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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Corus Entertainment’s specialty networks welcome back 16 returning Canadian original series, plus 18 new titles for 2024/25

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From a media release:

Today, Corus Entertainment announces its complete slate of Canadian original content to premiere across its specialty networks in 2024/25. The 34 new and returning titles include new seasons from HGTV Canada‘s most trusted home and design experts, new challenges from Food Network Canada‘s best competition series, new points of view from The HISTORY Channel®‘s thoughtful docu-series and documentaries, and a fresh take on romantic comedy made-for-TV movies on W Network, plus new and beloved animated characters from Nelvana on Treehouse, YTV and Cartoon Network, appealing to families and kids of all ages. In total, Corus will deliver more than 295 episodes, movies, and specials, including 18 brand-new titles.

“Corus maintains its leadership position within the Canadian original lifestyle and factual space with our schedule of new and returning titles. With our proven formats, top-tier stars, and premium storytelling, we deliver what Canadian audiences want to see across our expansive specialty portfolio,” said Rachel Nelson, Vice President of Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios. “As our industry landscape evolves it’s more important than ever to share Canadian stories as told by Canadian voices, and we believe that this lineup delivers just that.”

Additional Corus content announcements were made this morning, including updates on new pickups for Corus’ specialty networks. For the latest updates, visit www.corusent.com.

HGTV CANADA

Canada’s #1 Lifestyle network*, HGTV Canada continues to be the home of real estate, renovation, and interior design. With four new Canadian Original series and eight returning, the network offers endless inspiration and education to audiences this upcoming broadcast year.

The Baeumlers are back as Bryan and Sarah start production on their new docu-follow series, Building Baeumler. In it, viewers will catch up with the couple as they navigate work and life following the successful launch of their Bahamas resort. Bryan and Sarah are determined to expand their evolving business and find their next big thing together. From surprising projects on the island to personal projects close to home – the Baeumlers offer an intimate look at their lives as they grow their individual and family ventures.

HGTV Canada introduces audiences to DIY designer, Kristen Coutts, in the new series Beer Budget Reno (working title). Filming this summer and casting now, Kristen delivers life-changing renos for people on a budget using money-saving hacks that transform outdated spaces into something fresh and functional. Also, in production for HGTV Canada, Rentovation helps long-term leasers upgrade and personalize their space. The new series shares innovative solutions and clever designs that provide forever-home vibes and stunning transformations. This fall, luxury designer Ali Budd delivers high-end reveals and big-budget renovations in House of Ali, Season 1.

The network’s most anticipated original series return this fall with back-to-back premieres. Fan-favourites, Sebastian Clovis and Randy Spracklin bring heart, community, and tough renovations in Season 2 of Gut Job and Season 3 of Rock Solid Builds. The ensemble cast of Hoarder House Flippers, Season 2, take on new challenges with Mactar, Issa, and Khadim Mbaye in Montreal, Heather and Nathan Porteous in Winnipeg, and a new set of flippers, Deidre Ritsche and Stephanie Bradt, from Windsor. Brother-sister duo, Billy Pearson and Carolyn Wilbrink, bring modern design to dated properties in Season 3 of Farmhouse Facelift, while the Scott Brothers return with new episodes of Don’t Hate Your House, Season 1. Canadian icon Pamela Anderson is back this winter and building on her terms in Season 2 of Pamela’s Garden of Eden. While this spring, Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni return for Season 6 of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, and Scott teams up with Bryan Baeumler again in Season 2 of the Top 20 specialty entertainment program, Renovation Resort.**

Launching today, HGTV Canada Hotline is here to help. The weekly digital series, available through HGTV Canada’s social media platforms and hgtv.ca, offers how-to advice from Canada’s home authority. The brand’s creators – experts in a diverse range of fields – answer viewer on topics big and small – from DIY projects, to organizational hacks, to financial real estate advice.

FOOD NETWORK CANADA

Canada’s #2 Lifestyle network*, Food Network Canada, features big stars, big eats, and big challenges in 2024/2025. The Top 10 specialty entertainment program***, Top Chef Canada returns for an epic Season 11 this fall with host Eden Grinshpan, judges Chef Mark McEwan, Mijune Pak, David Zilber, and Janet Zuccarini, and 10 all-new chef competitors from across Canada. Hollywood star, Pamela Anderson is joined in the kitchen by renowned chefs as she explores her passion for plant-based food and sets the table for intimate dinner parties with her friends and family in Pamela’s Cooking with Love, premiering next year. The Big Bake and Great Chocolate Showdown both return with new episodes this upcoming broadcast year, and Noah Cappe is back in Season 10 of Carnival Eats.

THE HISTORY CHANNEL

The HISTORY® Channel, a Top 10 specialty network* and destination for behind-the-scenes storytelling, premieres five new Canadian Original titles in 2024/2025. Brand-new series Yukon Rescue follows emergency response teams in Canada’s rugged north as they navigate extreme weather conditions, structure fires, avalanches, flash floods, spreading wildfires, and more to keep their communities safe.

The four-part documentary, Sounds Black, traces the origins and impact of Black Music in Canada. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Cazhhmere, with contributions from luminaries such as Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black, Fefe Dobson, Maestro Fresh Wes, Deborah Cox, Keisha Chante and more, the series explores Black Canadian music from its tangled diasporic roots to its international dominance. Kru Williams and Adam Palmer‘s adrenaline-fueled hunt for gold and Taylor Starr and father Don Froese‘s search for truth continue in Season 2 of Deadman’s Curse premiering this fall. Then, Mike, Connor, and Avery are back at the wheel in Season 5 of Rust Valley Restorers. The network delves into the paranormal with Season 1 of Repossessed, featuring a team dedicated to finding and authenticating haunted objects and intervening when the spirit won’t let go.

W NETWORK

Another Top 10 specialty network*, W Network is known for its popular offering of romantic made-for-TV movies, and starting to rollout early 2025 is the next chapter in The Love Club movie franchise, The Love Club Moms. The four-part original movie franchise, produced by Nikki Ray Media Agency, follows the romantic lives of four strong, successful women – Ashley Newbrough (Love in Glacier National: A National Park Romance), Rebecca Dalton (Nurses), Genelle Williams (Family Law), and Nazneen Contractor (Children Ruin Everything) – as they juggle motherhood with trying to find their happily ever after. The Love Club Moms also stars Ryan Bruce (Let Him Go), Corey Sevier (Take Me Back For Christmas), Mark Taylor (Beyond Black Beauty), and Joseph Cannata (A Perfect Match).

KIDS

CARTOON NETWORK

Nelvana’s award-winning short film Jelly will be making its official primetime debut this September on Cartoon Network. An inspirational modern fairy tale, Jelly explores the delicate balance between pursuing one’s passion of expressive art versus treading the financially murky waters of a soul-sucking factory job.

TREEHOUSE

Treehouse, the #1 overall Kids Specialty network with K2-11 and K2-5****, this Fall welcomes the much talked about and eagerly-awaited new series, Barney’s World, co-produced by Mattel Television and Nelvana. The CG-animated series is set in the local playground, where Barney is joined by dinos Billy and Baby Bop and their three kid best friends. Throughout silly and imaginative adventures together, Barney helps kids explore big preschool emotions and shows them how to love themselves, others, and their community.

Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! continues to delight kids with Season 28 pulling into Treehouse this year, plus a brand new one-hour holiday special, Thomas & Friends: “The Christmas Letter Express” All Engines Go!, where Percy rushes to deliver a letter so the child’s Christmas Wish comes true.

Coming later this year to Treehouse is Millie Magnificent from Nelvana, inspired by the best-selling books by Ashley Spires and Nelvana’s award-winning short film The Most Magnificent Thing. Millie Magnificent follows avid creator, problem-solver, and innovator Millie Sparks. With a load of determination and spark of imagination, Millie and her ‘creato-crew’ – best friends Ben and Maya and Millie’s adorable dog Wallace – strive to find the most magnificent solutions to their neighborhood’s challenges.

Also this fall, new episodes of Builder Brother’s Dream Factory GEAR UP and GET IT DONE on Treehouse. See more of twin brothers, Drew and Jonathan, a pair of regular kids who use their extraordinary imagination, creativity, grit and heart to help friends and solve problems by dreaming big – really big – sometimes too big! Vida The Vet™, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, also returns with new episodes, following ten-year-old Vida, an animal doctor who nurtures the charming and silly woodland creatures who live outside her home.

YTV

Zokie of Planet Ruby premieres this Fall on YTV, the #1 Commercial Kids Specialty network with K6-11.***** Ruby Studebaker and her alien BFF Zokie Sparkleby film their adventures around the town of Tres Leches. Along with their con-man friend Earl the squirrel, Ruby teaches Zokie about Earth, while Zokie tries to control his unpredictable alien powers.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters returns April 16

From a media release:

Food Network Canada heats up spring with the sizzling return of Corus Studios’ original series, Fire Masters (15x60min). Professional chef Dylan Benoit returns as host, joined by a rotating panel of expert judges and notable culinary personalities. Each episode will challenge three chefs to show off their grilling talents and creativity in two culinary challenges, cooking up mouth-watering dishes that will be assessed by the judges. Two chefs will be eliminated, and the last one standing will go head-to-head with a renowned judge in the third and final round, vying for a $10,000 cash prize and the title of Fire Masters Champion. Fire Masters returns Thursday, April 16 at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network Canada.

Hailing from across North America including Toronto, Ont. to Miami, Fla., Kelowna, B.C. to New York City, NY. and beyond, Fire Masters’ competitors represent the continent’s most talented grill masters and chefs. In the premiere episode “Let the Flames Begin,” the “Wildfire” round heats up fast with three executive chefs, each looking to smoke out the competition with their signature dishes that are judged on presentation, creativity and taste. In the “Crossfire” round, the chefs bring the heat, competing for a spot in the final round. Finally, in the “Feast of Fire” round, the final competitor remaining goes head-to-head against a Fire Masters judge and must showcase their culinary skills across a whole menu. Both chefs have a sous-chef to help them grill up a ‘Breakfast for Dinner’ feast that will determine the winner. For the full list of competitors, please visit foodnetwork.ca.

Host and chef Dylan Benoit returns to oversee the fiery battles and brings with him some serious credentials: extensive culinary experience working in prestigious restaurants and vast world travel and culinary tourism. Dylan is joined by a rotating panel of renowned, flame-fanatic judges, who will determine which competitors have what it takes to earn the title of Fire Masters Champion.

A roster of new and returning sponsors enter the Fire Masters arena this season. In every episode the competitors will have top-of-the-line grilling stations provided by returning sponsor, Napoleon. As the series’ exclusive provider of grilling appliances and equipment, the fully outfitted Fire Masters arena boasts the latest, cutting-edge tools from Napoleon. Additionally, as the competition heats up, the winner of each second round is awarded a Napoleon Travel portable grill. Certified Angus Beef ® brand returns as the exclusive beef provider for the series, stocking the fridge with their premium high-quality beef. The Certified Angus Beef ® brand is also showcased a “Crossfire” challenge, where competitors feature a dry-aged bone-in ribeye or short ribs as the star ingredient in their dish, as well as during a “Feast of Fire” challenge, where the chefs must elevate the tried-and-true meat and potatoes dinner. Tourism PEI comes on board for an integrated “Feast of Fire” challenge, where the chefs will create a “Down East Feast”, celebrating the beauty and bounty of Prince Edward Island and using ingredients sourced from the area. Miller Lite joins for an integrated “Feast of Fire” challenge, tasking the chefs to create a family-style spread of flame-kissed dishes perfect for game day. Host Dylan Benoit will also appear in Miller Lite’s digital calendar, sharing his favourite Campfire Queso Fundito recipe.

Fire Masters is produced by Architect Films in association with Corus Studios for Food Network Canada. For Architect Films, Tanya Linton and Mike Sheerin are Executive Producers and Jennifer Pratt is Series Producer.Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Preview: Fire Masters grills up tasty vittles on the road to $10,000

I like to fancy myself a bit of an expert on grilling. Thanks to Ted Reader, I’ve mastered cedar plank salmon, grilled vegetables and to-die-for burgers. But I simply don’t have the skill needed to compete in Food Network Canada’s latest culinary competition.

Fire Masters—bowing Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on the specialty network—pits three chefs against one another in a sweaty, hot and smoky test to see who can tame the fire and walk away with $10,000.

At the helm of this spark-filled challenge is professional chef, writer, restaurateur, world traveller and—currently running a private chef service and consulting company in the Cayman Islands—Barrie, Ont., native Dylan Benoit. The bearded, pony-tailed chef introduces the three chefs ready to do battle in three rounds and, as done on Chopped, one is eliminated until a sole chef is left standing. Unlike Chopped, however, the final competitor goes head-to-head with one of the episode’s judges. In the case of Thursday’s debut, that means Connie DeSousa, Ray Lampe or Hugh Mangum.

The first challenge tasks the trio with creating a dish that reflects who they are. This is a tactic used to great effect on Top Chef Canada because it not only shows off a chef’s skills but their influences as well. With just 30 minutes on the clock, Fire Masters becomes an orgy of flashing stainless steel, glowing embers and egos. After a visit and taste by the judges, one chef is cut from the competition.

In the second challenge, the remaining two are asked to prepare fish, with the Round 1 winner getting an advantage. If this all sounds a little of Top Chef Canada, I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, I zipped to the end of the screener to see if it was made by the same production company. It’s from Architect Films (Home to Win, Great Canadian Cottages), but Fire Masters sure has a lot of Top Chef Canada‘s DNA. And, since it’s a proven formula, why not go for it?

The departure of that formula is, of course, having the Round 2 winner face off against one of the judges. And, in Thursday’s first episode, the battle is fun as heck to watch. I won’t give away the results, but you like cooking over flames and the competition of Top Chef Canada, you’re going to like these budding Fire Masters.

Fire Masters airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network Canada.

Image courtesy of Food Network Canada.Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Top Chef Canada

Food Network Canada’s Top Chef Canada returns with a never-seen-before twist

From a media release:

Food Network Canada’s #1 series last spring*, Top Chef Canada, returns with the nation’s best and brightest professional chefs as they prepare to enter the toughest culinary competition in the country starting Monday, April 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Representing the coming of age in the Canadian culinary scene, 11 chefs enter the competition and are introduced to a brand-new twist that sees three talented chef contenders compete against each other in order to earn the coveted 12th spot in the competition.

Prepared to impress the judges, each chef must spark the taste buds of Top Chef Canada’s expert panel of judges comprised of chef, restaurant co-owner and host, Eden Grinshpan, owner of The McEwan Group, head judge chef Mark McEwan and resident judges: powerhouse restaurateur Janet Zuccarini, writer and international food personality Mijune Pak and renowned food journalist and critic Chris Nuttall-Smith. This season the chefs will compete for the prestigious title of Canada’s Top Chef and the grand prize of $100,000 provided by Interac Corp., a design-inspired Café kitchen, a culinary tour of Italy for two from Air Transat and $5,000 worth of Cuisinart® products.

Following a nation-wide search, this season’s competitors represent Canada’s culinary scene from coast to coast and beyond including Dartmouth, N.S., Quebec City, Que., Tofino, B.C., Toronto, Ont., Vancouver, B.C., and more. The 11 competitors confirmed to compete for the title of Canada’s Top Chef are:

  • Tania Ganassini, 31 – Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.
  • Takeshi Horinoue, 37 – Montreal, Que.
  • Hayden Johnston, 29 – Toronto, Ont.
  • Sebastien Laframboise, 31 – Quebec City, Que.
  • Renée Lavallée, 43 – Dartmouth, N.S.
  • Paul Moran, 31 – Tofino, B.C.
  • Dennis Peckham, 41 – Port Moody, B.C.
  • Phillip Scarfone, 33 – Vancouver, B.C.
  • Erin Smith, 32 – Toronto, Ont.
  • Max Straczek, 32 – Vancouver, B.C.
  • Wallace Wong, 27 – Toronto, Ont.

In a never-seen-before twist, the three talented chef contenders set to compete for the final spot in the competition are:

  • Alexei Boldireff, 25 – Edmonton, Alta.
  • Benet Hunt, 28 – Saskatoon, Sask.
  • Paul Kim, 33 – Toronto, Ont.

This season’s Quickfire and Elimination Challenges will test the chefs’ culinary chops and demonstrate their creativity. Each week their dishes will be served to the esteemed Top Chef Canada judging panel, who will be joined by culinary masters and noted food lovers as guest judges. Some of the celebrated culinary personalities from Canada and abroad include Emma Bengtsson (Executive Chef, Aquavit, New York City, N.Y.), Richard Blais (Top Chef: All Stars winner, Owner Juniper & Ivy, San Diego, Calif.), Craig Harding (Chef and Owner, Campagnolo, La Palma and Constantine, Toronto, Ont.), James Beard award- winning restaurant critic Adam Platt, Rob Rossi (Top Chef Canada, Season 1, Chef and Owner, Giulietta,Toronto, Ont.), Marcus Samuelsson (Owner, Red Rooster, Harlem, N.Y.), and Michael Solomonov (Owner, Zahav, Philadelphia, Pa).

On foodnetwork.ca, viewers can get a sneak peek of this season’s most exhilarating locations, learn about the judges’ best ever bites from the series and get to know some of host Eden Grinshpan’s most uniquely lovable “Eden-isms.” Plus, learn more about the competitors and get their restaurant recommendations from across the country. Week-to-week, recaps will be available online highlighting the best and most shocking moments from the season. Fans can also watch full episodes online after broadcast at foodnetwork.ca/topchefcanada and On Demand with participating providers.

Food Network Canada is available on a National Free Preview from March 1 to April 30. Please check local listings for additional details.Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Featured, Top Chef Canada

Top Chef Canada: Eden Grinshpan previews Season 6’s culinary combat

Eden Grinshpan’s secret to scoring Top Chef Canada leftovers is pretty darned simple. She writes her name on the food she wants to save for later. And, she’s had plenty of worthy dishes to set aside thanks to this year’s crop of competitors.

“Mark McEwan has been doing this for six seasons and he thinks that this is the best food he’s ever seen on the show,” Grinshpan says. “I’ll leave it at that. Mark McEwan can’t get over it!”

Returning Sunday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network, Grinshpan returns to host Top Chef Canada alongside head judge McEwan, resident judges Chris Nuttall-Smith, Mijune Pak, Janet Zuccarini and guests like Susur Lee, Rob Feenie, Lynn Crawford and Alexandra Feswick to taste plates prepared by 11 Canadian chefs all gunning for $100,000 and bragging rights.

We spoke to Grinshpan ahead of Sunday’s return to get her take on the competition this season and how she scored one of the best gigs in primetime TV.

Congratulations on your second season of hosting Top Chef Canada.
Eden Grinshpan: Thank you. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this brand. I’ve been a big fan of Top Chef Canada for many years. This year is really great because we have some fresh blood, young chefs who have a lot to prove and are trying to come into their own. It’s amazing to see where they are at and hear their strong culinary voices. This is their chance to showcase who they are as chefs and a lot of the time this can kick-start the next stage in their career. A lot of them are working under some very big names and this gives them the chance to make that big leap and have their own kitchen. I love this season for that reason.

Let’s go back in time. How did you get the hosting gig? Did you audition or did the producers have you in mind?
I was a judge for Chopped Canada and one of the producers actually suggested me because they were looking for a new host. It was kind of like a last-minute audition. I just happened to be in Toronto and they asked me to come in, read a couple of lines and talked. I went in and had a full-on audition and really got along with the executive producers. A couple of months later they sent over a contract and told me they’d love me to be the new host.

Hosting Top Chef Canada is a unique experience. You’re there to introduce guests, the challenges and keep things moving. Was that a learning curve for you?
Definitely. My experience on television has been unscripted, I’m very candid and am very casual on-camera. Top Chef Canada is the most prestigious culinary competition. This is serious. There is a huge title and huge prize. This is another level, so I had to learn some new skills and be able to move the whole competition to the end point. That’s something I had to learn as I went. This season felt more comfortable because I had been through it already and I knew what to expect. I learned a lot and I love that.

Yourself, Mark, Mijune, Janet and Chris all have great chemistry.
We all love each other. Everyone brings something so different to the judging and the show. Chris, obviously, is one of the most intimidating people in the food industry. He just last season revealed what he looks like. That was a big deal. Janet is a powerhouse restaurateur who was nominated for a James Beard Award for best new restaurant. Mark, again, another powerhouse. He is the guy. Mijune has her world experience through her travels and her knowledge of different cuisines. It’s really something all of us can respect in one another and we do. Judging food together has been interesting and amazing.

What can you say about the food you’ve tasted this season?
Mark McEwan has been doing this for six seasons and he thinks that this is the best food he’s ever seen on the show. I’ll leave it at that. Mark McEwan can’t get over it! Every season, it gets next level good. And they always, always surprise us. Not that we’re not expecting amazing, but they are bringing exceptional.

Top Chef Canada airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network.

Images courtesy of Corus Entertainment.

 

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