Everything about Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary, eh?

CTV’s new daytime series, The Good Stuff with Mary Berg, debuts Sept. 5

From a media release:

CTV confirmed today that the newest addition to its hit daytime lineup, THE GOOD STUFF WITH MARY BERG, is set to air weekdays at 10 a.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, beginning Sept. 5. Taped in front of a live studio audience, the one-hour, daily Canadian talk and lifestyle series is hosted by multiple Canadian Screen Award-winning host and author, Mary Berg, and promises to be a daily dose of fun, food, and conversation.

It is a double premiere delight for Berg, with the return of her hit original culinary series MARY MAKES IT EASY, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 5 on CTV Life Channel, CTV.ca, and the CTV app. Filmed in her home kitchen in Toronto, the third season brings even more accessible and delectable recipes to redefine home cooking.

Full of uplifting stories, culinary delights, and engaging conversations, THE GOOD STUFF WITH MARY BERG features the latest trends in lifestyle, home hacks, and audience games – all from top experts. Berg brings the “good stuff” to CTV each day – from sharing her Recipe of The Day, to guest chefs, exciting on-location adventures, celebrating the best in youth with her Good Kids series, and more. In addition, Berg welcomes country superstar Tim McGraw, Hollywood luminary Jessica Alba, Canadian Jeopardy champion Mattea Roach, singer-songwriter Shawn Desman, and beloved children’s entertainers Sharon, Bram, and Randi to kick-off the first month.

Launched earlier this summer, MARY’S RESERVATION FOR TWO, a podcast from Bell Media Studios taped on location at some of Toronto’s top food destinations. Featuring long form interviews with guests who inspire Berg in and out of the kitchen, MARY’S RESERVATION FOR TWO is now available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are found. In addition, Berg’s third cookbook, In Mary’s Kitchen: Stress-Free Recipes for Every Home Cook hits the shelves Oct.10, and is available for pre-order now.

THE GOOD STUFF WITH MARY BERG tapes from a brand new set at Bell Media’s iconic 299 Queen St. West location in Toronto. Tickets for the studio audience are available at thegoodstuff.ca.

THE GOOD STUFF WITH MARY BERG is produced by Bell Media Studios. Michelle Crespi and John Simpson are Executive Producers; Dave Daigle is Vice-President, Local TV, Radio, and Bell Media Studios. Pat DiVittorio is Vice-President, CTV and Specialty Programming. Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. Karine Moses is Senior Vice-President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec, Bell.

MARY MAKES IT EASY is produced by Boat Rocker’s Proper Television, in association with Bell Media. Cathie James, Lesia Capone, and Allison Grace are Executive Producers, Mary Berg is Co-Executive Producer, and David Donohue is Series Producer.

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AMI-tv announces its fall 2023 programming schedule

From a media release:

Today, AMI unveiled its AMI-tv schedule for the 2023-24 fall broadcast season, with a lineup of exciting new and returning AMI originals available in described video for the blind, partially sighted and disability community in Canada.

In addition to new seasons of AMI-tv’s live daily shows, NOW with Dave Brown and Kelly and Ramya, AMI invites viewers to join host Bobbi Janzen for a new crop of accessible exercises in Healthy at Home, engage in technology conversations through Access Tech Live, and learn about those who demonstrate a desire to help drive positive social change through sport in Level Playing Field.

“AMI-tv’s robust fall schedule has something for everyone,” says John Melville, Vice President of Content Development and Operations, AMI. “From health and technology to sport and entrepreneurs and our daily live shows, we’re spotlighting and furthering the conversation on disability.”

Highlights of AMI-tv’s fall schedule include:

NOW with Dave Brown – weekdays at 9 a.m. Eastern
Join veteran broadcaster Dave Brown, weekdays at 9 a.m. Eastern, as he discusses the latest news, entertainment, sports and current events through a disability lens.

Kelly and Ramya – weekdays at 2 p.m. Eastern
Airing weekdays at 2 p.m. Eastern, Kelly and Ramya gives a dynamic and compelling voice to the disability experience in Canada. Stay tuned for more information later this fall regarding a special primetime broadcast of Kelly and Ramya’s annual holiday party.

Healthy at Home – Season 2 returns Wednesday, September 6, at 7 p.m. Eastern
Fitness instructor Bobbi Janzen guides viewers through an hour-long home workout that tones and strengthens for everyday living. Bobbi gives step-by-step detailed instruction that focuses on the muscle groups overused when using a white cane or guide dog, fitness advice for wheelchair users, and overall tips for better health.

Access Tech Live – Season 1 debuts Thursday, September 14, at Noon Eastern
As previously announced, Access Tech Live is a live weekly broadcast, hosted by Marc Aflalo and Steven Scott, that promises an interactive experience for viewers and the ability to cover technology news as it unfolds.

Level Playing Field – Season 4 returns Tuesday, October 3, at 9:30 p.m. Eastern
Hosted by Paralympian Greg Westlake (Para Sport Update, above), Level Playing Field introduces viewers to the athletes, community groups, healthcare professionals and grassroots innovators who demonstrate a desire to help drive positive social change through sport. Among the athletes featured in Season 4 are Para athletics sprinter Marissa Papaconstantinou, Para climber Chaz Misuraca and Toronto Raptors’ star Pascal Siakam’s generous donations to the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Disrupt – Season 2 returns Monday, October 23, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Hosted by the charismatic Taylor Olson, Disrupt showcases music, short films, poetry, animation, spoken word, comedy, dance, puppetry and other mediums, with a disability-first punk rock attitude. Disrupt also features members of the disability community working in such key production roles as production manager, writer, assistant editor, assistant director, composer, assistant production designer and camera and sound assistants.

Mind Your Own Business – Season 3 returns, Wednesday, November 15, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Hosted by Kevin Shaw and with the help of mentors, entrepreneurs in the disability community aim to take their businesses to the next level. Businesses featured in Season 3 include Liberty Co consultants, Glass Brothers Construction Inc., Friendly Roads Mobility Service and Country Fields Beekeeping Supplies.

All dates subject to change. Additional fall programming will be announced in the coming weeks. Stream past episodes of AMI original programming on demand post-broadcast on AMI.ca or via the AMI-tv App.

About AMI-tv
AMI-tv is the world’s first television network to broadcast all programs with open format described video for individuals who are blind or partially sighted and is broadcast daily into more than eight million Canadian homes as part of the basic digital cable package with most service providers. AMI-tv is committed to broadcasting a variety of content with a focus on accessibility and inclusion.

About Accessible Media Inc.
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through accessible media, reflection and portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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David Oulton’s new series Who’s There? to premiere August 24 on OUTtv; new season of Face to Face with David coming same day

From a media release:

David Oulton’s new series, Who’s There?, is set to premiere on August 24 on OUTtv, the same day as his season 5 premiere for Face to Face with David on the same network. Both shows will air back to back.

Who’s There? is an all-new roundtable-style talk show hosted by Oulton. Rather than being interview focused, it’s topical, with a panel of guests discussing a range of conversation starters. Each panel consists of a celebrity guest, a business leader, and an everyday viewer. The premiere episode features actress Emmanuelle Vaugier (Two and a Half Men, Saw II & III), Vancouver restaurateur Anson Leung, and Darrell Ross.

The series was filmed at the Paradox Hotel in Vancouver with the first season consisting of six episodes. Celebrity guests featured throughout the inaugural season include Vaugier, Mackenzie Gray (Legion, Man of Steel), comedian Darryl Lennox, Karen Holness (Nancy Drew, Superman & Lois), William B Davis (The X Files), Ben Immanuel (The Man in the High Castle), and Tammy Gillis (Siren, Van Helsing).

Also premiering August 24 on OUTtv are new episodes of Oulton’s talk show Face to Face with David. Oulton returns in his infamous Versace bathrobe drinking red wine to welcome familiar faces including Vanessa Williams, AJ Cook, Luenell, Emily Hampshire, Jen Brister and many many others. The August 24 premiere features supermodel Janice Dickinson.

Face to Face with David season 5 premieres at 6pm PT/9pm ET on OUTtv, followed by the premiere of Who’s There? at 6:30pm PT/9:30pm ET. Both series will also be available to stream on OUTtvGo. Oulton is the creator, host, and executive producer of both series, with both being produced by Calgary-based production house L&C Style Productions Inc.

OUTtv is available in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

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CTV Comedy Channel cranks up the heat this summer with Season 3 of Roast Battle Canada, beginning July 10

From a media release:

More epic battles of burns are coming to CTV Comedy Channel, as original series ROAST BATTLE CANADA returns for an eight-episode third season Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT beginning July 10 on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app. Each half-hour episode sees two pairs of Canadian comics face-off, as they hurl heated and ruthless jabs at each other in hopes of being crowned the superior roaster.

Season 3 of ROAST BATTLE CANADA sees the return of the distinguished panel of judges – Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees, and K. Trevor Wilson – while actor and comedian Ennis Esmer returns to preside over the roastings as host.

Canadian comedians facing off in the ROAST BATTLE CANADA Season 3 matchups are:

Episode 1 – Monday, July 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Allie Pearse vs. Brendan d’Souza
Battle 2 – Tyler Morrison vs. Crystal Ferrier

Episode 2 – Monday, July 17 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Rachel Schaefer vs. Sophie Buddle
Battle 2 – Alan Shane Lewis vs. Todd Graham

Episode 3 – Monday, July 24 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Olivia Stadler vs. Kyle Brownrigg
Battle 2 – Garrett Jamieson vs. Keith Pedro

Episode 4 – Monday, July 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Tom Henry vs. Todd Graham
Battle 2 – Crystal Ferrier vs. Cassie Cao

Episode 5 – Monday, August 7 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Dakota Ray Hebert vs. Paul Rabliauskas
Battle 2 – Sophie Buddle vs. Jordan Wellwood

Episode 6 – Monday, Aug. 14 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Keith Pedro vs. Allie Pearse
Battle 2 – Danish Anwar vs. Olivia Stadler

Episode 7 – Monday, Aug. 21 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Jordan Wellwood vs. Tyler Morrison
Battle 2 – Dakota Ray Hebert vs. Alan Shane Lewis

Episode 8 – Monday, Aug. 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Rachel Schaefer vs. Brendan d’Souza
Battle 2 – Cassie Cao vs. Daniel Woodrow

Ahead of the Season 3 premiere on July 10, it was recently announced that a fourth season of ROAST BATTLE CANADA has been ordered. Viewers can also catch up on the first two seasons, which are currently available for streaming with with no subscription or sign-in required on CTV.ca and the CTV app, and are also available on Crave.

ROAST BATTLE CANADA is produced by CTV Comedy Channel, in association with Just For Laughs Television and Counterfeit Pictures. Bruce Hills is Executive Producer and also President, Just For Laughs. Executive Producers are Dan Bennett, Shane Corkery, and Anton Leo of Counterfeit Pictures, along with George Reinblatt. Comedian Russell Peters also executive produces. The series was directed by Shelagh O’Brien.

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Blue Ant Media ‘Makes it Right’ with its latest original slate for 2024, featuring Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy

From a media release:

Announced today at Banff World Media Festival, international producer, distributor and channel operator, Blue Ant Media, announced its 2024 original slate for its Canadian specialty TV and global FAST offerings. The slate includes the brand new commission Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy, featuring the original home renovation pioneer and TV personality, Mike Holmes, in a reboot of his original franchise, this time joined by his son Michael and daughter Sherry. The series will premiere on Cottage Life in Canada and also air on free streaming channel Homeful globally. Also starring on the slate is the new greenlight A Secret to Die For, commissioned for T+E and Total Crime, and Intervention Canada (Season 6), in partnership with A+E Networks, for Makeful. Rounding out the lineup are the two hit returning series, Haunted Hospitals and Mysteries from Above.

Blue Ant Media’s slate is overseen by Sam Linton, VP, Production and Development, Global Media. Blue Ant International will handle pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide for several of the original series in the slate.

“Our latest slate delivers on Blue Ant Media’s commitment to commission universally relevant and compelling original series for our Canadian speciality TV and global free streaming channels. Our new original series with Mike Holmes is a great example of home reno programming that will resonate with the extensive fanbase Mike has grown over the last 20 years,” says Carlyn Staudt, Head of Commissioning, Global Media, Blue Ant Media. “Banff is the perfect backdrop to announce these new projects, as we take great pride in working with our production partners to bring premium content to global audiences.”

Cottage Life/Homeful
Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy (6×60’; HD)
Producer: The Holmes Group
World broadcast premiere scheduled for Cottage Life in spring 2024 during free preview. Series will also become available on Homeful in the US in 2024

After a lifetime of helping homeowners in need, Mike Holmes still has some unfinished business. Blue Ant’s new highly-anticipated original series will see Mike go back to his roots, alongside his son and daughter Michael and Sherry, to secure his legacy of ‘making it right’ in Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy (6×60’; HD). From renovations gone wrong by crooked or incompetent contractors to worthy homeowners in need of a life changing renovation, each hour-long episode sees the Holmes trio roll up their sleeves and continue the work that cemented Mike as a household name across North America. Blue Ant International handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide.

Cottage Life
Mysteries from Above, Season 3 (8×60’; HD)
Producer: Saloon Media, a Blue Ant Media company

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

Renewed for a third installment is Cottage Life’s popular original series, Mysteries from Above. The 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 was one of spring 2022’s top 10 primetime series with total viewers, as well as Cottage Life’s core demographic of adults 25-54 and women 25-54. Season 2 is currently airing on Cottage Life. Blue Ant International handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide.

T+E/HauntTV
Haunted Hospitals, Season 5 (8×60’; HD)
Producer: Sphere Media

World broadcast premiere scheduled for spring 2024 on T+E in Canada during the channel’s nationwide free preview

Scheduled to air on HauntTV in the US, UK and Australia in 2024

Fan-favourite paranormal series Haunted Hospitals is back for a fifth season, recounting the chilling stories of paranormal activity inside hospitals and medical facilities. In each episode, nurses, health care workers and hospital support staff give first-hand accounts of the supernatural encounters. As these personal testimonies unfold, the mysteries behind the troubled souls and hauntings reveal a terrifying reckoning. Season 5 of Haunted Hospitals follows the success from Season 4, which ranked as one of fall 2022’s top 10 primetime series on T+E and outpaced the primetime average with total viewers. Blue Ant International handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities (for Season 5) worldwide.

T+E/Total Crime
A Secret to Die For (10×60’; HD)
Producer: Blue Ant Studios

World broadcast premiere scheduled for fall 2024 on T+E in Canada

Scheduled to rollout on Total Crime in the US at a later date

The series investigates how a person’s secret life can end up costing them their own. A Secret to Die For peels back the layers of the victim’s seemingly happy life to reveal new, dark secrets that family and friends would never have believed. As the missing pieces of the victim’s life come together, new interviewees offer an entirely fresh perspective, concluding with the dramatic revelation of a secret explaining why the victim was killed and identifying the murderer. Blue Ant International handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide.

Makeful
Intervention Canada, Season 6
Producers: Open Door Co./Insight Productions

Canadian broadcast premiere scheduled for winter 2024 on Makeful in Canada

Blue Ant Media has partnered with A+E Networks to greenlight the sixth season of Intervention Canada, a one-hour documentary series from Open Door Co. and Insight Productions. Based on the critically acclaimed A&E Network series, Intervention, the Canadian format provides an unflinching glimpse at addiction from all sides – including the addict as well as the dreadful toll the addiction takes on their families and friends. Each episode culminates in a dramatic intervention led by a prominent interventionist in which the addicts featured must decide whether or not to accept an offer for a clear path to recovery in one of Canada’s top addiction treatment facilities.

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