TORONTO – Multi-platform specialty service Bite TV will debut its new fall lineup this Friday with a relaunch to the 4.5 million homes nationwide that it reaches.
“Bite’s focus on rising stars and up-and-coming talent remains unchanged,” reads the press release. However, the Second City, Yuk Yuk’s, Just for Laughs, and Edmonton’s Caution: May Contain Nuts sketch troupe are “set to inject a shot of Canadian comedy into Bite’s award-winning mix of short-form programming.”
The new Bite embraces Canada’s emerging comedy scene and is committed to developing and showcasing the country’s top rising comedians.
"Our commitment to budding home-grown talent is a priority because it is part of the very fabric of who we are," said Jeffrey Elliott, founder and president of Bite and co-CEO of parent Glassbox Television.
However, the channel has added some more recognized names in comedy and comedic programming.
Cult hit It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia with Danny Devito, critically acclaimed Arrested Development with Michael Cera and Jason Bateman, British imports including the original call centre comedy, Mumbai Calling, and Rick Mercer’s Made In Canada are part of Bite’s prime time viewing, starting Friday,
The channel will also air “Bite Box Office” movies, sketch, stand-up, improv and specials, in addition to its short-form Funny Flow content that it has been known for.
"Comedy is the natural evolution of our brand." continues Elliott. "For the past five years, we’ve featured sketch, stand-up, and improv, and those programming successes lead us to the decision to focus on comedy full time."
The network is also now geared to a more mature core audience of 18-to-49 year olds. While the channel has been an original place on the dial with a lot of short form content and viewer interaction – aimed at young males – it struggled to win ratings.
Select markets across Canada get a free preview when the service debuts on Oct. 22.
Glassbox received CRTC approval for an amendment to Bite’s category 2 specialty television license this past June. Under the terms of the new license Bite can incorporate sitcoms and movies into its programming mix. Bite originally launched in April 2005 as a young male-focused and short-form specialty channel.
Stay tuned to Bite and www.bite.ca for full details.
