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CTV Comedy Channel readies up for more jabs with Roast Battle Canada Season 2, beginning June 13

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From a media release:

CTV Comedy Channel is serving up fresh burns when the trash-talking original series ROAST BATTLE CANADA returns for an extra hot Season 2, Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET, beginning June 13. The eight, half-hour episode battle of wits sees two pairs of Canadian comics face-off, hurling ruthless jokes at each other in hopes of coming out unscathed and crowned victorious.

Building on the success of Season 1, which is among the Top 3 series on CTV Comedy this broadcast year to date in the key A18-49 and A25-54 demos, ROAST BATTLE CANADA Season 2 sees the return of Ennis Esmer and the esteemed panel of judges: Russell Peters, Sabrina Jalees, and, K. Trevor Wilson.

Canada, here are the fiery ROAST BATTLE CANADA Season 2 matchups:

Episode 1 – Monday, June 13 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Salma Hindy vs. Sophie Buddle
Battle 2 – Jean Paul vs. Ron Josol

Episode 2 – Monday, June 20 at 10 :30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Daniel Woodrow vs. Nick Nemeroff
Battle 2 – Adrienne Fish vs. Courtney Gilmour

Episode 3 – Monday, June 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Andrew Johnston vs. Tyler Morrison
Battle 2 – Cassie Cao vs. Salma Hindy

Episode 4 – Monday, July 4 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Daniel Woodrow vs. Jackie Pirico
Battle 2 – Hunter Collins vs. Kyle Brownrigg

Episode 5 – Monday, July 11 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Sophie Buddle vs. Brittany Lyseng
Battle 2 – Andrew Johnston vs. Cassie Cao

Episode 6 – Monday, July 18 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Nick Nemeroff vs. Jackie Pirico
Battle 2 – Norm Alconcel vs. Crystal Ferrier

Episode 7 – Monday, July 25 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Keith Pedro vs. Olivia Stadler
Battle 2 – Kyle Brownrigg vs. Adrienne Fish

Episode 8 – Monday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Battle 1 – Jean Paul vs. Keith Pedro
Battle 2 – Hunter Collins vs. Courtney Gilmour

Ahead of the Season 2 finale on Monday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 p.m. ET, viewers can watch the ROAST BATTLE CANADA Catch-Up Marathon beginning at 7 p.m. ET on CTV Comedy.

ROAST BATTLE CANADA is based on the U.S. format of the television series, ROAST BATTLE, created by comedians Jeff Ross and Brian Moses. The series builds on the success of Bell Media’s French-language version, ROAST BATTLE: LE GRAND DUEL. The format rights for ROAST BATTLE are licensed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

ROAST BATTLE CANADA is produced by CTV Comedy, in association with Just For Laughs Television and Counterfeit Pictures. Bruce Hills is Executive Producer and also President, Just For Laughs. Anton Leo serves as Executive Producer, along with Dan Bennett and Shane Corkery of Counterfeit Pictures. Comedian Russell Peters also executive produces. The series was directed by Shelagh O’Brien.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Corus Entertainment announces more than 200 additional hours of original Canadian content

From a media release:

Today, Corus Entertainment announces its complete lineup of premium original content for 2022/2023 with an incredible 45 total greenlights and renewals, including more than 600 episodes and24 titles from Corus Studios. 

This year, Global welcomes back Departure and Family Law – two sophomore hits to its acclaimed slate of original scripted series. In addition, casting is underway and production is set to commence on the exciting new action-drama Robyn Hood. On the unscripted side, Global remains home to the best in award-winning entertainment news coverage with ET Canada. 
 
With content sold to more than 150 countries around the globe, Corus Studios continues to be a leader in original Canadian lifestyle and unscripted series, extending its catalogue with six new series and 16 returning shows across Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada and The HISTORY® Channel, plus a new feature-length documentary that will debut on W Network. 
 
Celebrating its 50-year milestone, Nelvana maintains its position as a world-renowned international producer and distributor of children’s animated and live action content, with content seen in over 180 countries around the world. This year is no exception, with new series, seasons and episodes coming soon to Corus’ leading kids’ networks, YTV, Treehouse and TELETOON. 

For full descriptions of new and returning original series across all networks please click here. 

GLOBAL 

Global’s acclaimed scripted slate includes Season 2 of last fall’s #1 new Canadian series Family Law*, starring Jewel Staite and Emmy® nominee Victor Garber, which was recently greenlit for Season 3 with production currently underway in Vancouver. Also upcoming on Global is Season 2 of Canada/Ireland co-production Departure starring Emmy® winner Archie Panjabi and Oscar® winner Christopher Plummer. Then, from acclaimed filmmaker Director X and Boat Rocker is Robyn Hood, a modern reimagining of the classic Robin Hood story set to begin production this summer in the Toronto and Hamilton area with casting to be announced soon.  

Additionally, ET Canada is back on Global for Season 18, fresh from winning four Canadian Screen Awards including Best Talk Program or Series. In addition, ET Canada Weekend has been renewed for Season 2 bringing audiences all the latest entertainment news headlines of the week.

LIFESTYLE 

Food Network Canada 

A Top 10 specialty network** and the ultimate culinary destination, Food Network Canada satisfies appetites with the renewal of five standout original series as part of its lineup. 

Food Network Canada’s new greenlights include the most prestigious culinary competition series in the country and a Top 20 overall specialty entertainment program in spring ‘21*** Top Chef Canada, which is making its return for a milestone 10th season. In the serialized series, a new roster of talented professional chefs will compete in high-octane challenges for the sought-after title of Canada’s Top Chef. The competitions continue with Season 3 of the larger-than-life themed baking series The Big Bake (7×60 Halloween and 7×60 holiday-theme) from Corus Studios. Celebrated YouTube personality and cookbook author Danni Rose joins the panel of resident judges alongside host Brad Smith, chef and author Eddie Jackson and acclaimed pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel. A Top 10 program on Food Network Canada this spring****, Corus Studios’ Great Chocolate Showdown (8×60) returns with more delectable ooey-gooey creations in its fourth season.  

More from Corus Studios includes previously announced new episodes of sizzling competition series Fire Masters (10×60) with host Dylan Benoit, and the always charismatic John Catucci takes viewers on mouthwatering food travelogue adventures with new episodes of Big Food Bucket List (9×30). 

The HISTORY Channel 

The HISTORY Channel comes to life this year with more new original content than ever before. The network’s slate is set to offer a slew of factual and unscripted content including the renewal of five Corus Studios hit series and two groundbreaking documentaries that are sure to educate and entertain audiences.  

In honour of Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a new two-hour documentary sheds light on the history of the relationship between Indigenous people and settlers. True Story (2×60) offers a critical lens to the past, revealing some shameful and heartbreaking truths, as well as uplifting and inspiring hope.  

For Remembrance Day, Our War (2×60) uncovers stories about extraordinary individuals who made heroic contributions to WWI and WWII. From the descendent of one of Canada’s first Black servicemen, to the great-grand-nephew of a female intelligence officer stationed at Bletchley Park, the documentary follows these descendant’s investigations into their families’ historic pasts. 

New from Corus Studios this fall is previously announced series Deadman’s Curse (8×60), following a diverse team of explorers on a quest to find a legendary cursed gold mine in B.C. Fan-favourite Corus Studios series Backroad Truckers (Season 2, 8×60), Big Timber (Season 3, 8×60), Lost Car Rescue (Season 2, 6×60), and Rust Valley Restorers (Season 5, 8×60) all return this year, along with Salvage Kings (Season 3, 8×60), which sees Ted taking the ultimate risk of opening his own salvage business with a team of familiar and new faces. 

HGTV Canada 

HGTV Canada is the nation’s destination for all things home. With 12 Corus Studios series upcoming, including seven returning favourites, HGTV Canada continues to be the go-to network for inspiring and heart-warming programming that fits any style.  

The #1 Canadian Specialty series*****, Island of Bryan (8×60) continues with new episodes this fall, with even more Baeumler adventures upcoming. Corus is prepping a new Untitled Baeumler Project (working title) (10×60) in development and slated for 2023, plus Bryan will team up with co-host Scott McGillivray in the new previously announced competition series Renovation Resort (7×60). The frenemies oversee four talented contractor/design duos as they each transform a waterfront cabin into a one-of-a-kind vacation rental for a chance to win a $100,000 prize. Viewers will see Scott reunited with Debra Salmoni in Season 4 Scott’s Vacation House Rules (14×60), which is newly greenlit. 

Sarah Richardson takes on her own vacation rental challenge this fall in the previously announced Sarah’s Mountain Escape (10×60). The series follows Sarah and her husband, Alexander Younger, as they transform a run-down B&B in Whistler, B.C. into a four-season luxury vacation rental property. Another West coast-based design and renovation series is Pamela Anderson in Pamela’s Garden of Eden (8×60). The previously announced series, coming this fall, follows Pamela as she revitalizes her grandmother’s six-acre legacy property on Vancouver Island into a stunning retreat. Another new personality to the network is no-nonsense luxury home designer Ali Budd, who leads a creative team to renovate and build incredible million-dollar renovations in Ali Budd (working title) (8×60).  

Off the heels of their series premieres, Sebastian Clovis will offer more empathy and experience to overwhelmed homeowners in Season 2 of Gut Job (8×60), while the cross-Canada renovators from Hoarder House Flippers (8×60) will return to tackle a new batch of disaster houses in a brand new season. Renewals continue with a new season of Top 20 Specialty series Rock Solid Builds (8×60)*****, as well as fellow Corus Studios series’ Farmhouse Facelift (8×60) and Making it Home with Kortney and Kenny (10×60). New episodes of Property Brothers: Forever Home (20×60) staring HGTV Canada’s beloved brothers are also confirmed.   

W NETWORK 

W Network spotlights the prolific career of sex educator Sue Johanson in Sex with Sue (1×90), directed by Lisa Rideout. Viewers will be reintroduced to the former W Network personality and see the unexpected and exciting ways her legacy lives on today.  

Corus Studios dives deeper into scripted content with the previously announced set of romantic movies The Love Club (4x120min). The movies follow four women, each dealing with their own dating debacle, who take a vow to call on one another if they are ever in romantic trouble again – a vow that has them resurrecting their “Love Club” ten years later as each of them search for their unique happily-ever-after. The first movie is set to premiere on W Network Winter 2023. The movies will be distributed through Corus Studios. 

ADULT SWIM 

 Corus is pleased to announce its second Canadian original series for Adult Swim, the popular network that offers an unexpected blend of authenticity, originality, and cleverness. The animated Red Ketchup (20×30), commissioned and greenlit by Corus’ French channel Télétoon la nuit, is based on the cult Quebec comic book series from the ‘80s of the same name. Featuring FBI’s crazed rogue agent, Steve “Red” Ketchup, the series will premiere in Canada on both Télétoon la nuit and in English on Adult Swim in 2023. Plus, the previously announced first Canadian original series for Adult Swim, Psi Cops (24×11), is set to premiere on Adult Swim Winter 2023. “Top” detectives Agent Kydd and Agent Felixx, of the secret agency Psi Cops, investigate spiritual phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and paranormal activity using their overly competent incompetence.

KIDS 

NELVANA  
 Nelvana continues to deliver premium entertainment for kids with compelling storylines and characters, by nurturing creator-driven projects and best-in-class partnerships.  

The previously announced Best & Bester (52×11) is set to premiere this fall on YTV. A co-production between Nelvana, Eye Present and Gigglebug Entertainment, the series follows two siblings and best friends obsessed with comparing the best things of all time while enjoying the power to transform themselves into anything they want, once a day – if only they can figure out what the best thing to be actually is! 

More fresh content from Nelvana landing on Corus’ kids networks this fall includes new episodes of Super Wish( 52×11) on YTV, produced by Nelvana and Discovery’s joint venture, redknot, and created by Nelvana’s own Vanessa Esteves and Daytime Emmy® Award-winning art director, Adrian Thatcher. Plus, new episodes of Bakugan: Evolutions (26×22) will bring epic action to TELETOON. Then, everyone’s favourite P.U.R.S.T. agents continue the adventure with new episodes of the second season of Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe (52×11). Produced by redknot, the series is based on the best-selling books by Ashley Spires, published by Corus Entertainment’s Kids Can Press. Also returning to the network is a new season of Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! (52×11), accompanied by a brand new special with the beloved engines Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! Mystery at Lookout Mountain (1×60). 

YTV 

YTV is the place to be for non-stop Fam Fun! Reaching more kids in its afterschool time block than any other kids station****** The Zone is delivering another year of cool contests, celeb interviews, games and sketches alongside The Zone Weekend and Big Fun Movies. Beloved hosts Spencer, Alex and Duhin return, plus new host Melony will make her on-air debut on June 6 on The Zone.  

Premiering on YTV in 2023, Popularity Papers(26×30) is the first scripted series to be announced since Corus became a majority stakeholder in the Academy Award® and Emmy Award®-nominated production company Aircraft Pictures. From Aircraft Pictures and WexWorks Media, the live-action comedy series, developed for television by Amanda Brooke Perrin and showrunner Vivian Lin, is based on the award-winning middle-grade book series by Amy Ignatow. The series tells the story of two best friends, Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang, who are on a mission to crack the popularity code and dismantle this crazy social construct for middle-schoolers everywhere. Using the scientific method, the girls conduct social experiments on their peers with hilarious results. 

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Bruce Cook tackles his biggest project yet in Season two of By Hook or By Cook, debuting June 16 on AMI-tv

From a media release:

Bruce Cook is back, and taking on his biggest project ever. Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) announced today that Season two of By Hook or By Cook, starring freestyle motocross rider Bruce Cook, returns Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI.

In Season two, Bruce Cook, a stunt motocross rider who is disabled, wants to help others with disabilities enjoy life’s possibilities with unique innovations that he and his friend, Christian Bagg, create. Bruce has been depressed since COVID-19 shut down most activities which, in turn, has given him a lot of time to think about the reality of the injuries he sustained eight years ago. When given an opportunity to make a remote lake lodge more accessible for those with disabilities he jumps at the chance.

Working with Christian, who has been in a wheelchair for 25 years, Bruce learns about perseverance. He also learns valuable lessons from people who are also adapting to life with a disability which—over the course of the season—will allow Bruce to gain more insight into who he is at his core and what his abilities really are. He learns more about himself, his spirit and his tenacity than he’s ever imagined.

In the premiere episode of By Hook or By Cook on Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv, family friends enlist Bruce’s help making a 100-year-old lodge deep in the mountains accessible, and it’s up to the adrenaline junkie and accessibility advocate to bring his imagination and innovation to the test.

Watch an exclusive preview of Season two.

“Bruce’s story, honesty and sense of humour really connected with our audience in Season one,” said John Melville, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, AMI-audio/AMI-tv. “Viewers are in for the ride of their lives in Season two.”

Season one of By Hook or By Cook received a 2022 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Writing, Factual.

A series of digital exclusives—which can be streamed on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App for iOS and Android—give fans a behind-the-scenes look at production on Season two of By Hook or By Cook, including updates by Bruce and Christian, and a sneak preview of what’s to come. By Hook or By Cook is produced by Render Digital Media.

Season two of By Hook or By Cook features Integrated Described Video (IDV) making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted. 

AMI and Render Digital Media are excited to announce that casting is now open for Season three of By Hook or By Cook.

Render Digital Media is looking for participants with all ranges of disability and dreams. No matter how big or small, they want to hear your story. Interested applicants can apply now via the Render Digital Media website.

Host Bruce Cook

Bruce Cook began his professional motocross career in 2005, touring across Canada. In 2014, he joined Nitro Circus, which features world-class athletes and daredevils performing outrageous and risky stunts. His first show found him attempting the world’s first double front flip on a motorcycle and when the trick did not go as planned, Bruce suffered a broken vertebra and a damaged spinal cord, resulting in paralysis. After regaining his strength and confidence, Bruce was back on a modified bike and landed the world’s first backflip as a paraplegic, 10 months after his accident.

Bruce shares his experiences with friends, family and followers like an open book told in a stream of consciousness of hope, humour, and raw emotion. He cannot escape the enormity of daily life as it is faced by a paraplegic, but he is navigating his way through life with determination, enthusiasm and a lot of creativity.

Follow Bruce Cook on Instagram.

Christian Bagg

Before breaking his back on the slopes during a distance jump competition, Christian Bagg was an apprenticing machinist: a young tinkerer, adventurer, and outdoorsman.

In 1996, he found himself experiencing life from a chair that neither fit his impressive six-foot-five frame, or his expansive personality. Eager not just to participate, but to excel at outdoor adventures, Christian has spent the last 20 years designing and building adaptive equipment that aren’t merely functional, but transformative.

What started out as a way to solve his own problems grew into an outlet to help others experience the very outdoors that he loves so much. Christian lives in pursuit of greatness not only for himself, but for those around us. He builds a better future.

Follow Christian’s company, Bowhead Corp., on Instagram.

By Hook or By Cook debuts Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream episodes on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App.About Render Digital Media

Render Digital Media is an independent production house based in Kelowna, BC, specializing in authentic, original television programming for broadcast. Our team is passionate about character driven live-action documentaries and lifestyle series that make the viewer think, laugh and feel. Learn more at Render Digital Media.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Race Against the Tide returns for a second season with host Maestro Fresh Wes

From a media release:

CBC today announced the return of original competition series RACE AGAINST THE TIDE (10×30) for a second season, produced by marblemedia and premiering Sunday, July 10 at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem. New Brunswick-based, award-winning Hip Hop artist Maestro Fresh Wes hosts the new season, featuring a new group of sand sculptors who will compete head-to-head at the Bay of Fundy to create extraordinary sand art before the world’s highest tide comes in while attempting to avoid elimination.

Each week, the artists have six hours to create their sand sculptures before the tide washes them away. In the end, the two judges – five-time World Champion Karen Fralich (Burlington, ON) and Master Sculptor Rusty Croft (Carmel Valley, CA) – will decide which duo will walk away with the grand prize of $10,000.

RACE AGAINST THE TIDE season two host Wes Williams, otherwise known as “Maestro Fresh Wes,” was born in Toronto and is considered to be the godfather of Canadian Hip Hop. Maestro Fresh Wes recently became the first Hip Hop artist inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame for his 1989 signature song “Let Your Backbone Slide,” and is also the first Black Canadian artist to have a recording reach platinum status in Canada. He now resides in Saint John, New Brunswick.

This season’s 10 highly-skilled sand sculpting duos are:

Agnese Rudzīte-Kirillova and Sanita Ravina (Latvia) – Agnese is an accomplished mixed media artist who learned about sand sculpting over a decade ago and has been doing it professionally ever since. Sanita discovered sand sculpting when she was a young girl, but has only been doing it full-time for the past four years.

Bouké Atema and Jeroen Advocaat (Germany and The Netherlands) – Originally from Kenya, Bouké has been sand sculpting since 2002 and is well-versed in several different art forms. He is known for sculptures depicting nature, while his partner, Jeroen, prefers structural design. Jeroen, a professional sculptor of over 18 years, studied architecture and 3D design.

Carlos Pereyra and Francisco Valdez (Mexico) – Carlos and Francisco have a combined total of 23 years experience in sand sculpting. The friends met before a competition in Mexico, when Carlos’ original partner backed out at the last minute. He had heard about Francisco and his talent, but didn’t personally know him. Francisco filled in for that competition, and the rest is history.

Craig Mutch and Daeyoung Ji (Vancouver, BC and South Korea) – Craig and Daeyoung want to bring their East-meets-West sculpture style to the world’s toughest beach battle. Craig has been a professional sculptor for 35 years working in ice, sand and snow, whereas Daeyoung has been sculpting for seven years and was catapulted to international success after completing an apprenticeship in Australia.

Fred Dobbs and Guy-Olivier Deveau (Sidney, BC and Quebec, QC) – Fred, who has been sculpting for over 35 years and is considered a Canadian carving legend, is recognized around the world as a professional sand sculptor. Guy-Olivier, who has been sculpting for more than 15 years, is one of Canada’s premier sand sculptors and is known for his dark Gothic creations.

Jo (Stefanie) Hollick and Manuel Campos (Vancouver, BC and Columbia) – Jo began sand sculpting on the beaches of White Rock, BC over two decades ago. With many career achievements under her belt, her biggest personal feat was placing fifth in the Parksville Beach Festival. Manuel has been a professional sand sculptor for over 12 years and has been awarded many different awards at various competitions.

JT (Joseph) Estrela and Amanda Gafford (USA) – Originally a math teacher, JT switched careers and now owns and operates his own company called San Diego Sand Castles. He has been professionally sculpting for seven years while his partner, Amanda, is a registered nurse by day, and an artist by night.

Peter Vogelaar and Alex Avelino (Winlaw, BC and Nelson, BC) – Peter and Alex are a mentor/mentee team from Canada who have sculpted together all over the world in both sand and snow. Peter, a professional artist, has been sculpting for almost two decades while Alex, a graphic designer, has been sculpting for nearly eight years.

Walter McDonald and Christy Atkinson (USA) – Walter and Christy are a father/daughter duo from the United States. Walter is the world’s oldest, still working sand sculptor, who discovered sand sculpting in the early 80s. Christy has been sand sculpting since 2003 and was taught everything she knows by her father.

Wilfred Stijger and Edith van de Wetering (The Netherlands) – This husband and wife duo are professional sand sculptors who have over 25 years of experience and have competed in hundreds of festivals around the globe. Their mind-blown surrealist sculptures are recognized across the world.

In the inaugural season of the show, PEI’s Abe Waterman and Seattle’s Sue McGrew took the top spot. Catch up on episodes on CBC Gem.

RACE AGAINST THE TIDE is executive produced by Matt Hornburg and Mark Bishop of marblemedia; series producer and writer is Carly Spencer and Donna Luke of marblemedia serves as co-executive producer. Co-produced with Hemmings House. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; Alexandra Lane is Senior Director of Production; and Ann-Marie Redmond is Executive in Charge of Production. RACE AGAINST THE TIDE is presented with support from Tourism New Brunswick.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Discovery’s all-new Canadian original docuseries Pets & Pickers serves up heartwarming ‘tails,’ beginning May 12

From a media release:

Discovery takes viewers on an uplifting mission to help animals in need with the all-new Canadian original series PETS & PICKERS, premiering Thursday, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET on Discovery. Joining an all-new Thursday night lineup which includes the debut of PIG ROYALTY at 8 p.m. ET and Season 2 of LOUISIANA LAW 10 p.m. ET, the eight-episode, docuseries follows a one-of-a-kind animal hospital, the story of animals, their owners, and the special team of veterinarians who care for them.

Motivated by extraordinary compassion and a singular belief that all animals deserve treatment, this heartfelt series reveals how the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) Animal Hospital works tirelessly to offer low-income pet families access to top healthcare. To fund these treatments, RAPS has a unique solution: their thrift store. An energetic and dedicated group of animal loving “pickers” comb through donated mystery bins containing abandoned storage locker items, all money raised goes to pay for vet care and lifesaving surgeries. It’s a one-of-a-kind “pets and pickers” relationship with an uplifting mission: to help animals and their people.

New episodes of PETS & PICKERS are available to stream each week on CTV.ca and the CTV App.

In Episode 1 of PETS & PICKERS, entitled “Pets, Pickers & Problems,” Dexter the dog has breathing problems so serious, worried owner Michelle travels hours in hopes that RAPS can help pay for urgent surgery. The dedicated team of pickers, counting on abandoned storage locker goods, gets an unfortunate surprise. Meanwhile, Halo the Chihuahua discovers more than exercise in the local dog park.

Led by Executive Director Eyal Lichtman, the kind-hearted and innovative team at RAPS includes: long-time animal lover, Dr. Regan Schwartz; small animal specialist and Vets Without Borders volunteer, Dr. Alex Maldonado (Dr. Alex); feral animal care professional, Dr. Joseph Martinez; the patriarch and leading exotic animal veterinarian, Dr. Satveer Dadrwal (Dr. Satveer); RAPS’ lead veterinarian and the go-to surgeon, Dr. Marius Vasilescu, aka “Dr. V”; and RAPS’ community social services specialist, Dr. Victoria Cruz-Mendez (Dr. Cruz-Mendez). The animal-loving team of pickers includes thrift store manager, Karen Kamachi, as well as expert picker, Marty Kramer, who work together to bring in donations, and find buyers to help people and pets in-need. To find out more about RAPS, visit their website at www.rapsbc.com.

PETS & PICKERS was created and produced by Tyson Media in association with Bell Media for Discovery, with the participation of The Bell Fund. Tyson Hepburn is Executive Producer and Showrunner. Kelly McClughgan is Series Producer, and Andrew Vacheresse is Director.

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