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.
Degrassi, Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries

Popular characters who disappeared from Canadian TV shows

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Throughout many modern-day television series, some of the characters written into production aren’t always going to make the show’s conclusion. While some actors may simply want to move on in their search for a new challenge, their character’s legacy will live long in the memory. We’ve even seen characters change actors, although that tends to happen to particular types of TV shows almost exclusively.

At the very heart of the success of series such as Degrassi Junior High, Heartland and Murdoch Mysteries are entertaining and relatable characters. As a result of that fact, we’re going to look at some of the most popular characters who have disappeared from Canadian television shows.

Mallory Wells  

Back in October 2007, Heartland, a Canadian family drama series aired for the very first time on CBC. Renewed for its 13th season in May of this year, the show has been the home to several iconic characters that have continued to capture the hearts of viewers. Following the show’s debut, we saw young Mallory Wells’ journey from season one right the way through to season ten.

After being heavily involved in the show for the first six seasons, Mallory eventually disappeared in season seven as she left for Paris with her at-the-fiancé, Jake, who was the young cowboy that she had fallen for. While Mallory would spend a few seasons away from Heartland, she would return as a 21-year-old woman in Season 10 where she and Jake would get married before later disappearing once more for the following two series.

Dr. Emily Grace

Murdoch Mysteries is another immersive television show that peaked the interests of Canadian viewers, as well as many fans abroad. The drama is centred around the character of William Murdoch, who, to this day, still seeks to solve the city’s most gruesome crimes. However, it would be Dr. Emily Grace who would eventually disappear from the show.

After being introduced as the second female lead in 2005, the character of Dr. Emily Grace went through on a roller coaster journey before choosing to leave as the city’s coroner in Season 9. After George Crabtree, Dr. Emily’s love interest, is arrested for the murder of Edna’s husband in season eight, and Emily becomes involved in women’s rights, she opts to disappear to London in the following series and is subject to an emotional good-bye with George before leaving the train station.

Stephanie Kaye

Much like Mallory Wells in Heartland, Stephanie Kaye’s disappearance from Degrassi Junior High occurred for all the right reasons. Stephanie, who was elected as the class president, attended Degrassi Junior High for two years before eventually moving to a private school when her mum won the lottery in Season 3 of the show.

While being fortunate enough to win the jackpot was rare back in 1986 when Stephanie was attending Degrassi Junior High, modern-day services offer a better chance of success. As platforms such as Lottoland offer lottery betting, online games, and scratchcards, private education may be something that can be enjoyed by people other than just Stephanie.

Iconic Characters Have Moved On

Ultimately, although they may be loved by the masses, some of our favorite television characters inevitably must go their own way. Whether it’s as a result of marriage, a politically driven journey, or maybe even because of a big jackpot win on the lottery, many iconic Canadian television characters have moved on.

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U.S. Series

The most popular finished TV shows that can be played at online casinos

The problem with our favourite television shows is that they can’t run forever. While some overstay their welcome, others finish too early for the fans, etching them in the memories of viewers who picture what could have been if they were to keep running. Luckily, for fans of the greatest shows, the characters, themes, and setting live on through box sets, merchandise, and online casino games.

While many of the ever-popular themed slots and other games at online casinos are based on movies like Gladiator, Terminator 2, Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, some of the very best television shows have also been adapted to online slot games. Of them all, two franchises and three games stand out as the very best of the bunch, giving fans of the canceled shows the chance to experience them in a new way.

The Game of Thrones slot

Game of Thrones was easily the biggest show in the world by the time it came to its climactic eighth season. Running from 2011 to 2019, the tales of the Starks, Baratheons, Lannisters, Targaryens, Greyjoys, and even the Clegane brothers enticed viewers through to the very end. Even though the last two seasons were criticized as being lacklustre compared to the initial six, they still managed to garner record audiences and multiple award nominations, including the Award of Excellence to Jeremy Podeswa for his work as the director on the show.

Game of Thrones is still a huge talking point among viewers, with fans clearly craving more from the franchise. Due to how popular the show was, Microgaming decided to create a licensed Game of Thrones online slot game, which is still the go-to game for those who want to play the best online slots in Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Featuring 243 lines and medium-high volatility, the Game of Thrones online slot boasts special house-based features, with ones for the Baratheons, Lannisters, Starks, and Targaryens.

Showing just how successful both slot games and Game of Thrones became, Microgaming ended up releasing two Game of Thrones slots. The first and most popular is the 243-ways one, with the other being a 15-line version. Featuring medium volatility and the same RTP percentage of 96.4 percent, it gives fans of the show a different, less complex way to play.

The Battlestar Galactica slot

It started in 1978 as television’s attempt to cash in on the overwhelmingly popular cinematic franchise Star Wars, but it blossomed into a truly spectacular sci-fi series. Many still hail Battlestar Galactica as the greatest sci-fi series of all-time, with it experiencing a run from 1978-1979, a 1980 series, 2003 miniseries, a run from 2004-2009, and a final stint in the form of Caprica in 2010.

Identifying the strong following of Battlestar Galactica, Microgaming got an official online slot in the works, releasing it in 2012 with a 96.6 percent RTP, 243 paylines, and medium volatility. The game features three different modes – normal, run, and fight – as well as the ability to rank up and unlock new in-game content. Battlestar Galactica slot is loaded with the fan-favorite characters from the show as well as random Cylons teleporting onto the screen.

Battlestar Galactica has continued to boast a mighty fan base, and down the line, fans will look back on Game of Thrones fondly. Now that the shows are done, fans can still enjoy their settings, characters, and tropes through these official slot games.

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Children's Programming

New animated series Rev & Roll zooms on to Family Jr. September 2

From a media release:

Family Jr. is putting the pedal to the metal this fall with the premiere of the brand new animated series Rev & Roll. Created by mom and dad duo, Scott and Julie Stewart (the masterminds behind Kate and Mim-Mim), the action-packed show follows 8-year-old Rev, and his best friend Rumble – a powerful truck with a puppy personality – as they go on wild adventures in their town of Fender Bend! The preschool series races into Family Jr.’s fall lineup on Monday, September 2 at 8 a.m. ET, airing alongside new episodes of Grizzy and The Lemmings and Mighty Mike.

Rev & Roll was created by Canadian parents who saw a gap in the kids’ entertainment world for a series inclusive of free-range freedom and outdoor adventure themes. Watch an interview with the creators here.

Surrounded by mountains to climb, canyons to jump, forest trails to blaze, and miles of open road, Rev and Rumble’s world is a high-octane wilderness playground fueled by imagination, exploration and full-throttle fun. As part of a ranching family and the tight-knit community of Fender Bend, the duo live in a revved up world where vehicles live side-by-side with their human best friends. Whether they’re helping Rev’s family on the ranch, wheeling around town, or roaring through the surrounding wilderness, each day brings epic adventures, new challenges and an important lesson to learn. Following the premiere, episodes of Rev & Roll will air daily at 8 a.m. ET and will also be available on Family Jr. OnDemand and the Family Channel App.

Rev & Roll headlines Family Jr.’s fall lineup, pulling up next to some of the network’s most popular shows including Polly Pocket, Chip and Potato, Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Grizzy and the Lemmings and Mighty Mike. The September schedule also features exciting adventures from Fireman Sam such as Fireman Sam: Alien Alert! The Movie and Fireman Sam: Set for Action airing on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month.

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Killjoys

Links: Adam Barken talks Killjoys “Three Mutineers”

From Heather M. of TV Goodness:

Link: Adam Barken talks Killjoys “Three Mutineers”
“We were definitely holding back on answering, ‘What could be bothering Johnny?’ It was interesting to see some folks assume it was him struggling with residual feelings—which would be natural. But the ultimate point of the story was always to introduce an element into the Dutch/Johnny dynamic that they’d never had to deal with before.” Continue reading. 

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Link: Killjoys: Adam Barken talks “Three Mutineers”
“Yes, now that Johnny and Dutch have finally had it out and dealt with the emotional fallout from being stuck in The Lady’s “memory matrix,” I think it’s safe to say the twosome is back, healthy, and better than ever. It was really important to us (as always) to make sure we didn’t just glide past the toll of going through such a monumental experience – especially for Johnny.” Continue reading. 

 

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Corus Studios signs global streaming deal with Netflix for Canadian-original series Rust Valley Restorers

From a media release:

Committed to developing unique content for a global audience, Corus Studios, a division of Corus Entertainment, announced today that Rust Valley Restorers (8×60), will be available worldwide on Netflix on August 23. The series is among the slate of original programming developed by Corus Studios for HISTORY®, representing a strategic move by Corus Studios to complement its robust slate of Lifestyle series by investing further in factual programming. Rust Valley Restorers garnered attention in Canada this past winter ranking among the Top 5 programs on HISTORY*.

Based in the foothills of the Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Rust Valley Restorers profiles the unique car restoration community in the “Rust Valley” and a restoration shop that stands apart from the rest. Led by the shops easily identifiable dreadlocked owner, Mike Hall and his colourful crew transform rusted wrecks into collectible cars. Together they passionately work to return cars to their former glory – sometimes for trade, sometimes for sale, and not always at a profit.

Rust Valley Restorers is produced by Mayhem Entertainment in association with Corus Studios for HISTORY. Corus Studios is represented by Rita Carbone Fleury, who oversees the global sales of Corus’ original content slate and brokered this deal.

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