TV, eh?

From a media release:

New series:

The Foundation
Sundays at 10:40 p.m. ET/PT beginning September 13, 2009 (repeats Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT beginning September 16)
From director Mike Dowes comes a brand new Showcase original comedy series that takes on the elite world of philanthropy, where sincerity, sentimentality and immense altruism are intertwined with petty egos and greed. The series tells the story of Michael Valmont-Selkirk (Mike Wilmot), an irresponsible, corrupt man holding the reins of a powerful non-profit organization. Starring Mike Wilmot, Rebecca Northan and Martin Sims.

Crash & Burn
Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT beginning November (repeats Fridays at 10 p.m. ET/PT and Sundays at 7 p.m. ET/PT)
Crash & Burn is the story of Jimmy Burns, a young claims adjuster for a cut-throat corporation. Jimmy maneuvers his way around insurance scams and the criminal underworld all while trying to escape his past and make a better life for himself on the gritty streets of Hamilton. Starring Luke Kirby, Clark Johnson, Caroline Cave and Leela Savasta.

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“DELUTH, MINNESOTA”

Sam assists Poppi in handing out condoms and safe sex pamphlets to the student body, which leads to an unexpected connection with Jake, Alicia’s ex. Meanwhile, Noah, Kat and Robyn struggle to make sense of their feelings for each other, while Rich realizes he wants to get back together with Sam.

Here’s what’s coming up this week for new episodes of Canadian series. Check local listings to confirm times. Information is subject to change.

Monday, May 25

THE BEST YEARS, E!, 10pm ET/PT
“Deluth, Minnesota”: Sam assists Poppi in handing out condoms and safe sex pamphlets to the student body, which leads to an unexpected connection with Jake, Alicia’s ex. Meanwhile, Noah, Kat and Robyn struggle to make sense of their feelings for each other, while Rich realizes he wants to get back together with Sam.

Tuesday, May 26

CANADA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, CTV, 8 pm
“Ice Baby Ice” – SEASON PREMIERE: After scouring the country from Vancouver to Halifax, CANADA’S NEXT TOP MODEL has un-earthed 11, all-Canadian beauties bound for the big-time. Join Host/Executive Producer Jay Manuel as he coaches the girls on their way to modeling stardom.

Friday, May 29

SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH…, CTV, 10 p.m.
“Jenny Lewis, Jakob Dylan and She & Him”: Elvis brings together some of the next generation of singers and songwriters catching his ear – all of whom come from musical/show business families.

Sunday, May 31

BOB & DOUG, Global, 8:30pm ET/PT (NEW TIME)
“Bob Falls in Love”: Doug vows revenge after suffering a hockey injury at the hands of the rival LeDoux Brothers. Meanwhile, Bob finds romance with Juliet, the LeDoux’s sister, an extremely gifted hockey player. When Doug sees this as an opportunity to get back at his enemies, will he jeopardize Bob’s one shot at love?

Monday, May 11 – 10pm ET/PT

“DIFFERENT HEARTS”

Sam’s relationship with Rich begins to fall apart amid the prank war started by Alicia, who seems hell-bent on severing her family ties to Dorothy. Noah asks Robyn to join him in catching the prank war on video, but when she turns him down and Kat takes him up on the offer, Noah struggles with his growing feelings for Kat.

Here’s what’s coming up this week for new episodes of Canadian series. Check local listings to confirm times. Information is subject to change.

Monday, May 11

THE BEST YEARS, E!, 10pm ET/PT
“Different Hearts”: Sam’s relationship with Rich begins to fall apart amid the prank war started by Alicia, who seems hell-bent on severing her family ties to Dorothy. Noah asks Robyn to join him in catching the prank war on video, but when she turns him down and Kat takes him up on the offer, Noah struggles with his growing feelings for Kat.

Tuesday, May 12

FAMILY BIZ, YTV, 9 pm
“Damage Control”: Dad’s in the house. And that means big changes for the Keller kids. Ronnie gets an actual bedtime. Avalon loses her cell phone and unlimited calling privileges. And no more killer Keller-Casa parties. Desperate to save her plummeting social stock, Avalon maneuvers Eli into booking the EMO band Yellow Stayne to play a concert Chez Keller. This will be the house party to end all house parties. And Eli will get to hook up with the super hot Tracey Dupont-Roymont. Now all Eli has to do is keep Dad out of the house. Just for six hours. How hard can that be?

Wednesday, May 13

MURDOCH MYSTERIES, Citytv, 10 pm
“Let Us Ask The Maiden”: Murdoch’s investigation into the death of a young Jewish man leads to Toronto’s small Jewish ghetto – the Ward. There he finds a tale of forbidden romance and himself again being drawn to Dr. Ogden.

Thursday, May 14

DA KINK IN MY HAIR, Global, 9:30pm ET/PT
“Oil’s Well That Ends Well”: Letty has to find a serious amount of dough, if she wants to save her salon from falling into competitor’s hands.

Friday, May 15

FLASHPOINT, CTV, 9 pm
“Exit Wounds”: Derek (KC Collins, Doomstown) has been taking care of his little brother Matt (Jahmil French) since their mother was killed years ago. When Matt witnesses a gangland slaying by drug dealer Shane (Cle Bennett, INSTANT STAR), Shane turns the gun on a fleeing Matt. Matt manages to escape, but is badly wounded. Shane and his crew follow Derek and Matt to a downtown hospital for a deadly ambush, but find Derek is a surprisingly resourceful adversary. Team One responds to the shootout and have their hands full chasing multiple shooters through a busy downtown hospital.

SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH…, CTV, 10 pm
“Rufus Wainwright”: The brutally honest Canadian musician Rufus Wainwright talks about his influences and inspirations as a musician, from his family to the heavyweights of pop and opera, and throws in a passionate performance while he’s at it.

Monday, May 4 – 10pm ET/PT

“DERMABRASION”

Sam juggles putting on a play and her duties taking care of Alicia while trying to bond with Robyn, who sees the play as an opportunity to send a message to her father. Meanwhile, Del and Kat are partnered up for a project that has them psychoanalyzing everyone around them.

Here’s what’s coming up this week for new episodes of Canadian series. Check local listings to confirm times. Information is subject to change.

Monday, May 4

PRODUCING PARKER, TVtropolis, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT
Series Premiere: This animated series follows the outrageous adventures of Parker Kovak (Kristin Booth), an overworked and underpaid television producer, as she manages her boss’s delicate ego, the quirky production crew and all the hilarious behind-the-scenes antics of “The Dee Show.” The Dee Show’s colourful cast of characters includes self-absorbed, high-maintenance host, Dee (Kim Cattrall); the resident copywriter, Simon (Aaron Abrams); the sexy, under-qualified intern, Chicago (Sarah Cornell); and the charismatic station owner, Bake Bellamy (Peter Keleghan).

THE BEST YEARS, E!, 10pm ET/PT
Dermabrasion: Sam juggles putting on a play and her duties taking care of Alicia while trying to bond with Robyn, who sees the play as an opportunity to send a message to her father. Meanwhile, Del and Kat are partnered up for a project that has them psychoanalyzing everyone around them.

COLD BLOOD, Global, 10pm ET/PT
Double Jeopardy: On June 16th 2001, police rush to a gas station after a man is shot in the face in broad daylight. The victim is Jeff Zack, a 40-year-old with a criminal record and a long list of enemies. His killer’s identity and motive remain a mystery, but key evidence leads police to the home of one of Akron’s most powerful families. A tangled web of secrecy, adultery, and murder begins to unravel.

Wednesday, May 6

MURDOCH MYSTERIES, Citytv, 10pm ET/8pm MT/8pm CT
Murdoch.com: The discovery of a decomposed body leads Murdoch into the fascinating world of telegraphy- the 1895 equivalent of the internet. When Murdoch calls on Enid to assist in the investigation, she finds herself in peril. Meanwhile, Inspector Brackenreid’s erratic behaviour has Dr. Ogden questioning the Gold Cure the Inspector is taking to help him stop drinking.

Friday, May 8

FLASHPOINT, CTV, 9 pm
Last Dance: Team One is called to intercept a volatile young couple (guest stars Kathleen Munroe, WITHOUT A TRACE and Luke Kirby, TELL ME YOU LOVE ME) on what appears to be a drug-fuelled crime spree. But as ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ hold a roomful of terrified wedding guests hostage, the team discovers the tragic secret behind this unforgettable night. And Parker (Enrico Colantoni) must make a wrenching ethical decision that threatens Team One’s unity.

SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH …, CTV, 10 pm
President Bill Clinton: Clinton joins Elvis Costello in an unprecedented and revealing chat about his early career aspirations and the astonishing degree to which music shaped him as a man, a politician and a president.

Sunday, May 10

BOB & DOUG, Global, 7:30pm ET/PT
Ice Road Truckers: After a trip to the Maple Lake Ice Carnival resurrects memories from Dwight’s past as an ice road trucker, he is sent into a state of shock. Bob and Doug take it upon themselves to help Dwight overcome his demons, only to get all three of them stranded in the middle of the Arctic.

Monday, April 27 – 10pm ET/PT

“DOCUMENTARY”

Sam’s English Lit teacher becomes a mentor who helps her re-examine her childhood and shake up her new relationship with Rich. Meanwhile, Noah’s documentary about the fast pace of life puts stress on his relationship with Robyn, and Kat reveals the promise she had to make to her parents in order to return to Charles U.

Photo: Tommy Lioutas as Rich and Charity Shea as Samantha Best

THE BEST YEARS *SEASON TWO PREMIERE*

Monday, April 20 – 10pm ET/PT

This year at Charles University, it’s going to get a little wild, a little sexy, and a lot of fun. Sam returns from an eight-month detour to South America to find some familiar faces and a few new ones. Sam will take on her difficult relationships with family members Dorothy and Alicia, renew old friendships with Noah and Kat, and find a variety of ways to bond with new characters Del, Poppi and Robyn. Sam will also have two romantic interests: Rich, a charming one-night-stand in Panama who unexpectedly resurfaces at Charles U, and Jake, an edgy bad boy who brings out Sam’s wild side. If freshman year is about breaking free of the shackles of adolescence, then sophomore year is about redefining who you are as an adult.

From Cassandra Szklarski of the Canadian Press:

• ‘The Best Years’ sheds some old cast members
  “After an extended hiatus, the college drama The Best Years returns to the dial Monday with new cast members and a lighter tone.” Read more.

From Maryann Miller of Blogger News Network:

• DVD Review: “The Best Years: The Complete First Season”
  “Fans of this popular teen drama will enjoy the “The Best Years: The Complete First Season” just released on DVD. The four-disk package includes over seventy minutes of exclusive bonus material. “The Best Years: Behind the Drama” provides viewers an insider’s look at the making of the show, including interviews with Creator and Executive Producer Aaron Martin, and actors Charity Shea, Brandon Jay McLaren and the rest of the cast.” Read more.

Tuesday, April 21 – 10pm ET/PT on Global

This year at Charles University, it’s going to get a little wild, a little sexy, and a lot of fun. Sam returns from an eight-month detour to South America to find some familiar faces and a few new ones. Sam will take on her difficult relationships with family members Dorothy and Alicia, renew old friendships with Noah and Kat, and find a variety of ways to bond with new characters Del, Poppi and Robyn. Sam will also have two romantic interests: Rich, a charming one-night-stand in Panama who unexpectedly resurfaces at Charles U, and Jake, an edgy bad boy who brings out Sam’s wild side. If freshman year is about breaking free of the shackles of adolescence, then sophomore year is about redefining who you are as an adult.

From a media release:

• Premieres Tuesday, April 21 – 10pm ET/PT on Global

In season 1, The Best Years introduced foster kid SAMANTHA BEST (Charity Shea) as she jumped into her first year at Charles University, and dealt with all the challenges of finding her feet, making friends, falling in love and breaking up, and discovering a family she never knew she had. Along the way, we met her best friends KATHRYN KLARNER (Jennifer Miller) and NOAH JENSEN (Randal Edwards) and other great characters who rounded out the ensemble and kept Sam afloat through her tumultuous freshman year. The season ended as Sam drove off to LA for her winter break, excited about the prospect of adventure.

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From TV Shows on DVD:

• The Best Years season one

From a media release:

Canwest Announces Original Production Slate for 2008-2009

Global Television, E! & Specialty Channels Debut All-New Offerings:

THE LAST TEMPLAR, HOWIE DO IT, XIII,
INSTANT BEAUTY PAGEANT, PRODUCING PARKER,
CHEF ABROAD, OUTLAW BIKERS,
MAKE IT RIGHT: NEW ORLEANS, THE FOUNDATION, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

- AND –

Returning Hit Series Include:
THE GUARD, ‘DA KINK IN MY HAIR, THE BEST YEARS,
THE RE-INVENTORS, KENNY VS. SPENNY, SARAH’S HOUSE AND PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA

Canwest announced details of its original production slate today at their annual Fall Launch Presentation to advertisers and industry in Toronto.

In addition to unveiling an impressive roster of returning original programming across conventional and specialty networks, Canwest proudly revealed its line-up of new Canadian Original series for the 2008-2009 season, including a total of three NBC simulcasts: romantic adventure-drama, THE LAST TEMPLAR starring Oscar® winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite) and Canadian Victor Garber (Alias); comedy HOWIE DO IT starring comedian Howie Mandel (Deal or No Deal); and political thriller, XIII starring Stephen Dorff (Blade) and Val Kilmer (Wonderland, The Doors).  (more…)

From Bill Brioux at TV Feeds My Family:

• Can Sophie Survive Survivor?
  “Did CBC jump the gun on that Sophie renewal? Ever since CBC announced they were picking up two of their four January starts, Sophie and The Border, the rookie comedy series, starring Mimi Kuzyk and Natalie Brown (right), has been sinking like a rock. This Wednesday it was down to 290,000 viewers.” Read more.

• Global Keeps its Guard Up
  “Global announced today that it is renewing three of its rookie shows: The Guard, ‘Da Kink In My Hair and the summer series The Best Years. Hey, the more Canadian shows the better, jobs are jobs and this news keeps people working in Vancouver and Toronto. But Global’s release suggests that these renewals are “based on solid statistics of the first seasons.” Perhaps, but in the case of ‘Da Kink at least, earning brownie points before the CRTC had to be a factor.” Read more.

From a media release:

Global Television announced today the renewal of three Canadian Original drama series – The Guard, ‘da Kink in my Hair and The Best Years for their sophomore year.

Slated for the network’s 2008-09 broadcast schedule, the entertaining, proven performers will be gearing up for production on their respective second seasons in the coming weeks, and based on solid statistics of the first seasons, fans nationwide are ready for more.

(more…)

From BuddyTV:

• The N Network Cancels ‘The Best Years’
  “Created by Aaron Martin, a writer and producer on Degrassi: The Next Generation, The Best Years currently has a fan petition in place that hopes to bring the series back, though the cancellation decision appears to be final.” Read more.

It may not be official word from the network, but because I get asked so much … lead actress Charity Shea says The Best Years are over:

• Sad to Say It
  “I now have the official word and regret to inform everyone the show WAS picked up for season 2 scheduled to shot in April 2008, but due to the networks new vision they decided our show doesn’t speak to their new demographic. The Best Years season 2 was canceled before it even started, on December 5th 2007.” Read more.

Gayle MacDonald of the Globe and Mail adds another article on US networks looking north during the strike, but also the international success of Canadian shows in general:

• Wanted: Cancon, everywhere
  “‘They can’t do reality and reruns forever, and they only have so many movies in the can,’ says Jennings. ‘So they’re looking around. ReGenesis is on the desk of three networks, and I had a call this week from one of the Big Three presidents,’ she adds, referring to the chiefs of NBC, ABC and CBS. ‘Whether it amounts to anything, who knows? These calls may – or may not – have happened regardless of the strike, but let’s just say it pushes [available Canadian programming] up the pile.’” Read more.