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.

Comments and queries for the week of September 15

I think the best team won, however, Kenneth and Ryan were my favourites. They had such a great attitude and had so much fun. The Amazing Race is so great to watch. —Rochelle

No renewal announcement, slightly surprising. But it will happen it’s still the No. 1 summer show. Two climbing challenges was redundant but the puzzle/memory and the bike challenges were good. If Giver had just remembered one 150 Challenge the first time they’d have won. The elevator bit was awesome. It’s always odd how most After the Race specials have one person missing. Not sure why they only had one this year instead of the usual two reunions. I do like they let everyone talk at least once. Sam & Paul had a winner’s edit going on but they were pretty likeable. Ivana had a few goofy moments but so did Korey in the band uniform and peeing earlier. She really messed up her back on diving, I’m surprised she wasn’t medevaced. The nerfing of the U-Turns, the waiting for people to show up to the Face Offs, the location order and the very few international legs being almost always non-elim needs to change. —Dan

I’m happy that Sam and Paul won; however, I would have been happy if Kenneth and Ryan won as well. Some of the challenges were beyond crazy. Five years ago I would have thought entering The Amazing Race would be a possible feat; however, with the challenges they put out there today … never! I’ll be a forever “viewer” instead. Question: why didn’t Kenneth take the elevator the second time? He had already completed the challenge by scaling the building for the first time. —Judy

I love watching The Amazing Race Canada. Have to say I was all for Team GIVER, but the race was so close and I’m glad Sam and Paul won. Can’t wait for next season. —CC

Team Giver really grew on me throughout the race, so I was kind of hoping they’d pull out the win, but Sam and Paul were strong competitors and deserved the win. Well done guys! —Bridget

Team Giver gave it their all and they are the best team ever whether they won or lost, they tried their best and put all of their might into it! They made the town of Collingwood very proud of them and Ontario, Canada too! From one Collingwood Fan, I am so proud of Team Giver and for putting us on the map!!! Way to go guys, you did awesome! Better get training for 2018!!! —Donna

Sam and Paul deserved to win. They played this game intelligently and seemed to have done their research in avoiding errors. Great job guys, enjoy all your prizes. —Christina

 

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

 

 

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Gusto Cooks up a Sweet Batch of Original Premieres This Fall

From a media release:

Whether it’s searching for the ultimate sweet treat, or adding an international flair to an everyday meal, Gusto has something for every budding chef with two original series headlining the schedule this September.

First up, Gusto gives viewers the sugar with brand-new baking series FLOUR POWER from Gusto Worldwide Media, airing Fridays at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT beginning Sept. 22. Newcomer Jessica McGovern, who owns her own baking school in Montréal, explores the wonders of flour, sugar, and butter in her retro-inspired kitchen, sharing three recipes in each 30-minute episode. Celebrating an uncomplicated love of baking, McGovern offers impressive recipes for every occasion, whether it’s a delicious treat for a children’s bake sale or an extravagant masterpiece for an elegant dinner party. FLOUR POWER is the newest addition to Gusto’s roster of Canadian-made original productions, with the series representing the network’s first original series all about baking.

Then, Gusto explores a whole new roster of global cuisines when ONE WORLD KITCHEN returns with a new cast of cooks for Season 3, airing Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT beginning Sept. 26. Mary Tang (Cantonese), Joanna Chery (Greek), Jasmin Rose Ibrahim (Lebanese), and Lisa Nguyen (Vietnamese) share recipes connected with their respective cultures. The culinary style of each locale is explored over each 30-minute episode, sharing everything from age-old traditions and secrets, to fresh recipes and tips. Through modern and traditional recipes, ONE WORLD KITCHEN shows that, no matter where you come from, food is a language that everyone speaks.

FLOUR POWER – Fridays at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT, beginning Sept. 22
Host Jessica McGovern shares her love of baking in this 13-episode, 30-minute series. Set in a retro-inspired kitchen, each episode offers three impressive recipes for every occasion. Some of the mouth-watering recipes explored throughout the season include: Pina Colada Cupcakes, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Pops, Cherry Pistachio Biscotti, Red Velvet Layer Cake, and more.

ONE WORLD KITCHEN – Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT beginning Sept. 26
A brand new cast means a whole new world of global cuisines for Season 3. The 30-minute, eight-episode, season explores Cantonese, Greek, Lebanese, and Vietnamese cuisines through the eyes of four passionate and captivating cooks with family ties to each region. The new season explores exotic recipes like chicken and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves (Cantonese), spicy hue beef noodle soup (Vietnamese), fried cod with turmeric rice (Lebanese), beef and orzo casserole (Greek), and more.

FLOUR POWER and ONE WORLD KITCHEN are created by Chris Knight, President and CEO, Gusto Worldwide Media.

 

 

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Link: Margaret Atwood on growing prominence in Trump era

From Victoria Ahearn of The Canadian Press:

Link: Margaret Atwood on growing prominence in Trump era
“They’re very, very different, there’s no comparison to be made. They’re in completely different styles and time periods and there’s nothing really connecting them except for this conversation about women and history, in terms of the shows, I mean…. In terms of looking back at women and where they’ve come from and what life was like for an immigrant-domestic woman.” Continue reading.

 

 

 

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CTV Presents the World Broadcast Premiere of The Tragically Hip Tour Documentary LONG TIME RUNNING, November 12

From a media release:

On the heels of last night’s big buzz World Premiere at the 42nd Toronto International Film Festival, and a cross-Canada theatrical launch beginning today from Elevation Pictures, CTV today announced the television broadcast premiere of LONG TIME RUNNING, the powerful feature documentary about iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip and their momentous final tour. The special CTV Feature Presentation premieres across Canada on Sunday, November 12 at 8 p.m. ET. On Monday, November 13, the commercial-free theatrical version of LONG TIME RUNNING begins streaming on Canada’s premium TV streaming service CraveTV.

From acclaimed directors Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas De Pencier, LONG TIME RUNNING is presented by Bell Media and Elevation Pictures and is produced by Banger Films in association with Shed Creative, a division of Universal Music Canada.

LONG TIME RUNNING chronicles The Tragically Hip’s iconic 2016 Man Machine Poem tour and emotional final concert in their hometown of Kingston, ON after the band’s announcement that lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. From Heriot Bay, BC to Gros Morne, NL to Moosonee, ON, viewers are given a unique and exclusive perspective into The Tragically Hip’s world through interviews, verité, intimate behind-the-scenes moments, fan testimonials, audience experience, and performance footage.

Fans can buy their tickets now to see LONG TIME RUNNING in Cineplex and Landmark theatres across Canada, beginning today.

Commissioned by Bell Media, the film is directed by renowned Canadian documentary filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier (Manufactured Landscapes, Act of God, Watermark), and produced by Banger Films’ Scot McFadyen (HIP-HOP EVOLUTION, RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE), and Rachel McLean, in association with Shed Creative (a division of Universal Music Canada). Executive Producers are Bernie Breen, Patrick Sambrook, Scot McFadyen, Sam Dunn, Randy Lennox, Jeffrey Remedios, Dave Harris, Naveen Prasad, and Jeremy Smith.

 

 

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Link: History UK Acquires Canadian WWII Spy Thriller ‘X Company’

From Patrick Munn of TVWise.co.uk:

Link: History UK Acquires Canadian WWII Spy Thriller ‘X Company’
History UK is adding another exclusive drama to their slate. The A+E Networks UK backed channel has secured the exclusive UK broadcast rights to Canadian drama series X Company, a spy thriller set during the second world war, after striking a deal with international distributor Sony Pictures Television. Continue reading.

 

 

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