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.
Amazing Race Canada, Featured

Review: Devil in the details on Amazing Race Canada

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Missed locations, wrong addresses, half-completed tasks and a missing passport were the norm during the messiest Leg of The Amazing Race Canada so far. Last week, I commented that this third trip around the world has featured some of the most difficult challenges I’ve seen in the franchise. But while the Leg in Halifax wasn’t particularly challenging, it derailed several teams.

Unfortunately for Hamilton and Michaelia, it also spelled the end of their Race. The pair played catch-up for the better part of their time in Nova Scotia after Hamilton left his passport on the plane, meaning they had to return to the airport to get it before they could check in with Jon Montgomery. Halifax Stanfield International is a 40-minute drive from the city, meaning they lost almost an hour and a half in trip time, allowing even the slowest team—Nic and Sabrina—ample time to reach the mat.

Oh, Nic and Sabrina. The married pair who are so strong with linguistics have faltered in other areas. Nic’s lack of observational skills took the duo off-course and to an empty marina when everyone else drove to Citadel Hill. His indecisive attitude at the Bubbles Detour—he doesn’t like to get his face wet—cost them valuable time at Dalhousie University before they swapped and delivered beer to three pubs for Suds. One of the strongest teams early on has been humbled by small things and they need to pick things up.

Meanwhile, Dujean and Leilani—a pair who have battled each other in the past—pulled it together and were the first to meet Jon at the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market. Sure, Leilani’s knowledge of Halifax (it’s her hometown) was integral to their success, but I also credit them for staying positive and, dare I say it?, having fun while they raced.

It’s a trait that Brent and Sean have embraced since Quebec City and as a result they’ve been in the middle of the pack and a joy to watch compete. That, and a kinship with Michaelia and Hamilton, scored them the oh-so-important Express Pass.

Here’s how the teams finished:

  1. Dujean and Leilani
  2. Brian and Cynthia
  3. Nick and Matt
  4. Brent and Sean
  5. Simi and Ope
  6. Neil and Kristin
  7. Gino and Jesse
  8. Nic and Sabrina
  9. Hamilton and Michaelia (eliminated)

Notes and quotes

  • I really appreciate Jon Montgomery telling us Buenos Aires makes some of the best barbecue he’s ever tasted. Yes, I’m being sarcastic.
  • Did the BMO lady at the airport talk the teams into getting bank accounts?

The Amazing Race Canada airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Alan Thicke and Co. contend with reno pains in Unusually Thicke: Under Construction

From a media release:

The Thickes are going through major changes this fall, both in their personal lives and at home in a wall-destroying and star-studded new season of the Canadian original series Unusually Thicke: Under Construction. While everyone’s favourite TV dad, Canada’s own Alan Thicke, coordinates his workload of TV and film appearances, his wife Tanya is ready to inject some youthful energy into their home with her list of contemporary renovations. Premiering with back-to-back episodes September 3 at 10pm ET/PT on HGTV Canada, Unusually Thicke: Under Construction follows Alan, Tanya, and son Carter as they juggle their fascinating daily lives with the challenges of home improvements.

While Alan keeps busy with everything from serving as a corporate spokesperson to fulfilling his passion for celebrity golf tournaments, he must also make time to play his cards wisely at home as he clashes with Tanya over renovation decisions. From their bedroom to the backyard, no part of the house is off limits and Alan leaves no cushion unturned when he orders a germ inspection that reveals some disturbing news. When the renos become too much to handle, Alan and Tanya make a temporary escape in a different kind of home, an RV. Their life on the road is soon cut short as Tanya receives alarming photos of their ambitious kitchen renovation gone horribly wrong. Whether he’s trying to keep an eye on Carter with new home security cameras or just trying to keep his noisy neighbours at bay, Alan proves that even Hollywood stars have everyday problems.

Unusually Thicke is produced by Peacock Alley Entertainment in association with HGTV Canada.

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Degrassi

MTV Bids a Fond Farewell to Degrassi with Season 14 Finale and Special Movie Event

From a media release:

After 14 incredible seasons with Bell Media, the iconic original Canadian series DEGRASSI  ends its run on MTV with the one-hour series finale onFriday, July 31 at 9 p.m. ET, followed by the two-hour original movie DEGRASSI: DON’T LOOK BACK on Sunday, Aug. 2 at 9 p.m. ET. In the epic series finale on MTV, the students of DEGRASSI head to prom before they take the stage to graduate. Then, in DEGRASSI: DON’T LOOK BACK, everyone thinks it will be the best summer ever, but the city has something else in store for them.

DEGRASSI has made an incredible impact in Canadian television, bringing its weekly audience along as it tackles the tough challenges of high school. Since Bell Media’s partnership with Epitome Pictures began in 2001, DEGRASSI has won 19 Gemini Awards, 10 Canadian Screen Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, a Peabody Award, and has received four Emmy® Award nominations. Season 14 is currently streaming on MTV.ca, while Season 12 and 13 are streaming on CraveTV.

In the series finale on MTV, “Finally” Part 1 and 2 (Friday, July 31 at 9 p.m. ET), while Alli (Melinda Shankar) may have her future set in stone, Clare (Aislinn Paul) starts to see that maybe, not having everything figured out is a good thing after all. Meanwhile, with all the excitement surrounding graduation, Dallas (Demetrius Joyette) and Drew (Luke Bilyk) must come together to ensure prom is a night to remember for years to come.

In the original Canadian movie DEGRASSI: DON’T LOOK BACK (Sunday, Aug. 2 at 9 p.m. ET), Maya (Olivia Scriven) has high hopes of spending the summer lifeguarding at the beach with Zig (Ricardo Hoyos), but her hopes are crushed when she fails her CPR class. Determined not to let her summer be a total bust, she sets her sights on a nanny job for a prestigious music producer, but is foiled by Gloria (Nicole Samantha Huff) who swoops in and gets the job. Frankie’s (Sara Waisglass) pumped for her summer job as a city hall intern but finds it’s an uphill battle with the other older interns. Meanwhile, Zoe is determined to coast through summer school with Tristan (Lyle Lettau) by riding the coat-tails of Hunter and Grace. And while all the kids have challenges, what really overshadows the summer is that sexy and infuriating Gloria goes missing. This cloud hovers over everyone’s summer as they are all, in one way or another, touched by her disappearance.

DEGRASSI cast regulars include Amanda Arcuri as Lola Pacini; Luke Bilyk as Drew Torres; Munro Chambers as Eli Goldsworthy; Reiya Downs as Shay Powers; Sarah Fisher as Becky; Ana Golja as Zoë Rivas; Nikki Gould as Grace Cardinal; Ricardo Hoyos as Zig Novak; Demetrius Joyette as Mike Dallas; Ehren Kassam as Jonah Haak; Andre Kim as Winston Chu; Lyle Lettau as Tristan Milligan; Spencer Macpherson as Hunter Hollingsworth; Eric Osborne as Miles Hollingsworth III; Aislinn Paul as Clare; Cristine Prosperi as Imogen; AJ Saudin as Connor; Olivia Scriven as Maya Matlin; Melinda Shankar as Alli; Jessica Tyler as Jenna; Olivia Scriven as Maya; Sara Waisglass as Frankie Hollingsworth; and Richard Walters as Deon “Tiny” Bell. Classic cast member Stefan Brogren returns as Principal Archie “Snake” Simpson.

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When Calls the Heart

Link: When Calls the Heart renewed for Season 3

From Denise Petski of Deadline:

When Calls the Heart renewed for Season 3
Hallmark Channel has picked up a third season of original scripted series When Calls The Heart for premiere in February. The network ordered 10 hours of Season 3, with a 2-hour sneak peek of episodes 1 and 2 premiering during the 2015 holiday season. Based on the bestselling series of books of the same name by Janette Oke, When Calls The Heart tells the story of a young woman who begins a new chapter in her life in an early 20th century coal mining town. Stars Lori Loughlin, Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Jack Wagner and Kristina Wagner are set for Season 3. Continue reading.

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Industry News

Discovery unveils fall schedule; Highway Thru Hell & Worst Driver return dates

From a media release:

On the heels of a tremendous broadcast year that saw Discovery reclaim its position as the #1 entertainment specialty channel among total viewers while maintaining its lead among key demos in primetime*, the network today unveiled its Fall 2015 lineup. Featuring the return of fan-favourite hits mixed with several newly acquired titles, Discovery’s fall season kicks off with an early start for perenial favourite MYTHBUSTERS airing Sundays at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT beginning Aug. 23. The premieres ramp up with the Season 21 premiere of Discovery’s flagship daily science magazine program DAILY PLANET on Monday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, followed by the season premiere of EDGE OF ALASKA at 9 p.m. ET/PT and new series TREASURE QUEST: SNAKE ISLAND at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Then, following the Labour Day long weekend, Discovery’s massive Tuesday night lineup launches when Jamie Davis and his heavy vehicle rescue company return for a thrilling new season of the homegrown hit HIGHWAY THRU HELL beginning Sept. 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT,immediately following the debut of highly anticipated new series PACIFIC WARRIORS (9 p.m. ET/PT). But first, Tuesday nights get started with a new season of another Canadian favourite, FOOL’S GOLD (8 p.m. ET).

The premieres continue throughout September and into October with another new title appearing on Discovery – CUBAN CHROME airing Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT beginning Sept. 3. New titles will also debut across the Discovery suite of channels through September and October (highlights below).

Discovery’s Fall 2015 Premiere Dates:

Sunday, Aug. 23

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

MYTHBUSTERS (New Season)

So exactly how hard is it to find a needle in a haystack, anyway? And can water dripping on your forehead really drive you insane? These are the kinds of questions, myths, and urban legends put to the test in this humorous series.

Monday, Aug. 31

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

DAILY PLANET (New Season)

Co-hosts Dan Riskin and Ziya Tong serve up another season of wonderful, weird, and watercooler-worthy stories from around the world. Feeding the need for speed with race cars and rocket ships, and inspired by the newest generation of inventors and adventurers,DAILY PLANET provides an all-access pass to the gadgets, gizmos, and tech toys that are shaping the future.

9 p.m. ET/PT

EDGE OF ALASKA (New Season)

Hidden deep in the wilderness of eastern Alaska is the toughest town in America: McCarthy. Once considered the state’s very own “Sin City”, McCarthy is now an isolated town surrounded by extreme wilderness – a refuge for people who don’t want to be found. While some believe in continuing the town’s frontier way of life, others feel the future of McCarthy hinges on it pushing forward into the modern age.

10 p.m. ET/PT

TREASURE QUEST: SNAKE ISLAND (NEW SERIES)

In 1524, a horde of Incan gold – known as the “Treasure of the Trinity” – was stolen. For 500 years, Jesuit priests and privateers such as Thomas Cavendish and mathematician Paul Thiry have searched for this legendary bounty. Now a new theory has emerged about the treasure’s possible location – a remote locale home to thousands of deadly vipers. The series features a team of the world’s top explorers as they set out on a two-month journey to find the priceless treasure.

Thursday, Sept. 3

8 p.m. ET/PT

HOW IT’S MADE: DREAM CARS (New Season – World Premiere)

HOW IT’S MADE: DREAM CARS lifts the hood to reveal how luxury cars are made, learning about their inner workings and showcasing their gorgeous interiors. For each “dream car” featured, distinguishing features are brought into focus and celebrated during exhilarating test drives on private courses.

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

CUBAN CHROME (NEW SERIES)

Through “A Lo Cubano” Car Club, a passionate group of car enthusiasts, restorers, mechanics, and apprentices, the series explores the challenges and joys of life in Cuba, presenting an authentic look into the club’s culture of passion, grit, determination, and ingenuity.

Tuesday, Sept. 8

8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

FOOL’S GOLD (New Season – World Premiere)

The Shotgun Exploration crew is back at Straw Lake in their hunt for gold. Armed with greater knowledge, new equipment, and hopefully better luck to help them avoid going broke, the crew hopes to strike it rich.

9 p.m. ET/PT

PACIFIC WARRIORS (NEW SERIES)

This new series follows the only commercial fishermen haul their catch from a kayak…alone. With only a paddle, these brave Hawaiian men and women venture out to catch some of the most desirable fish in the sea, relying on brute strength to pull in 500-pound Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Ono.

10 p.m. ET/PT

HIGHWAY THRU HELL (New Season – World Premiere)
It’s man versus Mother Nature and the toughest men in the towing business being pushed to their breaking point. The stakes are high – lives, the economy, and thousands of jobs depend on the highways staying open. Building on last season’s risky gamble to expand his heavy recovery operation from the B.C. mountains into the frozen Alberta north, Jamie Davis is tackling new highways this year and facing bigger wrecks than ever before.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

AIRPLANE REPO (New Season)

Pilots pursue aircraft across the country slated for repossession.

Thursdays, Sept. 10

9 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT

FAST N’ LOUD (New Season)

FAST N’ LOUD follows Rawlings and Kaufmann as they return derelict rides to their former glory and get them back on the road – but not without putting their own hot-rod spin on them first.

Sunday, Sept. 13

9 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT

YUKON MEN (New Season)

Tanana, Alaska on the Yukon River, a frozen village of 200 people, is at the junction of two powerful rivers at the edge of civilization. With no roads in or out, wolves howl through the frigid night air, reminding residents just how isolated they really are.

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

NAKED AND AFRAID (New Season)

Each week, a new pair of complete and total strangers – one man and one woman – find themselves stranded in and, quite literally, exposed to some of the world’s most extreme weather environments. The duos are left high and dry with no food, no water…or clothing!

Monday, Sept. 14

8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

HOW IT’S MADE (New Season – World Premiere)

A closer look at how everyday things are manufactured. Each episode features three to four products, with the mix consisting of everyday items including jeans, aluminum foil, and cereal, as well as less common products like wax figurines, braille typewriters, and pinball machines.

Monday, Oct. 26

10 p.m. ET/PT

CANADA’S WORST DRIVER (New Season)

Viewers follow eight drivers, each nominated by a friend or family member, as they are put through the paces in a controlled driving environment and evaluated by a panel of experts. Each episode features tried-and-tested challenges designed to push the drivers to their limits. Each driver must first master basic training and then more advanced techniques in order to graduate. If they don’t, they could be crowned “Canada’s Worst Driver”.

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