Casting announced for new Crave original comedy series from Jared Keeso, I Kill the Bear

October 1, 2025 Greg David Leave a comment

From a media release:

Crave unveiled today the cast of its upcoming original comedy series, I KILL THE BEAR, created, written by, and starring Jared Keeso (LETTERKENNY, SHORESY). Production on the six-episode, half-hour, series is underway in Sudbury, ON and it’s set to premiere on Crave in 2026.

I KILL THE BEAR is a comedy about a family of bear wranglers for film sets, and why – after 100 years – they’ve decided to make this film their last. 

Keeso is joined onscreen by an ensemble cast including multi-award-winning, Diamond-selling Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger, Adrian Holmes (19-2, BEL-AIR), Mixed Martial Arts star Georges St-Pierre (CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER), Jonathan Torrens (TRAILER PARK BOYS), Sarah-Maude Beauchesne (BELLEFLEUR), Kristin Kreuk (SMALLVILLE), Dylan Playfair (LETTERKENNY), Eliana Jones (SHORESY), Frederick Roy (SHORESY) and Megha Sandhu (PAINKILLER).

The series is distributed internationally by New Metric Media.

The new series from Jared Keeso is produced by New Metric Media, in association with Play Fun Games. Jared Keeso is Executive Producer, writer, star, and creator, with story by Keeso and Producer Trevor Risk. Dan and Sean Skene are directors and Executive Producers. Mark Montefiore and Kara Haflidson are Executive Producers with Max Wolfond serving as Supervising Producer for New Metric Media.

Featured, Small Achievable Goals

Production begins on Season 2 of CBC’s Small Achievable Goals

September 23, 2025 Greg David Leave a comment

From a media release:

CBC and Sphere Media today announced that production is underway on the second season of menopause comedy SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS (8×30). Created by and starring Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen and produced by Sphere Media, the new season will continue to follow Julie (Whalen) and Kris (MacNeill) as they redefine menopause and friendship — finding strength and humour in a bond they didn’t initially want, but now depend on, to survive the gauntlet of symptoms and life changes challenging them. Filmed in Hamilton and Toronto, season two will premiere on CBC and CBC Gem in winter 2026. Audiences can watch season one of SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS on the free CBC Gem streaming service.

“It’s been incredible to see such an engaged and positive response to Small Achievable Goals,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content, CBC. “Jennifer, Meredith and the team at Sphere have created something uniquely hilarious and equally moving. There is a lot to explore in the menopause experience, and season two isn’t afraid to go there.”

“We’re very excited to explore the further adventures of odd couple Julie and Kris, as they experience the roller coaster ride that is menopause,” shared Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen, creators, stars and executive producers of the series.

“We’re thrilled to be underway on production of season two, and to be working again with Small Achievable Goals’ amazing cast, crew, and partners at CBC,” said Elise Cousineau, VP Content, English Scripted, for Sphere Media. “We’re excited for audiences to reconnect with Kris, Julie, and the entire cast of characters.”

In addition to MacNeill and Whalen, cast returning for season two of SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS are Alexander Nunez (Moonshine), Paul Braunstein (Hudson & Rex), Jon Dore (The Jon Dore Television Show), Tricia Black (Pretty Hard Cases), Georgie Murphy (Safehaven), Leslie Adlam (Slumberland), Kevin Whalen (Baroness von Sketch Show), Tamara Podemski (Murderbot), Kiori Mirza Waldman and Evan Mok. Billy MacLellan (Nobody) and Jackie Richardson (Pretty Hard Cases) will guest star this season.

A CBC Original Series, SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS is produced by Sphere Media. The series is created by Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill (Baroness von Sketch Show), who also serve as Executive Producers alongside Sphere Media’s Jennifer Kawaja, Bruno Dubé and Elise Cousineau. The series is produced with the participation of the Bell Fund and Canada Media Fund (CMF).

Featured, Trailblazing Talks

Dini Petty’s Trailblazing Talks debuts October 13 on The News Forum

September 19, 2025 Greg David Leave a comment

From a media release:

Canada’s most fearless interviewer is back. At age 80, Dini Petty steps back in front of the cameras once again for Trailblazing Talks with Dini Petty, with a one-hour television event airing Monday, October 13 at 9:00 PM ET on The News Forum network and on thenewsforum.ca. With warmth, humour, and fearless curiosity, Petty invites audiences into conversations that span generations and challenges expectations. Ahead of its premiere, Trailblazing Talks has been greenlit to go to series. Broadcast details to follow.

“At this point in my life, I am drawn to deeper conversations about resilience, courage, and the true cost of leadership,” said Dini Petty. “Trailblazing Talks is about honouring those who dared to lead and reminding us that it is never too late to step forward with purpose”

This premiere brings together two remarkable guests for a deeply personal and inspiring hour of television. Tonya Williams shares her journey breaking barriers as a Black actress, from early roles in Toronto to becoming a household name for two decades on The Young and the Restless. She also reflects on founding the Reelworld Film Festival & Screen Institute, which have grown under her leadership to create meaningful change in Canada’s screen industry.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Senator Marnie McBean opens up about her legendary partnership with the late Kathleen Heddle, her service in the Senate of Canada, and why advocacy for the 2SLGBTQ+ community remains central to her legacy. She even gives Dini a lesson in proper rowing technique. Both guests revisit moments from their interviews on The Dini Petty Show in the 1990s, bringing their stories full circle in a celebration of resilience, legacy, and trailblazing impact.

“Dini has been a huge source of inspiration to me over the years—not only as a pioneering broadcaster and a pilot, but as a woman unafraid to speak the truth,” said Kate Campbell, Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer. “To collaborate with her on Trailblazing Talks is a full-circle moment, and I feel honoured to help carry forward her legacy and bring her voice and presence back to audiences in a new way.”

Petty is bringing the same sharp mind, wit, and courage that shaped her career, but this time, the focus is on sparking a bigger conversation about the future of leadership, aging, and the courage it takes to stay in the arena.

Created by Kate Campbell, who also serves as Showrunner and Executive Producer, Trailblazing Talks is helmed alongside award-winning Executive Producer Ken MacDonald, former Vice-President and General Manager of Discovery Channel Canada. Marina Cordoni of Marina Cordoni Entertainment (MCE) and Dini Petty also Executive Produce. Former broadcaster and commissioner at CRTC Martha Wilson joins as Consulting Producer.

Trailblazing Talks is not just a television special; it’s a bold invitation to rethink what’s possible.

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About The News Forum
The News Forum is a Canadian national television network that values integrity, balance, and the inclusion of multiple voices. Privately owned by Canadian shareholders, the network delivers programming that aims to empower viewers with diverse perspectives and support a robust Canadian democracy. Learn more at www.thenewsforum.ca.

Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

HGTV seeks extraordinary Canadian small town to star in Hometown Takeover Canada

September 19, 2025 Greg David 39 Comments

From a media release:

Today, HGTV announced a nationwide call for Canadians to show their small-town pride and nominate their community to be featured in the new Canadian original series Home Town Takeover Canada, set to premiere on HGTV and stream on Citytv+ in fall 2026/winter 2027.

Beginning today, Canadians can visit hometowntakeovercanada.ca to share why their town is deserving of this life-changing makeover.

Previously announced as part of Rogers Sports & Media’s slate of new Canadian original unscripted series for HGTV, Home Town Takeover Canada is the first expansion of the popular U.S. “Home Town Takeover” franchise.

Home Town Takeover Canada is on a mission to spark a nationwide small town revitalization movement, starting with one special town. Inspired by the success of three seasons in the U.S., the new Canadian series will shine a light on a Canadian small town facing real challenges and give it the boost it needs to get back on its feet.

“We’re excited to celebrate and showcase the resilience, heart and deep sense of community rooted in small towns across our country,” said Kale Stockwell, Head of Original Programming, Rogers Sports & Media. “Home Town Takeover Canada will not only revitalize one special town but also share the stories of the people who make the selected town so unique.”

Home Town Takeover Canada will see support from HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier (Home Town, Home Town Takeover) along with fellow Canadian designers and builders all contributing to make a big impact.

HGTV is looking for a Canadian small town that has a population of 20,000 or fewer and is asking for submissions to include photos and videos of the areas in the community that need the most love, whether it be public parks, main streets, gathering places or changemakers’ homes.

Home Town Takeover Canada is produced by RTR Media and will begin production in 2026. Selected location, host and broadcast details to be announced in the coming months.

Featured

Bryan Adams headlines Citytv’s star-studded holiday programming slate

September 18, 2025 Greg David Leave a comment

From a media release:

This holiday season, Citytv and Citytv+ are delivering a gift-wrapped lineup of star-powered specials, merry movies, heartwarming surprises, and much more, beginning November 23.

Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams headlines new Citytv original Bryan Adams and Friends: A Great Big Holiday Jam, a one-hour special featuring festive hits and appearances from Alessia Cara, Alan Doyle, Barenaked Ladies, Lights, The Sheepdogs, and more – all set in Bryan’s intimate in-the-round Warehouse studio. With the warmth, spontaneity, and front-row energy of a live jam session, audiences are invited to share in the music, memories, and holiday magic. Broadcast details to be announced in the coming months.

“The holidays have always been a special time for me and I’m thrilled to be joined by some of Canada’s most talented artists. The Great Big Holiday Jam is going to be joyful and unforgettable – the perfect soundtrack to the season,” said Bryan Adams.

On November 23, Citytv delivers the magic of the season in a live broadcast of the Original Santa Claus Parade from downtown Toronto. The live broadcast will be hosted by Breakfast Television’s Dina Pugliese, Tim Bolen, Rick Campanelli, and Devo Brown who will bring all the action from the parade route featuring a stunning array of decorated floats, lively bands, marchers, and more. More details on the Original Santa Claus Parade to be announced in the coming weeks.

NEW HOLIDAY-THEMED SERIES AND SPECIALS INCLUDE:

Citytv Very Merry Movies on Citytv and Citytv+
Bake Master Battle with Dina Pugliese, April Julian, and Dwight Smith on Food Network and Citytv+
Come Dine With Me Canada on Food Network and Citytv+
Then, ring in the New Year with the biggest party on television, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, airing December 31 on Citytv and Citytv+

APPLY NOW TO BE PART OF THE PRICE IS RIGHT TONIGHT

Come On Down, Canada! This December, Canadians can take part in The Price is Right Tonight, an all-new one-hour primetime edition of the iconic smash-hit global format from Fremantle, The Price is Right, hosted by legendary comedian and television personality Howie Mandel. Every seat in the audience gives attendees a chance to be a contestant on the show! Canadians can apply now at www.thepriceisrighttonight.ca. The Price is Right Tonight is slated to air on Citytv and Citytv+, a subsidiary of Rogers Sports & Media, in Spring 2026.

“I’m thrilled to invite fans from all walks of life to come and be part of The Price is Right Tonight. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the excitement and joy of one of television’s most successful and longest-running gameshows in TV history. If you love fun, games, and winning incredible prizes, now’s your chance!” said Howie Mandel, Host, The Price is Right Tonight.