Tag Archives: Children Ruin Everything

Children Ruin Everything

CTV original comedy Children Ruin Everything premieres Jan. 12 on CTV

4 Comments

From a media release:

Raising kids and lowering expectations: CTV welcomes the arrival of its new original comedy CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, beginning Jan. 12. Created by Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winner Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK, KIM’S CONVENIENCE), CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING follows parents, Astrid (Meaghan Rath, BEING HUMAN) and James (Aaron Abrams, BLINDSPOT), as they raise their two young children in the city and struggle to hold on to their pre-kid life. Filmed in Toronto and Hamilton, Ont., the first season consists of eight half-hour episodes.

In CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, Astrid and James struggle to maintain their sanity in the face of their young children. The series chronicles their war of identity – one conceded battle at a time – it illustrates the hilarious and varied ways kids can wreck happiness, annihilate goals and dreams, and re-invent lives. However, it also explores how sometimes, if parents are very lucky, their re-invented life is sort of okay, too. Nowhere near as good as that old, really great life. But still kinda nice.

CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING stars Meaghan Rath as Astrid, a busy mom who does not care about being perfect or following so-called parenting trends by mommy bloggers; Aaron Abrams as James, a dad who is a mild perfectionist and pressures himself to be a great father – but still misses the freedom, spontaneity, and fun from his life before kids; and introducing Logan Nicholson (BLUES CLUES AND YOU) and Mikayla SwamiNathan as Felix and Viv – James and Astrid’s adorable seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter, who are sucking the life out of their parents, one tantrum at a time.

Joining the cast in supporting roles are Ennis Esmer (BLINDSPOT, SCHITT’S CREEK) as James’ best friend and colleague, Ennis; Nazneen Contractor (RANSOM, HEROES REBORN) as Astrid’s successful and mildly pretentious older sister Dawn; Dmitry Chepovetsky (KILLJOYS, DEPARTURE) as Bo – Dawn’s husband and a maternal, earthy, loving dork; Darius Rota as Dawn and Bo’s brazen 10-year-old son Corey; Veena Sood (CORNER GAS ANIMATED, THE INDIAN DETECTIVE) as Astrid and Dawn’s recently retired mother Nisha; and Lisa Codrington (LETTERKENNY, ANNE WITH AN E) as James and Ennis’ cunning, fiercely competitive, and ruthless boss who believes children are career killers. This season also features guest appearances by Seán Cullen (WORKIN’ MOMS) and Anna Hopkins (THE EXPANSE).

On the series premiere of CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, “Meals” (Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), after four years of being a stay-at-home mom, Astrid (Rath) is ready to return to work. She and James (Abrams) decide to mark the occasion with a celebratory dinner with the kids. However, getting Felix (Nicholson) and Viv (SwamiNathan) to cooperate at the dinner table is a struggle, leading to a disastrous (and dangerous) dinner. Meanwhile, as James and Astrid prepare for more money, more date nights, and less diapers, Astrid comes to terms with the truth: she wants another baby.

Exclusive videos are available throughout the season on CTV.ca and the CTV app, providing viewers with an extension of the series with bonus digital content that includes behind-the-scenes videos and more.

As previously announced, CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING joins the Roku Originals programming slate on The Roku Channel in the U.S. in 2022.

The series is from award-winning New Metric Media and is created and executive produced by Golden Globe® and Emmy® Award-winner Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK), and executive produced by one of television’s premier comedy writers Chuck Tatham (MODERN FAMILY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT), multiple Canadian Screen Award-winner Mark Montefiore (LETTERKENNY, WHAT WOULD SAL DO?), and Meaghan Rath, with Beth Iley (KILLJOYS) serving as producer. Renuka Jeyapalan (KIM’S CONVENIENCE, GINNY & GEORGIA) and Melanie Orr (THE PARKER ANDERSONS, THE HARDY BOYS) direct the series.

Bell Media Distribution is the international rights holder for CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, and New Metric Media is the series’ exclusive Sales Agent. The series is produced by New Metric Media in association with CTV, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund and Bell Fund.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Children Ruin Everything

Aaron Abrams joins CTV original comedy Children Ruin Everything in lead role, with Ennis Esmer and Nazneen Contractor joining cast

From a media release:

CTV, Canada’s most-watched network, together with award-winning independent production company New Metric Media, announced today that Aaron Abrams (BLINDSPOT, HANNIBAL) has been tapped for one of the leading roles in the new half-hour CTV Original comedy CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, joining previously announced lead Meaghan Rath (BEING HUMAN, HAWAII 5-0). In addition, Ennis Esmer (BLINDSPOT, SCHITT’S CREEK) and Nazneen Contractor (RANSOM, HEROES REBORN) have also signed on to join the cast.

Abrams stars as “James”, a supportive and loving husband to Astrid (Rath) and father of two. Positive but anxious, James loves parenting with Astrid but misses the freedom of his pre-kid life. Esmer joins the cast as “Ennis”, James’s co-worker and best friend who wants as few responsibilities as possible, and Contractor plays “Dawn”, Astrid’s successful, blunt, and mildly pretentious sister.

Created by Golden Globe® and Emmy® Award-winner Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK, KIM’S CONVENIENCE), CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING is about living with the worst roommates of all: young children. Astrid (Rath) and James struggle to find a balance between being ‘Mom and Dad’ to two kids, and being who they were before offspring. CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING explores the hilarious and varied ways kids can tear down your life and, if you’re lucky, replace it with something you have to admit is pretty okay, too.

Aaron Abrams has appeared in several regular and reoccurring roles for television including MASTERS OF SEX, THE L.A. COMPLEX, LONGMIRE, THE OATH, ROOKIE BLUE, SLINGS & ARROWS, BLINDSPOT, and HANNIBAL. Winner of a FilmOut award for Best Supporting Actor in the critically acclaimed film Closet Monster, Abrams has also starred in the hit sci-fi film Code 8 and in his award-winning drama Nose To Tail. He has written and produced several films, including The Lovebirds, starring Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae. Abrams is repped by Buchwald, Luber Roklin Entertainment, and The Characters Talent Agency.

An ACTRA Award and Canadian Comedy Award nominee, Ennis Esmer’s television credits include SCHITT’S CREEK, YOU ME HER, RED OAKS, THE LISTENER, PRIVATE EYES, DARK MATTER, MAN SEEKING WOMAN, LOST GIRL, and most recently he portrayed the billionaire criminal mastermind turned FBI consultant “Rich Dotcom” on the hit series BLINDSPOT. On the silver screen, Esmer can be seen in the indie Clara, which screened at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. Other independent film credits include How To Plan An Orgy In A Small Town, Big News From Grand Rock, Dirty Singles, Sex After Kids, and the breakout hit Young People Fucking. Esmer is repped by The Characters Talent Agency and Berwick & Kovacik.

Nazneen Contractor has appeared in many popular television series such as THE BORDER, 24, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, COVERT AFFAIRS, HEROES REBORN, CHICAGO JUSTICE, and the Frank Spotnitz drama RANSOM, as well as voicing the character “Synara San” in STAR WARS RESISTANCE. Nominated for a Golden Nymph Award at the Monte Carlo Television Festival, Contractor also starred as Rima Harewood in the record-breaking Paramount feature film Star Trek Into The Darkness as well as the upcoming film Spiral. Contractor is repped by The Characters Talent Agency, Gersh, and BMK-ENT.

Meaghan Rath is repped by Hess Entertainment, The Kohner Agency, and attorney Jerry Longarzo.

Alongside Smeaton, one of television’s premier comedy writers, Chuck Tatham (MODERN FAMILY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT) joins multiple Canadian Screen Award-winner Mark Montefiore (LETTERKENNY, WHAT WOULD SAL DO?) and Rath as executive producers, with Beth Iley (KILLJOYS) serving as producer.

Bell Media Distribution is the international rights holder for CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, and New Metric Media is the series’ exclusive Sales Agent. The series is produced by New Metric Media in association with CTV, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Children Ruin Everything

Meaghan Rath joins CTV original comedy Children Ruin Everything

From a media release:

CTV, Canada’s most-watched network, together with award-winning independent production company New Metric Media, announced today Canadian actress Meaghan Rath (BEING HUMAN, HAWAII 5-0) has been cast in a starring role in the new eight-episode, half-hour CTV Original comedy CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING.

A dynamic and versatile performer, Rath, who also serves as Executive Producer, is quickly emerging as one of the entertainment industry’s brightest young talents. Best known for her award-winning work on BEING HUMAN and her role on HAWAII 5-0, she has also appeared in recurring roles on several popular series including SUPERGIRL and NEW GIRL.

Created by Emmy® Award-winner and Golden Globe® Award-nominee Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK, KIM’S CONVENIENCE), CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING is an original comedy about living with the worst roommates of all: young children. Astrid (Rath) and James struggle to find a balance between being ‘Mom and Dad’ to two kids, and being who they were before offspring. CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING explores the hilarious and varied ways kids can tear down your life and, if you’re lucky, replace it with something you have to admit is pretty okay, too.

Rath stars as “Astrid”, who’s smart, funny, and caring. She’s a great mother who is feeling the pull between returning to work and stay-at-home motherhood. Although she’s more than ready to leave the stained sweatpants and kid scheduling behind to focus more on her career, she also wonders what life would be like with a third child.

Alongside Smeaton, one of television’s premier comedy writers, Chuck Tatham (MODERN FAMILY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT) joins multiple Canadian Screen Award-winner Mark Montefiore (LETTERKENNY, WHAT WOULD SAL DO?) as executive producer, with Beth Iley (KILLJOYS) serving as producer.

Bell Media Distribution is the international rights holder for CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, and New Metric Media is the series’ exclusive Sales Agent. The series is produced by New Metric Media in association with CTV, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund.

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Children Ruin Everything, Industry News

CTV announces new half-hour original comedy Children Ruin Everything

From a media release:

Canada’s leading television network, CTV, announced today from Prime Time in Ottawa its newest original series CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING. The new, half-hour MADE®-in-Canada comedy showcases one couple’s efforts to reclaim a piece of their old lives which are continually thwarted by their young children in surprising and absurd ways. But somewhere in the toy-filled, pee-stained wreckage of what they once had, they find a new life that’s pretty good, too.

The series has been in development at CTV since 2016 and is now set to begin production in Spring 2020 in and around Toronto. Casting is underway.

From award-winning L.A.- and Toronto-based producer New Metric Media, CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING is created by veteran comedy writer and producer Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK, KIM’S CONVENIENCE). Alongside Smeaton, one of television’s premier comedy writers, Chuck Tatham (MODERN FAMILY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT) joins multiple Canadian Screen Award-winner Mark Montefiore (LETTERKENNY, WHAT WOULD SAL DO?) as executive producer, with Beth Iley (KILLJOYS) serving as producer.

“This is a hilarious series with broad, universal comedy at its heart, from an amazing creative team in Kurt and Chuck together with our talented partners at New Metric Media,” said Mike Cosentino, President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. “Commissioning this new series also provides the opportunity to deliver a hit series for CTV while simultaneously expanding the roster of titles for our Bell Media Distribution catalogue.”

Cosentino also confirmed that Bell Media Distribution has stepped up to become the series’ International Distributor, and has subsequently named New Metric Media as its exclusive Sales Agent for the program. CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING joins LETTERKENNY in New Metric Media’s growing comedy catalogue.

CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING is produced by New Metric Media in association with CTV and with the participation of the Canada Media Fund.Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Industry News

Modern Family EP boards comedy series developed by New Metric Media

From a media release:

Award-winning independent production company New Metric Media (Letterkenny, Bad Blood) is in development with Bell Media on a new single-camera comedy series Children Ruin Everything, with Emmy, PGA and WGA award nominated Chuck Tatham (Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, Arrested Development) attached as Executive Producer.

Created by Kurt Smeaton (Schitt’s Creek, Kim’s Convenience), Children Ruin Everything is an original comedy about living with the worst roommates of all: your young children. Astrid and James struggle to find a balance between being ‘Mom and Dad’ to two kids and being who they were before offspring. Children Ruin Everything explores the hilarious and varied ways kids can tear down your life and, if you’re lucky, replace it with something you have to admit is pretty okay, too.

Alongside Tatham, Smeaton and Montefiore will also serve as Executive Producers.

As previously announced, New Metric Media is committed to expanding its original development slate by optioning the rights for multiple projects from three renowned authors including bestselling Criminologist Dr. Michael Arntfield for Monster City, veteran author and Toronto Star’s lead investigative reporter for organized crime Peter Edwards to create the Peter Edwards Universe based on a selection of his novels and popular online personality Anne T. Donahue for Nobody Cares.Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail