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.
Wynonna Earp

Link: Falls director Mullen helms next two episodes of Wynonna Earp

From John Law of the Niagara Falls Review:

Link: Falls director Mullen helms next two episodes of Wynonna Earp
When it comes to a western-themed supernatural TV show, April Mullen doesn’t mind being a hired gun.

While still plugging away on her own movies, the Niagara Falls director was thrilled to step in last winter for back-to-back Season 2 episodes of Wynonna Earp. The first, titled Let’s Pretend We’re Strangers, airs Friday night in Canada on Space, while the second – Whiskey Lullaby – airs next Friday. Continue reading.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Viceland’s Funny How? dissects the art of standup comedy

I listen to a daily podcast from former radio show hosts Humble & Fred. The pair, in addition to discussing the latest news of the day and dissecting their lives, often have standup comedians in to promote their latest shows and talk a little shop. I’m always fascinated when a comedian drops by because, quite often, discussion turns to writing and the mechanics of standup. I love that kind of insight. What makes a person want to get up in front of a room of strangers and attempt to make them laugh?

That’s all covered in Viceland’s latest original series, Funny How? Debuting Monday and broadcast all week long at 11:30 p.m. ET on the channel, Funny How? trails Canadian Kliph Nesteroff, former comic and author of The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels, and the History of American Comedy, as he discusses all things standup with the folks who do it every day.

The debut instalment, “The Art of the Bomb,” delves into exactly that … bombing on stage. Nesteroff shares his own experiences, rattling off numerous Toronto clubs where he crapped out, and chatting with folks like Dave Attell, Mike Birbiglia, Artie Lange and Chris Robinson, who recall their first time bombing with an audience. But what makes this episode, and Funny How? in general, so interesting is its analysis of standup comedy. What, exactly, does it mean to bomb on stage? Is it merely that your jokes don’t work, or does the audience play a part in it too? And how does failing on stage help in one’s evolution as a standup comic? As Attell says, failing on-stage doesn’t just happen in the beginning of your career; it can derail a veteran too.

Upcoming episodes cover breaking in, comedy classes, and niche comedy from the LGBTQ community to Christian comics. If you’re a visitor to comedy clubs, a fan of standup comedy or just marvel in the fact folks have the guts to do it as a hobby or career, give Funny How? a peek.

Funny How? airs Monday, July 10, to Friday, July 14, at 11:30 p.m. ET on Viceland.

Image courtesy of Rogers.

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Killjoys

Links: Killjoys’ Aaron Ashmore and Luke MacFarlane

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Link: Killjoys’ Aaron Ashmore discusses the world of the Hackmods
“I think cool women are attracted to John like a moth to a flame, and sometimes what ends up happening to these poor women around John, they get burned. Ollie is super badass, tough, sarcastic and they end up having to reluctantly work together to track down Clara.” Continue reading.

From Heather M. of TV Goodness:

Link: Aaron Ashmore and Luke MacFarlane talk Killjoys S3 + “A Skinner, Darkly” Preview
“In Michelle’s ability to write and create characters that obviously serve a function and are incredibly interesting and three-dimensional, and in the casting of these characters, the actors that our casting directors find for the show are incredible. As an actor getting to see this and knowing when these characters are introduced, we’re going to have someone really, really strong to play with and characters that will allow us as characters to showcase different aspects of our personality, that’s really, really nice.” Continue reading.

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Amazing Race Canada, Featured

Comments and queries for the week of July 7

The Amazing Penalty Canada tradition continues! Aaron & Deb seemed fun, kinda a bummer they’re gone already (and such a big part of the preseason promos). YouTube guy’s face when he realized what a tightrope was = priceless. Giver Guys are annoying. Bert & Karen don’t seem like they’ll last but he was smart for using his arms. The other guy sliding on his butt was funny. —DanAmazing

Sensitive Skin is a fabulous show. Unique and funny and honest and sad. I can’t believe it’s been cancelled. There is so much crap on TV, and finally we had a quality series that I looked forward to watching and now it’s gone. They would rather turn out all of those cookie-cutter cop shows that are all the same, but I guess they make more money. That’s what it’s all about these days. I am so disappointed. —Betty

I’m very disappointed in the cancellation of Chopped Canada. It was one of my favourite shows on the Food Network. I’ve watched every episode, tried the options that many of the chefs had used. Why would you cancel such a great show? —Will

I agree with so many of the other commenters here [about You Gotta Eat Here!]. John Catucci is the most genuine and engaging host on Food Network. He’s a likeable and witty character who makes the best of every situation. I don’t mean to bring anybody down, but the hosts for Ginormous Foods and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives are mundane. The concept of Ginormous Foods and the challenges is what entices me to watch but Josh Denny is the reason why I never finish an episode. Catucci is the ideal host and I really wish to continue seeing him on Food Network. —Trish

 

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

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