHL lockout that cancelled the entire 2004/05 season, the game has
emerged stronger than ever. With an improved NHL and the growth of the sport internationally, Canada can take pride in being the country that gave hockey to the world.

Hockey: A People’s History airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. until Oct. 15, with two one-hour episodes each evening. Series narrator Paul Gross is accompanied by hockey “philosophers” (experts in the field) Wayne Gretzky, Ken Dryden, Michael McKinley, Alison Griffiths, Jean Beliveau, Stephen Brunt, Don Cherry, Daniele Sauvageau and Bruce Dowbiggin, among others. Hockey: A People’s History is a collaboration between CBC Television and Société Radio-Canada and is produced by the award-winning team who created the nationally acclaimed series Canada: A People’s History. For more information
on the series, please visit www.cbc.ca/hockeyhistory.

• Amazon link: Hockey: A People’s History book 

From CBC:

Hockey: A People’s History

All new. First, the 1972 Canada-Soviet Summit Series was the moment when hockey became the soul of a nation. Then, in the ‘80s hockey had lost its luster – until Wayne Gretzky arrived.

• Official show site 

From a Global media release:

This Week On ‘Global Currents’…
“Breaking Ranks”
Saturday, October 7th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

Breaking Ranks chronicles the plight of four American military deserters seeking sanctuary in Canada for resisting the war in Iraq. This provocative film provides intimate access to their lives and documents their efforts in convincing the Canadian courts to allow them to remain in Canada as political refugees, amidst profound emotional, ethical and international consequences. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Michelle Mason, she shares their stories of moral awakening and the burden that follows, posing tough political and cultural questions that challenge the meaning of duty.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

* Dads Who Fought Back – October 14
* Polygamy’s Lost Boys – October 21
* The Stamp Fishery: Loss of a Dream – October 28
* Somba K’e – The Money Place – November 4
* DecAIDS: Anything is Possible – November 11
* 100 Days of Freedom – November 18
* The Damage Done: A Drug War Odyssey – November 25
* Rich Nation – December 2
* Thin Ice – December 9

From a Global news release:

“Health Care 911: The Plight of Immigrant Medical Doctors”

Saturday, September 30th at 7 p.m. ET/PT (60 mins.)

Health Care 911: The Plight of Immigrant Medical Doctors, digs deep to uncover the truth behind what is really going on in our health care system – following several foreign trained medical doctors who are trying desperately to get their credentials recognized in Canada. Told through the eyes of immigrant filmmaker Jiyar Gol, Jiyar goes head to head with the College of Physicians and Surgeons and BC’s Minister of Health looking for answers. Among the doctors profiled, viewers will meet Dr. Pervaiz Ahmed a general practitioner from Pakistan who now supports his wife and two children by working as a security guard. Dr. Alfredo Tura from Italy who came to Canada only to work as a nurse for ten years before obtaining a residency and Dr. Rafet Jhameel from Iraq who volunteers his time in a clinic because he is not allowed to practice medicine.

About ‘GLOBAL CURRENTS’: Global National’s Kevin Newman hosts this critically acclaimed documentary series committed to revealing extraordinary perspectives and issues affecting all Canadians. Each one-hour, independently-produced, weekly documentary represents the talents of Canada’s best socio-political, environmental, humanist and scientific documentary filmmakers.

Other documentaries in the series include:

o Breaking Ranks – October 7
o Dads Who Fought Back – October 14
o Polygamy’s Lost Boys – October 21
o The Stamp Fishery: Loss of a Dream – October 28
o Somba K’e – The Money Place – November 4
o DecAIDS: Anything is Possible – November 11
o 100 Days of Freedom – November 18
o The Damage Done: A Drug War Odyssey – November 25
o Rich Nation – December 2
o Thin Ice – December 9

From a CHUM media release:

A New Series takes an Intimate Look at the Making of an International Fashion Magazine ith “FashionTelevision’s” Jeanne Beker

Get the Real Story Behind the Front Page

Just how much work goes into securing a cover at one of fashion’s hottest magazines? Find out when the new series, “Cover Stories” with Jeanne Beker, premieres on A-Channel, Friday, September 29th.

The broadcast schedule is as follows:

A-Channel Barrie/Toronto                Friday, September 29th at 8:30 pm ET
A-Channel Ottawa                        Friday, September 29th at 8:30 pm ET
A-Channel London                        Friday, September 29th at 8:30 pm ET
A-Channel Victoria                      Sunday, October 1st at 8:30 pm PT

“FashionTelevision’s” Host Jeanne Beker knows the fashion world inside and out – she’s been covering the international style scene for over 20 years. As one of the top style correspondents in the world, Jeanne was a trailblazer and one of the first to cover fashion as entertainment on TV. While television was the medium that first put her into the international spotlight, Jeanne has since expanded her influence and expertise as Editor-In-Chief of the oversized glossy magazine, “FQ”.

Jeanne’s high-profile and credibility have given her what every journalist strives for – access!! Whether it’s top designers, photographers, models or celebrities, Jeanne knows them all and more importantly, they all know her. Now, she’s leading a team of professionals, including international media entrepreneur Michael King and the talented groups at FQ and SIR magazines, in a documentary series that takes viewers behind-the-scenes of the fashion industry.

“Cover Stories” brings the inner workings of the alluring and fascinating fashion world to audiences, exposing the egos behind the icons and the drama behind the dresses. The series will examine the industry through the eyes of those inside the fast paced, high fashion world, giving a rare perspective from those who know it best. So put on your best Dolce & Gabbana, strap on your Jimmy Choo’s and get ready for an “all access, VIP pass” to some of the worlds most exclusive destinations, parties and events, and best of all, a no-holds-barred portrayal of creating Canada’s international magazines of style.

“Cover Stories” is co-executive produced by Jeanne Beker and David Greener.

Don’t miss the premiere of “Cover Stories” Friday, September 29th on A-Channel. “Cover Stories” also airs Fridays at 8:30 pm ET (5:30 pm PT) on FashionTelevisionChannel.

From the Toronto Sun:

• Hockey night on CBC: CBC dips into the well again to bring us yet another documentary on shinny because, really, it has nothing better to do

From a CBC media release:

Epic five-part series traces Canada’s first steps on the ice

Hockey: A People’s History launches this Sunday, September 17th at 8 p.m. on CBC Television with back-to-back episodes.

In the premiere episode, A Simple Game, the origins of hockey are traced back to the ancient pyramids and seen in different forms throughout the world. When the puck is dropped in 1875 one winter’s night in Montreal, a young country has a new passion that explodes across class and gender, creating Canada’s most honoured game.

The episode traces the remarkable evolution of the game and introduces the men and women from all across Canada who will make it their own. It’s the story of visionaries, of a Renaissance man such as James Creighton, the unlikely candidate to be this country’s founding father of hockey, Lord Stanley of Preston, who gives the sport its Holy Grail and the Mic Mac Indians who emerged as the first manufacturers of hockey equipment.

In the second episode, The Money Game, millionaires and mercenaries team up to create professional hockey. For the first time, young men from the working class will make a living playing hockey. The creation of the Montreal Canadians and advancement of hockey’s first super stars, like Fred “Cyclone” Taylor, the highest paid athlete of the day, leads to the creation of the NHL. The structure of hockey as we know it today is formed when the Patrick brothers build Canada’s first artificial ice arenas in Vancouver and Victoria and conceive rule changes that are still in use in today’s game. Among them, the introduction of the blue line, line substitutions, post schedule playoffs, points for assists and forward passing – the key innovation that leads to hockey becoming the fastest game on two feet.

Hockey: A People’s History will air every Sunday at 8 p.m. until October 15 with two one-hour episodes each evening. Series narrator Paul Gross is accompanied by hockey “philosophers” (experts in the field) Wayne Gretzky, Ken Dryden, Michael McKinley, Alison Griffiths, Jean Beliveau, Stephen Brunt, Don Cherry, Daniele Sauvageau, and Bruce Dowbiggin, among others. Hockey: A People’s History is a collaboration between CBC Television and Société Radio-Canada and is produced by the award-winning team who created the nationally acclaimed series Canada: A People’s History.