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Season 2 of the CTV Life Channel original series Evolving Vegan premieres April 16

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From a media release:

The plant-based adventures continue as the CTV Life Channel original series, EVOLVING VEGAN, returns for its second season beginning April 16 with new episodes airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on CTV Life, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and also streaming on Crave. Recently nominated for Best Host, Lifestyle for Season 1 of EVOLVING VEGAN at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, Mena Massoud (Aladdin) takes viewers to new dynamic destinations, exploring diverse approaches to vegan cuisine in each locale, illustrating how talented chefs and restaurateurs are making plant-based food delicious and accessible.

Over the course of six, all-new hour-long episodes, Massoud explores the vibrant plant-based food scenes of Philadelphia, Montréal, Miami, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Tokyo. Along the way, Massoud experiences local vegan cuisine with guests and experts, including famed magician and actor Penn Jillette; comedian Maz Jobrani; educator and food historian Zella Palmer; and New York Times best selling cookbook authors Carleigh Bodrug and Radhi Devlukia.

In the premiere episode of EVOLVING VEGAN Season 2 (airing Tuesday, April 16 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV Life, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), Massoud heads to Philadelphia, a city rich in history and hearty food surprises with elevated live-fire cooking, fresh Capalachi Pasta, and an unexpected turn on the classic Philly “Cheesesteak”. Mena also learns to make delectable donuts with funnyman Maz Jobrani, and crushes an absolutely monstrous “meatball” sub.

EVOLVING VEGAN is produced by Bell Media Studios. For Bell Media Studio, Jennifer Couke and Michelle Crespi are Executive Producers. Eva Filomena is Series Producer. Mena Massoud and Ali Mashayekhi are Executive Producers for Press Play Productions.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Bryan Baeumler hits the open road this spring on HGTV Canada’s Bryan’s All In

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From a media release:

Bryan Baeumler takes viewers on a road trip this spring with eight all-new episodes of Bryan’s All In, beginning Sunday, March 31, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada and STACKTV. The fan-favourite HGTV Canada star travels off the beaten path to help struggling entrepreneurs with their dream businesses.

Bryan spends a week guiding budding business owners through a make-or-break point in their renovation. He acts as their coach and mentor, helping them overcome major hurdles, while tackling essential builds in a race to open or revive their business.

Viewers received a sneak peek at this series last fall, with two special preview episodes that followed Baeumler to a distillery in Prince Edward County, Ontario, and a rustic farmstand in Thomasburg, Ontario.

Bryan picks up his journey this Spring in Arnprior, Ontario, where he meets the owners of a local bowling alley who are working against the clock with a big list of renos. With only one year to turn a profit, Bryan works to help them keep the local landmark alive for the sake of their business, and for the community. Additional episodes include a craft brewery in Kenora, Ontario, a fishing resort in Pollard’s Point, Newfoundland, a maple syrup business in Coldwater, Ontario, and more. Fans can catch up on two previously released episodes now, streaming exclusively on STACKTV.

As part of Bryan’s continued partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada, custom RBC creative and integrations are featured throughout Bryan’s All In.

Bryan’s All In is produced by Si Entertainment in association with Corus Studios for HGTV Canada.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Cash Cab Music hits the road

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From a media release:

Buckle up, Canada! The iconic Cash Cab series returns with a musical twist, as Cash Cab Music premieres on GameTV on Monday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET.

Adam Growe—beloved Canadian personality, comedian, and licensed taxi driver—hosts this thrilling game show, giving unsuspecting passengers the chance to test their music knowledge for cash prizes. As they drive to their destination, Growe asks them a series of increasingly-challenging questions. They’re not entirely alone on their journey, however. If they get stumped, there’s help – they can phone a friend, ask the world on social media, or shout out to a stranger on the street. But only once per game!

Each correct answer puts money in their pocket, while each incorrect answer counts as a strike. Like baseball, it’s three strikes and you’re out! The contestant must immediately exit the vehicle, no matter where they are on their route. Contestants who manage to reach their destination without earning three strikes, will have the opportunity to add to their winnings in the all-new “Cash Cab Karaoke” segment. In this electrifying final round riders can double their money if they can belt out the answer to the final question.

About GameTV
GameTV is a Canadian channel specializing in game-related programming such as game shows, competition-based shows, reality series and movies. The channel is available in over 6+ million homes in digital basic on IPTV, cable and satellite systems throughout the territory. GameTV is a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., a leading global sports media company

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Treaty Road, the ground-breaking docuseries, premieres March 5 on APTN

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From a media release:

After close to a decade of in-depth research, Saxon de Cocq, Hannah Hermanson and Ell McEachern of 3 Story Pictures, Doug Cuthand of Blue Hill Productions, and Candy Renae Fox are very pleased to bring Canadian audiences Season 1 of Treaty Road, the ground-breaking, long overdue 6-part docuseries (one hour each) that follows Dakota/Anishinaabekwe educator and researcher, Erin Goodpipe (RezX, The Other Side, Bathsheba: Search for Evil) and Métis writer, director and producer Saxon de Cocq (The Other Side, The Invincible Sergeant Bill (CBC) and Land Acknowledgement (CIFF)) on their personal and communal journey as they travel the old roads to uncover the truth about the signing of the Numbered Treaties, signed between 1871 and 1921, and ultimately themselves.

Beginning March 5, 2024 at 9 PM, Treaty Road will be broadcast on APTN.

Filming of Treaty Road took place across Treaty 1 through 6 territories in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

While exploring his Métis ancestry, writer/director Saxon de Cocq discovered that his great grandfather (x4) was the Honorable James McKay, a prominent Métis from the Red River area. McKay was involved in many of the Numbered Treaty negotiations, eventually becoming a Treaty Commissioner. With mixed feelings, Saxon is driven to learn more… what was McKay’s involvement, his motivations for playing a pivotal role in this part of history? Saxon enlists the help of his friend Erin Goodpipe, a community educator and researcher who has devoted years in building her knowledge around Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.

Treaty Road is directed by Candy Renae Fox (The Other Side, Big Brother Canada, Zarqa), and hosted by Saxon de Cocq and Erin Goodpipe and produced by Saxon de Cocq, Candy Renae Fox, Ell McEachern (Staying Wild, The Other Side, ZARQA S2) and Hannah Hermanson (Staying Wild, The Other Side, Dirt Farmers, ZARQA S2). The series is written by Saxon de Cocq and story edited by Berkley Brady (Dark Nature, The Secret History of: The Wild West) with Doug Cuthand(Guardians: Evolution, Miywayawin, Big Bear) serving as executive producer.

Cinematography by Jeremy Ratzlaff (By Faith, Denis, Never Seen Again) and editing by Jennifer Prokop (Staying Wild, The Other Side), Kolby Kostyniuk (Staying Wild, Dirt Farmers), Nina Staum (Ice Racer Showdown, The Other Side), and Adam Phipps (Amplify).

Treaty Road was produced with financial support from Canada Media Fund and Creative Saskatchewan.

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Featured, Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Blue Ant Media announces its latest slate of original Canadian programming

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From a media release:

International production studio, rights business and channel operator, Blue Ant Media, kicked off day one of Prime Time by announcing new and returning Canadian series for the company’s specialty TV and international free streaming platforms in 2024.

The slate includes My Haunted Hometown, a new paranormal series filmed across North America; Wild Rose Vets, a spin-off of the original series Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet; and Hope for Wildlife: The Next Generation (w/t), a new season of the hit franchise Hope for Wildlife. Further, Blue Ant Media has ordered two additional episodes of the previously-announced eight-part series Mysteries From Above, Season 3, following the ratings success of the franchise.

Blue Ant’s latest originals slate is overseen by Sam Linton, VP, Production and Development, Global Media and Julie Chang, EVP, Business Strategy & Co-Productions. Blue Ant Studios rights division will handle pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide for all the titles.

The latest original slate comes after the previously announced Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy, which is currently casting GTA homeowners in need of a life-changing renovation via makeitright.ca/casting-call/.

Titles across the unscripted originals slate include:

Cottage Life/Love Pets

Wild Rose Vets (13 x 30; HD)
A Blue Ant Media and APTN Co-production
Producer: Wapanatahk Media in partnership with Great Pacific Media

Scheduled to air in spring 2025 on Cottage Life in Canada during the channel’s nationwide free preview, with a subsequent window on the free streaming channel Love Pets in multiple territories worldwide

A heartwarming and culturally-unique docuseries following the behind-the-scenes adventures of three Indigenous veterinarians in the prairies as they rescue and rehabilitate a wide range of household pets and exotic wildlife. The daily experiences of these young vets in very different clinics could not be more varied but they are each driven and connected by their love of animals. Blue Ant Studios rights division handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide. The series will also broadcast and stream on APTN’s channels and platform in Canada (date TBC).  

Hope for Wildlife: The Next Generation (w/t) (8 x 60′; HD)
Producer: Arcadia Entertainment

World broadcast premiere scheduled to air on Cottage Life in early 2025, with a subsequent window on the free streaming channel Love Pets in multiple territories worldwide

The series takes audiences inside a world-class rehabilitation center in Nova Scotia. Led by the compassionate and trailblazing Hope Swinimer, the show follows her team’s efforts to rescue, treat and release injured and orphaned wildlife. As Hope grows the operation and prepares for her eventual passing of the torch, the series introduces us to a new generation of caregivers, trained to continue her lifelong mission of compassion toward animals. Witness dramatic rescues, miraculous recoveries, and emotional releases in this inspiring journey of hope and healing. Blue Ant Studios rights division handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide.

Cottage Life

Mysteries from Above, Season 3 (10 × 60’; HD)
Producer: Blue Ant Studios

World broadcast premiere is scheduled for spring 2024 on Cottage Life in Canada during the channel’s nationwide free preview

Previously renewed as an eight-part series, Blue Ant Media has ordered two more episodes of Mysteries from Above, Season 3. The popular series takes to the skies to unlock Earth’s greatest mysteries and dramatically change how we see the world. From the vantage points of drones, satellites and aerial photography, the series explores unique buildings and structures — both natural and man-made, curious creatures and lost ancient civilizations, revealing fascinating insights and never-before-seen footage to the viewers. Mysteries from Above, Season 1 and Season 2 both featured in the top 10 primetime series with total viewers, as well as Cottage Life’s core demographic of adults 25-54 and women 25-54. Blue Ant Studios rights division handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide.

T+E/HauntTV

My Haunted Hometown (8 x 60′)
Producer: Blue Ant Studios

World broadcast premiere scheduled in October 2024 on T+E during the channel’s nationwide free preview and its Creep Week programming event, with a subsequent window on the free streaming channel HauntTV in multiple territories worldwide

My Haunted Hometown follows the terrifying first-hand accounts of paranormal encounters in haunted small towns across North America. The documentary series reveals how many small towns are home to frightening supernatural activity; vengeful spirits torment residents. Each episode showcases true stories of individuals, families, and friends who built their lives in the community but now feel trapped, haunted and unable to escape. Blue Ant Studios rights division handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide.

Blue Ant Media is a privately held international production studio and rights business and channel operator. The company’s studio creates and distributes a premium slate of programming in all content genres for streaming and broadcasting platforms around the world.

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