Shaw Media has sent out three press releases outlining the network’s plans for the 2012-2013 television season, and before I delve into them, let me say that I am extremely disappointed for two reasons. One is that Endgame Season Two is nowhere to be seen, and Shaw has still not added Investigation Discovery to its channel lineup. It’s good to see that, like Rogers’ announcement yesterday, there are many shows I won’t be watching, Canadian originals or not. I don’t want cheap drivel time wasters whose content makes me shudder at the state of humanity. I want intelligent, engaging and entertaining programming. Like Endgame. And Alcatraz. Oh yes, and Ringer – which while shot in the USA, had a Vancouver connection in post-production.
So, on to the press releases – note, all of the descriptive terms like “stellar entertainment” are courtesy of Shaw’s PR department, because my opinion is certainly contrary to theirs on what constitutes “stellar entertainment”. Scroll way down the page if you want to skip the specialty channels to see what Global will be offering. I may have added a comment here and there, though…
First up are Shaw’s specialty channels, featuring internationally celebrated formats - read, Reality - top-notch stars and brand-new channels that will deliver strong original content. With 57, must-see series premiering this fall and more than 650 hours of Canadian originals this year, the broadcaster’s suite of specialty channels continues to dominate the industry.
“This is a hugely exciting year for Shaw Media,” said Barbara Williams, Senior Vice-President, Content, Shaw Media. “The return of record-breaking Canadian adaptations of smash hit formats in conjunction with the debut of so many original new series reinforces our dedication to delivering the best in entertaining content to Canadians every day.”
On the heels of its highest performing season ever, Slice™, the ultimate entertainment fix for women, has renewed its number one ranked series to date, The Real Housewives of Vancouver. Jump starting the year on a high, Slice™’s fall schedule boasts the brand-new Canadian series Keasha’s Perfect Dress (WT), featuring renowned Kleinfeld’s bridal consultant Keasha Rigsby (Say Yes to the Dress), as well as The Mistress, a dramatic new series featuring self-proclaimed former mistress to Chef Gordon Ramsay and Lord Jeffrey Archer, Sarah Symonds. Returning for a new season this winter is the much-loved matrimonial showdown, Four Weddings Canada.
Showcase continues to be the top destination for the best in dramatic entertainment with a slew of new and returning hit series coming this fall. Starring Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) and produced in Canada by Take 5 and Whizbang Productions in partnership with CBS Studios, the brand-new series Beauty and the Beast will infuse Showcase with a fresh take on the fairytale classic.
Other new series include the USA hit Common Law, which premiered to impressive audience numbers in the U.S., and the much-anticipated debut of the original series Copper, from creative dream team Academy Award®-winner Barry Levinson (Good Morning Vietnam, Oz) and Emmy® Award-winner Tom Fontana (Oz, Homicide: Life on the Street, The Borgias). In addition, Showcase will be the exclusive home to the original series World Without End, the bold follow-up to Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth starring Miranda Richardson (Rubicon, Merlin), Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City), Ben Chaplin (Mad Dogs) and Canadians Sarah Gadon (A Dangerous Method) and Meghan Follows. Viewers can also look forward to new seasons of Showcase’s top-rated series Lost Girl, as well as Warehouse 13, Royal Pains, and the channel’s megahit series Covert Affairs.
As the number one entertainment specialty channel, freshly revamped HISTORY offers the most robust collection of authentic characters and programming showcasing history being made every day. In addition to premiering the captivating new Canadian series Bomb Hunters, the network is set to launch the gripping new series about navigating and transporting materials across one of history’s most treacherous bodies of water in Great Lake Warriors. HISTORY is home to the worldwide television event of the fall with Mankind: The Story of All of Us, the epic tale of the global rise of civilization, complete with danger, action, heroism and adrenaline. Returning shows include massively successful series like Swamp People, Ice Pilots NWT, American Restoration, Ice Road Truckers, Canadian Pickers and the channel’s top-rated series from last fall, Pawn Stars.
On HGTV this fall, Canada’s most trusted contractor Mike Holmes is back with bigger renovations and storylines in the brand-new Canadian series Holmes Makes It Right. Also on the fall schedule is the first ever Canadian edition of the UK hit series May The Best House Win, the ultimate open house experience where proud homeowners open their doors to each other to judge and be judged.
With the hugely successful second season of Top Chef Canada wrapping up, Food Network has announced that its number one series will return for another season. The network’s fall lineup of delicious entertainment includes the launch of the brand-new Canadian series SugarStars and a second season of innovative Recipe to Riches. The long-standing and hugely popular series Restaurant Makeover returns as Restaurant Takeover, showcasing new and exciting twists.
As the number one digital channel in the country and the top-ranking digital channel in the top 20 across all specialty channels, National Geographic Channel continues to inspire Canadians with the most innovative content about science, technology and human endeavors. Brand new series on the fall schedule are the cutthroat, blue fin tuna fishing business series Wicked Tuna and docu-series American Chainsaw, following chainsaw sculptor and hard rock star Jesse “The Machine” Green and his unusual crew as they create art out of wood. Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? pits civilians against each other in a bid for merit badges.
To bring unrivalled original programming to Canada this fall, Shaw Media and A + E Networks have expanded their partnership to introduce two exciting new channels, popular women’s cable network Lifetime and dynamic spin-off to powerhouse HISTORY, H2.
As one of the top female targeted cable networks in the U.S., Lifetime will boost Shaw Media’s undisputed domination in the coveted women’s demographic. Since merging with A+E Networks two years ago, the Lifetime brand has evolved through an aggressive expansion of their original content and a fresh new logo and tagline – “Your life. Your time.” The network’s critically acclaimed, award-winning and star-packed programming for women focuses on a triple threat strategy of original scripted series, movies and unscripted shows.
When the network touches down in Canada Dance Moms, Bristol Palin: Life’s A Tripp and The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet will be amongst its roster of stellar content. Also on that schedule is Lifetime’s newest scripted series, The Client List, a new hit drama starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Lifetime’s slate of highly anticipated movies will include Liz and Dick starring Lindsay Lohan, and The June Carter Cash Story (wt), starring acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress, Jewel.
Building on the massive success of the history channels on both sides of the border Shaw Media is launching H2, a natural complement to HISTORY with its own mission and male skewing programming. H2, a new destination where information is entertainment, experienced in unexpected and exciting ways, offers a broader view of history across science, technology and pop culture from around the globe. It’s more to explore, more to know, more to understand – more 2 HISTORY.
In the U.S., H2 is the number one emerging network of 2012 with 62% YOY audience growth for total viewers in Q2. H2′s Canadian fall schedule boasts a diverse lineup of original programming and compelling storytelling including 10 Things You Don’t Know About, The Universe and Mankind Decoded.
The transition to HISTORY and launch of H2 will dramatically expand the choices for Canadian viewers, and allow for synergistic programming opportunities. This new agreement will allow Shaw Media to provide Canadians more of the best dynamic Canadian and U.S. original hits that have made History Television the number one entertainment specialty channel.
The agreement does not end with broadcast assets but extends further to include digital platforms, both for online and mobile.
New and Returning Programming Highlights Include:
SLICE™
The Mistress (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 27
The Mistress is a provocative, dramatic and controversial new series starring author and self-proclaimed former mistress to Chef Gordon Ramsay and Lord Jeffrey Archer, Sarah Symonds. Each episode follows Sarah on her mission to rescue a woman caught in the despair of an extra-marital affair. Sharing her knowledge and experience, Sarah takes each mistress on a journey of self-realization and empowerment, giving viewers a unique glimpse into the life of an often vilified woman.
Ex-Wives of Rock (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 29
Ex-Wives of Rock chronicles the highs and lows of four famous ex-wives in L.A. Once married to famous rock stars, they were kicked to the curb, and forgotten. With narrator Shannon Tweed as our guide, we follow the action as Athena, Bobbie, Blue and Sharise try to reinvent themselves and make their way to the top again.
Keasha’s Perfect Dress (WT) (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
OCTOBER 2012
With a passion for fashion and her trademark sass, Keasha Rigsby (Say Yes To The Dress), renowned bridal consultant from Kleinfeld’s, begins an exciting new chapter in her career. Opening her own exclusive bridal boutique in Toronto, she continues on her quest for bridal perfection. Following the ups and downs of each bride’s pursuit of their dream gown, Keasha’s Perfect Dress (working title) takes audiences inside a bustling bridal salon, sharing tales of fittings, alterations, high hopes and big decisions.
Brand-new seasons of returning series on Slice™ include: The Brides of Beverly Hills, Intervention Canada, Million Dollar Listings, Mob Wives, Pregnant in Heels and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
SHOWCASE
Copper (Canadian Premiere, Canadian Original)
FALL 2012
Copper is a gripping crime drama set in 1860s New York City, and focuses on Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones; MI-5), an intense, rugged Irish-immigrant cop working the city’s notorious Five Points neighbourhood. Corcoran is struggling to maintain his moral compass in a turbulent world, while on an emotional and relentless quest to learn the truth about the disappearance of his wife and the death of his daughter. His friendship with two Civil War compatriots – the wayward son of a wealthy industrialist and an African American physician who secretly assists Corcoran with his work – takes him to the contrasting worlds of elegant Fifth Avenue and rural Harlem. The three men share a secret from their experience on the battlefield that inextricably links their lives forever.
Common Law (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
The comedic cop series follows meticulous and responsible Wes Mitchell (Warren Kole; 24) and carefree Travis Marks (Michael Ealy; The Good Wife), partners who are great at closing cases but terrible at getting along – with each other. Ex-lawyer Wes is compulsively organized, divorced, and a methodical over-thinker, while former juvenile delinquent Travis is impulsive, disorganized, and a ladies-man who doesn’t play by the rules. The mismatched pair has a seven-year track record as LAPD’s finest in the Robbery-Homicide Division, but when their constant bickering starts affecting their work their boss Captain Sutton (Jack McGee; The Fighter) sends the dream team off to couples therapy with hard-hitting therapist Dr. Elyse Ryan (Sonya Walger; Lost).
Beauty and the Beast (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
From the classic tale comes a new, fresh take on Beauty and the Beast starring Canadian Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) as Catherine Chandler. As a teenager, Catherine witnessed the murder of her mother and Catherine knows her life would have been taken too if it wasn’t for someone – or something – that saved her. Now a smart, no-nonsense homicide detective, Catherine discovers Dr. Vincent Keller (Jay Ryan; Terra Nova), the man who saved her many years before. Vincent has been in hiding for the past 10 years to guard his secret – he becomes a terrifying beast, unable to control his super-strength and heightened senses when he is enraged. Catherine agrees to protect his identity in exchange for any insight he may have into her mother’s murder, beginning their complex relationship.
World Without End (Canadian Premiere, Canadian Original)
FALL 2012
Ken Follett’s global bestseller World Without End premieres as an eight-part, one-hour event series on Showcase. Cynthia Nixon, Miranda Richardson, Ben Chaplin, Peter Firth, Charlotte Riley, and Canadians Megan Follows and Sarah Gadon headline the star-studded cast with director Michael Caton-Jones at the helm. The epic series follows Caris, a visionary young woman struggling to rise above the suffering and oppression in order to lead her people out of the dark times. England is on the brink of devastating war with France that will last over a hundred years, and a terrible plague is spreading that will wipe out a third of Europe’s population before it is done. With her lover Merthin, Caris builds a community that stands up to The Crown and The Church. Together, they unearth a dangerous secret and must fight to save their town of Kingsbridge from ruin, ultimately ushering in a new era of freedom, innovation and enlightenment.
Strike Back (Canadian Premiere)
WINTER 2013
A high-octane, globe-spanning thriller with storylines ripped from the headlines, Strike Back focuses on two members of a top-secret anti-terrorist organization known as Section 20. Leading the team are British Sergeant Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester; Fringe) and Damian Scott (Sullivan Stapleton; Animal Kingdom), a Delta Forces operative who was disgraced and discharged on the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The two protagonists crisscross the globe venturing to New Delhi, Cape Town, Darfur and beyond as they try to thwart terrorists planning a major attack that could have global repercussions by bringing anarchy and destruction to our planet.
Cable premieres of hit movies on Showcase include: Inception, The Other Guys, Salt, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Shutter Island, The Town, and Grown Ups.
Brand-new seasons of returning series on Showcase include: Lost Girl, Covert Affairs, Warehouse 13, Haven, Royal Pains, Law & Order: UK, NCIS and Rookie Blue.
HISTORY
Great Lake Warriors (Canadian Premiere)
AUGUST 27
In Great Lake Warriors, a maverick American tug boat company braves storms, ice and the competition as they navigate and transport materials across one of the most dangerous bodies of water in history. The heavy raw materials that build America, like iron ore, are transported over the Great Lakes in giant barges, guided by tugs. Without tugs, commerce here grinds to a halt – and so does the country.
Bomb Hunters (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 27
For almost a century, Canada has been a nationwide training camp for allied armed forces from all over the world. Millions of tons of munitions were fired and tested in fields and lakes across the country, and an estimated one in seven failed to explode. Dormant, but not dead, these munitions are known as UXO’s (unexploded explosive ordnance). There are several hundred known land locations across the country and over a thousand underwater sites from coast-to-coast – but only a handful of companies in Canada have the know-how and courage for the job. The series follows these unique crews of UXO techs, seasoned ex-military bomb disposal experts, combat divers and specialized geophysicists as they dig, dive, discover and dispose of the hidden explosives in real life operations ranging from the remote regions of Canada to its populated suburbs.
Mountain Men (Canadian Premiere)
AUGUST 30
There are men in America who must still make their living off the land; hunting and trapping to provide for their families. They are Mountain Men whose very survival is predicated on utilizing ancient skills perfected over hundreds of years. This series features a variety of men from Appalachia to the Rocky Mountains to Alaska and follows them as they race against winter to obtain the sustenance and money needed to make it through the coldest months of the year.
Secret Life Of… (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 31
Secret Life Of…is a cheeky and provocative new biography series that deliciously dishes dirt on icons of the past, such as Napoleon, Catherine the Great, and Casanova. A rare glimpse into the rarified world of the rich, famous and scandalous, this 14-part series features A-list historians and experts as you’ve never seen them before. Their hilarious demonstrations include: the bodice-ripping sexual foreplay in Tudor England, the obsessive eating habits of Queen Victoria and the exotic tools of seduction of the one and only Casanova. These juicy details have long been buried in the scrap heap of history – until now.
Mankind: The Story of All of Us (Canadian Premiere)
NOVEMBER 13
Mankind: The Story of All of Us is the epic tale of the global rise of civilization, complete with danger, action, heroism and adrenaline. This series takes viewers from the first flourishing of civilization in Mesopotamia through the discovery of America. Utilizing multiple disciplines to provide greater insight into the formation of our world, the series will draw upon surprising links from geography, natural history and science. Groundbreaking production techniques bring to life the greatest landmarks of human achievement as never seen before: CGI rebuilds lost worlds, large-scale reenactments replay critical battles shot on location, and innovative use of interactive maps dynamically illustrates the key factors that gave rise to centers of human activity. The series targets fundamental mega-moments that take humans to a new level and provide relevance to our lives today.
Brand-new seasons of returning series on HISTORY include: Canadian Pickers, Cajun Pawn Stars, Pawn Stars, American Pickers, American Restoration, Ice Road Truckers, Ancient Aliens and Ice Pilots NWT.
HGTV
Live Here, Buy This (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 27
What if you up and sold everything? Where could you afford to live and how? Live Here, Buy This tantalizes homeowners with properties around the world that equal the cost of their current home. We’ll show you what your life could look like in paradise!
May The Best House Win (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 30
In the first-ever Canadian edition of the hit UK series May The Best House Win, four proud homeowners open their doors to each other and prepare to critique and be criticized. It’s the ultimate open house experience – and absolutely nothing is off-limits! After touring each other’s homes with a critical eye the participants give each home a grade, and the homeowner with the highest score wins not only the pride but the $1000 prize. Whether it’s a condo or a castle, these house-proud Canadians will fight for the right to call their home the best.
Celebrities at Home (Canadian Premiere)
AUGUST 31
Hosted by Nancy O’Dell, co-host of Entertainment Tonight, Celebrities at Home gives fans an inside look at the interiors and exteriors of celebrity homes. This season features celebs like Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean, country singer Naomi Judd, Days of Our Lives star Deidre Hall, fashionista and comedian Melissa Rivers and more. See what it’s like to live like the stars!
Design Star All Stars (Canadian Premiere)
AUGUST 31
It’s not often that you get a second chance to win first place, but that’s exactly what happens on Design Star All Stars. Six former Design Star runners-up compete for an appearance on an HGTV show and $25,000 cash!
White Room Challenge (Canadian Premiere)
SEPTEMBER 28
Up-and-coming and established designers from across the US compete to create the most original, eccentric and outrageous rooms you’ve ever seen, made from strange or unusual items, to take home the $10,000 grand prize. Hosted by David Bromstad (HGTV Design Star) and a judging panel headed by Jamie Durie (The Outdoor Room), White Room Challenge is fast-paced, fresh and full of creative makeovers!
Holmes Makes It Right (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
OCTOBER 16
In this brand-new series Canada’s most trusted contractor helps unfortunate homeowners whose homes, lives and finances have been brutally disrupted by disastrous events and renovations. Mike Holmes takes on catastrophes that would make other contractors run. With the same commitment to high standards that is at the forefront in Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection, Holmes Makes It Right features Mike at his hands-on best – strapping on a tool belt, and helping desperate homeowners.
House Hazards (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
OCTOBER 16
In this entertaining new show, a mind-boggling array of potential domestic disasters is put to the test. Whether it’s determining what happens if you leave a metal spoon in your microwave or watching what happens when you spill a whole bottle of dish detergent into a high power hot tub – every domestic disaster imaginable is tested in House Hazards.
Brand-new seasons of returning series on HGTV include: Leave It To Bryan, Urban Suburban, Kitchen Cousins, House Hunters and House Hunters International.
FOOD NETWORK
Chef Michael’s Kitchen (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 27
In Chef Michael’s Kitchen, Chef Michael Smith goes back to basics – with a twist! In every episode, Chef Michael solidly establishes the basics of a classic dish, ingredient or cooking technique and then shows viewers how easy it is to add a personalized twist. Chef Michael continues to inspire viewers to impress themselves in their own kitchens!
SugarStars (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 27
In this new real-life sitcom, we follow the hilarious antics of dessert divas and owners of Toronto’s Petite & Sweet, Elle, Casper, Yolanda and Antonella. In the sugary world of over-the-top confectionary creations, these friends-turned-business partners design elaborate and eye-popping ‘sweet tables’ for the biggest events and stars in town.
Chuck’s Week Off (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 28
Chef Chuck Hughes is hungry for a break from his daily grind, so he’s heading to Mexico and cruising across the country in an open-air jeep in search of culinary adventures. There’s nothing he won’t try, whether it be off-roading up a volcano, working a shift at a taco stand, stepping into a wrestling ring, or roping a cow with a group of Mexican cowboys. In this new series Chuck lives out once-in-a-lifetime experiences, meets awesome people and cooks and eats amazing, authentic food!
Cupcake Champions (Canadian Premiere)
AUGUST 28
Cupcake Champions pits 16 of Cupcake Wars‘ best and most memorable winners against each other in a tournament to name the Ultimate Cupcake Champ. The series features Spiderman: Turn on the Dark, Glee, Madagascar 3, Pixar’s Brave and a special Food Network Star finale. The competition is fierce as these bakers are the best of the best, so they will have to bake their hearts out to win $50,000!
3 Days To Open With Bobby Flay (Canadian Premiere)
AUGUST 29
Bobby Flay, critically-acclaimed chef and owner of 15 restaurants, is out to save new food businesses that face the risk of losing it all before their doors can even open. With only three days until opening, Bobby shares his expertise with new restaurateurs who have no prior experience in the high stakes world of food. With everything on the line – including savings, livelihood, and integrity – Bobby’s help is more crucial than ever. Now, in a test of will, skill and perseverance, they are against the clock to make sure their opening night doesn’t become their closing night.
Restaurant Takeover (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 30
In a fresh take on Food Network’s popular Restaurant Makeover series, Restaurant Takeover challenges two restaurant industry top guns to help rescue a failing restaurant. With the help of hidden cameras, each local chef and designer duo go undercover to find out just why each restaurant is in need of a refresher. Each chef and designer team, which includes the likes of Corbin Tomaszeski, Massimo Capra and Cherie Stinson, are put to the test with just six days to overhaul and re-launch a local eatery for review by the toughest critics – their customers.
Food Factory (World Premiere, Canadian Original)
AUGUST 30
In an eye-opening new show, Food Factory gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of production lines to see just how our food is really made. This revealing new series allows viewers to see the fascinating and tasty world of food production by discovering the ingredients, techniques and manufacturing processes that go into making some of our favourite treats.
The Next Iron Chef: Redemption (Canadian Premiere)
NOVEMBER 5
The popular Food Network reality series is back and the competition is hotter than ever! Another group of talented chefs bring their A-game to Kitchen Stadium, ready to compete in a battle of speed, artistry and creativity. But only one chef will earn the world’s most coveted culinary title: Iron Chef.
Brand-new seasons of returning series on Food Network include: Recipe to Riches, Paula’s Best Dishes, Top Chef, Chopped, Cupcake Wars, The Great Food Truck Race, Restaurant Stakeout, Restaurant: Impossible, Sandwich King, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and Halloween Wars.
TVTROPOLIS
My Wife and Kids (Network Premiere)
AUGUST 28
Staring Damon Wayans (In Living Color) and Tisha Campbell-Martin (The Protector), My Wife and Kids centres on the character of Michael Kyle, a loving husband and modern-day patriarch who rules his household with a unique and distinct parenting style. As he teaches his three children some of life’s lessons, he does so with his own brand of humour.
Impractical Jokers (Canadian Premiere)
SEPTEMBER 1
This hilarious series features four friends competing in the most unbelievably awkward social experiments ever recorded by hidden cameras. From eating food off someone else’s plate at a high-end restaurant to creating the worst possible first impression at a speed dating event, the contestant who loses must endure one final embarrassing challenge where no humiliation is too great.
New episodes of returning TVtropolis favourites include: Friends, Frasier, Drew Carey and Roseanne.
LIFETIME
Dance Moms (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Set in Pittsburgh’s renowned Abby Lee Dance Company, owned and operated by the famously outspoken Abby Lee Miller, Dance Moms follows children’s early steps on the road to stardom and their mothers who are there for every rehearsal, performance and bow…all under Miller’s discerning eyes. Presenting a powerful cast of characters the show immerses itself in dance competition season, delivering a captivating and dramatic look at the cast’s intense pursuit of National Dance titles.
Dance Moms Miami (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Dance Moms Miami will go behind-the-scenes at Miami-based Stars Dance Studio where the school’s owners and renowned contemporary dance instructors Victor Smalley and Angel Armas teach, train and choreograph a diverse group of talented dancers as they strive to become the best in the sport of competitive dance and tomorrow’s stars. While Victor and Angel fiercely dedicate their lives to their craft, they expect the same from both their young students and their mothers. All under the watchful eye of Victor’s mother and Stars Dance Studio manager, Mayra Smalley, the team strives to uphold their motto of “Turning Kids into Dancers and Dancers into Stars,” often sparking drama between the competitive mothers.
Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
If being the daughter of America’s most recognized political figure is tough, being a 20-year-old single mother ever-scrutinized by the press is even tougher. Put them together and you have Bristol Palin: Life’s A Tripp.
The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Lifetime’s all-new series The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a refreshing and intimate take on celebrity interviews hosted by British television personality and renowned photographer Amanda de Cadenet and executive produced by Demi Moore and de Cadenet. Presenting an honest view of the shared issues affecting women today, The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet will include powerful and in-depth interviews with some of the world’s most famous and influential women in the comfort of their own homes including Jane Fonda, Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Preston, Alicia Keys, Donna Karan and Gabby Sidibe.
The Client List (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Everyone’s got something to hide and Riley Parks is no exception. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Riley, a single mother, living in a small Texas town and leading a shocking double life. Her secret would send shockwaves through the community and possibly land her in jail if it was ever exposed. Riley’s taken a job at a seemingly traditional day spa, but soon realizes that the parlour offers a little more than just massage therapy. The series follows Riley balancing these two worlds – one that revolves around her kids and family – and the other that revolves around the massage parlour and its special clientele. Keeping both worlds separate proves tricky as she discovers she’s not the only one with secrets.
7 Days of Sex (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
What do women really want when it comes to sex? As a new generation of women talk openly about sex, marriage and relationships, Lifetime is at the centre of this cultural conversation with the all-new reality series 7 Days of Sex. The series challenges couples to have sex for one week straight with the hope of saving their marriage. Will it work?
The Houston Family Chronicles (WT) (Canadian Premiere)
TBC
An all-new docu-series that will follow the lives of the late Whitney Houston’s family, led by Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and manager, and including Pat’s daughter Rayah, Whitney’s brother Gary, daughter Bobbi Kristina and mother, Grammy® Award-winning singer Cissy Houston.
H2
10 Things You Don’t Know About (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Did you know that President John F. Kennedy was a bodybuilder, that Roman ruler Caligula loved to gamble and drug kingpin Pablo Escobar burned millions in cash to keep warm? In the series 10 Things You Don’t Know About, author and maverick historian David Eisenbach reveals intriguing and provocative details about some of history’s most fascinating individuals and groups. Tune in each week to explore the lives of historical figures ranging from Abraham Lincoln to the members of the Rat Pack, discovering what your textbooks never told you.
The Universe (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
From the planets to the stars and out to the edge of the unknown, history and science collide in The Universe. With ground-breaking new discoveries and stunning high-definition computer animations, it’s a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time.
Mankind Decoded (Canadian Premiere)
WINTER 2013
Mankind Decoded reveals the gripping story of how 12 surprising forces shaped human civilization and helped make us who we are today. While HISTORY series Mankind: The Story of All of Us takes an epic, chronological journey from the emergence of man to the present day, Mankind Decoded crisscrosses all eras to show how these 12 universal forces link all of mankind, through time. Technological leaps that transform our world; everyday foods that change the course of civilization; great forces of nature that drive human history; through astonishing global stories and surprising connections, Mankind Decoded reveals the secret history of all of us.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
Wicked Tuna (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Wicked Tuna follows the cutthroat, high-stakes business of bluefin tuna fishing in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Watch as crews set sail in search of the smartest, fastest and most elusive fish in the ocean – and the big money that follows them.
Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
A contest which will see adult civilians from all walks of life go head-to-head with real Boy Scouts as they compete in a variety of challenges based on the Scouts’ 100-year-old handbook as they bid for merit badges.
American Chainsaw (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
American Chainsaw is a docu-series following New England chainsaw sculptor and hard rock star Jesse “The Machine” Green and his unusual crew as they create art out of wood for royalty, celebrities, hotels and fans.
New seasons of returning series premiering on National Geographic Channel include: Doomsday Preppers, Locked Up Abroad and Alaska State Troopers.
NAT GEO WILD
Incredible Dr. Pol (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Set in Central Michigan’s farm country, Dr. Pol, along with his wife Diane, own and operate a veterinary clinic that services over 18,000 clients. From sick goats to sick pet pigs, Dr. Pol and his colleagues have their hands full with a variety of cases and several animal emergencies.
Extreme Animal Rescue (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
In Extreme Animal Rescue, wildlife expert Donald Schultz and actress and animal advocate Alison Eastwood (daughter of Clint Eastwood) seek sanctuary for animals of all kinds in peril.
Leader of the Pack (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
In Leader of the Pack, Cesar Millan, popular host of the hit show Dog Whisperer, works with so-called “unadoptable” dogs, and the families vying to adopt them. In a bid to end the world of canine abandonment, Millan travels the world to show viewers the three keys to adopting and owning a dog.
Wild Case Files (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Wild Case Files investigates the very strangest stories from the natural world. Each episode combines groundbreaking science and classic detective work to unravel the wildest of wild mysteries — exploding toads in Germany; drunken moose in Sweden; mice plagues and blind kangaroos in Australia; dogs jumping to their death from a bridge in Scotland; and an alien squid takeover in California.
Wild, Wilder, Wildest (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
A single drop of venom contains agony, destruction and death. Wild, Wilder, Wildest analyzes the venom of ten lethal injections, counting down to find the animal with the most dangerous venom on the planet. From fearsome fangs to shocking stings, break through the pain barrier to discover the animal using the Wild Wilder Wildest venom.
DIY NETWORK CANADA
I Want That (Canadian Premiere)
AUGUST 28
I Want That is a fast-paced tour through the latest and greatest building products – from smart appliances and the latest in home wiring to new building materials that are amazing, available and ready to go to work for you. Every half-hour episode is packed with in-depth profiles and highlights of a dozen of the hottest “must-haves” for every home, whether it’s new construction, a remodel or a retrofit.
Brand-new seasons of returning series on DIY Network include: Professional Grade, All American Handyman, House Crashers, Rehab Addict, Brothers on Call, Bath Crashers, I Hate My Bath, Income Property, Renovation Realities, Cool Tools, Man Caves, Mega Dens and Sweat Equity.
MOVIETIME
Network premieres of blockbuster movies on MovieTime include: Due Date, Hereafter, The Rite, Unknown, Red Riding Hood, Arthur and Hall Pass.
ACTION
Hardcore Pawn: Fort Bragg (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Guns Plus is a truly unique pawn shop that is a favourite of the thousands of soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, as well as their proud families, friends and supporters. Located next to the legendary military base, Guns Plus is staffed by military veterans, including ex-Marines and Special Ops soldiers, who have amazing first-hand knowledge of the rare and collectible weapons that come through their doors on a daily basis. Viewers will be taken behind the scenes for a very different look at the pawn business, focusing almost entirely on weapons and military equipment.
Cable premieres of blockbuster movies on Action include: Sucker Punch, Jonah Hex and Legion.
New seasons of returning series on Action include: Hardcore Pawn, Bait Car, Lizard Lick Towing, Impractical Jokers, Vegas Strip, World’s Dumbest and Top 20 Most Shocking.
MYSTERY TV
New seasons of returning series on Mystery TV include: Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, NCIS, NCIS: LA and Hawaii Five-0.
IFC
Justified, Season 1 (Network Premiere)
AUGUST 27
Smash-hit series Justified follows Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant in his Emmy®-nominated role; Deadwood) as he’s haunted by his personal and professional past. Reassigned to his native Kentucky, a case brings him face-to-face with an old friend on the wrong side of the law and the skeletons that emerge from his closet force Raylan to confront some unfinished family business of his own. Based on Executive Producer Elmore Leonard’s novels Pronto and Riding the Rap, Justified also stars Nick Searcy (Moneyball), Walton Goggins (The Shield), Jacob Pitts (21), and Natalie Zea (Dirty Sexy Money).
Network premieres of hit films on IFC include: The King’s Speech, The American, The Fighter, Blue Valentine, Limitless, The Mechanic, The Kids Are All Right, Brothers and Youth in Revolt.
Brand-new seasons of returning series premiering on IFC include: Weeds, Southland, Californication and Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
TWIST TV
Girl Meets Gown (Network Premiere)
AUGUST 29
See the lengths Texas brides will go, the thousands they will pay and the staff who will stop at nothing to make their wedding gown dreams come true! Girl Meets Gown takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Dallas area’s premier bridal salon, Stardust. Each week you’ll hear stories of real brides and their quest to find the perfect wedding dress!
The Doctors (Network Premiere)
SEPTEMBER 11
The daily daytime talk show features a team of medical professionals and celebrity guests who discuss a range of various health-related topics and answer questions from viewers who are too embarrassed to ask their own doctors.
Brand-new seasons of returning series on Twist include: Twist Specials, My Family UK, My Family Australia, House of Bryan, Bethenny Ever After, Consumed and Rich Groom, Poor Groom.
BBC CANADA
Phil Spencer – Secret Agent (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
For the past decade, property expert Phil Spencer has been on hand to guide buyers through the ups and downs of the housing market in the UK, Europe and Australia. Now, Phil returns as a Secret Agent with a mission – to get Britain’s property market moving again, one house at a time. Secret Agent Spencer goes undercover investigating hard-to-sell properties and offering advice on how to get these homes ready for market
Death in Paradise (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Sent to the tiny island of Saint-Marie to solve a mysterious murder, quintessentially British cop Richard Poole is a total fish out of water. Awaiting Richard is a ramshackle station and a very different type of policing. His new partner, DS Camille Bordey, is instinctive, feisty and brilliant, and the rest of the team certainly has their own unique way of doing things. Though Richard would never admit it, they make the perfect team, and with a new mind-boggling mystery to solve every episode, Death in Paradise is a warm, light-hearted detective series which takes place against a stunning Caribbean island backdrop.
DIY SOS The Big Build (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Nick Knowles, host of DIY SOS, and his trusty team transform the homes of the deserving and the desperate with hour-long episodes. Renovating the whole houses of families in need, Nick and his team enlist the help of the community to make these dreams come true. Of course, project managing so many workers inevitably creates tension, drama and the odd fall-out between friends, but at the end, each challenge climaxes in a huge reveal, leaving the owners looking forward to a bright new future, and resulting in a sense of genuine achievement for all involved.
Top Gear (US) (Network Premiere)
FALL 2012
Anything can happen when you’re in Top Gear. Following the popular UK show, the fun revs up in each episode with mind-blowing engineering feats, epic stunts and outrageous challenges that test the cast and take automotive technology for a wildly entertaining ride.
Threesome (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Alice is turning 30 and to help her celebrate (or rather, commiserate!) her boyfriend Mitch and their gay best friend Ritchie are having a night out on the town. Things start to get a bit hazy when they return to their flat in the wee small hours and they end up having a threesome resulting in Alice becoming pregnant, leaving Alice to wonder who the father is and what she should do!
Pramface (Canadian Premiere)
FALL 2012
Meet Jamie, 16, and Laura, 18, two teenagers who – after one too many drinks, some deceptive party lighting and an available bedroom – find they have one very big complication on their hands. Laura is pregnant, but she is soon to be heading off to university while Jamie is way too young to be considering raising a kid. Pramface brings humour and heart to a tricky subject, as it follows these two unexpected parents-to-be as they try, and frequently fail, to negotiate family, sex and what happens once nine months is up.
Brand-new seasons of returning series on BBC Canada include: Total Wipeout UK, Best of Top Gear Specials, Escape to the Country, Secret Millionaire, Law and Order UK, Silent Witness, Scott and Bailley and The Graham Norton Show.
Meanwhile over on GlobalTV:
Global’s impressive 2012/13 Primetime Schedule includes:
Elementary kicks off the list of the network’s buzz-worthy additions. The drama is a clever modern-day series about Detective Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller, Dexter) and Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu, Charlie’s Angels) as a crime solving duo who crack the NYPD’s most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where he is forced to live with his worst nightmare – a sober companion, Dr. Watson. A successful surgeon until she lost her license, Watson views her current job as another opportunity to help people as well as pay a penance. When Holmes resumes his work as a police consultant in New York City he soon finds Watson’s medical background helpful while Watson realizes she has a knack for playing investigator – together they become an unstoppable team. A female Dr. Watson? Seriously?
Next is the gritty new drama, Vegas, starring Hollywood heavy hitters Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow) and Michael Chiklis (The Shield) – a series inspired by the true story of former Las Vegas Sheriff, Ralph Lamb. A fourth generation rancher tasked with bringing order to Las Vegas in the 1960s, Lamb (Quaid) wants to be left in peace to run his ranch, but Las Vegas is starting to intrude. Recalling Lamb’s command as a military police officer during WWII, the Mayor appeals to Lamb’s sense of duty a