TV, eh? | What's up in Canadian television | Page 62
TV,eh? What's up in Canadian television

TV, Eh? Podcast Episode 250: Celebrating 250 and Bell Media’s Upfront Announcement, Part 2

After saluting Diane and Anthony for starting the podcast in the first place, Greg and Amy go through debuts and returns on the Canadian TV calendar.

Then, we cover the latest Canadian TV news, including CBC’s fall debut and return dates; CBC’s newest reality series, Canada’s Ultimate Challenge; CTV’s new drama, The Spencer Sisters; the chainsaw welding competitors of A Cut Above and Bell Media’s pact with Lilly Singh.

We finish off with Part 2 of Bell Media’s upfront announcement, noting factual programming.

This podcast brought to you by coffee and some kind of alcohol.

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CBC, Insight Productions and The Gurin Company announce details for new original competition series Canada’s Ultimate Challenge

From a media release:

CBC, Insight Productions and The Gurin Company today announced production details for their new original Canadian factual competition format CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE, with sports broadcaster Nikki Reyes and professional snowboarder and CBC Sports analyst Craig McMorris onboard as hosts. Shooting this summer, CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE turns the entire country into one giant obstacle course with challenges in Whitehorse, YK; Squamish, BC; Kelowna, BC; Hinton, AB; Sudbury, ON; Thousand Islands, ON; and Québec City, QC; culminating with the finale on the Confederation Bridge between New Brunswick and PEI. The series (8×60) is set to premiere on CBC and CBC Gem in winter 2023.

As hosts, Craig McMorris and Nikki Reyes anchor the show, bringing their energy, humour, insight, and impressive broadcast credentials to bear, while connecting viewers to the heart of the action and guiding them through the entire competition. McMorris and Reyes call the play-by-play and interview the players as they experience the agony of defeat and the joy of victory, capturing all the drama of this unique competition series.

Each episode of CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE takes place at an awe-inspiring location where the players – 24 Canadians from across the country – compete in spectacular solo, tandem, or team challenges that put their skills to the test. Six iconic Canadian athletes coach and mentor six teams of four through physical and mental challenges, making strategic decisions and motivating their players to victory.

Craig McMorris is a 2019 X Games medallist as well as the only snowboarder to ever compete in an X Games real snow competition and free ride world tour event in the same year. He has worked as an analyst for CBC Sports since 2014, providing snowboarding commentary at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 Olympic Winter Games and serving as cultural commentator for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. In 2017, McMorris hosted the CBC Sports series ‘Good Times with Craig McMorris’ in which he engaged with some of Canada’s most interesting action sports athletes. He is currently the star of a self-produced snowboard film, ‘Fixin.

For the past two decades, Nikki Reyes has worked as a sports television anchor, reporter, and producer. Prior to CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE, she anchored TSN’s flagship show Sportscentre, was a sideline reporter for Toronto Raptor’s broadcasts and was the co-host of Raptors Game Day on TSN 1050, providing commentary and analysis during the pregame/halftime/postgame broadcasts. Reyes was also an anchor and field reporter at Sportsnet and NESN in Boston covering the NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL. Quick on her feet, Reyes has extensive experience interviewing athletes at critical moments during competitions.

CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE Coaches:

Donovan Bailey – sprinting legend, two-time Olympic champion, and recent Order of Canada recipient

Waneek Horn-Miller – co-captain of the Canadian water polo Olympic team in Sydney; gold medal winner at the Pan Am games; the first Mohawk woman from Canada to compete in the Olympics; and advocate for Indigenous sport

Clara Hughes – six-time Olympic medallist in cycling and speed skating; mental health advocate; the only athlete to have won multiple medals in both summer & winter Olympics

Gilmore Junio – three-time Olympian in speed-skating; won his first ISU World Cup event in 2014 in Salt Lake City

Jen Kish – former captain of Canada’s Olympic bronze medal-winning rugby sevens team; her team won the gold medal at the Pan Am Games held in Toronto in 2015

Luke Willson – NFL Super Bowl Champion with the Seattle Seahawks and competitive cyclist

A CBC original series, CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE is executive produced by John Brunton and Mark Lysakowski for Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company) and Phil Gurin for The Gurin Company; Jeff Thrasher is the series producer for Insight Productions.

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How you can follow Canada’s return to the FIFA World Cup

It’s an exciting time to be a follower of Canadian sports, with the national soccer team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2022. This will be the team’s first appearance at this level since 1986, making it a cause for celebration. This winter’s tournament will be the first of two World Cups Canada will play a part in as they are guaranteed to qualify for World Cup 2026 due to being one of three host nations alongside the United States and Mexico. The entire country will get behind the boys.

All previous instalments of FIFA’s showpiece tournament have been played during the months of June and July. This is to maximize the good weather while taking advantage of all major European club competitions, such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and the Spanish La Liga, being in their off-season. But things will be different this year, and there are a few changes Canadian soccer lovers should know about before making predictions at the best sports betting sites in Vegas and planning your viewing.

A competitive renewal
This promises to be one of the most competitive renewals of the World Cup we have witnessed in a generation, and there’s no reason why Canadian fans shouldn’t dream big. At this stage of preparations, Canada has as much chance of lifting the trophy as Brazil, England, defending champions France, the USA or any other team that secured their involvement in Qatar.

Canada went into the draw for the tournament group stages in pot four of four, meaning they were expected to be the weakest team in their pool. At this level of soccer, there are tough groups and near-impossible groups of a team like Canada. But which did they get, and how are they expected to handle themselves when things get moving in November with the opening round of matches?

Canada was added to Group F alongside Belgium, Morocco and Croatia. Escaping that bracket in one piece will be no mean feat as Canada mixes it with a Belgian side which is one of the pre-tournament favourites to win the World Cup, and Croatia, who finished as runners-up behind France in 2018. They will open against Belgium on 23rd November at Amad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Ryaan. Let’s look at three ways you can see Les Rouges in action.

Stadium
The best way to get the full Qatar 2022 experience is to purchase a ticket, travel to the World Cup and enjoy the match from the stadium. This allows you to share in all the emotions of Canada’s quest for three points as they aim to upset the betting odds and silence the critics. You can get as close to the action as possible, but remember to only purchase matchday tickets from official avenues, such as the FIFA smartphone app or by registering your interest for a ticket with the Canadian FA.

Television
Perhaps you prefer to enjoy the matches from the comfort of your home. You can do just that, thanks to the live coverage provided by Bell Media. This gives you a chance to enjoy the tournament without having to travel across the globe during the festive period. For many casual soccer fans, shelling out for flights, hotels and matchday tickets, as well as food, drink and merchandise, just isn’t an option.

One criticism of Qatar being awarded the World Cup is that it will price many supporters out of attending, especially on the approach to Christmas. Save cash and watch from home or, better yet, create a watch party and invite your friends, family, neighbours and fellow soccer lovers around to create a personalized fan zone.

Live streaming
The leading online betting apps allow registered members to watch the World Cup for free on their Android or iOS device. Simply register an account and place a bet for a minimum of $1 to watch the match.

The live streams are 100% legal with HD quality, expert commentary, in-play betting apps, predictions, live scores from around the grounds and more. This is perfect if you are away from home during the play. Using your mobile, you can turn everyday situations into an opportunity to watch live sports.

Images courtesy of Google Images Creative Commons Licences.

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CBC announces fall 2022 premiere dates for new and returning series

From a media release:

CBC today announced broadcast and streaming premiere dates for its fall 2022 slate of new and returning programming, including 26 original series and specials from Canadian creators, producers, and storytellers reflecting people, places and perspectives from across the country. The new fall primetime schedule launches Monday, September 12 on CBC TV and CBC Gem.

CBC and CBC Gem Fall 2022 Primetime Schedule launching Monday, September 12:
All following times are local. For Newfoundland and Labrador, please add half an hour to all times.

MONDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4 (104×30) Mondays to Thursdays; premieres the week of September 12
8 PM – MURDOCH MYSTERIES Season 16 (24×60) premieres September 12
9 PM – THE NORTH WATER (6×60) premieres September 12
9 PM – RIDLEY ROAD (4×60) premieres October 24
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

TUESDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4 (104×30) Mondays to Thursdays; premieres the week of September 12
8 PM – THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES Season 30 (24×30) premieres September 13
8:30 PM – STRAYS Season 2 (10×30) premieres September 13
9 PM – COMEDY NIGHT WITH RICK MERCER (8×60) premieres September 13
9 PM – SORT OF Season 2 (8×30) premieres November 15 with back-to-back episodes
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

WEDNESDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4 (104×30) Mondays to Thursdays; premieres the week of September 12
8 PM – SUMMIT ‘72 (4×60) premieres September 14
8 PM – DIGGSTOWN Season 4 (6×60) premieres October 12
9 PM – WAR OF THE WORLDS Season 3 (8×60) premieres September 14
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

THURSDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4 (104×30) Mondays to Thursdays; premieres the week of September 12
8 PM – DRAGONS’ DEN Season 17 (10×60) premieres September 15
9 PM – THE FIFTH ESTATE Season 48 (16×60) premieres September 29
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

FRIDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – CORONATION STREET (weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m.)
8 PM – THE PASSIONATE EYE (9×60, 1×120) premieres September 16 with Jennifer Baichwal’s INTO THE WEEDS before moving to its regular 9 PM timeslot
8 PM – MARKETPLACE Season 50 (16×30, 1×60) premieres October 7 with a one-hour 50th anniversary special
8:30 PM – TRAVEL MAN: 48 HOURS IN… (8×30) premieres October 14
9 PM – THE PASSIONATE EYE (9×60, 1×120) continues September 23 in its regular 9 PM timeslot
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

SATURDAYS
Afternoons – CBC SPORTS
Evenings – Canadian feature films continue
Evenings – HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA beginning in October

SUNDAYS
7 PM – HEARTLAND Season 16 (15×60) premieres October 2
8 PM – THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW Season 6 (9×60) premieres October 2
9 PM – MOONSHINE Season 2 (8×60) premieres October 2
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

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Discovery reveals the 12 carvers competing in the all-new series A Cut Above, beginning August 8

From a media release:

Discovery gears up for a competition series like no other when the all-new Canadian original series, A CUT ABOVE, premieres Monday, August 8 at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. Also revealed today are the 12 highly skilled carvers who are ready to tackle the ultimate carving competition. The gifted group of chainsaw-wielding whizzes from around the world must demonstrate their creativity, strength, and skill, as they turn ordinary logs into extraordinary works of art.

Each one-hour episode of A CUT ABOVE sees the talented carvers compete to win both the Quick and Master Carve challenges while racing against the clock in hopes of avoiding weekly elimination. At the end of the entire competition, the artist who out-carves the rest wins a cash prize and is declared “A Cut Above”.

As previously announced, Golden Globe-nominated actor, Adam Beach, joins as host alongside world-renowned Canadian chainsaw carver Ryan Cook and esteemed sculptor, Katharine Dowson, who bring their combined expertise and artistic prowess as judges.

Meet the 12 cutting-edge carvers.

Andrew Mallon, Age 39
Falls Church, VA
8 Years’ Experience

Aya Blane, Age 46
Boonville, NY
17 Years’ Experience

Bongo Love, Age 47
Boulder, CO
15 Years’ Experience

Brigitte Lochhead, Age 40
Vancouver, B.C.
14 Years’ Experience

Chris Woods, Age 52
Newport, Wales
22 Years’ Experience

Jesse Toso, Age 46
Vancouver, B.C.
17 Years’ Experience

Joel Palmer, Age 37
Browns Flat, N.B.
9 Years’ Experience

John Hayes, Age 49
Waterford, Ireland
7 Years’ Experience

Junior Henderson, Age 44
Campbell River, B.C.
15 Years’ Experience

Ryan Villers, Age 41
Edmonton, Alta.
4 Years’ Experience

Sam Bowsher, Age 23
Moffat, Scotland
3 Years’ Experience

Sylvia Itzen, Age 53
Bucholz, Germany
20 Years’ Experience

Each week, viewers can stream new episodes of A CUT ABOVE on CTV.ca and the CTV app, which is also home to behind-the-scenes videos, cast highlights, and more

A CUT ABOVE was created and produced by leading global entertainment company, marblemedia, in association with Bell Media for Discovery. For marblemedia, Matt Hornburg, Mark Bishop, and Diane Rankin are Executive Producers, Donna Luke and Carly Spencer are co-Executive Producers, Grant Greschuck is series producer, and the series was created by development producer Kelsey Epsensen.

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