From Traci G. Lee of NBC News:
Link: ‘Kim’s Convenience’ actor Simu Liu on being an accountant, his big break, and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ momentum
“I can say that it’s probably funnier than it’s ever been. I remember being on set for the first season and every day being scared we were going to get fired. And I feel like we all, to some degree, felt that anxiety because we knew how important the show was and none of us wanted to let it down or let each other down.” Continue reading.
From Tony Wong of the Toronto Star:
Link: This Hour has 22 Minutes in ‘existential crisis,’ say sources, losing Shaun Majumder and key writers, including Greg Thomey
The abrupt departure of star Shaun Majumder from CBC’s 22 Minutes heralds some significant changes to the upcoming season of the sketch comedy show, even as insiders point to what they say is an “existential crisis†at the long-running and beloved Canadian series.
In exclusive interviews with the Star, producers outlined for the first time plans for a revamped 22 Minutes that will showcase four nights of 10-minute digital-only shows. The series is also adding two new “correspondents†in Toronto and Vancouver leading up to the weekly broadcast premiering Sept. 18 on CBC. Continue reading.
From John Doyle of The Globe and Mail:
Link: Shaun Majumder’s departure from This Hour has 22 Minutes is all about CBC arrogance
There has been a bloodless coup at CBC and the nitwits have taken over again.
That is this column’s take on the bizarre departure of Shaun Majumder from CBC’s This Hour has 22 Minutes. The situation also stands as a reminder that CBC TV has a longstanding problem with recognition of talent and that the faceless bosses matter more than those who create at the network. It’s an arrogance problem. Continue reading.
From Tony Wong of The Toronto Star:
Link: Anne with an E’s Moira Walley-Beckett is the most significant new Canadian showrunner in a generation
“I had to approach it from a point of emotional reality. Anne is a damaged person. She is a wounded person as are Matthew (R.H. Thomson) and Marilla Cuthbert (Geraldine James) in my mind. I felt that it was extremely important to honour what it was like to be an orphan back then when you were viewed as a delinquent and unlovable and ungodly. There was great prejudice and great harm done.” Continue reading.
From a media release:
CBC today announced the 10 amateur bakers who will compete on the second season of THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW, premiering Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC, the CBC TV streaming app and cbc.ca/watch. Over the course of eight episodes, this diverse group of dedicated bakers from across the country will bring their whisking skills to a series of culinary-themed challenges, each contestant aiming to be the last baker standing. Based on the beloved British format, THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW Season 2 is hosted by actor and writer Daniel Levy and actor Julia Chan, with acclaimed pastry chefs Bruno Feldeisen and Rochelle Adonis also returning as the series judges.
Each week, the bakers will compete in three challenges – the Signature Bake, the Technical Bake, and the Show Stopper – during which they will rely on their personal interests, styles and cultural backgrounds to make their delicious dishes stand out to the judges. After the bakes are tested and critiqued, the judges will decide who will be the week’s Star Baker and who will be sent home. In the final episode, the remaining three bakers will vie for the title of Canada’s best amateur baker. This season’s bakers are:
· Tim Chauvin, 38, a hardware store manager from Brockville, ON
· Mengling Chen, 30, a market research account manager from Toronto, ON
· Timothy Fu, 19, an undergrad student from Edmonton, AB
· Andrei Godoroja, 58, a software engineering consultant from Vancouver, BC
· Sadiya Hashmi, 38, a homeschooling mom with an MBA from Edmonton, AB
· Wendy McIsaac, 54, a senior policy analyst from Cornwall, PEI
· Sachin Seth, 43, a dentist and dentist professor from Halifax, NS
· Megan Stasiewich, 30, a hair stylist from Leduc, AB
· Devon Stolz, 27, a gravestone carver and substitute teacher from Regina, SK
· Ann Marie Whitten, 49, an operations manager from Pickering, ON
Twenty-four-year-old graphic designer Sabrina Degni of Montreal, QC, the youngest baker in the first season, took the inaugural Canadian title after competing against semi-finalists Linda Longson of High River, AB and Vandana Jain of Regina, SK. Fans can relive her Season 1 journey anytime at cbc.ca/watch.
THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW is produced by Proper Television in association with CBC and Love Productions. The executive producers are Lesia Capone and Cathie James, and the series producer is Marike Emery.
