Crave original The Tom Green Farm delivers big stars & rural charm in new talk show, May 29

From a media release:

Stars are trading green rooms for green pastures in the all-new Crave Original series, THE TOM GREEN FARM, which offers a fresh approach to the talk format away from the typical desk and couch. Hosted by beloved Canadian comedian, actor, and filmmaker Tom Green, the 10-episode, hour long unscripted series launches May 29 with the first two episodes followed by two all-new episodes released every Friday.

Produced by Tom Green Productions Canada Inc. in association with Crave, THE TOM GREEN FARM blends candid celebrity interviews with the humour, unpredictability, and charm of country living. Set against the backdrop of Green’s traditional farmhouse built in 1857 on a sprawling 150-acre lot in rural Ontario, the series invites guests into an unfiltered, immersive experience where conversations unfold alongside hay bales, livestock, and farm-inspired chaos.

Beyond the celebrity interviews, THE TOM GREEN FARM also offers a comedic and surprisingly personal look at Tom’s new life on a rural Canadian farm. Alongside his wife Amanda, Tom navigates the day-to-day realities of country living, caring for horses, a mule, a donkey, chickens, guinea hens, and the endless, often unpredictable challenges that come with running a farm. Viewers also reconnect with Tom’s beloved parents, who now hilariously turn the tables on him, reversing the dynamic from his MTV days when they were often the targets of his pranks. Over the course of the season, viewers see Tom step into a completely different chapter of life, from learning to become a confident horseman to marking major personal milestones, including his marriage.

Guests at the farm include Dan Aykroyd, Jay Baruchel; comedian Ahren Belisle; Canadian professional ice hockey analyst and former NHL player Paul “Biz Nasty” Bissonnette; Canadian country music singer-songwriter Jason Blaine; Michael Cera; music producer/DJ DeadMau5; comedian/actor Jon Dore; writer/actress and former MuchMusic VJ Erica Ehm; Phil Giroux and Glenn Humplik from THE TOM GREEN FARM; skateboard legends Tony Hawk and Kevin Staab; Canadian comedy writer, filmmaker and television personality and comedian Kenny Hotz (KENNY VS. SPENNY); Amanda Kendall from Useless Farm; Chantal Kreviazuk; Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip; Telepathic Sasquatch and Bigfoot Communicator Graham MacSkimming; actress Amber Marshall (HEARTLAND); singer-songwriter and former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page; drag superstar Priyanka (CANADA’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS); Grammy® nominated and JUNO-winning artist Jessie Reyez; veteran broadcaster, former MuchMusic VJ and Order of Canada recipient George Stroumboulopoulos; survival expert Les Stroud (SURVIVORMAN); singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer Kurt Vile, and more.

On the series premiere, Tom’s mother Mary Jane and wife Amanda push him with a not-so-subtle message: to renovate the dated kitchen. Meanwhile, outside, a massive 12-foot vert ramp is rising from the pasture — a surprise build for skate legends Tony Hawk and Kevin Staab. As the crew races to finish construction, Tom introduces viewers to the farm, including Fanny the mule, Kiah the donkey, and horses Alora and Aria. When Tony and Kevin arrive, they sit down with Tom to reflect on the early outlaw days of skateboarding, and how the sport evolved into a global phenomenon. Then, with neighbours gathered and cameras rolling, the newly built 12-foot vert ramp comes alive.

Episode 2 begins at sunrise with Tom tending to the farm and proudly showing his parents and fiancée Amanda the solar-powered podcast studio he’s built in the barn loft, before welcoming world-renowned drag superstar Priyanka (CANADA’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS, DRAG BRUNCH SAVED MY LIFE) — who dives headfirst into farm life with canoeing, and an attempt to drive a tractor. She also delivers Tom’s first-ever Tarot card reading. It’s mystical. It’s chaotic. It’s farm chic. Later, Michael Cera drops by from a nearby film set, where he’s directing a project starring Pamela Anderson and Steve Coogan. While feeding apples to the livestock, Tom and Michael talk filmmaking, creative risk, and working close to home. The episode closes on a heartfelt reunion between Tom and his yearling foal Aria, after six months apart as she was being weaned on a nearby farm.

Crave also announced today that viewers will be treated to a number of digital extras for the series. Crave’s YouTube™ channel (@CraveCanada) will roll out companion videos throughout the season, providing fans with a social extension of the series featuring unforgettable moments with Tom and his guests. The social and digital content takes viewers inside key moments on the farm and includes extended interviews – offering a window into the farm for Tom’s vibrant YouTube™ community.

Expanding on the unique blend of candid conversation and rural charm, it was also announced today the brand-new original podcast THE TOM GREEN FARMCAST, launching on iHeartRadio Canada and everywhere podcasts are found. Hosted by Tom Green, the weekly podcast dropping May 29 is an audio and video companion that dives deeper into the offbeat world of the farm, offering extended conversations with Tom and his guests, behind-the-scenes stories from the production, and Green’s signature comedic take on everything from country living to the entertainment industry. Listeners can expect the same unfiltered honesty and hilarious anecdotes, perhaps with even more hay bale-related mishaps and animal sound effects, as Tom continues to explore life, comedy, and connection from his Ontario farmhouse.

THE TOM GREEN FARM marks the first title from Bell Media’s previously announced co-development deal with Green, who also co-starred in the hit Crave Original comedy THE TRADES, which earned Green a 2026 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Guest Performance, Comedy for his role as ‘Randy Bennett’.

THE TOM GREEN FARM is produced by Tom Green Productions Canada Inc. in association with Crave. Executive producers are Tom Green, Rory Rosegarten, and Justin Stockman. Producers are Mary Jane Green, Grace Reeves, and Jay Bond. Alan Goldman serves as Associate Producer. The series is written by Tom Green and Mary Jane Green and is produced with the participation of the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. All episodes are directed by Tom Green.

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Halifax series Normal Scotia returns for Season 2 on Fibe TV1

From a media release:

After season one received great reviews, built an audience, and earned a Screen Nova Scotia Groundbreaking Performance Award, Normal Scotia is back for more. Season Two of the Bell Fibe TV1 original comedy series premieres May 14th, returning with six new episodes that push Shiv and Manish further into the glorious strangeness of Maritime life.

Co-created by Amarpal Dhillon and Charles Wahl, Normal Scotia follows two newly landed Indian immigrants — best friends Shiv and Manish — who work at a Halifax curling club and navigate the baffling, warm, and frequently inexplicable customs of their adoptive home. Season Two finds them deeper in: hockey chirping, the meditative (and not so meditative) ritual of fishing, and the limits of cultural appreciation when someone loves your culture a little too enthusiastically.

Season Two marks a creative evolution for the show. Akshay Shirke — who plays Manish on screen and won the Screen Nova Scotia Award for his performance in Season One — joins co-creator Charles Wahl as co-writer and directed episode 2 of this season. It’s a rare and earned move: a lead actor who lived the material, now helping to shape it from the inside out.

The full returning cast is back, joined by a scene-stealing rotation of new characters — including Sebastian, a naked roommate who makes quite an impression, and Bryce, a white guy so obsessed with Indian culture he’s out-Indian-ing everyone around him.

Think ‘Letterkenny’ with the cultural perspective of ‘Atlanta’ — Normal Scotia is a comedy built from the inside, by people who’ve actually lived the in-between.

Normal Scotia Season Two premieres May 14th on Bell Fibe TV1, channel 1, and the Fibe TV app.

About the Creators
Amarpal Singh Dhillon (Co-Creator, Executive Producer) was born and raised in Halifax by Indian immigrants, giving him a front-row seat to the cultural collisions at the heart of Normal Scotia. A Dalhousie English grad, he has produced short films for CBC and Bravo, and built a career as an advertising creative for clients including Honda, Labatt, and Coca-Cola.

Charles Wahl (Co-Creator, Co-Writer, Director) is an award winning writer and director whose films have screened at SXSW, Clermont-Ferrand, Aspen, Palm Springs, Melbourne, Seattle, and TIFF. His film The Mohel won Best Live Action Short at the Academy Award-qualifying Palm Springs International ShortsFest, and his short film Paper won Best Short Film at the 2025 Screen Nova Scotia Awards. He has directed commercially for BMW/MINI, KIA, Mazda, TD, McDonald’s, and others for over a decade.

Akshay Shirke (Co-Writer, Director of Episode 2, and star as Manish) is a filmmaker and actor born in India and based in Halifax. His debut short Entrée is distributed through CBC Gem, and his second film Louis premiered at the Atlantic International Film Festival in 2025 before screening internationally. Winner of the 2025 Screen Nova Scotia Groundbreaking Performance Award for his role as Manish in Season One, Shirke joins the creative team this season as co-writer and director — bringing his lived experience as both a newcomer and performer directly into the work.

Whether you’ve grown up in Atlantic Canada, recently immigrated here, or simply just want to kick back and watch a funny TV show, Normal Scotia will definitely deliver. The show is the result of a passionate team who really holds this unique juxtaposition of cultures living seamlessly close to their hearts.

Viewers can watch the show on Fibe TV, channel 1 or the Fibe TV app.

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Banff World Media Festival sets 2026 Rockie Honourees

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) today announced its highly anticipated Showrunner Super Panel, alongside its 2026 Rockie Awards Gala Honourees, recognizing outstanding talents whose work has made a significant impact on the global entertainment industry. The prestigious Rockie Awards, including the Program Competition awards, will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor, director, writer, and executive producer Allana Harkin (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee) on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:00 PM MT (5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET).

As part of its 2026 programming lineup, BANFF will present its Showrunner Super Panel, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of award-winning and in-demand creators behind some of today’s most talked-about series and films. Representing a true who’s who of contemporary television writing and production, this rare gathering offers an unfiltered look at the creative forces shaping the industry today and where it’s heading next.

The panel will feature:

  • Nick Antosca, award-winning writer, creator, and showrunner whose work spans critically acclaimed series including Channel Zero (SYFY), the Emmy®-winning limited series The Act (Hulu), Brand New Cherry Flavor (Netflix), and A Friend of the Family (Peacock). He also executive produced Chucky, Candy, and Murdaugh: Death in the Family, and is currently showrunner and executive producer of Cape Fear for Apple TV+.
  • R. Scott Gemmill, Emmy®, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice and Humanitas Award-winning television writer, producer, and showrunner with decades of experience shaping some of television’s most successful dramas including JAG, ER, and NCIS: Los Angeles. He is the creator and showrunner of the Emmy Award-winning hit series The Pitt.
  • Amy B. Harris, an acclaimed writer, producer, and showrunner known for her work on Sex and the City, The Comeback and The Wilds and as the creator of The Carrie Diaries, whose upcoming series Every Year After premieres June 10 on Prime Video.
  • Lee Sung Jin, Golden Globe Award and three-time Emmy® Award winning creator, executive producer, writer and director of the critically acclaimed, multi-award winning Netflix series BEEF. Lee made his directorial debut with Season One’s finale, starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong in Emmy-winning performances. For Season Two, Lee returned to write every episode and direct half the critically praised new season, starring Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac, three-time Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan, Golden Globe nominee Cailee Spaeny, Golden Globe nominee Charles Melton, Academy Award winner Youn Yun Jung, and Actor Award winner Song Kang Ho. He also served as Executive Producer on Alex Russell’s award-winning film LURKER, which premiered to rave reviews at the Sundance and Berlin International Film Festivals. Next, Lee is writing X-MEN for Marvel, which reunites him with director Jake Schreier. 
  • Glenn Kessler, Emmy®-winning writer, producer, and showrunner who co-created Damages and executive produced Bloodline, currently co-showrunning the Fox series Memory of a Killer alongside Aaron Zelman.
  • Oren Uziel is a renowned writer, director, and producer currently serving as co-showrunner and executive producer of Spider-Noir starring Nicolas Cage. The highly anticipated new series, produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video, will premiere on May 25 on MGM+’s linear channel and globally May 27 on Prime Video. Oren’s credits also include The Lost City, 22 Jump Street, and The Cloverfield Paradox.
  • Aaron Zelman, Emmy®-nominated writer, producer, and showrunner known for Law & Order, Damages, and Bloodline, currently co-showrunning the Fox series Memory of a Killer alongside Glenn Kessler.

“The Showrunner Super Panel brings together some of the most compelling creative minds working in television today,” said Pam Silverstein, Head of Programming, BANFF. “These are the storytellers behind the shows audiences are watching and talking about around the world. This session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from them, how they create, lead, and continue to push the boundaries of storytelling in a rapidly evolving industry.”

BANFF is also proud to unveil its 2026 Rockie Awards Gala Honourees:

CANADIAN AWARD OF DISTINCTION: Jason Priestley (Private Eyes West Coast, Wild Cards, 90210)

Presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF/FMC) and MadeNous, the award is given to a Canadian whose body of work exemplifies outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. Past honourees include:  Stephan James, Simu Liu, Eric McCormack, Kim Cattrall, Sheila Hockin and Jean-Marc Vallée.

CREATIVE VOICE AWARD: Mae Martin (Wayward)

The creative voice award is bestowed on an executive or creative talent that has created outstanding work that breaks through, inspiring and connecting global audiences. Past honourees include Renée Elise Goldsberry, Rose Matafeo and Jennifer Podemski.

SIR PETER USTINOV COMEDY AWARD: Ken Jeong (Community)

The award recognizes a creative talent who has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry. Past honourees include: Tom Green, Kenan Thompson, Sean Hayes, John Cleese, Tracey Ullman, Bob Newhart, Tantoo Cardinal, John Candy, Bill Hader, Ana Gasteyer and Craig T. Robinson.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Tantoo Cardinal (Killers of the Flower Moon, Dances with Wolves)

The Career Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose extraordinary work has made a significant impact on the screen-based industries. Past honourees include: Alanis Obomsawin, Dan Rather, Christine Baranski, Larry King, Ed Asner, William Shatner, James Burrows and David Attenborough.

COUNTRY OF HONOUR: Spain

This distinguished recognition highlights Spain’s global influence on the entertainment industry and its trailblazing producers, media companies, and content creators.

“The Rockie Awards Honourees represent the very best of creative excellence and global impact in our industry,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, BANFF. “From iconic performances to bold, original storytelling, Tantoo, Jason, Mae, and Ken have each shaped the cultural conversation in meaningful ways.”

The Banff World Media Festival and Rockie Awards remain a premier gathering for the global media industry, offering more than 1,200 networking sessions and over 25,000 meetings connecting creators, producers, studios, streamers, brands, and decision-makers. BANFF 2026 will once again serve as a key destination for deal-making, thought leadership, and forward-looking conversations shaping the future of the industry.

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Son of a Critch gets ready to graduate as cameras roll on the final season of the coming-of-age comedy

From a media release:

As production begins on Season 5 of Son of a Critch (12×30), co-creator, executive producer and star Mark Critch announced today that the upcoming season will be the series’ last.

Critch shared a video and the following statement on social media:   

To all of you who’ve been watching along, we’ve officially started filming Season 5 of Son of a Critch. 

We’re heading back to 1992 – the year I graduated high school –  so you can expect all the awkwardness and growing pains that come with it.

And since it’s the last year of high school, it will also be our final chapter. Growing up is hard to do – but it sure is fun to watch.

We hope you’ll join us this fall as we go back to school one last time on CBC and CBC Gem.

Class dismissed, 

Mark Critch

In its final season, Son of a Critch finds Mark in his last year of high school just as Newfoundland’s cod moratorium crisis turns his world upside down. While the adults scramble and the future feels suddenly uncertain, Mark is more determined than ever to chase his dream of becoming an actor—whether anyone’s ready for him to grow up or not. As friendships evolve, first love gets complicated, and the family faces changes they can’t outrun, this season captures the messy, funny, and deeply human moment when everything ends and begins at the same time. After five seasons of growing up together, it’s a heartfelt goodbye to Mark’s childhood—and to the Critch family we won’t soon forget.

“Son of a Critch has formed a deep bond with audiences who have watched young Mark grow up through his most formative years,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, CBC. “We have been there for every laugh and tear along with Mark and the incredible cast and crew, and  look forward to celebrating with them and the loyal audiences as we head into this final chapter.” 

Production on the fifth and final season is now underway in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with filming set to continue until June 18. 

Since its debut, the series has garnered widespread recognition, including a recent 2026 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Comedy Series and winning the Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards. 

Season 5 will premiere Fall 2026 on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service. Seasons 1-4 of Son of a Critch are available to stream now on CBC Gem

Son of a Critch stars Mark Critch portraying his own father, Mike Sr., while Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (The Legend of ZeldaEverything’s Going to Be Great) plays young Mark. Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork OrangeEntourage) is his grandfather, Pop; Claire Rankin (Stargate Atlantis) plays his mother Mary; Colton Gobbo (Ginny & Georgia) as his older brother Mike Jr.; Mark Ezekiel Rivera (Son of a Critch) is his best friend Ritche; and Sophia Powers (Murder in a Small Town) is Fox, Mark’s girlfriend. Returning cast members include Richard Clarkin (Memory of a Killer) as Dick, Nicole Underhay (Hudson & Rex) as Fox’s mom Suzanne, Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll (Doc) as Father Garcia, and Nora McLellan (Strays) as Sister Rose. Guest stars this season include Shawn Doyle (Star Trek: Discovery)asMr. Kevin Lewis, Mark’s former theatre teacher, Susan Kent (The Snake) as Linda Lahey, and Rick Mercer (The Mercer Report)as station ownerMr. Bartlett. 

Son of a Critch was created by showrunners Mark Critch (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) and Tim McAuliffe (The OfficeLast Man on Earth), and is produced by Project 10 Productions and Hawco Productions in association with CBC and Lionsgate Television.

Executive producers are Critch, McAuliffe, Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning producer Andrew Barnsley (Schitt’s Creek), and Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle)Perry Chafe and Amanda Joy serve as co-executive producers, Janine Squires, Erin Sullivan and John Vatcher are producers, and Shelby Bronstine is series producer. Series directors this season are John Vatcher (Caught), Deanne Foley (Son of a Critch) and Renuka Jeyapalan (Wayward).

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Jermaine and Trevaunn Richards’ Random Order Studios and Bell Media ink co-development deal

From a media release:

Bell Media and Random Order Studios today announced a co-development and first-look agreement, marking a significant evolution in their ongoing partnership and a new chapter for globally minded, culture-driven storytelling.

The deal builds on the success of Crave Original series THE OFFICE MOVERS and JUDGE TYCO, and reflects a shared commitment to developing premium content that resonates both locally and globally.

“Random Order Studios brings a bold, distinctive voice and sharp comedic sensibility to Bell Media’s world-class content portfolio,” said Justin Stockman, VP, Global Content, Bell Media. “Our collaboration with Jermaine and Trevaunn underscores our commitment to expanding our digital and premium content footprint—delivering authentic, globally resonant storytelling that connects with audiences everywhere.”

“We’ve always built from a real place, from our community, from our experiences, and from the people who have supported us from the beginning,” said Jermaine Richards. “This partnership is a continuation of that, just at a different level. It allows us to stay true to who we are while opening the door to tell bigger stories and reach audiences around the world.”

“We understand what audiences connect with because we’ve been building with them for years,” said Trevaunn Richards. “Now it’s about taking that same instinct and applying it to bigger ideas, bigger formats, and a global stage. We’re coming into this with momentum, and we plan to make the most of it.”

“This is a milestone, but it’s also momentum,” said Julian Lloyd, Executive Producer at Random Order Studios. “ We built outside the traditional system — audiences first, trust through consistency. This partnership proves creator-led studios can scale into long-form without losing what made them resonate. We’re still community-first — now we’re building at scale.”

Random Order Studios currently operates with a broad production slate spanning scripted and unscripted series, branded content, and athlete and culture-driven storytelling. The studio is actively developing projects alongside leading cultural production partners and global brands, with a focus on bridging internet culture, sports, and television.

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