Everything about Dramas and Comedies, eh?

Dramas and Comedies, Saving Hope

NBC picks up CTV’s Saving Hope

From a media release:

NBC To Become U.S. Broadcaster For New CTV Drama Series SAVING HOPE

  • Series is from award-winning producers Ilana Frank and David Wellington
  • Principal photography set to begin March 12 in Toronto
  • Series set for summer debut on CTV and NBC

image001Leading independent studio Entertainment One (eOne) and Canada’s #1 television network CTV are proud to jointly announce that NBC has come on board as the U. S. broadcaster of Ilana C Frank Films’ new one-hour original drama series, SAVING HOPE. In November, CTV announced it had ordered 12 one-hour episodes of the series, joining a pilot shot last summer. Premiering this summer on CTV and NBC, principal photography is set to begin March 12 in Toronto.

In addition to acting as the deficit financier, eOne will also handle the international television distribution of the series in all media including all television, DVD/Blu-ray, VOD and digital exploitation.

Starring Erica Durance (SMALLVILLE), Michael Shanks (STARGATE ATLANTIS), (Daniel Gillies, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES), Huse Madhavji (COMBAT HOSPITAL, STAR! DAILY), Julia Taylor-Ross (ROOKIE BLUE), and Kristopher Turner (ROOKIE BLUE, THE LISTENER), the series is from acclaimed Gemini award-winning producers Ilana Frank and David Wellington (THE ELEVENTH HOUR, WOULD BE KINGS, ROOKIE BLUE).

In SAVING HOPE, when charismatic Chief of Surgery Charlie Harris (Shanks) at Toronto’s Hope-Zion Hospital ends up in a coma, he leaves the hospital in chaos – and his fiancée and fellow surgeon, Alex Reid (Durance), in a state of shock. Along with newly-arrived star surgeon, Joel Goran (Daniel Gillies, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES), Alex races to save Harris’ life. As the action unfolds, comatose Dr. Harris explores the hospital halls in “spirit” form, not sure if he’s a ghost or a figment of his own imagination. Reid, along with her fellow doctors, press on to save his life and those of their other patients, as they deal with the complicated and courageous decisions that are made in their daily struggle to keep hope alive.

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Dragons' Den, Dramas and Comedies, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary, Republic of Doyle

New tonight: King, Dragons’ Den, Republic of Doyle, Blackstone

King, Showcase – Season premiere
Last season, a disgruntled Detective Sergeant Derek Spears (Alan Van Sprang) had a public meltdown and Jess jumped at the opportunity to lead the force. Accepting the new position had its consequences and Jess struggled to find a balance between tackling deadly cases and planning a family with her third husband, Danny (Gabriel Hogan). After trying to get pregnant in season one, Jess finally gets her wish, but is Danny the father? This season sets fires to viewers’ burning questions about King’s pregnancy, her husband’s gambling issues, and the changing dynamics of the M.C.T.F. Rebuilding the squad according to her own style and flair, King has brought on new team members who will inevitably shake things up, forcing Spears to adjust if he wants to keep up.

Dragons’ Den, CBC – “Update Special”
After the studio lights and cameras shut off, the lives of the Den’s entrepreneurs can take many different paths. This special edition of DRAGONS’ DEN will take you across the country to reveal what’s happened to your favourite pitchers, track down the most memorable disasters and catch up with some of the biggest success stories in the show’s history.

Republic of Doyle, CBC – “Two Jakes and a Baby”
Stuck in Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, Jake’s only chance of freedom lies in the capture of a wanted kidnapper; Mal and Rose investigate a case that hits close to home; Walter helps Kathleen with a parenting issue. Guest Stars: William MacDonald, Jessica Kennedy, and Brandon McGibbon.

Blackstone, APTN – Season finale “Human”
Andy is faced with losing everything when a body is discovered in a Blackstone dump.

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Arctic Air, Dramas and Comedies, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary, Rick Mercer Report, This Hour Has 22 Minutes

New tonight: Rick Mercer Report, 22 Minutes, Arctic Air, Saw Dogs

Rick Mercer Report, CBC
In tonight’s all-new show Rick hits the ice with the Winnipeg Jets and takes in a game. In Sandy Beach, Alberta he races a four-wheeler in the annual ‘Numb Bum’ 24-hour ice race, the longest in the world.

22 Minutes, CBC
Marg Delahunty, Warrior Princess returns to 22 Minutes, paying a visit to RCMP Commissioner, Bob Paulson, while Susan Kent and Meredith MacNeill head to Toronto to try their luck at ‘The Bachelor Canada’ auditions.

Arctic Air, CBC – “The Professional”
Bobby (Adam Beach) and Mel fight to protect Nelson from a hitman.

Saw Dogs, OLN -“Dances with Bears”
The carvers are asked to create a life-size sculpture of an 800-pound polar bear for its owner, a famed animal trainer. Guest carver J. Chester Armstrong is invited to create the likeness of the massive beast from a giant hunk of redwood. Chester, who has a degree in philosophy, seems to communicate directly with the spirit inside the wood. Meanwhile, Pete Rieger secretly carves a raven in exchange for a personal tattoo, much to the displeasure of Saw Valley boss Steve.

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Dramas and Comedies

3 Just For Laughs specials coming to CBC

From a media release:

JUST FOR LAUGHS – CANADA’S NO. 1 STAND-UP SERIES – returns to CBC TELEVISION WITH comedy’s biggest stars in tow

  • Don’t miss three ALL-NEW comedy specials hosted by John Oliver, Eric Stonestreet and Canada’s beloved Russell Peters

Just For Laughs, the comedy experts, have compiled the best performances of the 2011 Montreal Just For Laughs Festival and created three hilarious CBC Television specials, featuring international comedy stars John Oliver, Russell Peters, and Eric Stonestreet. 

The laughs start with John Oliver’s comedic take on the future, or lack thereof, of the USA with The Decline of the American Empire. The following week Eric Stonestreet will reflect on relationships alongside a hysterical line-up of comedians in the special Modern Love. Concluding the series is Canada’s own Russell Peters, who hosts “the best night ever” with a personally selected line-up of his favourite and funniest comedian friends. 

The Decline of the American Empire – Tuesday, March 20 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC-TV

What is the American Empire and is it falling? Why watch boring men in suits debate this on CNN? It’s time to dive head first into The Decline of the American Empire, hosted by the one and only John Oliver. The British comic you love from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart hosts a smart, opinionated and equally funny political special featuring wildly popular comedians Colin Quinn, WTF podcast host Marc Maron, and Greg Proops (Whose Line Is It Anyway?). 

Modern Love – Tuesday, March 27 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC-TV

Is your cat your best friend? Do you have a strange intimate relationship with Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Cookie Dough ice cream? Are you wondering how things are between you and your mother-in-law? There’s nothing like the feeling of love and a relationship, no matter who or what it’s with. Hosted by Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and featuring a hysterical line-up of comedians including Canadian single gal, Debra DiGiovanni, Australian musical genius Tim Minchin, and late-night talk show favourite (and badgered husband), Bob Marley. 

Russell Peters Best Night Ever – Tuesday, April 10 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC-TV

Ever wish you could step into the mind of worldwide comedy star Russell Peters to see who he thinks is funny? Wouldn’t that be the “Best Night Ever?” Well, wish no more! Russell himself will host an epic show featuring a personally selected line-up of his favourite and funniest comedian friends including special guest Jeremy Hotz and starring Jimmy Carr, Sebastian Maniscalco and Nick Thune.

For more information about Just For Laughs, including bios, exclusive video clips, backstage photos and games, visit www.hahaha.com or www.cbc.ca/justforlaughs

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