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Acting Good, Featured

CTV original series Acting Good returns for fifth and final season, October 19 on CTV Comedy Channel and October 20 on APTN

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From a media release:

Five seasons. One unforgettable community. And one last chance for Paul to start acting good. CTV and APTN Original comedy ACTING GOOD returns for its fifth and final season on Monday, Oct. 19 with a special two-episode premiere kicking off at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy Channel and streaming next day on Crave. Subsequent new episodes air Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy and stream next day on Crave. Season 5 of ACTING GOOD will also air on Oct. 20 on APTN at 10 p.m. ET and stream next day on APTN+. Filmed on location in Winnipeg and Baaskkandibewiziibing Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Season 5 consists of 10 half-hour episodes, bringing the beloved series to a milestone 50 episodes.

Inspired by co-creator and stand-up comedian Paul Rabliaskas’ life in his fly-in first nation, in its final season, Paul’s (Paul Rabliauskas) constant immaturity and antics finally catch up with him when Rose (Cheyenna Sapp), alongside his friends and family, stages a surprise intervention at Yeah Man. When Paul refuses to see the error of his ways, Rose reaches her breaking point, forcing him to confront a hard truth: if he wants to keep the people he loves together, he’s going to have to change. What follows is a very Paul-like journey of self-improvement, complete with divorced dads, an unlikely counsellor, and a stint competing on the reality survival series The Deadliest Native. But when Paul’s transformation goes a little too far, his newfound self-righteous attitude creates problems of its own. To repair his relationships and help his community, Paul must find the balance between the person he was and the person he wants to become.

“ACTING GOOD was a show created from the heart, and we’ve been honoured to bring the first ever Indigenous sitcom to a major Canadian Network,” said Executive Producer, Showrunner and star Paul Rabliauskas. “The show may be over but we’re hopeful that the characters and the fictional community of Grouse Lake will live on forever.”

“Bringing Indigenous comedic perspectives to the screen was an extraordinary experience,” said producer Tina Keeper, who also stars as Agnes. ”Working with Paul and the dedicated creative team along with Bell Media and APTN was groundbreaking.”

“ACTING GOOD has been a landmark and incredibly special part of CTV Comedy Channel’s original programming lineup,” said Justin Stockman, Vice President, Global Content, Bell Media. “Paul and the entire creative team have created something truly unique, delivering five seasons of big laughs, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable characters. We couldn’t be prouder of the series and are excited to celebrate this final season with viewers, culminating in a fitting send-off for Paul and the residents of Grouse Lake.”

Guest stars for Season 5 include Leenah Robinson (40 ACRES, DON’T EVEN), Herbie Barnes (GUILT FREE ZONE, DANCE ME OUTSIDE), Victoria Sawal (THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY, STAR TREK: DISCOVERY), Glen Michael Grant (CHAOS WALKING), Crystle Lightning (TRICKSTER, THREE PINES), Chris Locke (RUN THE BURBS, WHO’S YER FATHER), Vance Banzo (TALLBOYZ), Glen Gould (TULSA KING, CASHING IN), along with returning guest stars Miss Universe 2015 and Miss Universe Canada 2024 Ashley Callingbull (BLACKSTONE, THE PRICE IS RIGHT TONIGHT). As well as Joel D. Montgrand (TRUE DETECTIVE) and a return from ACTING GOOD’s very own, Roseanne Supernault.

On the Season 5 premiere, titled “KooKoo for Kookum” (Monday, Oct. 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy and streaming next day on Crave and Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10 p.m. ET and next day streaming on APTN+), Agnes (Tina Keeper) finally meets her online granddaughter, Irma (Leenah Robinson), but when Paul (Paul Rabliauskas) grows suspicious things turn deadly…and not deadly in a good way. Rose (Cheyenna Sapp) is tasked with Chief duties with Deedee (Rosanna Deerchild) on a slack year and is quickly saddled with the task of kicking some uninvited guests out of Grouse Lake.

In Part 2 of the two-episode premiere, titled “Love Eyes” (Monday, Oct. 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy and streaming next day on Crave and Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 p.m. ET and next day streaming on APTN+), Paul tries to save his relationship from the infamously seductive, Johnny Love’eyes (Herbie Barnes). Meanwhile, Cousin Leon (Michael Greyeyes) is reunited with his estranged daughter Leona (Victoria Sawal), and Roger (Billy Merasty) has a meet cute with a hydro worker. Glen Michael Grant also guest stars as Andre.

ACTING GOOD is the #1 Canadian Scripted Series on CTV Comedy among A25-54 since the series debuted in 2022. The series has also garnered industry recognition throughout its run, including a 2024 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series, nominations from the Writers Guild of Canada and ACTRA Awards, and two Canadian Sync Award nominations. Beyond the screen, ACTING GOOD has created meaningful opportunities for dozens of Indigenous crew members to build their skills and gain valuable experience in television production, while supporting training and development across the production.

Previous seasons of ACTING GOOD are available for streaming on Crave and APTN+.

ACTING GOOD is produced by CTV Comedy Channel, in association with Kistikan Pictures Inc. and Buffalo Gal Pictures Inc., with the participation of Canada Media Fund, APTN, and Manitoba Film & Music.

ACTING GOOD is co-created by Paul Rabliauskas, Amber-Sekowan Daniels, Eric Toth, and Pat Thornton. Producers are Tina Keeper (Kistikan Pictures) and Vanessa Loewen (Kistikan Pictures), with Phyllis Laing (Buffalo Gal Pictures), Paul Rabliauskas (who also serves as Showrunner), Jennifer Beasley, and Amber-Sekowan Daniels as Executive Producers. Jeff Peeler is Supervising Producer. Eric Toth also serves as Executive Producer, Writer, Director (Episode 510) and Showrunner. Sage Daniels is Executive Producer, Jr. Showrunner and Writer.

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Acting Good, Featured

Feature: Paul Rabliauskas on Acting Good Season 4, and the surprises of making a TV show

By Scott Campbell

Paul Rabliauskas says the long, hard work of making a television sitcom like CTV’s Acting Good did surprise him.

But with 40 episodes out for viewers to watch at the end of this season, he feels that is an accomplishment.

“Not every show gets four seasons,” Rabliauskas said during a phone interview.

“There’s a feeling of being grateful to be a part of it, and honestly, we worked so hard on it. There’s no time to reflect because we are always go, go, go. We get a month and a half off between seasons before we are writing again and editing.”

Viewers may have come across some stand-up comedy done by Rablauskas. He is a member of the Poplar River First Nation. The sitcom films on location in Winnipeg and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, which then puts on screens the ups and downs of reserve life at the fictional Grouse Lake First Nation.

Along with being in the cast, he is also the co-creator of Acting Good along with Amber-Sekowan Daniels, Eric Toth and Pat Thornton. Rablauskas also outlines the stories for each season, which writers would come in and flesh out.

“I was obsessed with television,” said Rablauskas. “I was kind of a chubby kid who didn’t want to go outside. We lived in the bush, and all my brothers and cousins would go swimming and go play. I wanted to stay home and watch Married with Children.”

“I just wanted to watch sitcoms all day. I kind of studied sitcoms and comedy, it was like comfort food to me to be around comedy … when I was 16, I had hosted a show on APTN called Cool Jobs for three seasons. I had the ability to be funny on camera even at a young age.”

“So, I always fantasize about having a show, that didn’t mean I didn’t think I would get into acting … then the stand-up thing happened and met Pat Thornton at a show, he said, ‘Hey man, your story about being from the rez that’s pretty unique.’ And that’s all it took…”

For being a stacked Indigenous show on television, says Rablauskas, the process of making a season is a long one. The writing process starts in January, and with the season presently airing on television, work continues until December.

The cast of Acting Good

Rablauskas gives much credit to the team that put together the show, including the directors, such as Michael Greyeyes, who also plays Cousin Leon, and the cast and crew.

On the acting front, there’s trying to remember the line and making sure you hit your mark, as well as being aware of your eyeline. However, the hardest work is maintaining the energy. That scene, he said, which you shot at 8 a.m., has to have the same energy when you shoot at 10 p.m.

“I wasn’t prepared for (the work and time),” he said. “Michael said you’ll come home and cry, and there’s no reason for it. And I’ve done that eight times since he said it, because I’m so exhausted.”

“I think what makes it worthwhile is all the Native kids that message me,” said Rablauskas, “And pitching show ideas, they want me to add characters. All the kids on the rez want to be included. I think the fact that so many young kids on my reserve are excited about it, I think that’s my favourite part of it.”

Another cool aspect of the show, although sometimes overwhelming, is the fan reaction. Rablauskas can see the trajectory of the fans’ investment in the show. During the first season, they went from asking, “Aren’t you that guy?” To now, asking what’s going to happen to characters.

“I can talk to them as a fan myself, which I love to do,” he said.  “I would not trade any of this for stand-up comedy. This is such a cool world to be a part of; the fact that we get to keep doing this means so much. The stand-up is always there. It’s not like I’m going to forget how to be funny or perform … I couldn’t ask to be in a better place right now.”

Acting Good airs Mondays at 10:30 p.m.on CTV Comedy Channel, CTV.ca and the CTV app and streams next day on Crave.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

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Acting Good, Featured

CTV Comedy Channel original series Acting Good returns for Season 4

From a media release:

From duo to trio, there’s a new boss at Grouse Lake First Nation and he’s bringing a whole lot of diapers! After three seasons of uproarious antics, family chaos, and community love, the hit original series ACTING GOOD returns for its fourth season Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, beginning Oct. 20 with a special two-episode premiere kicking off at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy Channel, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave. Filmed on location in Winnipeg and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, the 10 half-hour episodes blend humour with the ups and downs of northern first nation life at Grouse Lake.

In Season 4, Paul (Paul Rabliauskas) is now a dad with a toddler in tow and determined to be a better man – but is still clashing with Rose (Cheyenna Sapp), a newly elected councillor finding her voice while juggling her relationship with Paul and life as a new mom. With Chief Jo (Roseanne Supernault) in Ottawa, her daughter Chickadee (Avery Sutherland) finds herself in new relationships and figuring out where she wants to be in the world. Dean (Gabriel Daniels) is still running his community store, but between needy customers, supply issues, and Cousin Leon (Michael Greyeyes) back from banishment claiming to be reformed – it’s a full-time job. Meanwhile, Lips (Jason Mason) wrestles with guilt and justice, Agnes (Tina Keeper) and Rita (Wanda Barker) enter full-on Kookum competition mode, and Roger Laughingstick (Billy Merasty) battles community chaos, artificial intelligence, and the rise of true crime podcasts.

Guest stars for Season 4 include Brent Butt (CORNER GAS), Vance Banzo (TALLBOYZ), William Belleau (Killers of the Flower Moon), Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Night Raiders, THREE PINES), Tatanka Means (Killers of the Flower Moon), and Darla Contois (LITTLE BIRD), along with returning guest stars Ashley Callingbull (BLACKSTONE), Miss Universe 2015 and Miss Universe Canada 2024, and Joel D. Montgrand (TRUE DETECTIVE).

On the Season 4 premiere, titled “Diamond in the Bush” (Monday, Oct. 20 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave), Paul (Rabliauskas) hires a Lou Diamond Phillips impersonator for Agnes’ (Keeper) birthday – but panics when the guy (guest star Brent Butt, CORNER GAS) looks nothing like the real deal. To Paul’s surprise, the impersonator is a hit, charming the entire party. Feeling upstaged, Paul grows jealous and teams up with Dean (Daniels) to sabotage the celebration and get rid of the impersonator.

In Part 2 of the two-episode premiere, titled “Mean Dads” (Monday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave), Paul (Rabliauskas) struggles to connect with his son PJ (Celones). After pressure from Stephen Harper (Aqqalu Meekis) and Rose (Cheyanna Sapp), he reluctantly takes PJ to the park where he’s dazzled by “superdads” Carson (guest star William Belleau, Killers of the Flower Moon) and Jasper (guest star Vance Banzo, TALLBOYZ). Wanting to fit in, Paul exaggerates his own involvement in PJ’s life and minimizes Harper’s role.

Season 3 of ACTING GOOD ranks as the most-watched series among the key A25-54 demo for three years in a row on CTV Comedy Channel, Canada’s most-watched English entertainment specialty network. Previous seasons of ACTING GOOD are available for streaming on Crave, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.

ACTING GOOD is produced by CTV Comedy Channel, in association with Kistikan Pictures Inc. and Buffalo Gal Pictures Inc., with the participation of Canada Media Fund, APTN, and Manitoba Film & Music.

ACTING GOOD is co-created by Paul Rabliauskas, Amber-Sekowan Daniels, Eric Toth, and Pat Thornton. Producers are Tina Keeper (Kistikan Pictures) and Vanessa Loewen(Kistikan Pictures), with Phyllis Laing (Buffalo Gal Pictures), Paul Rabliauskas, Jennifer Beasley (Buffalo Gal Pictures), and Amber-Sekowan Daniels as Executive Producers. Jeff Peeler is Supervising Producer. Tim Fontaine and Eric Toth serve as Executive Producers, Writers, and Co-Showrunners.

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Acting Good, Featured

CTV Comedy Channel original series Acting Good returns for Season 3, beginning October 21

From a media release:

CTV Comedy Channel heads back to Grouse Lake First Nation as the hit original series ACTING GOOD returns for Season 3 beginning Oct. 21 with a two-episode premiere at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, before moving into its regular timeslot of 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, beginning Oct. 28. Filmed on location in Winnipeg and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, the 10-episode half-hour series brings humour as it shares the ups and downs of reserve life at Grouse Lake. ACTING GOOD returns as the #1 series among the key A25-54 demo for two years in a row on Canada’s most-watched English entertainment specialty network, CTV Comedy.

Kicking-off with a two-episode special premiere (Monday, Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), Season 3 follows Paul (Paul Rabliauskas) as he and his on-again off-again girlfriend, Rose (Cheyenna Sapp), navigate the possibility of parenthood. Meanwhile, Jo (Roseanne Supernault, THE DRIVE) juggles being Chief with raising her daughter, Chickadee (Avery Sutherland, STELLAR). Controlled chaos prevails as Dean (Gabriel Daniels, THE ICE ROAD) and Greg (Erik Athavale, BED REST) face the realities of running their new business and community store, Yeah Man.

In the season premiere, titled “The Keemootch Room” (Monday, Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), Paul and Rose’s hopes to start a family are challenged due to their not-so-private room attached to Agnes’ (Tina Keeper, NORTH OF 60) house, and scheming elders haunting them about the pressures of parenthood. Meanwhile, Chief Jo finds herself at odds with Wastekeeper Willie (Ryan Black, ABERDEEN), when he takes offense at her lack of respect toward him, and Dean and Greg’s attempts to get their new co-op off the ground are hampered by Dean’s preoccupation with his new girlfriend, Gale (Ashley Callingbull).

In Episode 2, titled “Baby Daddy Games” (Monday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), when Paul finds out that his sperm count is shockingly low, he and Rose hold a contest to find their new baby daddy. After her attempts at dealing with the garbage strike fall flat, Chief Jo learns a lesson in serenity from her former boss, while Dean tries to liven things up at Yeah Man, with mixed results.

ACTING GOOD is co-created by Rabliauskas, Amber-Sekowan Daniels, Eric Toth, and Pat Thornton. The series stars Rabliauskas as Paul; Tina Keeper as Agnes; Roseanne Supernault as Jo; Michael Greyeyes (RUTHERFORD FALLS) as Cousin Leon; Billy Merasty (ELIJAH) as Roger Laughingstick; Gabriel Daniels as Dean; Avery Sutherland as Chickadee; Aqqalu Meekis (I STILL LOVE YOU) as Stephen Harper; Cheyenna Sapp as Rose; and Erik Athavale as Greg.

Guest stars featured in Season 3 of ACTING GOOD include Miss Universe 2015 and Miss Universe Canada 2024, Ashley Callingbull, Michelle Thrush (LITTLE BIRD), Kevin McDonald (THE KIDS IN THE HALL), Brandon Oakes (THE TRADES), Joel Montgrand (TRUE DETECTIVE), Meegwun Fairbrother (BURDEN OF TRUTH), and Paul Andrich (Sniper: Rogue Mission).

The first two seasons of ACTING GOOD are available on CTV.ca and the CTV app, with no subscription or sign-in required, and are streaming on Crave. New episodes of ACTING GOOD also stream Tuesdays on Crave, beginning Oct. 22.

ACTING GOOD is produced by CTV Comedy Channel, in association with Kistikan Pictures Inc. and Buffalo Gal Pictures Inc., with the participation of Canada Media Fund, APTN, and Manitoba Film & Music. Producers are Tina Keeper (Kistikan Pictures), Jennifer Beasley (Buffalo Gal Pictures), and Amber-Sekowan Daniels and Robin Cass, with Phyllis Laing (Buffalo Gal Pictures) as Executive Producer, and Jeff Peeler as Supervising Producer. Paul Rabliauskas and Jennifer Beasley, serve as Executive Producers, and Tim Fontaine and Eric Toth as Executive Producers, writers, and Co-Showrunners.

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Acting Good

CTV Comedy Channel heads back to Grouse Lake First Nation for Season 2 of CTV original series Acting Good, beginning October 16

From a media release:

Celebrated original series and #1 overall CTV Comedy program among adults 25-54, ACTING GOOD is moving back in for a second season, Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, beginning October 16. Filmed on location in Winnipeg and Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, ACTING GOOD picks up right where it left off with 10 half-hour episodes filled with absurd comedy, life lessons, and a still not-so-skilled volleyball team.

Season 2 sees Paul (Paul Rabliauskas) return home after yet another failed attempt at moving to the big city only to find that his girlfriend, Rose (Cheyenna Sapp), and his mother, Agnes (Tina Keeper, NORTH OF 60), have shut him out. Meanwhile, Jo (Roseanne Supernault, THE DRIVE) enters the race for Chief of Grouse Lake but is stymied by Cousin Leon (Michael Greyeyes, RUTHERFORD FALLS) along the way.

In the season premiere, titled “One Flew Out of the Kookum’s Nest” (Monday, Oct. 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET on CTV Comedy, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), the stage is set as Paul returns to Grouse Lake only to find his home, and mother, committed to someone else. Left to solve life’s challenges alone, Paul retreats to the only place he can force his way in to – the elders’ lodge – where growing up seems to be his only option. Meanwhile, Dean is reluctantly employed at the North Store, and Jo’s campaign for Chief is off to a rocky start.

ACTING GOOD is co-created by Rabliauskas, Amber-Sekowan Daniels, Eric Toth, and Pat Thornton. The series stars Paul Rabliauskas as Paul; Tina Keeper (NORTH OF 60) as Agnes; Roseanne Supernault (THE DRIVE) as Jo; Michael Greyeyes (RUTHERFORD FALLS) as Cousin Leon; Billy Merasty (ELIJAH) as Roger Laughingstick; Gabriel Daniels (THE ICE ROAD) as Dean; Avery Sutherland (STELLAR) as Chickadee; Aqqalu Meekis (I STILL LOVE YOU) as Stephen Harper; Cheyenna Sapp as Rose; Erik Athavale (BED REST) as Greg; Rosanna Deerchild as Chief Deedee; Michael Lawrenchuk (INDIAN HORSE) as Gramps; Zachary Fontaine (LITTLE BIRD) as L’il Tony; Jesse Nobess (ALTER BOYS) as Logan; and Jonathan Beardy as Blue.

ACTING GOOD is produced by CTV Comedy Channel, in association with Kistikan Pictures Inc., with the participation of Canada Media Fund, Bell Fund, APTN, The Indigenous Screen Office, and Manitoba Film & Music. Producers are Tina Keeper (Kistikan Pictures) and Jennifer Beasley (Kistikan Pictures) with Phyllis Laing (Kistikan Pictures) as Executive Producer and Jeff Peeler as Supervising Producer, Paul Rabliauskas, Jennifer Beasley and Amber-Sekowan Daniels as Executive Producers and Tim Fontaine and Eric Toth as Executive Producers, writers and Co-Showrunners.

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