Everything about Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary, eh?

Steven Sabados ends CBC’s Steven and Chris

There will be no more Steven and Chris without Chris Hyndman: Steven Sabados made the announcement Friday afternoon on Facebook.

“I wanted to write and send a sincere thank you to everyone who has reached out and offered love, support, and words of encouragement over these past few weeks. 

As you can imagine, this has been an incredibly difficult time and I truly appreciate the compassion you’ve so generously offered.

Some of the best times in my life have been at the CBC — creating an incredible show with Christopher by my side and a fantastic team behind the scenes. That being said, it’s impossible for me to even imagine continuing the show without him. The CBC understands and supports my decision 100 per cent and I hope you can as well. 

To all of you who shared our fabulous journey over the last eight years, as Christopher would say, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” 

Love, 
Steven”

The announcement comes weeks after the death of his on-air and real-life partner Hyndman was found without vital signs in an alleyway near the couple’s Toronto condominium. It’s believed he stepped off the terrace surrounding their condo while sleepwalking.

A native of Newfoundland, Hyndman teamed with Steven Sabados over 15 years ago to form The Sabados Group Inc.; the group specializes in event planning, product launches and set design.

On Steven and Chris, the couple—along with expert guests—offered a unique take on decor, beauty, health care, relationships, food and parenting. CBC’s media site notes Steven and Chris airs in more than 40 million households in the United States. Sabados and Hyndman starred in HGTV’s Designer Guys, Design Rivals and So Chic with Steven and Chris.

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Bryan Baeumler’s Leave It to Bryan and House of Bryan return

From a media release:

Bryan Baeumler is all business this fall as HGTV Canada’s all-star contractor straps on his toolbelt to deliver two new seasons with the return of hit series Leave It To Bryan and House of Bryan. Leave It To Bryan, premiering with back-to-back episodes Mondays at 10pm ET/PT beginning August 31, enters its fifth season as homeowners leave their keys, cash and renovation in Bryan’s hands. Fresh off the tremendous success of House of Bryan: In The Sticks, the #1 series ever on HGTV Canada*, Bryan and his wife Sarah return to complete their forever home in House of Bryan: The Final Straw, premiering with back-to-back episodes Sundays at 9pm ET/PT beginning October 11.

The fifth season of Leave It To Bryan follows the veteran contractor as he tackles everything from a 100-year-old house to homeowners with small budgets but big demands, and more than a few speed bumps along the way on each project. It might not be his house, but the power is in Bryan’s hands as he gives the homeowners the renovation they really need. As the new season of Leave It To Bryan wraps up on October 12, Bryan launches straight into House of Bryan: The Final Straw a day earlier on October 11.

With the stunning addition to their country home finally complete, Bryan is anxious to keep the renovation momentum going. In House of Bryan:The Final Straw, Bryan begins renovating the interior of the untouched original home while Sarah reprises her role as designer. After the long and arduous task of building their dream addition, Bryan and Sarah are hoping for a smoother journey but with a shorter timeline and a tighter budget, it could be anything but clear sailing. Despite the huge task at hand, Bryan can’t help but escape the rigors of the indoors to take on side projects around the property, including the addition of a chicken coop and finally completing the treehouse.

Leave It To Bryan and House of Bryan: The Final Straw are produced by Si Entertainment in association with HGTV Canada. Bryan and Sarah will also be featured in the recently green-lit Canadian original series Bryan Inc. (WT).

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W Network expands Love It Or List It franchise with Vacation Homes

From a media release:

Corus Entertainment’s W Network announced today the start of production on a new spin-off of the hit franchise Love It or List It. Produced by Big Coat Productions, in association with W Network, Love It or List It Vacation Homes (13×60) features a series of unique vacation homes and breath-taking vistas in and around Ontario and British Columbia. Hosts, designer Dan Vickery(HGTV’s Design Star) and realtor Elisa Goldhawke will face off against each other, armed with their list of “must-haves” to sway the vacation homeowners final decision to either keep their renovated property or sell. Production begins on Love It or List It Vacation Homes at the end of August and the series is scheduled to air in Spring 2016 on W Network.

In Love It or List It Vacation Homes, the homeowner’s love affair with their vacation property has fizzled and they are faced with the dilemma of whether they should love it or list it. And so begins the rivalry between designer and realtor. It’s up to creative designer Dan, to renovate and re-design the homeowners’ current vacation property so that they will “love it” and stay. Whereas fearless realtor Elisa must pull out all the stops to find the homeowners a beautiful new vacation property that checks all the boxes on their wish list, persuading them  to “list it” and put their current property on the market.

While showcasing unique architectural designs and fantastic real estate properties, each episode takes the viewers on an emotional roller coaster ride as Dan and Elisa battle it out for the homeowners’ allegiance. Dan will have to overcome the hidden surprises that come with every reno and deliver a breathtaking transformation. Meanwhile, Elisa will have to do everything in her power to find a beautiful vacation home for clients with high expectations and zero tolerance for failure. Whether Dan has to deal with a septic tank calamity or Elisa has to track down that perfect waterfront location, each episode ends with that all important question – will they love it or list it?

About Realtor/Co-Host Elisa Goldhawke:
Originally from Nottingham, England, Elisa immigrated with her family to the United States in the 1990s and  moved to Canada in 2006. Happily residing in Southern Ontario, Elisa has been practicing real estate in the beautiful areas surrounding Toronto for the past six years.

As a top realtor, Elisa is committed to making the real estate experience as effortless as possible, for first time buyers to experienced investors. Elisa finds clients are drawn to her “love of life” attitude and the boundless energy she brings to every real estate transaction. Elisa won’t rest until her clients are completely satisfied.

She’s an animal lover who considers walking her German Shepherd “Ramsey” her “zen time”.  Elisa also loves to sing and is ready to break into song any time she can talk friends into a night of karaoke.

About Designer/Co-Host Dan Vickery:
Born and raised on a farm in Portland, Oregon, Dan arrived in Los Angeles, California with a hands-on work ethic, a degree in architecture and a love of design. As an interior designer, Dan and his design company have successfully transformed residential and commercial spaces in LA for the past six years.

Dan finds design inspiration everywhere, but as a former “farm boy”, he especially loves the abundance of texture, colour and beauty found in nature. This LA lad is never so happy as when he can roll up his sleeves and turn raw elements into works of art. Dan’s clients love the fact that he always goes the extra mile to ensure their total satisfaction with his finished design.  Dan was a former contestant on HGTV’s Design Star and Design Star All Stars in the U.S.

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E! original series Celebrity Style Story returns for Season 2

From a media release:

All the fashion do’s and don’ts of today’s hottest celebrities are covered in Season 2 of E!’s original series CELEBRITY STYLE STORY, premiering Monday, Aug. 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET. From Calgary-based Pyramid Productions, the 40-episode, 30-minute series explores the style evolution of today’s most sought after stars, charting their path from humble beginnings to ‘wow’ moments on the red carpet. This season CELEBRITY STYLE STORY panellists analyze the style progression of A-list talent including Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Watson, Kerry Washington, Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, and many more. This season also features multiple themed episodes, such as the funny ladies of Hollywood (including Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig), and the fresh faces of Hollywood (including Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner). On hand this season to dish on all things fashion are E!’s Tyrone Edwards, Fashion blogger Stephen Dimmick, YouTuber Gigi Gorgeous, and more.

In the Season 2 premiere (Monday, Aug. 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET) the panellists delve into the fashion of THE OSCARS®  throughout the decades. This episode covers everything from Audrey Hepburn’s unforgettable 1954 Givenchy dress, Barbara Streisand’s risqué Arnold Scaasi pantsuit in 1969, Cher’s revealing Bob Mackie ensemble in 1986, to the looks of the original ‘Bennifer’ – Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in 2003, and ‘Brangelina’ – Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in 2012.

CELEBRITY STYLE STORY features a panel of expert fashion stylists, designers, comedians, and fashion journalists who weigh in on the celebrity’s looks and transformation from each stage of their red hot careers. Season 2 panellists include:

  • Comedian and writer Amanda Brooke Perrin
  • Comedian and writer Ann T. Donohue
  • Canadian television host Elissa Lansdell
  • Fashion YouTube personality Gigi Gorgeous
  • Fashion writer and blogger  Heather Cocks
  • Television personality Jenny Steele
  • Fashion and accessory designer Jessica Biffi
  • Celebrity stylist Lindsay Albanese
  • Co-founder and Creative Director of Bustle Clothing Shawn Hewson
  • Fashion blogger Stephen Dimmick
  • Fashion commentators and designers The Style Guys
  • Style expert, stylist, host, and blogger Sydne Summer
  • Host of E! and Much Tyrone Edwards
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Link: Cory Vitiello makes the jump from Harbord Street to television this month

From Caroline Aksich of Post City:

Cory Vitiello makes the jump from Harbord Street to television this month
The young chef is in the throes of filming a new cooking show called Chef in Your Ear. He — along with five other chefs (Rob Rossi (Bestellen), Craig Harding (Campagnolo), Devin Connell (Delica Kitchen) and Jordan Andino (Harlow Sag Harbor) — will be coaching initiate cooks through complicated recipes. The catch? They can only communicate to their proteges via an earpiece. Continue reading.

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