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- CTV greenlights 10 new series, including: comedy SHELVED;
competition series CROSS COUNTRY CAKE OFF; and food and travel
series EVOLVING VEGAN starring Mena
Massoud
- Crave orders 12 Originals, including: international competition
series CANADA'S DRAG RACE:
CANADA VS THE WORLD; comedies BRIA
MACK GETS A LIFE and ONE DAY WE'LL ALL BE DEAD, among many
others
- Noovo presents new drama series CHOUCHOU and L'EMPEREUR, and
more unscripted series, including: LE MAÎTRE DU JEU
- New French Crave Original programming includes: dramedy BON
MATIN CHUCK (OU L'ART DE RÉDUIRE LES MÉFAITS); drama series
DÉSOBÉIR : LE CHOIX DE CHANTALE
DAIGLE; and docuseries PRÉSUMÉ INNOCENT: L'AFFAIRE FRANCE
ALAIN
- Discovery Networks adds four new titles, including: BUSH WRECK
RESCUE, THE MIGHTIEST, and AFTER THE STORM
- TSN's partnership with UNINTERRUPTED Canada continues with new
documentary profiling Canadian basketball champion Chris Boucher
To tweet this release: thelede.ca/LpUmiB
TORONTO, June 9, 2022
/CNW/ - Bell Media confirmed today its most robust original content
slate ever, with 973 hours and nearly 100 titles set to debut or
begin production during the 2022/23 broadcast year. Fueling English
and French-language services across Bell Media properties, and
produced in partnership with independent production partners and
Bell Media Studios, the new programming ordered bolsters an
impressive and diverse roster of award-winning returning series,
documentaries, and specials.
"Bell Media's new slate of original programming is a powerful
portfolio of content, showcasing the best Canadian stories from the
most exciting creators in the country," said Karine Moses, Senior Vice President, Content
Development & News for Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec for
Bell. "Our talented content team is committed to great storytelling
that transcends genre, format, and platform and we are proud to
work with independent partners who share that same goal."
Among today's announcements:
- From Anthony Q. Farrell (THE
OFFICE) and Counterfeit Pictures, new CTV Original single-camera
work-place comedy, SHELVED, is centered around the lives of
the employees and patrons at the Jameson Public Library in
Parkdale.
- Mary Berg hosts CTV's new
competition series CROSS COUNTRY CAKE OFF, with casting
currently underway.
- Recently announced new CTV drama SULLIVAN'S CROSSING begins production this
summer in Nova Scotia, with
Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, Scott Patterson, and Tom
Jackson set to star; while previously announced unscripted
dating series FARMING FOR LOVE goes into production this
fall in British Columbia.
- CTV confirms new instalments of award-winning returning hits
including: a one-hour JANN holiday-themed special; Season 2
of MARY MAKES IT EASY for CTV Life; a new season of CTV
Sci-Fi's SURREALESTATE; Season 3 of ROAST BATTLE
CANADA, which premieres its
second season on June 13 on CTV
Comedy Channel; along with three previously announced CTV
favourites: Season 3 of TRANSPLANT; Season 8 of
fan-favourite THE AMAZING RACE CANADA; and Season 2 of family comedy
CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING.
- A bevy of all-new series for the CTV Specialty lineup
including: docuseries LISTING LARGE and DINE YOUR
SIGN for CTV Life; "real life" ghost story series PARANORMAL
REVENGE for CTV Sci-Fi; and previously announced comedy
ACTING GOOD for CTV Comedy.
- Orders for four, new Crave Original scripted comedy series,
including: BRIA MACK GETS A LIFE, created by Sasha Leigh Henry and from the producers of
LETTERKENNY and SHORESY; ONE DAY WE'LL ALL BE DEAD, based on
Canadian culture writer Scaachi Koul's critically acclaimed book of
essays; LATE BLOOMER, created by and starring comedic
sensation Jasmeet Raina, aka
JusReign; and SISTERS, a dark comedy about family, culture,
and life in your thirties.
- New unscripted content for Crave including: competition series
CANADA'S DRAG RACE:
CANADA VS THE WORLD, with
judges Brooke Lynn Hytes, Brad
Goreski, and Traci Melchor;
factual comedy I HAVE NOTHING, starring Carolyn Taylor (BARONESS VON SKETCH); and a collection of new Crave
Original documentaries.
- Renewals for Crave series include: Season 3 of CANADA'S DRAG RACE; Season 12 of
LETTERKENNY; Season 2 of docu-comedy series PILLOW
TALK; and Season 2 of 1 QUEEN 5 QUEERS; while previously
announced drama series LITTLE BIRD, and investigative series
THUNDER BAY are currently
in production.
- New French Crave Original programming includes: DÉSOBÉIR :
LE CHOIX DE CHANTALE DAIGLE, a
project with Sophie Lorain and
Alexis Durand-Brault, and BON
MATIN CHUCK (OU L'ART DE RÉDUIRE LES MÉFAITS), Crave's first
collaboration with writer and director Jean-François Rivard.
- New series for Noovo include: LE MAÎTRE DU JEU, an
adaptation of popular British game show TASKMASTER; invigorating
drama series CHOUCHOU, L'EMPEREUR and VIRAGE:
DOUBLE FAUTE; and the return of hit series ENTRE DEUX
DRAPS, OCCUPATION DOUBLE, and QUI SAIT CHANTER?.
- Discovery Networks adds: car and truck restoration series
BUSH WRECK RESCUE; AFTER THE STORM, a two-part
documentary exploring the mechanics behind disaster; and previously
announced competition series A CUT ABOVE; while MUD
MOUTAIN HAULERS, HIGHWAY THRU HELL, HEAVY RESCUE:
401 are all set to return for new seasons.
- From Bell Media Studios: new six-part series THE
MIGHTIEST for Discovery; as well as food, travel, and adventure
series, EVOLVING VEGAN for CTV Life and Crave, featuring
actor Mena Massoud; with CTV YOUR
MORNING, THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, ETALK, and
THE SOCIAL returning for new seasons on CTV.
- And from TSN and UNINTERRUPTED Canada impactful and insightful
documentaries including a new profile of the Toronto Raptors'
Chris Boucher, in addition to
previously announced WICK, BLACK ICE, and SINC:
THE CHRISTINE SINCLAIR STORY.
Bell Media's New English and French-Language Primetime
Original Entertainment Productions Slate from Independent Producers
Includes the Following, With Additional Titles To Be Announced In
The Coming Months. For Returning Series Synopses, Click
Here.
New English-Language
Series:
ACTING GOOD – CTV
Comedy *previously announced
ACTING GOOD stars Rabliauskas as Paul, a witty but
sensitive comic who returns home to the fictional Grouse Lake First
Nation after a botched attempt to move to the big city. Inspired by
Rabliauskas' own isolated community of Poplar River First Nation,
the half-hour comedy also stars actor, comedian, and series
co-showrunner Pat Thornton, as
Brady, the "only white guy on the rez." The homegrown lineup of
cast and crew also features Billy
Merasty (Elijah) as voice of the rez and radio DJ, Roger
Laughingstick, Roseanne Supernault
(THE DRIVE) as reformed bad girl and band councillor, Jo.
Gabriel Daniels (The Ice Road) joins
the cast as big-hearted Dean, along with series producer Tina
Keeper (NORTH OF 60) as the family matriarch Agnes. And in their
debut acting roles, Avery Claudia
Sutherland stars as Jo's rebellious daughter Chickadee,
comedian Cheyenna Sapp as Paul's,
on-again-off-again girlfriend, Rose, and writer, poet, and radio
host Rosanna Deerchild as First Nation Grouse Lake chief, Deedee.
(Buffalo Gal)
A CUT ABOVE –
Discovery *previously announced
Hosted by Golden Globe®-nominee Adam Beach, this competition series puts 12 of
the best chainsaw carvers from across the world to the ultimate
test of creativity, strength, and skills, as they turn ordinary
logs into extraordinary works of art. Each episode, the carvers
compete in weekly Quick and Master Carve challenges, while racing
against the clock, in hopes of avoiding elimination. At the end of
the grueling competition, the carver who out carves the rest, wins
a cash prize and will be named "A Cut Above". World-renowned
Canadian chainsaw carver Ryan Cook
and esteemed United Kingdom
sculptor, Katharine Dowson serve as
judges. (marblemedia)
BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS –
CTV
BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS is an exciting new 20-episode,
60-minute CTV Original quiz format that asks not only how well you
know someone else's generation – but how well you know your own.
Each episode of this nostalgia-packed quiz show features four
charismatic contestants, each representing a different generation
(Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z), who battle it out to
discover who knows the most about ALL generations. Whoever triumphs
in this unique game of time travelling trivia will enter The Vault
for a chance to win big money. Fast and fun, tactical and
tenacious, BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS is the primetime game
show that's genuinely for everyone. (Bell Media Studios/Motion
Content Group)
BRIA MACK GETS A LIFE –
Crave
A half-hour comedy series that follows Bria Mack, a 25-year-old Black woman, as she
navigates adulthood in a predominantly white world – which is made
all the more difficult, but also more tolerable – by Black Attack,
her invisible hype girl. Created by Sasha
Leigh Henry, the series is executive produced by Henry,
Tania Thompson, and Mark Montefiore, with Angelique Knights and Tamar Bird serving as producers. (New Metric
Media)
BUSH WRECK RESCUE –
Discovery
BUSH WRECK RESCUE is a new take on the ever-popular car
and truck restoration genre, with a twist – all the projects begin
as long-abandoned wrecks tracked down in farmers' fields, barns,
and ravines in the backcountry. BUSH WRECK RESCUE's
"gearheads" attempt to turn a profit by pulling vintage vans,
muscle cars, and pick-up trucks out of the bush and transforming
them into Instagram-worthy gems. (Omnifilm Entertainment)
CANADA'S DRAG RACE: CANADA VS THE WORLD – Crave
After two wildly successful seasons of CANADA'S DRAG RACE, and a third on the
horizon, the queens of the north have proven they can "sleigh" in
every way. With Canada acting as
host nation, CANADA'S DRAG
RACE: CANADA VS THE WORLD is a
six-episode battle that brings back fan-favourites from the
international Drag Race family for an elite competition to crown
the "Queen of the Mother-Pucking World." At this level of
competition, there are no weak links – just seasoned queens with a
thirst for victory. Let the international games begin! (Blue
Ant Studios, Saloon Media, World of Wonder)
CROSS COUNTRY CAKE OFF –
CTV
CROSS COUNTRY CAKE OFF is an original competition
series that celebrates the unbridled creativity of Canada's best cake-makers, and showcases the
incredible stories of heart and humour that inspire them. A feel
good national event, CROSS COUNTRY CAKE OFF connects the
country through cake in 10 delightful episodes, including four
Holiday specials. Buckle up for a wild and delicious ride! (Proper
Television)
DINE YOUR SIGN – CTV Life
*previously announced
Hosted by Chef Siobhan Detkavich,
DINE YOUR SIGN connects appetite with the astrological, with
each episode featuring a menu designed around one of the 12 Zodiac
signs. (Gusto TV)
EVOLVING VEGAN – CTV Life Channel
and Crave
EVOLVING VEGAN is an eight-part food, travel, and
adventure series, starring, and based on Canadian actor
Mena Massoud's (Aladdin)
cookbook, of the same name. Each one-hour episode features Massoud
as he explores the exploding plant-based food scene across
North America, visiting cities
such as Los Angeles, Portland, Toronto, Vancouver and New
York City to meet the trailblazing chefs and restaurateurs
serving up the best vegan eats each city has to offer. He will also
meet with exciting innovators within the plant-based food space and
link up with celebrity friends and locals as they eat their way
through each locales' best vegan offerings. Massoud's mission is to
show people how incredibly delicious and accessible plant-based
options are and encourage people to evolve vegan, to move in that
direction, even if it's for one night of the week in a
judgement-free manner. EVOLVING VEGAN is set to premiere on
CTV Life and Crave in 2023. (Bell Media Studios)
FARMING FOR LOVE – CTV
*previously announced
An adaptation of the hit international format THE FARMER WANTS A
WIFE, FARMING FOR LOVE follows the journeys of rural
Canadian singles on their quest for romance. In FARMING FOR
LOVE, five Canadians searching for their soulmates open up
their farms – and their hearts – to a select group of urban
singles. As they live and work together, the daters must adjust to
a new lifestyle, and immerse themselves in a series of challenges,
group activities, and intimate one-on-one dates, with the goal of
finding their one true love. The CTV Original series consists of
10, one-hour episodes. (Lark Productions in collaboration with
Fremantle and in association with CTV)
I HAVE NOTHING – Crave
I HAVE NOTHING is a factual comedy about amateur
abilities and enormous ambitions and follows series creator and
star Carolyn Taylor (BARONESS VON
SKETCH SHOW) on her eternal quest to escape the familiar and pursue
her wildest dreams, even when she doesn't have the talent, or
skills (or basic knowledge) to realize them. The series follows
Carolyn on a quixotic quest to choreograph the perfect full-length
pairs figure skating routine to Whitney
Houston's 1992 hit song 'I Have Nothing.' What begins as a
light-hearted, nostalgic comedy quickly morphs into a high-stakes,
real-life mission – with a few wild detours along the way. (Content
Catalyst Fund in association with Blue Ant Studios)
JUST FOR LAUGHS Specials – CTV
Comedy
Slated to be filmed at the 2022 Just for Laughs Festival in
Montréal in July, four new stand-up comedy specials to feature the
best in homegrown and international comedy talent. Hosted by
Russell Peters, Chelsea Handler, Jo
Koy, and Patton Oswalt. (Just
For Laughs)
LATE BLOOMER – Crave
LATE BLOOMER is a new comedy series created by and
starring comedic sensation Jasmeet
Raina, aka JusReign. The series is inspired by his real-life
experiences navigating new-found internet fame, dating,
spirituality, culture, and his dysfunctional (yet loving) family.
(Pier 21 Films)
LISTING LARGE – CTV Life
Odeen Eccleston and Lamont Wiltshire are building a real estate
empire: buying, selling, renovating and flipping, all while
juggling parenthood, friendship and love. Amidst luxury custom
builds and multi-million dollar deals, this on-again off-again
couple are determined not to let anything stand in the way of their
wildly successful business partnership. (Proper Television)
LITTLE BIRD – Crave
*previously announced
Created by showrunner Jennifer
Podemski and head writer Hannah Moscovitch, LITTLE
BIRD follows an Indigenous woman on a journey to find her
birth family, and uncover the hidden truth of her past. The series,
a co-production with APTN, explores themes of resilience in the
face of trauma and loss. Removed from her home in Long Pine
Reserve in Saskatchewan, Bezhig
Little Bird is adopted into a Montréal Jewish family at the age of
five, becoming Esther Rosenblum. Now
in her 20s, Bezhig longs for the family she lost and is willing to
sacrifice everything to find them. Her quest lands her in the
Canadian prairies, worlds apart from everything she knows. As she
begins to track down her siblings, she unravels the mystery behind
her adoption, and discovers that her apprehension was connected to
a racist government policy now known as the Sixties Scoop. Bezhig's
sense of identity shatters and she is forced to reckon with who she
is and who she wants to become. The character-driven drama features
an extraordinary cast of Indigenous actors, including Darla
Contois, Ellyn Jade, Osawa Muskwa, Joshua
Odjick, Imajyn Cardinal, Braeden Clarke, Eric Schweig, and Michelle Thrush.
Lisa Edelstein also stars.
Award-winning filmmakers Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Zoe Hopkins each direct three episodes, while
Hopkins writes three of the episodes. Executive producers
are Christina Fon, Ernest Webb, Catherine Bainbridge, Linda Ludwick (Rezolution Pictures),
Kim Todd, Nicholas Hirst (Original Pictures), Jeremy Podeswa, Jennifer
Podemski, and Hannah
Moskovitch, along with Christian
Vesper and Dante Di Loreto
(Fremantle). Producers are Tanya
Brunel and Jessica Dunn (OP
Little Bird), Claire MacKinnon and
Philippe Chabot (Rezolution
Pictures) and Lori Lozinski and
Ellen Rutter. The series
is currently in production in Manitoba and is set to premiere on Crave next
year. (Rezolution Pictures, APTN, OP Little Bird)
THE MIGHTIEST –
Discovery
THE MIGHTIEST is a six-part series that
zeros in on the most exciting and compelling stories from the
MIGHTY franchise (MIGHTY TRAINS, MIGHTY SHIPS, MIGHTY PLANES,
MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS), one of Discovery's most successful series
seen in more than 100 countries around the world. Each themed
episode of THE MIGHTIEST goes a step further by
embedding on new missions to highlight mind-blowing feats of
science and engineering that are set to change the game once again,
including an exclusive visit to the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford - the US Navy's newest and
largest aircraft carrier. Principal photography on THE
MIGHTIEST is underway, and the series premieres on Discovery
later this year. (Bell Media Studios)
ONE DAY WE'LL ALL BE DEAD –
Crave
Based on the critically acclaimed, national bestselling book by
Scaachi Koul, One Day We'll All Be Dead And None Of This Will
Matter, this new half-hour comedy, created by Lakna Edilima and
Koul, follows a first-generation Brown woman juggling her invasive
family, her burgeoning journalism career, and her own strong-willed
nature while processing her own grief. (First Generation Films)
PARANORMAL REVENGE – CTV
Sci-Fi
PARANORMAL REVENGE is a brand new, original series from
the newly amalgamated, Sphere Media. Each hour explores two
chilling stories of real-life paranormal encounters that intersect
with one of the most powerful forces of darkness – revenge. Those
who experience para-revenge often describe a strong feeling of
possession. And in every encounter... violence and terror follow.
Each story is unpacked by the witnesses who experienced these
revenge hauntings. And whether it's a person, place or object from
the past seeking its victim, the history drives the horror. These
are mystery filled camp-fire tales with twists and turns, driving
toward a terrifying final revelation. (Sphere Media)
SHELVED – CTV
Set in the Jameson Public Library in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood, SHELVED is a
single-camera, workplace comedy that follows the employees and
patrons as they go about their lives in this unassuming and
extraordinary place. (Counterfeit)
SIGHT UNSEEN – CTV
After losing her vision, former homicide detective Tess Burke is haunted by the unsolved cases she
left behind. When she meets professional seeing-eye guide
Sunny Patel through a visual
assistance app, they decide to take action. Using a hidden camera
and earpiece, Sunny steers Tess remotely around life's obstacles —
and crimes — as the two challenge preconceptions about ability,
trust, and solving crime. (Sisters Troubetzoy Productions Inc.
and Bl!nk49 Studios. Worldwide rights controlled by Bl!nk49)
SISTERS – Crave
An Irish-Canadian co-production, SISTERS is a
character-driven, half-hour, dark comedy about family, culture, and
life in one's 30s. It's an exploration of how the absence of
parents can influence adult life in unforeseen ways, and how that
void can affect a woman's relationship to alcohol, men, work, and
motherhood (or lack thereof) – and the macabre humour that can come
with trauma. In SISTERS, the two main
characters born continents apart, in Canada and in Ireland, discover they are half-sisters and
embark on a road trip to find their alcoholic father. Real life
best friends, EMMY® Award-nominee Sarah
Goldberg (BARRY) and Susan Stanley (Hotel
Amenities), make their writing debuts and star. Emmy
Award-nominee Declan Lowney
(TED LASSO) is the establishing
director and is set to direct the first three episodes of the
six-episode series. (Peer Pressure and Shaftesbury, in association
with Mermade and Gaze Pictures)
THE SPENCER SISTERS –
CTV
Darby Spencer is having a bad
day. After being unjustly reprimanded by her boss, Darby
impulsively quits her job as a police officer, and then finds out
her boyfriend is cheating on her. With no other choice, she returns
home to the one person she's been avoiding for years: her
overbearing, best-selling-mystery-novelist mother, Joan. But after
the two are thrust into solving a crime together, Darby discovers a
side to Joan she never knew, and ultimately takes the plunge on the
unlikeliest of ventures: becoming her partner in a private
detective agency. (eOne)
SPICE SECRETS – CTV Life
*previously announced
From seeds, roots, to bark, and fruits, SPICE SECRETS
explores the unique and complex flavours that fill our spice racks.
Hosted by Chefs Shahir Massoud and Jasmin
Rose Ibrahim, the 10-episode series will feature a variety
of spice applications, techniques and unexpected combinations.
(Gusto TV)
SULLIVAN'S CROSSING – CTV
*previously announced
In SULLIVAN'S CROSSING,
Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan (Kohan) has her world turned upside
down when a scandalous incident throws both her personal and
professional life into turmoil. She leaves her life in the city and
returns to Sullivan's Crossing, a
rural campground and outpost nestled amongst the sweeping vistas
and cliffs she once called home, where her estranged father, Sully
Sullivan (Patterson), still looks after the day-to-day operations
catering to hikers, bikers, and mountain climbers. The 10-episode,
hour-long romantic drama sees Maggie navigating her complicated
present and confronting her painful past as she attempts to
reconnect with a side of herself she had long ago forgotten.
Tackling issues including family, community, conflict, loss, and
love in a realistic and purposeful way, SULLIVAN'S CROSSING is a series about
healing, letting go, and ultimately, opening yourself up to a world
of new opportunities. (Reel World Management in association with
CTV and Fremantle, SULLIVAN'S
CROSSING is being produced as an interprovincial coproduction
with Nova Scotia based producer
Mike Volpe and Ontario based producer Mark Gingras)
THUNDER
BAY – Crave *previously
announced
THUNDER BAY is a
four-part Crave Original documentary series based on the
groundbreaking podcast from CANADALAND, Thunder Bay. The gripping investigative series
is produced and also hosted by Anishinaabe journalist and
award-winning writer, Ryan McMahon,
who is on a quest to uncover the truth in the recent deaths of
multiple Indigenous people in Thunder
Bay, Ontario – a city known as the homicide and hate crime
capital of Canada. McMahon's
investigation sheds light on the history of racism in Thunder Bay, and examines the failings and the
injustices of its social systems and institutions. The series
unravels the country's complicated relationship with colonialism,
examining the consequences of the broken system in which some can
thrive, while many others, disproportionally struggle to survive.
Produced, written, and hosted by Ryan
McMahon. The series is currently in production. (eOne)
URBAN LEGEND – CTV
Sci-Fi
URBAN LEGEND is a nightmarish anthology series showcasing
classic urban legends like never before. Based on widely shared
"true" stories that happened to a friend of a friend...of a friend,
each episode is a mini-horror film cinematically crafted to deliver
a hyper-suspenseful and tension-fuelled experience. Featuring
lurking psychopaths, murderous mysteries, creepy creatures and
twisting tales, these disturbing legends prey on our most deeply
embedded fears to shock and terrify. (Cream Productions)
VEG HEADZ – CTV Life
*previously announced
Hosted by two-time MASTERCHEF CANADA winner Chef Pino Di Cerbo, VEG HEADZ reimagines what
you can do with fresh produce, creating four tasty plant-based
plates per episode. (Gusto TV)
New English-Language
Documentaries and Specials:
AFTER THE STORM –
Discovery
Two-part documentary about the storm of the century, exploring
the mechanics of the disaster, the impact on those affected, and
the mammoth efforts to rebuild stronger and safer. (Great Pacific
Media)
ANY OTHER WAY: THE JACKIE SHANE
STORY – Crave Original Documentary
This new documentary tells the tale of the extraordinary life
and mysterious disappearance of pioneering soul singer and Black
Transgender trailblazer, Jackie
Shane. Her story is brought vibrantly to life through
intimate recorded conversations with Jackie, and follows her
family's journey to discover her legacy, and the voices of those
who were inspired by her tenacity to be herself. Executive produced
by Elliot Page of Page Boy
Productions. (Banger Films, National Film Board of Canada)
AUDIOPHILIA - ADVENTURES IN THE
WORLD OF HI-FI – Crave Original Documentary
From director Ron Mann, AUDIOPHILIA - ADVENTURES IN THE
WORLD OF HI-FI is the story about the love of listening to
music on the world's best stereo equipment. The
film profiles the inventors, designers, and major-league
audiophiles, engaged in the never-ending quest to find audio
nirvana. The film is a deep dive into the subculture of sonic
obsessives around the world who seek out esoteric electronics that
are often visually stunning, and turn their homes into audio
sanctuaries. (Sphinx Productions)
BAM BAM: THE STORY OF SISTER NANCY
– Crave Original Documentary *previously announced
BAM BAM: THE STORY OF SISTER NANCY is a feature
music documentary that explores the wild story behind how Sister
Nancy's hit song "Bam Bam" became the most sampled reggae vocal of
all time. From Nancy's unprecedented entry into the male-dominated
80s Dancehall scene in Kingston,
Jamaica, to her courageous fight to control her music,
Sister Nancy's story is not only one of resilience, but also one of
celebration. Ultimately, this is an inspirational music documentary
about a woman dusting herself off after being held back by an
industry known for silencing female artists, and hell-bent on
empowering others with her music, and knowledge to make a
difference. Proving to all that good music, no matter what can't be
stopped! Directed by Alison Duke.
Produced by OYA Media Group with Ngardy Conteh George and Duke
serving as producers. (OYA Media Group)
BUFFY
SAINT MARIE: POWER IN THE BLOOD – CTV *previously
announced
For more than 50 years, Buffy
Sainte-Marie has been a star. Her songs are legendary, her
impact undeniable. One of Canada's
most-respected Indigenous leaders, she's a pioneer of music and
activism, and has left an indelible mark on the world. The film
tells Buffy's incredible story through exclusive access, rare
archives, insightful interviews, and great music. The 90-min
documentary BUFFY SAINT-MARIE:
POWER IN THE BLOOD celebrates Buffy's extraordinary
achievements, dispels myths, sets the record straight, and
illustrates that in a time of chaos and division, we've never
needed Buffy more than now. (White Pine Pictures, Eagle Vision)
KINGS OF COKE – Crave Original
Documentary *previously announced
People often think about Miami
when it comes to cocaine, but Montréal may have been the biggest
drug kingdom of them all. By the 70s, Montréal, the infamous party
town, was engulfed in mayhem. The city had become known as the bank
robbery capital of North America
with more heists than New York or
Los Angeles. Then, a brazen group
of thieves moved into the drug trade, smuggling cocaine on a global
scale. This 90-minute, true crime documentary chronicles the path
to power of one of Montréal's most influential and violent gangs,
the infamous West End Gang, and the cops and journalists who
pursued its three leaders. It's an unlikely rise and inevitable
fall, but more importantly, it's a largely forgotten and
underreported story, even for the most seasoned of true crime fans.
KINGS OF COKE is produced by Michael
Kronish and directed by Julian
Sher, and is set to premiere on Crave later this year.
(Connect 3, Urbania Media)
COMING HOME – Crave Original
Documentary
COMING HOME is a feature-length documentary by director
Erica Daniels taking viewers behind
the scenes of the production of the much anticipated
Crave Original drama series LITTLE BIRD, and the groundbreaking
movement for Indigenous narrative sovereignty as experienced by the
series' creatives, crew and 60's Scoop advisors. Intimate
behind the scenes footage, interviews, and period archive
interweave to trace and reveal the ongoing legacy of the 60s scoop
and the power of narrative reclamation. (Rezolution Pictures,
Logical Mayhem, APTN)
NAKED – Crave Original Documentary
*previously announced
A documentary feature film about the gender binary. What is it?
How does it manifest itself in our minds and our lives? And how can
we go beyond? NAKED follows individuals and communities,
experts and artists around the globe who right now, are radically
and joyfully redefining gender as we know it. Together, they
explore their vision of a future beyond the gender binary. Directed
by Stephanie Weimar. Executive
Producer is Michael McMahon.
Producers are Kevin McMahon and
Michael McMahon. (Primitive
Entertainment)
RESIDENT ORCA – Crave Original
Documentary *previously announced
In the summer of 2018, killer whale Tahlequah makes
international news headlines, as she carries her dead calf for more
than 17 days and 1,000 miles in an unprecedented show of mourning.
Almost 50 years earlier, at the height of the capture era in the
Pacific Northwest, four-year-old Lolita is taken in a deadly
round-up that separates a mother from her calf, and seals Lolita's
and her wild relatives' fate. Today, at 56, Lolita is the last
remaining Southern Resident Orca in captivity, living in the same
concrete tank, thousands of miles from home, where her endangered
family struggles to survive. RESIDENT ORCA tells the story
of an unlikely partnership between Indigenous elders, a
billionaire, journalists, politicians, a whistle-blowing
veterinarian, and an ex-Orca catcher as they take on the impossible
task of freeing Lolita from captivity and returning her to the
Salish Sea to be near her presumed 92 year old mother once again.
Meanwhile, a team of scientists led by killer whale godfather,
Ken Balcomb, tracks the wild whale's
decline towards extinction asking what it means for us to reconcile
the past and fight for a future where we can all survive.
Co-directed and executive produced by Simon
Schneider and Sarah Sharkey
Pearce. (Everyday Films)
ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL (wt) –
Crave Original Documentary
ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL (wt) tells the incredible
behind-the-scenes story of how against all odds, a history-changing
concert came together. This revealing documentary uncovers a series
of interesting characters, murky deals, and broken promises,
culminating in John Brower, a young
struggling promoter, putting his life on the line (literally) in
order to achieve his goal. Directed by Ron
Chapman and produced by Trish
Dolman, Sally Blake, and
Ron Chapman. Written by Phyllis Ellis. (Screen Siren Pictures, Chapman
Productions, and Films a Cinq)
"SINC": THE CHRISTINE SINCLAIR
STORY – TSN *previously announced
An original documentary that charts the rise of Canada's greatest soccer player, Christine Sinclair, through both an athletic
lens and a tale of humanity, and compassion. (UNINTERRUPTED
Canada)
SMOKE & GIFTS – Crave Original
Documentary
Filmmaker Stephen Chung pulls
back the curtain on the community of musicians and friends of the
trailblazing band Broken Social Scene. This stunning POV
documentary features never before seen archival footage and pays
tribute to the power of indie music and the artists who started out
in Toronto bars before rocketing
to global fame. (Fathom Film Group)
UNINTERRUPTED Canada: BLACK ICE – TSN *previously
announced
UNINTERRUPTED Canada: BLACK
ICE explores the journey of Black hockey players from the
creation of The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes to the
modern-day NHL, highlighting their often overlooked and
marginalized contributions to the game. BLACK ICE elevates
these individuals who passionately followed a dream to play a sport
that continues to be plagued by racial inequity and their
collective aspirations to change a sport's culture. BLACK
ICE is directed by OSCAR® and
EMMY®-nominated Hubert
Davis and produced by Vinay
Virmani. Drake, Adele "Future" Nur, LeBron James, Maverick Carter and Scott Moore are Executive Producers.
(UNINTERRUPTED Canada, DreamCrew Entertainment, and The SpringHill
Company)
UNINTERRUPTED Canada: CHRIS
BOUCHER – TSN
From homeless on the streets of Montréal to NBA Champion,
Chris Boucher's story is one of the
great, untold narratives in Canadian sport. (UNINTERRUPTED
Canada)
UNINTERRUPTED Canada: THE GRIZZLIE TRUTH – TSN
*previously announced
The film explores the mysterious departure of the Vancouver
Grizzlies NBA franchise through the eyes of director and superfan
Kathleen S. Jayme. Her search, 25
years after the team left, explores the unique and remarkable
untold story behind the franchise's downfall and the impact it had
on the community. Much more than a sports story, THE GRIZZLIE
TRUTH is a blend of mystery, mixed with a comedy of errors and
a true underdog epic that drives Jayme's search for the truth about
what happened to the franchise. (Grizz Films in partnership with
UNINTERRUPTED Canada)
UNINTERRUPTED Canada: WICK – TSN *previously
announced
WICK is a triumphant, reflective, and inspiring
story which provides audiences with an intimate and unfiltered
snapshot into the world of Canadian icon Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser. The documentary takes
viewers on a tour of Wickenheiser's life journey: from growing up
on a farm in Saskatchewan, to
teaching women in India and
North Korea how to play hockey, to
contributing to countless charitable causes and choosing to pursue
a medical degree, all the while winning four Olympic hockey golds,
seven world championships, and becoming the first female to ever
play pro men's hockey in Europe.
(UNINTERRUPTED Canada)
WILFRED
BUCK – Crave Original Documentary *previously
announced
WILFRED BUCK is a
hybrid feature documentary centring on a Cree elder who's dedicated
his life to unearthing and sharing Indigenous star knowledge.
Weaving together his harrowing past and his present life with sky
stories, this cinematic film explores colonization's attempts to
extinguish Indigenous ways of knowing, the values of
interrelationship that shape Indigenous science, and how this
worldview paves a healthier path forward for our
planet. Directed by Lisa
Jackson. Producers are Lisa
Jackson, Alicia Smith, and
Lauren Grant. Executive producers
are David Christensen, Nicholas de Pencier, and Jennifer Baichwal. (Door Number 3 in
co-production with the National Film Board)
New French-Language
Series:
The following new series will come to Noovo, Canal Vie, Z, Canal
D, and Crave in Fall 2022 and early 2023, with additional titles to
be announced for 2023 in the coming months.
AMOUR SANS LIMITE – Canal Vie
*previously announced
AMOUR SANS LIMITE follows the sincere quest of
people living with disabilities, who are all looking for true love.
Each story highlights an individual with a different obstacle as
they gain the help of matchmakers from the Rencontre Adaptée
agency, Vanessa, Émilie and Darlène. Will these singles manage to
find a soulmate while navigating the unpredictable world of dating?
(URBANIA)
AU CHALET DE RÉMI – Z
*previously announced
AU CHALET DE RÉMI opens the door to the world of
Rémi-Pierre Paquin in his hometown
of Mauricie. Each week, he receives visits from well-known friends
at his chalet for activities with him and his family. His goal: to
convince his guests to love Mauricie, and maybe even convince them
to move there! (Sphère Média)
BÊTES DE FILM – Canal D
In the Eastern Townships, a man and his son train animals for
films. Much more than just a zoo, they have turned their land into
a sanctuary where they educate people about animal respect. Invited
to work on Québec and American film sets, the duo amazes audiences
with their unique relationship with the animals. (Anémone Télé)
BON MATIN CHUCK (OU L'ART DE
RÉDUIRE LES MÉFAITS) – Crave *previously announced
Chuck is loved by the public, but when he finds himself on the
front page of every newspaper and gossip magazine after a scandal,
all of Québec is in shock. For those close to him, this incident is
the last straw. With his reputation destroyed, he retires to a
recovery home for people suffering from addictions, in order to
persuade his spouse, his agent, and the public of his (relative)
goodwill. The catch: Chuck doesn't really think he needs help, and
instead tells anyone who will listen that he's just a party guy!
(St-Laurent TV)
CHOUCHOU – Noovo *previously
announced
CHOUCHOU recounts the story of Chanelle Chouinard, a 37-year-old French teacher
who falls for Sandrick, her new 17-year-old student who is
confident and magnetic, but vulnerable. The series draws a nuanced
profile of two people who fall head over heels for the illusion of
a great love story. (Passez Go)
COEURS MIGRATOIRES – Canal
Vie
COEURS MIGRATOIRES is an observational documentary
series that immerses the viewer in the daily lives of couples,
where one spouse has just arrived in Canada, or is waiting for a visa abroad. By
accompanying them on their journey of integrating into their new
lives, the series portrays the pitfalls they encounter and the
intensity that comes from a multicultural love relationship.
(Anémone Télé)
DÉSOBÉIR : LE CHOIX DE CHANTALE DAIGLE – Crave
*previously announced
This mini-series tells the story of Chantale Daigle who, at the age of 21, falls in
love and becomes pregnant with Jean-Guy
Tremblay, a man who turns out to be manipulative and
aggressive. After a stormy relationship, she leaves him and chooses
to have an abortion, but Jean-Guy goes to the courts to prevent it.
Against all odds, a judge rules in Jean-Guy's favor, even though
abortion had been decriminalized a year earlier. The case reopens
the conversation of abortion on a national and international scale.
Chantale becomes the centre of a media and political cyclone, and
her life is changed forever. Will she find the strength to accept
her choice until the end? (ALSO Productions)
J'AI FRÔLÉ LA MORT – Canal
D
The documentary series J'AI FRÔLÉ LA MORT offers gripping
stories of ordinary men and women who have found themselves in
perilous situations where their lives were at stake. The survivors
re-tell their tragic stories, with testimonials from loved ones,
experts, or caregivers that were present at the scene, and will
once again experience strong emotions of how close they came to
death. (Attraction images)
L'EMPEREUR – Noovo *previously
announced
After a drunken office party, Christian takes Manuela home where
the end of the evening gets out of hand. Despite what seems like an
accident, they continue to work together and Christian becomes
President, while helping Manuela climb the corporate ladder. Flash
forward 10 years later, a woman accuses Christian of sexual
assault. Then another one comes forward, and several others after.
By now, Christian is at the top, he is a father, a loving husband,
his close guard benefits from his largesse, society idolizes him,
and a generalized omertà reigns. What spark will give Manuela the
strength to dive back into her trauma and speak out? Will Christian continue to dominate the world
and reign terror? (Sovimage)
LE MAÎTRE DU JEU – Noovo
*previously announced
Louis Morissette takes charge in
LE MAÎTRE DU JEU, the Québec adaptation of the popular
British series, TASKMASTER. Along with his assistant, Antoine
Vézina, they impose a series of playful challenges that test the
creativity and ingenuity of a panel of five comedians, made up of
Mehdi Bousaidan, Ève Côté, Christine
Morency, Matthieu Pepper, and
Jo Cormier. Throughout the season,
they will try to impress their Taskmaster, and be crowned champion.
(KOTV)
LES DÉBATTEURS DE NOOVO – Noovo
*previously announced
LES DÉBATTEURS DE NOOVO is the day's hottest newsworthy topic,
seasoned debaters and 30 minutes of hard-hitting exchanges! Host
Michel Bherer is surrounded by a
diverse, experienced and representative team of debaters who will
take a frank look at current events. (Noovo Info/Bell
Média)
LES JUSTICIERS – Noovo
*previously announced
Three lawyers, each with their own strong and unique
personalities, settle small claims cases between ordinary citizens.
At the end of their rope, these citizens want justice quickly,
definitively... and free of charge! In each episode of this new
unscripted series, the three lawyers hear three different cases,
and following some debate, announce their verdict. In addition to
hearing these unique cases, the lawyers offer unprecedented
behind-the-scenes access to the deliberations that led to the
verdict. Because even when it comes to justice, nothing is ever
black or white. (Avanti-Toast)
MA PREMIÈRE MAISON – Canal Vie
*previously announced
In the new renovation-design series MA PREMIÈRE MAISON,
audiences follow singer Mélissa Bédard and her large family
(husband Karl and their six children), who settle down in a new
house in Saint -Emile, Que.
Bédard's quest is to create a family sanctuary where each member
has their own space. Throughout this adventure, she is supported by
an outstanding team of friends, including Joanie for construction,
and designer Antoine Laurier. Moving
and settling for the first time into a new and real home, audiences
are set to find a part of their dreams in Melissa's project! (IPROD
Média)
PRÉSUMÉ INNOCENT : L'AFFAIRE
FRANCE ALAIN – Crave and Canal D *previously
announced
In this new documentary series, Marie-Claude Savard and Sébastien Trudel examine one of Québec's most infamous
and sensational murder cases: the 1982 killing of France Alain, murdered at close range on Ste-Foy
Street in Québec City, allegedly by radio host Benoît Proulx. On
the 40th anniversary of the case, the series examines the case,
from Proulx's trial, to his appeal and eventual acquittal, and the
ensuing civil lawsuit. (Trinôme)
PRIEZ POUR NOUS – Canal
D
This new documentary series explores sexual abuse by members of
the clergy, and the victims who are breaking the silence and taking
steps to seek justice. Their struggle, often spanning several
years, is arduous and the outcome is uncertain. But despite the
challenges encountered, their moving and – often shocking stories –
will finally be heard. (Attraction images)
CHRISTINE
MORENCY: SANS FILTRE – Z *previously
announced
Québec comedian Christine Morency
quickly won over the public with her outspokenness, authenticity,
and contagious laughter. This new documentary series offers
audiences a glimpse into her personal and professional life as she
prepares for her first one-woman show. (Avanti-Toast)
VIRAGE: DOUBLE FAUTE – Noovo
*previously announced
Starring Éric Bruneau and Louis
Morissette, VIRAGE: DOUBLE FAUTE tells the story of
Charles (Bruneau), a talented and
devoted tennis player who is ranked #187 in the world, and
continues to struggle with injuries, lack of funding, and anxiety.
The series explores the quest that drives some athletes to
persevere, even as they sacrifice time, money, and health in the
shadow of glory. Morissette plays Sylvain, a coach at Tennis
Canada, who tries to reach the top in a sport where families are
extremely involved, ultimately dictating the future of a coach's
career. (KOTV)
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
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@Noovo_ca
Facebook:
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About Bell Media Original
Programming
Bell Media has commissioned some of Canada's most-watched and most-acclaimed
original programming, working with the best Canadian independent
producers in the country. Hit series commissioned by CTV include #1
Canadian drama TRANSPLANT; record-breaking Canadian format THE
AMAZING RACE CANADA; and comedy
series CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING and JANN; as well as upcoming
scripted series SULLIVAN'S
CROSSING, and unscripted dating series FARMING FOR LOVE. Among the
original series on Bell Media specialty and streaming platforms are
CTV Life Channel's culinary series MARY MAKES IT EASY with
Mary Berg; CTV Comedy Channel's
ROAST BATTLE CANADA and the
upcoming ACTING GOOD. Crave Originals include hit series
LETTERKENNY, CANADA'S DRAG RACE,
and WAY OVER ME (SORTEZ-MOI DE MOI); docuseries DARK SIDE OF THE
RING; and acclaimed documentaries FANNY: THE RIGHT TO ROCK and
A.RTIFICIAL I.MMORTALITY. Discovery is home to Bell Media's hit
factual series and franchises HIGHWAY THRU HELL, HEAVY RESCUE: 401,
and MUD MOUNTAIN HAULERS, and others. Bell Media is part of BCE
Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's
largest communications company. Learn more at www.BellMedia.ca.
SOURCE Bell Media