All posts by Greg David

Prior to becoming a television critic and owner of TV, Eh?, Greg David was a critic for TV Guide Canada, the country's most trusted source for TV news. He has interviewed television actors, actresses and behind-the-scenes folks from hundreds of television series from Canada, the U.S. and internationally. He is a podcaster, public speaker, weekly radio guest and educator, and past member of the Television Critics Association.
Jann

Production underway on Season 2 of CTV’s hit comedy Jann

From a media release:

CTV, in association with Project 10 Productions and SEVEN24 Films, announced today that production has begun on Season 2 of its hit MADE® in Canada comedy series, JANN. Filming in Calgary, Season 2 consists of eight, half-hour episodes, up from its six-episode first season.

Season 1 of the critically acclaimed comedy reigns as the most-watched Canadian comedy series of the 2018-19 broadcast year. Starring multi-platinum award-winning Canadian singer, songwriter, broadcaster, and author Jann Arden as a fictionalized version of herself, Season 2 of JANN joins CTV’s mid-season schedule in early 2020.

Guest stars confirmed for Season 2 include singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan as herself, actress Elisha Cuthbert (THE RANCH, HAPPY ENDINGS, 24, The Girl Next Door) as school board parent Liz, and singer, host, and actress Keshia Chanté (SOUL, PRIVATE EYES), as up-and-coming singer Nia Taylor.

In Season 2, Jann’s (Jann Arden) hilarious and self-deprecating, attention-drawing antics continue, as the series picks up immediately following last season’s cliffhanger finale. Viewers were left wondering whether Jann would embark on a tour or stay behind to help her mother Nora (Deborah Grover), who’s showing early signs of memory loss, and sister Max (Zoie Palmer), who was put on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy.

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Featured, Frankie Drake Mysteries

Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries, “School Ties … School Lies”

After two great back-to-back Season 3 episodes full of fun and action, Frankie Drake Mysteries checks back in this Monday with new stories.

Let’s get to this week’s new instalment, “School Ties … School Lies,” written by Jennifer Kassabian and directed by Rubba Nada. Here’s the official synopsis from the CBC:

To find the killer of a beloved teacher at an elite private school, Frankie enlists the help of a precocious student.

And here are more tidbits from me after watching a screener of the episode.

A woman in period costume.Flo gets some major screen time
Last week she canoodled with a fellow. This week, Flo is impacting young minds at the private school. While handing out jars with body parts inside, she extolls the virtues of medical school while acknowledging it’s a boy’s club that needs ladies.

A suspect with an outrageous admission
You know how, on most crime series, a suspect feigns liking the victim? That doesn’t happen on Monday. I’m not saying this suspect is guilty, but they certainly don’t sugar-coat their feelings.

A woman and girl in period clothing.Where’s the Cash Cab?
Keep an eye out for Cash Cab host Adam Growe in a surly role. Also, look for Kate Hewlett as the leader of the school’s PTA.

Mary faces off with a bully
We love Mary’s sass, spunk and take-no-prisoners attitude. She’s evolved quite a bit in the last three seasons and takes down a mouthy jerk on Monday.

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Forever Young”

1 Comment

First, the bad news. Politics is playing havoc with our Monday nights. Due to a federal election debate, Murdoch Mysteries will not air on Monday, October 7. The good news? We still have this Monday to look forward to.

Here’s the official word from the CBC regarding “Forever Young,” written by Paul Aitken and directed by Sherren Lee:

When a young woman who disappeared a decade earlier is found dead, Murdoch is stunned she hasn’t aged a day.

And, as always, a little more information from me after watching a screener.

Two men in period costume.William’s latest invention unveiled
I’m hoping props god Craig Grant posts some behind-the-scenes shots of the contraption William is using in Monday’s opening moments. It’s wonderful, ingenious and makes the scene wonderfully funny.

A treasure trove of guest stars
Raoul Bhaneja, Patrick McKenna, Bea Santos, Jonelle Gunderson and Paul Braunstein all appear in the episode. Gunderson and Braunstein portray Julia and William’s super-friendly next-door-neighbours, the Huckabees; Bhaneja as Dr. Sanjay Prasad; and McKenna and Santos as, of course, Inspector Slorach and Louise Cherry.

Mr. Parker is useful
Murdoch Mysteries‘ latest addition is a former Pinkerton agent, so he knows his way around evidence and finding people. That’s handy. And his back and forth with George is sublime. I’m quickly warming to the Special Constable.

Two men in period costume.Crabtree’s input on the case is hilarious
A body that hasn’t aged a day? George has thoughts on the reason why. And I’m sure you can guess what they are.

Miss Hart vs. Detective Murdoch
The feud between these two kicks into a higher gear and it’s fascinating to watch.

Murdoch Mysteries airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured

Comments and queries for the week of September 27

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It is bothersome when shows do something that undermines its essential goal, and part of that has always been that true love exists and is worth fighting for. The writers put in years investing in the relationship and to have a hint of unfaithfulness is troubling. And of course, it would be on Julia’s part. William has always been the one to give up everything for her while encouraging her to do what she wants and needs. My heart is broken. The first episode was so promising. Very disappointing. —Sara

It’s called Murdoch Mysteries, Julia should be back as the coroner working with William. I absolutely love the romance between the two but I fear the writers are going to split them up. Which would end it for me and Murdoch Mysteries. I couldn’t watch Julia in the arms of another man. —August

I agree, but I do love Julia. My favourite character; any episode she’s not in I tend to skip on a re-watch binge. I love her in the earlier seasons where she is bold and fierce, and pushes Murdoch to think for himself or reconsider things. I also love that Murdoch is supportive of her decisions and genuinely puts her happiness above his own. I mean, the loyalty, love, and respect that has been evident between them should always be the most eminent thing we see instead of “it just happened” kind of mentality that we see in shows today. That lust is more important and stronger than commitment. But still, Julia and Murdoch definitely do have passion towards each other, last season went out of the way to show us that. The first episode this season was sweet between them, and I loved how Julia put that guy in the end in his place (throwing the glass in his face), so when she closed the door this week and hugged the guy she must have known it was a bad choice, obviously. All that said, I am happy Julia is playing a larger role this season already, I’ve missed her, and I love the two together. But I also appreciate the mysteries and inventions, the historical figures and the gallantry, and I have to say they were better earlier seasons. I’m hoping the season picks up some more steam, I’d be sad to see it end, and it may sound silly, but if the writers do more to keep Julia and Murdoch apart, it’s the end for me anyhow. Like you said, too much has been invested, to ruin it now would diminish the relationship completely. I feel better getting this all out, damn good TV! —Alexa

Got a question or comment about Canadian TV? Email greg.david@tv-eh.com or via Twitter @tv_eh.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

CTV reboots iconic series Cook Like a Chef for CTV Life Channel

From a media release:

CTV, in partnership with Gusto Worldwide Media, announced today the reboot of iconic series COOK LIKE A CHEF for its new lifestyle brand CTV Life Channel. Production begins later this month in Ottawa with an all-new cast of some of Canada’s best and brightest chefs, including former personal chef to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Chef Katie Ardington, head chef of Montréal’s Maison Publique Chef Derek Dammann, host of ONE WORLD KITCHEN Chef Natalia Machado, and owner of Patois restaurant in Toronto Chef Craig Wong. The series is slated to debut in early 2020 on CTV Life Channel.

CTV’s first original order for CTV Life Channel, the revival of COOK LIKE A CHEF stays true to its initial creative with some modern updates. Originally on air from 2001 – 2005, the rebooted series teaches viewers how to cook, not what to cook. The live-to-tape studio production breaks down the fourth wall, bringing the crew into the on-camera experience and providing a unique, intimate point of view for the audience.

The first season consists of 20 half-hour episodes, in which an expert chef focuses on a single ingredient and dives deep into cooking techniques, tips, and tricks that will give any home cook confidence in the kitchen.

Initially created by President and CEO of Gusto Worldwide Media Chris Knight, COOK LIKE A CHEF’s original run spanned six seasons and 165 episodes, and won a Gourmand cookbook award.

See below for more details on the diverse culinary backgrounds of COOK LIKE A CHEF’s four new hosts:

Chef Katie Ardington
Well-established in the Ottawa culinary scene, Chef Katie Ardington is the executive chef for the Beckta restaurant group, overseeing Play Food & Wine, Beckta, and Gezellig. Formally, Katie worked as the personal chef to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family. A proud recipient of the prestigious Top 30 Under 30 Award from the Ontario Hostelry Institute, Katie regularly gives back to her community through local food-related events and initiatives.

Chef Derek Dammann
Derek Dammann was raised in Campbell River, BC. He previously worked in one of Canada’s great Italian restaurants, Zambri’s, before making his way to the U.K. to work with Jamie Oliver. Today, Derek is based in Montréal where he is the proud owner of Masion Publique. Recently, he partnered with the Joe Beef team to open McKiernan Luncheonette, Rotisserie and Catering. He is the author of the best-selling cookbook, True North, Canadian Cooking from Coast to Coast.

Chef Natalia Machado
Originally from Buenos Aires, Natalia Machado is an award-winning chef who has brought her creative and authentic Argentinian fare to international competitions. Based in Montréal, Natalia is the Culinary Director for Ville Marie Collection and the host of ONE WORLD KITCHEN, where she showcases her culinary traditions while telling unique stories.

Chef Craig Wong
Craig is the Chef and owner of Patois Toronto, an Asian-Caribbean restaurant and the executive chef at Ting Irie, Dubai’s first Jamaican restaurant. Combining his Jamaican-Chinese heritage with classic French cuisine training, Craig Wong’s cooking has always been exciting, unique, and packed with bold flavors. His passion for learning and relentless determination led him to working in Three Michelin starred restaurants including Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and The Fat Duck.

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