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Featured, Package Deal

Package Deal and Meet the Family cancelled by City

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It’s the end of the road for Package Deal and Meet the Family.

On Monday afternoon, Vancouver’s Craigslist posted the following “Huge Set Sale”:

“Tons of chairs, bar stools and tables, banquettes, theatre chairs, church pews (!!) couches, lamps and other lighting, furniture, kitchen items, tea shop and bar paraphernalia, glassware, carpeting, clothing (no kids clothes) and those ever present knickknacks!

April 22nd, 23rd and 24th from 10am — 4pm (NO early birds)

Location: Unit 1B — 2350 Beta Avenue, Burnaby (Street Parking Only)

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to grab some amazing deals!”

Those listed items are the contents of the apartment, tea shop, courtroom and offices featured in the original sitcom during the last two seasons.

City confirmed Tuesday afternoon that both Package Deal and hidden camera sketch series Meet the Family would not return.

“Despite the strong teams behind both series and critical acclaim garnered to date, Package Deal and Meet The Family were unable to connect with the audience needed to continue,” said Nataline Rodrigues, Director of Original Programming of Rogers Media, in a statement. “We remain committed to Canadian originals, and we are proud to have provided our viewers with two fun seasons of both series; it was a real pleasure and privilege to work with the immense talent on these shows – on and off the screen.

Package Deal starred Randal Edwards as Danny, a successful lawyer who met and fell in love with Kim (Julia Voth). The problem? Danny’s two brothers, ne’er-do-well Sheldon (Harland Williams) and fastidious Ryan (Jay Malone), don’t like that Kim is taking Danny away from them. The multi-camera series was created by Andrew Orenstein (Malcolm in the Middle, 3rd Rock from the Sun) and shot in front of a live audience. Never able to score decent ratings (it was down to 72,000 viewers in mid-October) the second season finale was broadcast in December, and had the feel of a series finale to it.

The news comes the same day that Package Deal‘s production company, Thunderbird, announced both seasons are available for streaming in the U.S. on Hulu starting Tuesday.

Produced by Frantic films and based on the successful U.K. series, Meet the Parents threw unwitting folks into a uncomfortable situation: meeting the downright odd family of their girlfriend or boyfriend. The series starred Terry Barna, Liz Best, Hannah Hogan, Theresa Tova, Don Berns, Heather Hodgson, Ralph Small, Nicole Maroon, Peter Keleghan, Chris Wilson, Miguel Rivas and Matt Bernard.

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Link: Why we loved Gilbert Blythe

From Sarah Larson of The New Yorker:

Why we loved Gilbert Blythe
Crombie was an expert gazer. Through meaningful looks and other subtleties, he showed that Gilbert wasn’t threatened when Anne could spell “chrysanthemum” and he couldn’t; he appeared deeply concerned when she fell off the ridgepole, and didn’t mock her for braving it; he was kind during the “The Lady of Shalott” escapade, while executing a dashing rescue. In this video, a young Crombie explains that the moment Anne breaks a slate over Gilbert’s head is the moment he starts growing up. Continue reading.

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Tom Harrington leaving Marketplace

From a media release:

Tom Harrington, the co-host of Canada’s top-rated consumer investigative program MARKETPLACE for five years, is leaving the show to pursue new opportunities with CBC News. Canadians will now be able to hear Tom on CBC Radio One’s THE WORLD THIS HOUR, weekdays at the top of the clock from 3 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET, by the fall.

“The Marketplace team is one of the most dedicated and passionate groups I’ve ever worked with, and we’ve accomplished so much and effected real change over the past five years,” said Tom Harrington. “I grew up listening to CBC Radio in St. John’s and my first full time job with CBC was in radio sports in Montreal. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to host both World Report and The World At Six and feel honoured to now call home one of the most respected news services in the world. The great Bernie McNamee is a tough act to follow at The World This Hour but I’m excited for the challenge.”

Tom Harrington is a four-time Gemini nominee, and prior to his position with MARKETPLACE, was the sports correspondent for CBC News, reporting for The National. He has also been a guest host on CBC Radio One’s THE WORLD AT SIX, THE CURRENT, AS IT HAPPENS and CROSS COUNTRY CHECKUP.

MARKETPLACE, Canada’s consumer watchdog and number one current affairs show, just wrapped its 42nd season. The show’s plans have not been finalized, and more details will be made available in the coming months.

 

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Orphan Black, Sensitive Skin

Link: Canadian novelists are tuning into big small screen opportunities

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From Zoe Whittall of the National Post:

Canadian novelists are tuning into big small screen opportunities
Where once novelists may have looked down their noses at television, or considered TV in direct opposition to capital-L literature, these days you’re more likely to hear writers of all stripes expressing appreciation for the considerable artistry and innovation happening on the small screen. Contemporary TV is having a moment, Canadian shows included — consider satisfying hit shows Orphan Black, X Company, Remedy and Rookie Blue. Continue reading.

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Big Brother Canada, Remedy

Tonight: Remedy, Big Brother Canada, Tiny Plastic Men, Blood Sweat & Tools

Big Brother Canada, Global
One houseguest will win the coveted Power of Veto—the ability to veto a nominee up for eviction.

Remedy, Global – “Life in Technicolour”
Mel’s new relationship with Cutler is causing a rift with Sandy, who recruits Rebecca to babysit against Mel’s wishes. Zoe has agreed to a bone marrow transplant to save her estranged mother, but Griffin is acting strangely and can’t seem to pull it together to support her. Mel, riding a high from her relationship with Cutler, takes an uncharacteristic risk in surgery. The whole Conner family is rocked when Rebecca’s first time looking after Maya results in a crisis.

Tiny Plastic Men, Super Channel – “Crisis on Infinite Octobers”
The very fabric of reality itself is threatened, and October is to blame! Can he set things right with Crad’s help before the multiverse is destroyed?

Blood, Sweat & Tools, Discovery – “What’s Up, Dock?”
The teams get up close and friendly with water. In Challenge One, the teams must install a window. Chaos ensues as they cut holes into walls and precariously perch their glass and frame. Water is then blasted against the window to test the seal (raingear required!) Challenge Two is a quintessential cottage test: building a dock and diving board. Challenge Three requires some rudimentary plumbing skills: installing an outdoor shower and pump. Not surprisingly, the teams struggle with how to get the water from the lake to the showerhead. Some swim and others sink.

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