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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Discovery’s original special on Sea Monsters debuts March 28

From a media release:

Sightings of ‘Caddy’ in Canada and ‘Nessie’ in Scotland continue to intrigue both skeptics and believers alike. Now scientists are on a quest to separate fact from fiction as they embark on a global search for the truth about mysterious monsters lurking in the deep. Premiering Monday, March 28 at 10 p.m. ET on Discovery, SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE explores the most (in)famous legends of the ocean using the latest scientific technology and deep sea submersibles. During the hour-long special, viewers join the world’s leading experts as they investigate the myths and the truths behind these extraordinary creatures.

SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE studies unimaginable monsters in the inky depths of the ocean.

Highlights from SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE include:

Giant Squid or Kraken?
Dr. Kat Bolstad from Auckland University of Technology dissects a Giant Squid washed up on a New Zealand beach. This animal is big and fearsome but does it have the strength or brain to live up to the legend of the mighty Kraken, feared by ancient Vikings?

‘Nessie’ and ‘Caddy’
Using the latest stealthy hydrophone technology, scientists are baffled by a recording of a mysterious ‘low growl’ while scanning the depths of Loch Ness. Could this be ‘Nessie’, the famous and elusive monster? And closer to home, an eye-witness recounts her sighting of the legendary Cadborosaurus – more affectionately known as ‘Caddy’ the Canadian sea serpent – as it swam by her waterfront home in British Columbia.

Megalodon vs. Livyatan
Two real and terrifying prehistoric creatures are brought to life using spectacular CGI. The 60-foot Megalodon shark and predatory Livyatan whale duke it out under the sea. But which beast will triumph in this ultimate battle of strength?

What are Globsters?
Viewers are presented with the truth behind the astonishing and mysterious fleshy creatures known to wash up on beaches around the world.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

W Network’s Game of Homes returns on April 12

From a media release:

W Network’s biggest competition series Game of Homes returns for its second season with new host, Dave Salmoni and resident judges Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan. Season 2 takes place in  Toronto and follows four teams renovating rundown homes as they compete for the prize of a lifetime – a house and a plot of land to put it on. Produced by Great Pacific Media in association with W Network, Game of Homes premieres Tuesday, April 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Throughout the new season, Dave Salmoni guides four teams of skilled amateur home renovators as they compete for the chance to trade in their skills for their very own home. The teams save rundown houses from the wrecking ball and week-by-week revive them into dream homes, one room at a time. Each team works side-by-side, around the clock, to completely transform these dumps into show homes – while also living in them through the entire renovation. They will battle small budgets, tight deadlines, cramped quarters and each other for a chance to win a home and change their lives forever.

The teams include hard working married couple Kim and Harry, who want to win the house for more financial freedom and a chance to spend more time with their kids; best buddies Domenic and Michael, hoping to move out of their parents’ home; engaged couple Courtney and Tyler; and mother and son duo Shelley and Alex, looking to win the house to secure financial stability for Alex’s future.

Bringing their expertise to this season of Game of Homes, Colin and Justin will vote for their favourite room renovations based on design and workmanship, working alongside a stellar cast of celebrity guest judges including Kortney and Dave Wilson from Masters of Flip, and Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot from Love It or List It Vancouver. In the finale, both the judges and the public will casts their votes, and in the dramatic and life-changing conclusion, the winning team is awarded their spectacular new home.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Uncertainty strikes Hockey Wives star Ashley Booth

Of all the things Hockey Wives cameras have recorded, there’s nothing more emotional than seeing a wife concerned about her husband’s future. That’s exactly what’s facing Ashley Booth when new episodes of W Network’s series resume on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

While other couples like Dan and Taylor Winnik make the long drive to Toronto, where he’s been traded—Dan has since been moved to Washington—and Carey and Angela Price enjoy some white water rafting, David Booth’s career at the time of production was up in the air. After a year with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, David was trying out for the Florida Panthers when cameras recorded he and Ashley’s uncertain status in North America. You can’t help but feel badly for the pair, and wonder if they’d regretted agreeing to cameras capturing that for TV.

“I watched the first season and I knew that Hockey Wives wasn’t all about drama and gossip, so I said yes,” Ashley said during a phone call to promote the remainder of Season 2. Though they don’t appear until next week’s episode, the duo make up for it with entertaining moments. Eagle-eyed viewers may be able to suss out the secrets to Ashley’s South of the Border dip or be in awe of David’s typical restaurant meal until the next step in his hockey career is decided: he signs with Admiral Vladivostok of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. Viewers won’t see David’s exploits there, which is too bad, because everything is a contrast to North America.

“There’s so much that’s different, it’s too much to cover in one phone call,” he says. “Everything is different from the very beginning. The players all shake hands when they arrive in the dressing room. The coach goes around and shakes everyone’s hand. After a couple of games I was like, ‘Guys, we’ve already met!'” Ashley admits adapting to Russia was tough and her faith (and blog) were instrumental in getting her through tough times. As for what viewers can expect from the pair, Ashley offers up the following tease: “There’s something big that happens at the end of the season.”

Hockey Wives airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Makeful’s Post My Party encourages DIY celebrations

Lynzie Kent didn’t have dreams of being a television host. She already runs Love By Lynzie, a successful wedding and event planning company in Toronto, and fronts Electric Blonde, a band that  plays weddings, events and corporate gigs. Throw in a child, and her calendar is pretty packed. But then Makeful called, and Kent found herself in front of the camera hosting Post My Party.

Debuting Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Blue Ant Media’s fledgling craft network—fellow new original Taste of the Country bows right after—Post My Party tracks Kent while she helps clients pull off cool shindigs and saving a buck by doing the decorating yourself. Far from hanging a few sad strands of crepe paper streamers with sticky tape, Kent’s creations are creative, fun and—best of all—easy and accessible. Craft and dollar stores offer untold treasures that can be transformed into playful features in any party.

“I think that there’s a little bit of a shift towards celebrations that are a little more authentic,” Kent says. “For awhile it was all about keeping up with the Joneses and spending a lot of money, but I think people are trying to bring it back to the retro idea of throwing a really sweet party inspired by the person or thing they’re celebrating. That’s a little more down-to-earth and where the handmade aspect comes in.”

Makeful already had the show concept developed with General Purpose Entertainment and were searching for a host. They found Kent on Instagram; the series title references the fact that as parts of the party come together they’re photographed and posted on the social media site. Sunday’s first episode—future instalments cover a boy’s sleepover, a beat the January blues party, a boho-inspired girl’s night in and celebrating the end of a dodgeball season—catches up with Kent as she plans a ballerina-themed birthday party for Avery. With three days plot and create, Kent and Avery’s mother, Betta, craft tiaras made of paper, glue, paint and sparkles, personalized refreshment bottles capped with edible adhesive and candy sprinkles, and a stunning table cover mirroring a ballet tutu. Needless to say, Avery and her friends are astounded.

Achieving what Betta did for Avery is easy. Aside from acquiring items from dollar stores, there is a whole online community offering up crafting tips on YouTube, Pinterest, craft blogs and Makeful’s own  tutorials to inspire and educate.

“You don’t have to look too far anymore for guidance,” Kent says. “And you don’t have to be intimidated by it either.”

Post My Party airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Makeful.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary, The Nature of Things

Link: Why Dr. Jennifer Gardy Deserves Her Own TV Series

1 Comment

From Jim Bawden:

Why Dr. Jennifer Gardy Deserves Her Own TV Series
It hasn’t been the best of TV seasons for the CBC.

Big new series have flopped badly, I’m afraid to say. What’s needed is an influx of new shows that can guarantee sturdy ratings. Which is why I’m proposing CBC-TV hire Dr. Jennifer Gardy to front a second science show –she’s been excelling for years on occasional specials for the venerable The Nature Of Things. Continue reading. 

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