Tag Archives: W Network

Bachelor Canada, Featured

The Bachelor Canada: Chris Leroux begins his journey

With the Major League Baseball playoffs at hand, it totally made sense for The Bachelor Canada to return on Wednesday. After all, single lad Chris Leroux was a professional baseball player. And, after throwing strikes for the Florida Marlins, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates, he was hoping to get another win: meeting the gal of his dreams.

Back to host this season of The Bachelor Canada is the always reliable Noah Cappe, who unveiled Chris and the 20 young ladies looking to make an impression on him and land that all-important first impression rose.

After the requisite preamble introducing viewers to Chris, we got some key facts: he played sports as a kid, grew up in Mississauga, Ont., has a massive tattoo on his left side and pitched in the majors but retired from all that because he wanted to settle down. Now Chris has got a house and is looking for someone to move in and choose paint chips with him. After watching him get dressed very, very slowly, it was time to meet some of the 20 ladies who’d signed waivers and joined the fray.

Among those the producers wanted us to keep an eye on prior to the limo drop-offs were 29-year-old lawyer Catie, 24-year-old waitress Meghan, 31-year-old real estate student Shanti, 32-year-old spray tan business owner and single mom Dee, 24-year-old graphic designer/mermaid Lisa, and 27-year-old humanitarian/pageant queen Brittany M. Right out of the gate it seemed like Dee would be a good fit, mainly because she loves the rush of riding a dirt bike, and Meghan because she’s going to speak her mind. Shanti’s “kill list” scared me and her comments about scoping her competition has set her up to be the villain of the season. Once the cars started to roll in, I made mental notes on performer Pricilla and luxury travel nomad Kait.

Once the drinks started to flow, things started to get interesting. Chris fulfilled his promise to Mikaela and spoke to her first; by the time they finished their time together they were holding hands and he felt a connection. Chris also seemed to connect with Kait and Brittany M. But it was Dee who really felt a spark with Chris and she was awarded the all-important first impression rose. Shanti, meanwhile, was upset Chris didn’t approach her for a conversation and seemed ready to leave. Unfortunately, the producers got involved and had Chris go and talk to Shanti. It made for some good TV, but it would have been even better if they had let Shanti walk out.

Shanti was convinced that Chris’ arrival in the bathroom meant she would be getting a rose, but was that guaranteed? Who would be the ladies receiving an all-important flower?

Here’s who will be back next week:

  • Lyndsey
  • Shanti
  • Catie
  • Mikaela
  • April
  • Lara
  • Jessie
  • Stacy
  • Kait
  • Brittany M.
  • Ashley
  • Brittany W.
  • Lisa
  • Meghan
  • Dee (first impression rose)

What did you think of the first episode? Let me know in the comments below!

The Bachelor Canada airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

Images courtesy of Corus Entertainment.

 

 

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

W Network’s Jillian & Justin pulls back the curtain on Harris’ private life

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She’s been a bachelorette and battled with Todd Talbot on Love It Or List It Vancouver. Now Jillian Harris is allowing W Network to track her newest life experience: mother.

Debuting Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network, the four-part Jillian & Justin pulls back the curtain on Harris’ personal life, something most haven’t seen on television (but get plenty of on her blog and Instagram) since her time on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Along for the experience is Justin Pasutto, a former professional snowboarder and small business owner who seems equally at home having a documentary camera track his every move as she does. Jillian & Justin is from Big Coat Media, the same folks who make Love It Or List It Vancouver and it’s obvious Harris trusts them. How else to explain why she and Pasutto would allow them to record the not-so-glamourous life of a couple building their own house in Kelowna, B.C., with a baby on the way while juggling day jobs?

Much of Episode 1 lays the groundwork for the rest of the series, setting up who Pasutto is and his personality. It also gives an interesting peek into life behind-the-scenes on Love It Or List It Vancouver, as Harris and co-host Todd Talbot discuss her pregnancy while eating popsicles in the production camper. Gone are the TV personas we see on that show and we’re left with two good friends discussing life-changing events. It’s pretty cool stuff.

If you’re not a fan of Harris, Jillian & Justin won’t be your cup of tea. But if following her on social media, getting email updates from her website and watching Love It Or List It Vancouver just isn’t enough, this four-parter will help sate your appetite.

Jillian & Justin airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

Image courtesy of Corus.

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Bachelor Canada, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Former Major League Baseball player Chris Leroux stars on The Bachelor Canada

From a media release:

Get ready to fall in love, Canada! Our country’s bachelor is looking for someone to steal his bases – and his heart. A recently retired Major League Baseball player from Mississauga, ON, Chris Leroux searches for true love when 20 beautiful bachelorettes vie for his heart on W Network’s The Bachelor Canada debuting this fall. Canadian Screen Award nominated television personality and actor Noah Cappe (Carnival Eats, Good Witch) returns as trusted confidant and host of the series. Following each episode, The Bachelor Canada After Show will dish out all the details with returning host and Q107 personality Jennifer Valentyne.

Thirty-three-year-old Leroux grew up with strong family values and an ingrained passion for sports. Introduced to baseball at a young age, Leroux’s hard work and perseverance paid off when he fulfilled his dream of playing Major League Baseball. Throughout his career he has played for the New York Yankees, Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates. Leroux’s success is matched by his kindness, loyalty and sense of humour, and now he’s looking for someone to share his laidback lifestyle and adventurous spirit with as he enters the next chapter of his life.

In the Canadian version of this smash-hit, romance reality series, Canada’s most eligible bachelor is in search of the woman of his dreams – and hopefully his bride-to-be. The Canadian bachelor will search for love as 20 women do whatever it takes to win his heart. The women compete for the bachelor’s affection via individual and group dates involving romantic encounters and exciting adventures. As the bachelor narrows the field and the number of women dwindles, romance and tensions will rise. Ultimately, he will choose the one woman with whom he wants to spend the rest of his life.

The Bachelor Canada is produced by Good Human Productions Inc.

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Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

W Network lifts the veil on Jillian Harris’ life in Canadian original Jillian & Justin

From a media release:

For years, fans have followed notable interior designer and host of Love It Or List It Vancouver Jillian Harris’ personal and professional journey on television and social media. W Network now brings audiences a raw, insider’s look into her and partner Justin Pasutto’s biggest life challenges with the four-part docu-series Jillian & Justin, premiering June 21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The Canadian original program follows the couple as they tackle the challenges of first-time parenthood and building their forever home, while meeting the demands of their careers and relationship.

Jillian & Justin provides an authentic and revealing look at the couple and their dramatic new life in Kelowna, B.C. As Jillian juggles her jam-packed schedule and Justin tries to launch a new career to support their growing family, they’re also in the midst of a major home renovation and adjusting to life with a newborn. The special docu-series also unveils many firsts for Jillian, including the birth of her first child, buying and rebuilding a teardown home, and starting new business ventures on top of her already-busy television career.

In the series premiere, the couple prepare themselves for the arrival of their first child together and their new roles as parents. Between doctor’s appointments, an over-the-top surprise baby shower, preparing their house for a newborn, and continuing to work right up until her due date, Jillian attempts to do it all. Meanwhile, Justin ends up in a frightening accident and then receives some shocking news as he prepares their new home for a massive renovation, throwing their lives into complete chaos.

Jillian & Justin is created and produced by Big Coat Media in association with HGTV Canada.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

W Network’s Hockey Wives expands in dramatic third season

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I’m constantly fascinated by Hockey Wives. The unscripted series, returning for a third season on W Network on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT, follows the wives and girlfriends of professional hockey players. With that description alone, you’d think the ongoing series wouldn’t be worth your time. But I can’t stay away.

Unlike other series on W Network with a similar setup, these ladies are real housewives. And mothers. And entrepreneurs. They keep down roots in a city, often with children, while their partner plays hockey in North America or around the world. Hockey Wives is a peek at the emotional toll that takes on them. Often with time zones apart and FaceTime as the only way to connect, these women often lead a singular existence while their loved one is surrounded by a team. There are times of emotional distress, doubt and tears.

We get all three in Tuesday’s return, which begins with Maripier Morin, who is finding success as a talk show host in Quebec while fiancé Brandon Prust found himself unsigned. Her career is on a high in Montreal, so why would she leave that? It would seem, at first anyway, like Brandon isn’t as supportive of Maripier’s goals while she continues to stick with him. (Prust has, since the time of production, signed with the Nuremberg Ice Tigers in Germany.)

“Why do you always have to ruin everything?” she asks him early on in the episode. It’s a good question, but will we get an answer?

Meanwhile, Season 3 addition Catherine LaFlamme is still riding the high of hubby Kris Letang’s Stanley Cup win with the Pittsburgh Penguins. And, after worrying about the stroke he suffered two years and ago and focusing solely on raising their son, Catherine is ready for some “me” time by designing a children’s clothing line. Fellow newbie Martine Auclair Vlasic isn’t ready to say goodbye to Marc-Edouard as he reports to the San Jose Sharks, and he doesn’t want that either; the pair is deeply involved in his career because Martine loves the sport as much as he does. Cameras also follow Emilie Blum, Erica Lundmark and Vanessa Vandal in Season 3.

And while I enjoy Hockey Wives for what it portrays, an even better idea was put forth by Anthony Marco during our most recent TV, Eh? podcast. He thinks a reality series following the Canadian women’s hockey team players would be interesting. Spotlighting those athletes as they juggle playing for the national team and working jobs to make ends meet would be fascinating and informative. I agree, especially with the Winter Olympics happening next year. Make it happen, W Network and Bristow Global Media!

Hockey Wives airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

Image courtesy of Corus.

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