The Nature of Things, CBC – “The Perfect Runner”
When our ancestors descended from the trees how did they survive? Scientists always thought the answer lay in our powerful brain. But new research into the origins of the human body shows there is something else about humans that make us special. Research into the physiology of early hominids is now revealing that critical adaptations occurred to produce modern Homo sapiens. Anthropologist and runner Niobe Thompson explores our evolutionary past as a species defined by its ability to run long distances.

Doc Zone, CBC – “The Age of Anxiety”
Anxiety is being called the disease of the 21st century. Everybody seems to be either afflicted – or knows someone who is. According to the World Health Organization, disorders related to “dread” are the most prevalent mental illness on the globe at the moment. THE AGE OF ANXIETY, a new film from Emmy Award-winning producer Ric Esther Bienstock and Associated Producers, looks at the explosive growth in the diagnosis and treatment of this affliction. Its World Premiere will be on CBC Television’s Doc Zone on Thursday, March 15 at 9 pm (9:30 NT).

Battle Castle, History Television – “Conwy Castle (Wales)”
King Edward’s Iron Ring of castles must deny a powerful group of rebels determined to end English rule in Wales.

From a media release:

 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.

Continue reading Just for Laughs specials return next week →

From a media release:

“Battle Castle” Lays Siege On-Air and Online

Vancouver’s Parallax Film Productions has done everything in its considerable power to push the boundaries of Real TV with their series “Battle Castle”, the new featuresque documentary airing on History Television. The show is an interactive, trans-medieval journey into castle engineering, bloody siegecraft, and epic clashes that transform mortals into legends. Hosted by UK celebrity Dan Snow, the show takes its viewers over six one-hour timeslots to Syria, France, Spain, Wales, Poland and England delving into the stories of six fascinating castles: Crac des Chevaliers, Chateau Gâillard, Dover, Conwy, Malbork, and Malaga.

Continue reading Battle Castle airs Thursdays on History Television →