From a media release:

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) announced today a winter lineup featuring its most compelling collection of programming to date. Its winter programming season kick-starts the New Year on January 5 and will expand its lineup to entice viewers well into 2015.

The network adds a new evening of programming featuring the best of Aboriginal humour with its Tuesday Night Comedy starting January 6. It introduces original series premieres focusing on facets of Aboriginal artistry and antes up the adventure in new seasons of returning fan favourites. Also the introduction of APTN Homegrown Cinema is slated for January 8, when APTN Movies broadens into new territories with Aboriginal and American Indian movies that cover an entire continent of themes.

With the new lineup, APTN will continue to stay on track with its popular original dramas and language programming to keep you warm as Old Man Winter blows his chill around.

NEW ORIGINAL SERIES THIS WINTER ON APTN:
THE GUILT FREE ZONE – SEASON 1 / WORLD PREMIERE / PRIME TIME MUSIC AND VARIETY Host Derek Miller masters the stage: enticing guests and viewers with his comedic antics and musical styling. He’ll shake off the Monday Blues with a marvelous medley of Aboriginal musicians, dancers and comedians from across Canada.

NAGAMOWIN – SEASON 1 / WORLD PREMIERE / PRIME TIME DOCUMENTARY Aboriginal melody makers travel to communities and explore their musical worlds. From writing to the world premiere of their work in the form of a live concert, amazing artists – solo or groups – face their challenge head on to create their ultimate tribute song for their host community.

MOOSEMEAT & MARMALADE – SEASON 1 / WORLD PREMIERE / PRIME TIME DOCUMENTARY Bush Cook Art Napoleon and Chef Dan Hayes are from opposite sides of the pond and spectrums of the culinary arts. Watch what boils down when they explore their contrasting worlds. It’s a highly entertaining exploration of culture, culinary traditions, worldview and lip-smacking fare.

NEW ORIGINAL FRENCH LANGUAGE SERIES THIS WINTER ON APTN:
LA ROUTE DES CHEFS (FRENCH) – SEASON 1 / WORLD PREMIERE / REALITY Three Winnipeg chefs exit the comforts of their realm and don’t look back. A home grown reality series featuring chefs Chad, Lyndon and Clayton, who let loose through the detours and back routes of Asia – all in the name of cuisine.

BRIGADE DES NATIONS (FRENCH) – SEASON 1 / WORLD PREMIERE / YOUTH Four teenagers from four different First Nations must unite forces to complete comical challenges set by their fellow community members. Every challenge completed lands them a donation of $1,000 toward the charity of their choice. How much coin their will and wits earn them?

PRIME TIME – NEW SERIES THIS WINTER ON APTN:
HARD ROCK MEDICAL – SEASON 3 / NETWORK PREMIERE / PRIME TIME DRAMA The unorthodox continues in season three of this series featuring an assorted group of medical students as they navigate through four years at the most unconventional school. Join their challenges set against a harsh landscape and climate populated with quirky, off-the-wall characters.

NEW SEASONS OF APTN FAN FAVORITES THIS WINTER ON APTN:
THE CANDY SHOW – SEASON 5 / WORLD PREMIERE / PRIME TIME MUSIC AND VARIETY The fifth season of The Candy Show will bring a new lineup of stars from across Canada – musicians, performers, poets, even circus performers – and it’s going to be a rip- roaring time. Get right cozy in your seat, for she’ll bring out the secrets from her guests when they join her from her pink palace and pink bed.

HIT THE ICE – SEASON 3 / WORLD PREMIERE / YOUTH DOCUMENTARY This reality series returns for a third season about a high-level hockey camp, but this time the stakes are higher. And a few cuts will determine the final roster for the showcase games. Players’ dreams are the ultimate goal to make it to the next round. Whose goal is beyond reach?

underEXPOSED – SEASON 2 / WORLD PREMIERE / YOUTH DOCUMENTARY Adrenaline abounds in the second season of this documentary series with rising Aboriginal adventure sports media personality, Mason Mashon and photographer, writer, and deluxe co-host Gracey Dove. Join them on their off the wall journeys throughout the eye-popping landscapes of North America.

CHAOS & COURAGE – SEASON 2 / WORLD PREMIERE / PRIME TIME DOCUMENTARY Season two of this documentary series features Aboriginal women that go beyond the roles of first responders. This season focuses on the frontlines with youth workers, soldiers, midwives and more. Women in these critical roles are proven to benefit the advancement of all nations.

ADRÉNALINE – SEASON 2 (FRENCH) / WORLD PREMIERE / PRIME TIME DOCUMENTARY Adrénaline follows a variety of extreme sports and adventure fanatics as they rise to the top and become the role models of their community. Get energized and pushed beyond unexplored limits with the best rush of all.

LES SIOUI-BACON – SEASON 3 (FRENCH) / WORLD PREMIERE / PRIME TIME DOCUMENTARY In the first two seasons, the Sioui-Bacon family faced a series of comical adventures and adapted to life under one roof… and in the big city! The third season will test this blended family’s strength once again as they deal with job loss and the rollercoaster ride of relationships.

From Richard Ouzounian:

From David Berry:

This Hour Has 22 Minutes may be celebrating its 22nd anniversary, but there’s only one person who’s been with it from the very beginning. Cathy Jones first got talked into a spot behind the anchor desk by CODCO castmate Mary Walsh, and has spent the last two decades (and a bit) bringing to life correspondents from unflappable flapper Mrs. Enid to space cadet entertainment correspondent Sandy Campbell. Ahead of the CBC’s gala celebration of the show, the National Post’s David Berry caught up with Jones to talk about her comic longevity, how making fun of politicians has changed over the years and why we’re in the days of speaking up. Continue reading.