TV, eh? | What's up in Canadian television | Page 1416
TV,eh? What's up in Canadian television
Strange Empire

Link: Can Strange Empire save CBC

From Emily Landau of Toronto Life:

Is Strange Empire good enough to save the CBC?
The new series Strange Empire is a richly produced western set in 1869 on the unkempt Alberta terrain. It kicks off with a dark, propulsive premise: when the men in a small frontier camp are mysteriously slaughtered, their once-helpless wives and daughters are forced to buck up and take control. Every shot is a swirl of artfully dusty browns and tans, every costume and set piece a bedraggled beauty. The plots are full of brothels, sex and violence. The show bears every trademark of a premium cable drama, with morally ambiguous characters and an irreverent point of view. The strangest thing about Strange Empire? It’s on the CBC. Continue reading.

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Uncategorized

Link: State of Incarceration is Canadian TV at its best

From James Bawden:

State Of Incarceration: Canadian TV At Its Best
Make no mistake about it –these are dark days for Canadian public television threatened by government cut backs and dwindling ratings. And then along comes a special so powerful and forceful it will have you cheering for CBC-TV’s survival. It’s an hour titled State Of Incarceration written, directed and produced by veteran Andrew Gregg (We Will Remember Them)–a look at the federal Tories wrong headed determinations to spend billions more on incarcerating criminals. Gregg tells me he got the idea after reading an article in The Economist about the huge expenditure in building new jails in California and Texas. Continue reading.

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Featured, Podcast

TV, eh? podcast episode 167 – Dancing Around a Poll

This week, Anthony, Greg and Diane chat about the incredible response to our “What Canadian show would you fight for” poll, preview the coming premieres, gush over Jason Priestley hosting the Canadian Walk of Fame, and discuss the possibility of the US networks picking up their toys and leaving Canada’s cable companies if pick and pay comes into effect.

Listen or download below, or subscribe via iTunes or any other podcast catcher with the TV, eh? podcast feed.

Want to become a Patron of the Podcast? We’ve got a Patreon page where you can donate a small amount per podcast and get a sneak peek of each release.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Spun Out

CTV’s Spun Out begins Season 2 production

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From a media release:

–Russell Peters to make guest appearance during Season 2–

CTV, in association with Project 10 Productions, announced today that production is now underway in Toronto on 13 new episodes of last season’s most-watched Canadian scripted comedy, SPUN OUT. A 2014 Directors Guild of Canada Award-nominee for Best Comedy TV Series, the hilarious comedy follows the ups and downs of a public relations agency staffed with people who can spin everyone’s problems but their own. Headlined by Dave Foley, the complete returning ensemble cast for Season 2 of SPUN OUT features Paul Campbell, Al Mukadam, Rebecca Dalton, J.P. Manoux , Darcy Michael, and Holly Deveaux. Shooting at Toronto’s Pinewood Studios through December, SPUN OUT will premiere in 2015 on CTV.

“With exceedingly talented cast, a fantastic writing room, and pedigreed producers, we look forward to seeing how SPUN OUT grows in its second season,” said Phil King, President – CTV, Sports, an‎d Entertainment Programming.

One of the biggest names in comedy, Gemini Award-winning comedian Russell Peters (RUSSELL PETERS: NOTORIOUS) is confirmed to make a stop by the DLPR office during Season 2. Also confirmed to date are up-and-coming actresses Ellen Wong (THE CARRIE DIARIES) and Ingrid Haas (CHELSEA LATELY).

With series stars Dave Foley set to direct two episodes and co-star J.P. Manoux also confirmed to direct an episode, Season 2 of SPUN OUT brings a whole new set of adventures for the DLPR gang. Beckett tries to execute the perfect “business bang” with a trusted journalist, Nelson questions his ability to keep up on trends, and Dave goes head to head with his ex-wife from a rival PR firm. Also in store this season, Gordon gets trapped in an elevator, Bryce develops an internet addiction, Stephanie realizes Abby is a conversation ninja and exploits it by making her a brand influencer, and after a night of debauchery, the team goes on the hunt for a missing Dave.

SPUN OUT is produced by Project 10 Productions in association with CTV. Gemini Award winners Jeff Biederman (LIFE WITH DEREK, OVERRULED!) and Brent Piaskoski (ACCORDING TO JIM, RADIO FREE ROSCOE) are co-creators, writers, and executive producers. Brian K. Roberts (EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE DREW CAREY SHOW) is co-creator, director, and executive producer. Andrew Barnsley (SPORTS ON FIRE) and Dave Foley are executive producers, and Colin Brunton (PUPPETS WHO KILL) is producer.

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