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TV,eh? What's up in Canadian television
Vikings

Vikings renewed for a fifth season

From a media release:

History greenlights Vikings for a fifth season 

  • Golden Globe Award winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers joins the cast
  • Network orders 20 episodes to air in 2017

HISTORY announced today that it has renewed a 20-episode fifth season of Canada’s #1 specialty entertainment series Vikings[1]. Golden Globe® Award winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors, Roots) joins the cast for season five.

Since its inaugural premiere in 2013, Vikings has maintained its reign as the #1 specialty entertainment program across multiple demos[1]. With three weeks of confirmed data for season four, the blockbuster series is currently averaging 437.1 AMA (A25-54) and 859.2 AMA (Ind2+)[2]. In its three years on air, Vikings has earned six Canadian Screen Awards including Best International Drama two years in a row and Best Visual Effects for three consecutive years.

Season five of Vikings will begin production this summer to air in 2017.

From creator and sole writer Michael Hirst (Academy Award® winning film Elizabeth and the Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominated series The Tudors), Vikings is a family saga that tells the remarkable tales of the lives and epic adventures of the raiders and explorers of the Dark Ages.

New episodes of season four of Vikings currently air every Thursday at 10pm ET/PT, with an additional ten episodes scheduled to air later this year. In Thursday’s upcoming episode, Ragnar confides in Yidu his darkest secret. In Wessex, Ecbert agrees to support Kwenthrith in Mercia, but is Ecbert a true ally? Pregnancy brings happiness to Lagertha and Kalf and a marriage is arranged. Watch a sneak peek of the episode here: bit.ly/1Va1mFu.

Fans can catch up on the exciting first three seasons of Vikings on shomi and iTunes, and the third season is available on HISTORY on Demand, history.ca, and the HISTORY Go app. The first four episodes of season four are available on history.ca and the HISTORY Go app, where new episodes will be available the day after broadcast.

Hirst serves as executive producer along with Morgan O’Sullivan of World 2000 (The Count of Monte Cristo; The Tudors), Sheila Hockin (Penny Dreadful, The Tudors, The Borgias), John Weber of Take 5 Productions (The Tudors, The Borgias), Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer and James Flynn (The Tudors, The Borgias).

Vikings is an international Irish/Canadian co-production by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions. HISTORY broadcasts both domestically in Canada and in the U.S. MGM Television is the worldwide distributor outside of Ireland and Canada. Vikings is produced in association with Shaw Media.

[1] Source: Numeris PPM Confirmed Data. 3+ airings. (2/25/13-3/6/16). Total Canada.* Adults 18-49 & 25-54, Males 18-49 & 25-54 (excluding sports).
[2] Source: Numeris PPM Confirmed Data. (2/18/16-3/6/16). Thurs 10p-11p. Total Canada

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Discovery’s original special on Sea Monsters debuts March 28

From a media release:

Sightings of ‘Caddy’ in Canada and ‘Nessie’ in Scotland continue to intrigue both skeptics and believers alike. Now scientists are on a quest to separate fact from fiction as they embark on a global search for the truth about mysterious monsters lurking in the deep. Premiering Monday, March 28 at 10 p.m. ET on Discovery, SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE explores the most (in)famous legends of the ocean using the latest scientific technology and deep sea submersibles. During the hour-long special, viewers join the world’s leading experts as they investigate the myths and the truths behind these extraordinary creatures.

SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE studies unimaginable monsters in the inky depths of the ocean.

Highlights from SEA MONSTERS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE include:

Giant Squid or Kraken?
Dr. Kat Bolstad from Auckland University of Technology dissects a Giant Squid washed up on a New Zealand beach. This animal is big and fearsome but does it have the strength or brain to live up to the legend of the mighty Kraken, feared by ancient Vikings?

‘Nessie’ and ‘Caddy’
Using the latest stealthy hydrophone technology, scientists are baffled by a recording of a mysterious ‘low growl’ while scanning the depths of Loch Ness. Could this be ‘Nessie’, the famous and elusive monster? And closer to home, an eye-witness recounts her sighting of the legendary Cadborosaurus – more affectionately known as ‘Caddy’ the Canadian sea serpent – as it swam by her waterfront home in British Columbia.

Megalodon vs. Livyatan
Two real and terrifying prehistoric creatures are brought to life using spectacular CGI. The 60-foot Megalodon shark and predatory Livyatan whale duke it out under the sea. But which beast will triumph in this ultimate battle of strength?

What are Globsters?
Viewers are presented with the truth behind the astonishing and mysterious fleshy creatures known to wash up on beaches around the world.

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Bitten

Link: Bitten preview: The Kids are not Alright

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Bitten preview: The Kids are not Alright
After slowing things down in last week’s episode, the action picks right back up on this week of Bitten. However, that slow down did allow for some much needed truths to come out, as Elena (Laura Vandervoort) finally learned the truth about her mother from father Sasha (John Ralston). Elsewhere, Jeremy (Greg Bryk) struggled with what to do about Karen (Fiona Highet) now that she was aware of the Pack’s secret and had seen Alexei (Alex Ozerov) change. Clay (Greyson Holt) and Elena also received news that Marsten had been kidnapped. Continue reading.

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Featured, Sunnyside

Sunnyside cancelled by City

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Things are less than sunny for the folks at Sunnyside; City has decided not to renew the Canadian sketch comedy series for a second season.

“We are extremely proud of Sunnyside and the 13 episodes of this fiercely original comedy that we were able to bring to our viewers,” a statement sent to TV, eh? on Wednesday read. “It was a privilege to work with the immense talent—both off and on screen —involved in this unique Canadian production. It was a difficult decision, but, despite critical acclaim, the series was unable to connect with the audience it needed to continue. We thank Canadians for their support of Sunnyside and look forward to bringing them more original content in the future.”

The news is a definite buzz-kill for co-creators Dan Redican and Gary Pearson and cast members Pat Thornton, Kathleen Phillips, Patrice Goodman, Alice Moran, Kevin Vidal and Rob Norman; the group captured a Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance in a Variety or Sketch Comedy Program or Series (Individual or Ensemble) during Sunday night’s gala, besting This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Rick Mercer Report and The Second City Project. Sunnyside’s photographer, D. Gregor Hagey, won a CSA for Best Photography in a Variety or Sketch Comedy Program or Series and three other nominations.

Filmed in Winnipeg, the series followed the odd folks and characters who called the neighbourhood of Sunnyside home.

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Lost Girl, Wynonna Earp

Link: Women Behind Canadian TV: Emily Andras

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Women Behind Canadian TV: Emily Andras
“As a creator, showrunner and writer, my number one job is to keep the audience titillated and engrossed. To manipulate your emotions so that you stay engaged with my show. In short: I have to bring the drama. As much as fans might think they want to watch their favourite couple, whether straight or gay or other, end up happily holding hands on a couch eating cookies forever and ever amen, trust me…that is not compelling television.” Continue reading.

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