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.
Industry News

Lisa LaFlamme departs CTV News

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From a media release:

CTV announced today that Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme is departing the network. Since 2011, LaFlamme has anchored CTV NATIONAL NEWS, and before that spent more than a decade as CTV News’ National Affairs Correspondent.

Recognizing changing viewer habits, CTV recently advised LaFlamme that it had made the business decision to move its acclaimed news show, CTV NATIONAL NEWS, and the role of its Chief News Anchor in a different direction.

“A trusted broadcaster and distinguished voice in Canadian news, Lisa has been on the front line of the world’s biggest headlines,” said Karine Moses, Senior Vice President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec, Bell. “With an unfailing commitment to delivering the stories that matter most to Canadians as part of Canada’s leading news team, Lisa has deftly guided viewers through both turbulent times and celebration, and we wish her nothing but the best as she begins a new chapter.”

As part of the multi-award-winning CTV News team, staffed with the country’s best writers, producers, and editors, LaFlamme covered some of the most important stories during her 35 years with CTV News. CTV News prides itself on covering those stories that matter, no matter where they take place in the world, so that Canadians everywhere can stay informed on the key developments, both domestically and globally, that impact their lives.

LaFlamme issued the following statement following CTV’s release:

“Today, with profound gratitude and a range of other emotions, I am sharing with you some news about me and my career with CTV News. For 35 years, I have had the privilege of being welcomed into your homes to deliver the news on a nightly basis, so I felt you should hear this from me directly.

On June 29th, I was informed that Bell Media made a “business decision” to end my contract, bringing to a close my long career with CTV News.

35 years of service – of journalism – of work that I have dedicated my life to – over.

I was, and still am, shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision. I was also asked to keep this confidential from my colleagues and the public until the specifics of my exit could be resolved. That has now happened, so please allow me to reflect on the last 35 years.

Reporting on the darkest days of war – from Iraq, Afghanistan and this year, Ukraine – to covering natural disasters, this pandemic, federal elections and so many other consequential events, including this summer’s papal apology tour to residential school survivors and their families, is a trust I have never taken for granted.  Whether it is reporting from the field or, for the last 12 years, from the anchor desk, I am forever grateful to you, such loyal viewers, for sharing in the belief that news delivered with integrity and truth strengthens our democracy.

At 58, I thought I would have more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives as I have done for so many decades.

I leave humbled by the people who put their faith in me to tell their story.

As I sign off from CTV, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who call Canada home who have shared in this journey with me, and for the unwavering support of colleagues, friends and family.

While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News and a team that is more like family in a manner that is not my choice, please know these last 35 years of bringing to you every major national and international event has been the greatest honour of my life.”

– Lisa LaFlamme

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Children Ruin Everything

Season 2 of CTV original comedy Children Ruin Everything Premieres Sept. 19

From a media release:

Following a successful first season, CTV Original comedy CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING returns for its second season, Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, beginning Sept. 19. Created and executive produced by Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winner Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK), and set and filmed in Toronto and Hamilton, Ont., CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING stars Meaghan Rath (BEING HUMAN) and Aaron Abrams (BLINDSPOT) as parents Astrid and James, who are still trying to do it all as they discover all of the little ways that raising kids has reshaped their world.

In Season 2, a new baby enters Astrid and James’ already hectic lives, leaving the family feeling even more strapped for time, sleep, and space. It feels like at every turn, from the new baby needing their own bedroom, to an aging home that needs fixing up, the Berney family may have outgrown city living. In a moment of exhaustion, James considers the once unthinkable: it might be time to move away from the city to find a home with a little more space. But for Astrid, the idea of moving away from her family, and the job she only just returned to, does not land well.

Returning cast starring alongside Rath and Abrams are Logan Nicholson (BLUES CLUES AND YOU) and Mikayla SwamiNathan as Felix and Viv, James and Astrid’s adorable eight-year-old son, and five-year-old daughter who continue to suck the life out of their parents, one tantrum at a time; Ennis Esmer (BLINDSPOT, SCHITT’S CREEK) as James’ best friend and colleague Ennis, who is always happy to remind James that having kids was a huge mistake; Nazneen Contractor (RANSOM, HEROES REBORN) as Astrid’s close-to-perfect sister Dawn; Dmitry Chepovetsky (KILLJOYS, DEPARTURE) as Bo, Dawn’s eccentric husband; Darius Rota as Dawn and Bo’s brazen 10-year-old son Corey; Veena Sood (CORNER GAS ANIMATED, THE INDIAN DETECTIVE) as Astrid and Dawn’s over-sharing mother Nisha, who has been enlisted to help with childcare as Astrid returns to work; and Lisa Codrington (LETTERKENNY, THE LAKE) as James’ ambitious boss who is plotting to take over the corporate office of the mid-sized grocery chain where they work.

Confirmed to guest star on the series’ second season are Kim Coates (BAD BLOOD, SONS OF ANARCHY) and Aaron Ashmore (GINNY & GEORGIA, KILLJOYS); with Anna Hopkins (THE EXPANSE, SHADOWHUNTERS) reprising her role as “Disaster Mom”.

On the Season 2 premiere of CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, titled “Sleep” (Monday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), after a bout of sleepless nights with their new baby, Astrid and James are at their wits’ end. With a transfer to a different department at work looming, Astrid is feeling the pressure to stay sharp, and keep up with her younger colleagues. To get more sleep, Astrid and James have to brave sleep training or the even more daunting challenge – finding the space to give the baby his own room in a house full of family and stuff, with not a square inch to spare. The episode is written by Kurt Smeaton and directed by Melanie Orr.

Season 1 of the CTV Original series was the biggest debut for a Canadian comedy among the A25-54 demo since 2019 (CTV’s JANN). The series also ranks as CTV’s #1 new comedy of the 2021-22 broadcast season. Season 1 is currently available for streaming with no subscription or sign-in required on CTV.ca and the CTV app, and is also available on Crave. Season 1 of CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING also airs on The Roku Channel in the U.S.

CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING is from award-winning New Metric Media and is created and executive produced by Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK, KIM’S CONVENIENCE), and executive produced by one of television’s premier comedy writers Chuck Tatham (MODERN FAMILY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT), multiple Canadian Screen Award-winner Mark Montefiore (LETTERKENNY, WHAT WOULD SAL DO?), and Meaghan Rath, with Alyson Richards (The Retreat) serving as producer. Melanie Orr (THE PARKER ANDERSONS, THE HARDY BOYS), Peter Huang (WORKIN’ MOMS), and Peter Wellington (KIM’S CONVENIENCE, SAVING HOPE) direct this season.

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Transplant

Acclaimed drama Transplant returns for Season 3, joining CTV fall schedule beginning September 23

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From a media release:

CTV announced today that TRANSPLANT is back for a riveting third season airing Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, beginning September 23. Following a sophomore season of accolades and critical acclaim, which saw the CTV Original continue as the most-watched Canadian drama series, TRANSPLANT joins CTV’s Friday night lineup as part of the upcoming fall schedule. The series is produced by Sphere Media in association with CTV and Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. The translated French version of the series, TRANSPLANTÉ, is also set to air on VRAK.

Filmed in Montréal, Season 3 of TRANSPLANT finds Bashir “Bash” Hamed (Hamza Haq, MY SALINGER YEAR) continuing on his journey to start over, but with each new milestone comes a new challenge. While pursuing Canadian citizenship for both himself and his younger sister Amira (Sirena Gulamgaus, ORPHAN BLACK), Bash closely examines who he is becoming in his adopted country. Bash is still being asked to repeatedly prove himself, and while he and his colleagues work to move forward following the dramatic conclusion of Season 2, everyone finds themselves looking to adapt to change and understand how they fit in, both within and beyond the walls of York Memorial Hospital. The first two seasons of TRANSPLANT are available for streaming now on Crave, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.

Joining the cast as a series regular is Rekha Sharma (YELLOWJACKETS) as Dr. Neeta Devi, the new Chief of Emergency Medicine who comes to York Memorial Hospital with big ideas.

TRANSPLANT was the most-watched Canadian drama series with total viewers and in all key demos throughout its second season, averaging 1.1 million viewers. The series also continues to receive critical acclaim and recognition, receiving nine 2022 Canadian Screen Award nominations, and taking home eight awards including second consecutive wins for Best Drama Series and Best Lead Actor, Drama Series for Hamza Haq; and first-time wins for Best Lead Actress, Drama Series for Laurence Leboeuf, and Best Supporting Actress, Drama for Ayisha Issa.

Season 3 of TRANSPLANT stars Hamza Haq as Dr. Bashir “Bash” Hamed; Laurence Leboeuf (19-2) as Dr. Magalie “Mags” Leblanc; Ayisha Issa (POLAR) as Dr. June Curtis; Jim Watson (DESIGNATED SURVIVOR) as Dr. Theo Hunter; Sirena Gulamgaus as Amira Hamed; Torri Higginson (DARK MATTER, THIS LIFE) as Claire Malone; Kenny Wong (PRETTY HARD CASES) as Arnold De Luca; Sugith Varughese (KIM’S CONVENIENCE) as Dr. Aajay Singh; and Gord Rand (ORPHAN BLACK) as Dr. Mark Novak.

Writers on Season 3 of TRANSPLANT include Joseph Kay, who is also Executive Producer and Showrunner, Rachel Langer (EP), Shelley Eriksen (Co-EP), Tamara Moulin (Supervising Producer), Laura Good (Supervising Producer), Carmine Pierre-Dufour (Consulting Producer), Kay Issa (Junior Story Editor), Abdul Mallik (Junior Story Editor), and Ahmad Meree (Junior Story Editor). Directors are Stefan Pleszczynski, who also serves as Executive Producer, Wiebke von Carolsfeld, Kim Nguyen, Sharon Lewis, Eric Tessier, and Peter Stebbings.

Cultural consultants on Season 3 of TRANSPLANT, providing valuable insight and feedback on scripts and character development, include Dr. Khaled Almilaji, Kay Issa, Ahmad Meree, Manar Shab, and Eli Shankji.

TRANSPLANT is created by Joseph Kay who also serves as Executive Producer and Showrunner. For Sphere Media, Executive Producers are Bruno Dubé, Jocelyn Deschênes, Josée Vallée, Rachel Langer, and Stefan Pleszczynski; and Sarah Timmins is Co-Executive Producer.

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Industry News

Blink49 Studios launches Canadian unscripted division

From a media release:

Blink49 Studios is expanding its content business by adding an unscripted arm to develop a slate of non-fiction entertainment targeting the Canadian and international marketplace. The new division will be led by Toby Dormer, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Television with Allison Brough named as Vice President, Unscripted Television, effective immediately.

Based in Vancouver, Dormer will report to John Morayniss, CEO of Blink49 Studios and will be responsible for all aspects of Blink49’s unscripted business, including overseeing development, production and related strategic initiatives.  Reporting to Dormer and based in Toronto, Brough will take the lead on the creation of Blink49’s unscripted portfolio.

Most recently, Dormer was Executive Vice President, Unscripted, Canada at Entertainment One (eOne) where he oversaw the company’s extensive slate which included, Project Bakeover (Food Network), Arctic Vets (CBC/NatGeo), Hunt for the Chicago Strangler (Discovery+), and Border Security (Netflix/Global). In 2003, Dormer founded Remedy Productions and within four years it grew to become the largest producer of entertainment programming in the UK by volume. In 2011, Remedy was acquired by the Argonon Media Group and Dormer led the company’s expansion into North America where he Executive Produced titles such as Cabin Truckers (Cottage Life/A&E), My Floating Home (HGTV/Channel 4) and two seasons of First Dates (Global).

Before joining Blink49 Studios, Allison Brough was Vice President of Development, Unscripted Television & Head of Podcast Network for eOne. She created, championed and maintained a ‘podcast to broadcast’ model in addition to managing a robust slate of unscripted television including the forthcoming, four-part series, Thunder Bay (CTV/Crave). Prior to that, she was Director of Development at Lone Eagle Entertainment where she helped spearhead numerous, green-lit projects like Meme gURL (Slice Network), Raising the Bar (CMT Canada), Starving Artist (Food Network) and Dead Funny (CBC). Brough also served as Development Executive at Tricon Films and Television where she worked on popular series such as Après Ski (Bravo), Restaurant Takeover (Food Network), Pop-Up Gourmet (OWN) and The Expendables (HGTV).

Blink49 Studios is a content venture with Endeavor Content as its anchor investor and lead strategic partner. Focusing heavily on a creative-first approach, Blink49 Studios is dedicated to partnering with best-in-class writers, creators and producers, as well as aggressively pursuing IP in Canada and throughout the world. The indie studio is committed to applying significant resources to support new and diverse Canadian voices. 

   

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Featured, Podcast

TV, Eh? Podcast Episode 250: Celebrating 250 and Bell Media’s Upfront Announcement, Part 2

After saluting Diane and Anthony for starting the podcast in the first place, Greg and Amy go through debuts and returns on the Canadian TV calendar.

Then, we cover the latest Canadian TV news, including CBC’s fall debut and return dates; CBC’s newest reality series, Canada’s Ultimate Challenge; CTV’s new drama, The Spencer Sisters; the chainsaw welding competitors of A Cut Above and Bell Media’s pact with Lilly Singh.

We finish off with Part 2 of Bell Media’s upfront announcement, noting factual programming.

This podcast brought to you by coffee and some kind of alcohol.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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