All posts by Greg David

Prior to becoming a television critic and owner of TV, Eh?, Greg David was a critic for TV Guide Canada, the country's most trusted source for TV news. He has interviewed television actors, actresses and behind-the-scenes folks from hundreds of television series from Canada, the U.S. and internationally. He is a podcaster, public speaker, weekly radio guest and educator, and past member of the Television Critics Association.
Children's Programming, Industry News

Family Channel gets Savvy with DHX Television

From a media release:

Family Channel has announced production will begin on Savvy, an empowering new pop culture series offering tweens a refreshing spin on the world around them. This sometimes cheeky and always stylish magazine-style show cleverly intertwines entertaining and aspirational segments from the worlds of music, fashion, DIY, and beyond. A new original series from B-Minors, Savvy showcases peer profiles, how-to videos, and feature segments, packaged into 20 x 30-minute episodes. Savvy begins shooting in Toronto in early October, and will debut on Family in Spring 2016.

Savvy is born when three very different girls, who feel like they’re drowning in a tidal wave of tutus, tiaras, and princess dresses, decide to take creative control of their situation. Despite their radically different backgrounds, music tastes and celebrity crushes, the girls put their fashion differences behind them and combine forces to create an online destination that reflects and celebrates their lives in an authentic way.

Savvy introduces three young newcomers as hosts of the series: Tehya Silbermann, whose perfect mix of intelligence and kindness will have fans wanting her as a best friend; Sarah Webber, a musically-inclined, skateboarding, “techy,” who is only comfortable when she stands out; and Spencer Barbosa, the up-for-anything, wide-eyed optimist, who brings a quirky small town perspective to the show. Together, they’ll deliver stories that cater to their cyber-sophisticated audience, and will inspire them to have active and fulfilling lives offline as well.

Commissioned by DHX Television, and with international distribution handled by DHX Media, Savvy is executive produced by Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen for Banger Films’ kids division, B-Minors (Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage), Big Ticket Summer Concert) and is led by series producers Jeni Besworth (Grizzly Cup, Big Ticket) and Adrienne Reid (Fashion Television). Banger Films is an award-winning film and television production company based in Toronto. In its first 10 years, Banger has produced feature documentaries, TV series, live concerts and kids’ programs, which have been broadcast worldwide.

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Amazing Race Canada, Featured, Motive, Podcast

TV, eh? podcast episode 190 – Former Hippie Lotharios

This time around, the trio discusses the new and returning Canadian TV shows coming up in the next couple of weeks—including OLN’s Polar Bear Town and CTV’s Saving Hope—before moving on to discuss The Amazing Race Canada‘s Season 4 renewal and Motive rolling on production for Season 4.

Diane gives us a preview of her latest website piece on The Social‘s anti-social behaviour.

Want to contribute to the discussion? Post links and discussion topics on our Reddit page.

Listen or download below, or subscribe via iTunes or any other podcast catcher with the TV, eh? podcast feed.

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Amazing Race Canada

CTV orders S4 of The Amazing Race Canada; casting details announced

From a media release:

While Brent and Sean, Nick and Matt, Gino and Jesse, and millions of viewers across the country set their sights on THE AMAZING RACE CANADA Season 3 finish line, race fans can also now begin gearing up for their own once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of the most epic race this country has ever seen. CTV announced today it has greenlit another exciting adventure for Canada’s most-watched summer series. Casting for the series’ fourth season in 2016 will open on Wednesday, Sept. 23, immediately following THE AMAZING RACE CANADA Season 3 finale airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO. For casting details and updates, fans can now visitCTV.ca/TheAmazingRaceCanada, with additional casting submission details to be announced during AFTER THE RACE, the season finale after-show airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO.

On the Season 3 finale of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA (Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO), the final three teams race to Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. where they’re pushed to the limits in the most terrifying challenge ever. The highs are high and the lows are low. It’s winner-take-all in the most extreme finale yet. The three remaining teams still competing for the biggest grand prize in Canadian television history are: Brent and Sean brothers from Musquodoboit Harbour, N.S.; Gino and Jesse, brothers from Hamilton; and Nick and Matt, wrestling teammates from Newmarket, Ont. and Stouffville, Ont. The winning team will take home more than one million dollars worth of prizes, including a $250,000 cash payout, “gas for life” from Petro-Canada, the opportunity to fly for a year anywhere Air Canada flies worldwide in Business Class, and two Chevrolet Colorado Trucks – the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

Immediately following the Season 3 finale of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is the fan-favourite, one-hour after-show special, AFTER THE RACE (Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO). Shot live in front of a studio audience from CTV’s headquarters in Toronto and hosted by TSN’s James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie), AFTER THE RACE reunites all 12 teams to re-live their most memorable moments, while also giving viewers a look at the exclusive first chat with the finalists and the newly crowned winners, just minutes after Canada learns who wins the race.

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Children's Programming, Industry News

Family Jr. sets a Playdate for Oct. 3

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From a media release:

Make-believe comes to life on Family Jr. when the network’s newest show Playdate debuts on Saturday, October 3. A mix of live-action and skilled puppeteering, the new Canadian Original series features the unexpected adventures four stuffed animals encounter when their owners leave them unattended. With exciting escapades waiting at every turn, Family Jr. will premiere six new episodes over the course of the weekend – four on Saturday, October 3 and two on Sunday, October 4. Beginning at 9:55 a.m. ET on Saturday, Playdate will air before and after the brand-new special Thomas & Friends: Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure, as well as surrounding new episodes ofThe Save-Ums!, Topsy & Tim, Julius Jr. and leading into the network premiere of the animated film Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey. 

Playdate beautifully captures the magical idea that children believe their toys come to life when they’re not around. Meet Mac, Sammy, Priscilla and Buckie – the beloved stuffed animals of Jacob and his friends who venture out on their own playtime adventures when the children are away. They do their best to complete the kids’ playtime adventures but usually end up causing some kind of mess or chaos along the way. Since the kids can never know their toys come to life, Mac, Sammy, Priscilla and Buckie have to finish their escapades before the kids come back and make sure they’re exactly where they started off. Luckily, Norman, the family dog, makes the perfect fall guy for any of their hijinks.

Playdate stars newcomer Aidan Wojtak-Hissong as Jacob; Millie Davis (Odd Squad, Orphan Black) as Molly; Scarlett Dovey (This is Scarlett and Isaiah) as Gwen; and Nirvaan Kwan as Enzo. Naomi Snieckus (Mr. D) plays Jacob’s Mom; Second City alum Jayne Eastwood plays Grandma and Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyways?) plays the role of Grandpa.

Commissioned by DHX Television, Playdate was created by Dina and Frank Meschkuleit. Frank is one of Canada’s premier puppeteers with a wealth of knowledge having worked on popular kids programs including Fraggle Rock, Toopy and Binoo and The Mighty Jungle. The series was developed by J.J. Johnson and Christin Simms and is produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment.

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Featured, Still Standing

Preview: Still Standing in Buxton, Ont.

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I haven’t been quiet about my fondness for Still Standing. Jonny Harris is the perfect Wayne Rostad of this generation, visiting small communities across Canada and spotlighting their history, liveliness and quirkiness. With just 22 minutes of on-screen time, Harris and his writing team manage to tell a story through jokes and observations; no wonder Still Standing has been renewed for a season season.

For those wondering what all the fuss is about, tune in to Tuesday’s newest episode, when Harris arrives in Buxton, Ont. With a population of just 166, Buxton—near Chatham, Ont.—is a huge part of American history. The last stop on the Underground Railroad, Buxton was the place slaves headed to in search of freedom. As Harris did with his episode in Coleman, Alta.—site of the Frank Slide—he treads lightly when it comes to a heavy topic. But that doesn’t stop him from ending a heartfelt description of the dream sought by those slaves with a harsh reality.

“Canadian winters a bit of a kick in the nuts,” he states in his Newfoundland accent. “All that cotton and what I really need is some wool.”

Harris spends time tooling around the area in a sweet convertible Mustang, describing how much of the community is directly descended from slaves and that businesses have fled. Where once two stores, a gas station and garage once stood, there is nothing, forcing many young folks to flee town in search of opportunity. Ironic that Buxton was the centre for opportunity 150 years ago. African Americans, lured by the promise of free land, an education and protection from racism by Reverend William King, rang the liberty bell in town upon their arrival, signalling another freed slave.

What makes every episode of Still Standing a success is Harris’ curiosity and people skills. With his gap-toothed smile, wide eyes and wacky hair, it takes just minutes for east coast comedian to establish a repartee not only with his interview subjects but during the stand-up portions of Still Standing.

Still Standing airs Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on CBC.

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