Tag Archives: CBC

Preview: Still Standing in Buxton, Ont.

I haven’t been quiet about my fondness for Still Standing. Jonny Harris is the perfect Wayne Rostad of this generation, visiting small communities across Canada and spotlighting their history, liveliness and quirkiness. With just 22 minutes of on-screen time, Harris and his writing team manage to tell a story through jokes and observations; no wonder Still Standing has been renewed for a season season.

For those wondering what all the fuss is about, tune in to Tuesday’s newest episode, when Harris arrives in Buxton, Ont. With a population of just 166, Buxton—near Chatham, Ont.—is a huge part of American history. The last stop on the Underground Railroad, Buxton was the place slaves headed to in search of freedom. As Harris did with his episode in Coleman, Alta.—site of the Frank Slide—he treads lightly when it comes to a heavy topic. But that doesn’t stop him from ending a heartfelt description of the dream sought by those slaves with a harsh reality.

“Canadian winters a bit of a kick in the nuts,” he states in his Newfoundland accent. “All that cotton and what I really need is some wool.”

Harris spends time tooling around the area in a sweet convertible Mustang, describing how much of the community is directly descended from slaves and that businesses have fled. Where once two stores, a gas station and garage once stood, there is nothing, forcing many young folks to flee town in search of opportunity. Ironic that Buxton was the centre for opportunity 150 years ago. African Americans, lured by the promise of free land, an education and protection from racism by Reverend William King, rang the liberty bell in town upon their arrival, signalling another freed slave.

What makes every episode of Still Standing a success is Harris’ curiosity and people skills. With his gap-toothed smile, wide eyes and wacky hair, it takes just minutes for east coast comedian to establish a repartee not only with his interview subjects but during the stand-up portions of Still Standing.

Still Standing airs Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on CBC.

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Comments and queries for the week of September 18

TV, Eh? competes on Canada’s Smartest Person

Wow, just watched the video of Canada’s Smartest Person: Journalist Edition. It was hilarious! Good for you, Greg. You did really well…did you drink champagne from the winner’s cup? —Joyce


Production begins on CBC’s Human Town

Sounds like Sunnyside, which is hilarious. I shall be taking a look. —Iris


Continuum‘s Rachel Nichols says goodbye to Kiera

I tried to watch this show but found myself weeping with boredom after a few episodes. This is what is sad and pathetic about Canadian TV – a show that no one outside the industry has ever heard of can last for years before being cancelled. —Snicker Doodle

A show that airs in Canada, the U.S., France, UK and Australia is definitely not “a show no one outside of the industry has ever heard of.” As for “weeping with boredom,” I appreciate and respect your opinion. I don’t agree with it, but I respect it.

 

Got a comment or question about Canadian TV? greg@tv-eh.com or @tv_eh!

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TV Eh B Cs podcast 31 – Annie Murphy Rocks the Fire Tornado

Annie1Annie Murphy is a graduate of both the Canadian Film Centre Actors’ Conservatory and the Theatre Performance Program at Concordia University.

Her projects have included Beauty & The Beast, Rookie Blue, Flashpoint, Good God, The Story of Jen and Blue Mountain State. Murphy has also spent time on stages in Montreal and Toronto.

She is currently starring in Schitt’s Creek for CBC as Alexis Rose, and the day we recorded, her new CBC web series The Plateaus hit the web with the first five episodes of a story about a band of brother, sister, best friends, lovers, and lastly, musicians.

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.

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Steven Sabados ends CBC’s Steven and Chris

There will be no more Steven and Chris without Chris Hyndman: Steven Sabados made the announcement Friday afternoon on Facebook.

“I wanted to write and send a sincere thank you to everyone who has reached out and offered love, support, and words of encouragement over these past few weeks. 

As you can imagine, this has been an incredibly difficult time and I truly appreciate the compassion you’ve so generously offered.

Some of the best times in my life have been at the CBC — creating an incredible show with Christopher by my side and a fantastic team behind the scenes. That being said, it’s impossible for me to even imagine continuing the show without him. The CBC understands and supports my decision 100 per cent and I hope you can as well. 

To all of you who shared our fabulous journey over the last eight years, as Christopher would say, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” 

Love, 
Steven”

The announcement comes weeks after the death of his on-air and real-life partner Hyndman was found without vital signs in an alleyway near the couple’s Toronto condominium. It’s believed he stepped off the terrace surrounding their condo while sleepwalking.

A native of Newfoundland, Hyndman teamed with Steven Sabados over 15 years ago to form The Sabados Group Inc.; the group specializes in event planning, product launches and set design.

On Steven and Chris, the couple—along with expert guests—offered a unique take on decor, beauty, health care, relationships, food and parenting. CBC’s media site notes Steven and Chris airs in more than 40 million households in the United States. Sabados and Hyndman starred in HGTV’s Designer Guys, Design Rivals and So Chic with Steven and Chris.

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