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.
Children's Programming, Featured

Comments and queries for the week of July 15

Gisèle in Ottawa?

I was just wondering if by any chance that TVOKids’ Gisèle will be visiting my town of Ottawa this summer? Please let me know; my two girls are big fans. —Pauze

Unfortunately, Gisèle Corinthios, host of Gisèle’s Big Backyard, was one of those affected by cuts at TVO back in April. TVO confirmed she is no longer with the company.

Hello! I just read the news about Gisèle. I have a nine-month old boy who is very much developed in every aspect. Each time he is in his chair having his meal and tea he is also enjoying the kids program. But there is one time when everything stops, and that is when Gisèle is on: he stops eating and a big, bright smile stays on his face until the next show begins. —Florentina

Any more Chef in My Ear on the way?

Are we going to see another season of Chef in My Ear? —HarmonyBell

Here’s the official word from Food Network Canada: “No solid plans as of yet, but keep an eye out here for updates!”

HGTV Canada greenlights two new original series

I used to watch HGTV quite a bit but something that annoyed me was that a few of their shows, such as Property Virgins and House Hunters, featured Canadian locales then switched over to principally American locales and the Canadian versions of those shows eventually disappeared. Also, the channel’s reno shows stayed Southern Ontario-centric. I would have liked to see more Western projects. My husband really enjoys Timber Kings, but that’s about all we watch on HGTV now. I like the show Love It or List It though, especially the Vancouver one but that’s on W Network. I will have to check out the Backyard Builds show, though, because I was a counsellor at a summer camp with Sarah Keenleyside many years ago. —Alicia

 

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

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Mary Kills People

Production begins on Global’s original drama Mary Kills People

From a media release:

Leading independent studio Entertainment One (eOne) and newly minted Cameron Pictures Inc., alongside Canadian broadcast and production partner Corus are pleased to announce that principal photography has begun on Mary Kills People, the provocative new Global original series starring Caroline Dhavernas (Hannibal, Off The Map, Wonderfalls). Created by Tara Armstrong, Mary Kills People is executive produced by Tassie Cameron (Rookie Blue, Flashpoint, The Robber Bride). Directing the series is award-winning Holly Dale, whose previous credits include The Americans, Dexter, Castle and the critically acclaimed series Durham County. 

The six-part one-hour drama shoots in and around Toronto through the summer and is set to premiere on Global in Canada in early 2017.

Set in the morally grey world of assisted suicide, Mary Kills People is an intense, controversial, and thought-provoking drama.  The series follows Dr. Mary Harris (Dhavernas), a single mother and emergency doctor by day, who also moonlights as an underground angel of death — helping terminally ill patients who want to die and slip away on their own terms. So far Mary has managed to stay under the radar; but business is booming, and her double life is getting complicated.  When her world starts to unravel, Mary realizes she’s going to have to fight dirty if she’s going to stay in the killing game.

Also announced today are additional cast members joining Dhavernas in the series. Jay Ryan (Top of the Lake,Beauty and the Beast) has been cast as Joel, one of Mary’s terminally ill clients, but a mutual attraction blurs the lines of their doctor-patient relationship, while Richard Short (Vinyl, 666 Park Avenue) has joined as Des, Mary’s trusted partner in crime. Rounding out the cast is Lyriq Bent (Book of Negroes, Rookie Blue) as Frank, Joel’s friend who worries he’s getting in too deep with Dr. Death, Greg Bryk (Bitten, A History of Violence) as Grady, Mary’s drug supplier, Abigail Winters (Between, Saving Hope, Rookie Blue) as Mary’s teen daughter who learns that the people closest to her are not what they seem and Charlotte Sullivan (Rookie Blue) as Nicole, Mary’s concerned sister.

Mary Kills People is produced by eOne and Cameron Pictures Inc., in association with Corus Entertainment, and with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. eOne handles international distribution for the series. The series is executive produced by Tassie Cameron, Amy Cameron, Tecca Crosby and Holly Dale. Tara Armstrong is Co-Executive Producer. Tashi Bieler serves as the Executive in Charge of Production for eOne and Norman Denver is Producer.

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Killjoys

Link: Killjoys’ Aaron Ashmore & Luke Macfarlane talk new big bads & uneasy alliances

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Link: Killjoys’ Aaron Ashmore & Luke Macfarlane talk new big bads & uneasy alliances
“Turin is one of those really funny characters where we were all like ‘there’s something up with you! You’re suspicious!’ So as characters we all love to ride him and make fun of him all the time, but we’ll discover that ultimately he’s very useful and actually quite loyal and friendly to us.” Continue reading. 

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Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

HGTV Canada greenlights two new original series

1 Comment

From a media release:

The blueprints are complete and the foundation has been poured for two new, original HGTV Canada series featuring returning and new talented hosts ready to showcase trendsetting projects. Home to Win builder Sebastian Clovis partners with the budget-savvy DIY designer Sabrina Smelko in Save My Reno. This energetic and imaginative pair helps cash-strapped homeowners transform their struggling spaces into spectacular reveals, with savings to spare. The action continues outdoors with Backyard Builds, a new series starring contractor Brian McCourt and designer Sarah Keenleyside as they produce one-of-a-kind designs in ordinary backyard spaces. Whether it’s a custom-made container guest suite sleeping four or a man cave complete with games area and home theatre, this visionary duo creates endless possibilities with a blank backyard. Casting is currently underway for both series at hgtv.ca/castingcall with productions slated to begin in August across the GTA.

In the upbeat new series Save My Reno (14×30), cash-conscious homeowners finally catch a break when Sebastian Clovis, the savvy contractor with contagious energy, and Sabrina Smelko, the resourceful DIY designer, toss out overpriced reno quotes and make dreams come true with a slashed budget and spectacular renovation. Sebastian and Sabrina save by putting homeowners to work and hunting for salvaged goods. Fresh off an appearance as a guest judge on an episode of W Network’s Game of Homes, Sabrina is a wiz at finding restored pieces at great prices while creating amazing designs and crafted items. Sebastian is the master at smart spends for breakout builds and custom surprises. Together, they give homeowners the reno they want on a budget they can afford. Produced by Great Pacific Television and developed in association with Corus Entertainment, Save My Reno is currently slated to premiere in Spring 2017.

When indoor space isn’t enough, Backyard Builds (8×30) showcases the endless opportunities outdoor areas can provide without breaking the bank. The series stars contractor and designer Brian McCourt and design expert Sarah Keenleyside who work with homeowners to maximize their backyard potential to create tailored, one-of-a-kind structures. Whether it’s a yoga studio, recording facility, whimsicle jungle gym, tiki bar, bowling alley or an al fresco dining area with a kitchen, this contractor and designer duo can extend any living space on a budget. Sarah is a bright, outgoing designer with a knack for creative projects. Brian completed his first home flip by 19 and can now take a project from demo through to construction and design. Together, they can design and construct any structure that a homeowner can imagine. Produced by Frantic Films and developed in association with Corus Entertainment, Backyard Builds is currently scheduled to premiere in Spring 2017.

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Dark Matter

Link: Dark Matter preview: Identity Crisis

From Kelly Townsend of The TV Junkies:

Link: Dark Matter preview: Identity Crisis
Dark Matter is back this Friday with another exciting episode. Last week the crew finally reunited with the Raza, but in doing so Six (Roger Cross) was near-fatally wounded and put out of commission in stasis. Not along after the crew learned about the face of Derrick Moss, who they knew as One (Marc Bendavid). Continue reading. 

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