TORONTO – The show that led the buzz-meter during the recent fall launches south of the border, Chris Rock’s “Everybody Hates Chris”, will premiere on Citytv this fall, CHUM Television announced today.
Other new shows include dramatic series "Just Legal" from executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer; "Hot Properties," a new comedy about four women in the Manhattan real estate market; the drama "Supernatural" from executive producer McG ("The O.C.") starring Jared Padalecki; and "Wanted," a gritty crime drama from executive producers Aaron Spelling and E. Duke Vincent.
Mid-season programming highlights include: "Bedford Diaries" from executive producer Barry Levinson; "South Beach," a new dramatic series from Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions and Warner Bros.’ "Modern Men," also from Jerry Bruckheimer.
Adding to CHUM’s growing lineup of Canadian programming are several new dramatic productions including "Ice Corps," based on the hugely popular "La compagnie des glaces" series of Francophone novels by George J. Arnaud, and new drama, "Young Blades," shot in HD, as well as new documentaries, original in-house productions and a new daily entertainment program from Star!.
"The upcoming season is a particularly exciting one for CHUM. In Citytv and A-Channel (the Newnet branding is being phased out), we now have two very strong channel brands carrying some of the most exciting and talked about new shows of the season," said Ellen Baine, vice-president, programming, CHUM Television.
"We are extremely pleased with the enormous strength of our fall schedule that combines impressive new titles with our proven hits and first-rate homegrown productions," said Roma Khanna, vice-president, content, CHUM Television. "Our recent growth, together with the experience and skill of our content team, have put us in a position to deliver an amazing season of programming to our viewers."
Below is the rest of the CHUM release outlining its fall schedule.
NEW ACQUIRED PROGRAMMING
EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
Citytv, CitytvHD
An absolutely hilarious, heartwarming and edgy new series inspired by the childhood experiences of comedian Chris Rock (who narrates), "Everybody Hates Chris" is the touching story of a teenager down and out in Brooklyn, New York during the early 1980s. This responsible, resilient adolescent brings a distinct, funny spin to his everyday trials and traumas. The single-camera comedy series stars Tichina Arnold (Big Momma’s House), Terry Crews (White Chicks), Tyler Williams, Tequan Richmond (Ray), Imani Hakim and Vincent Martella (Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo). A production of Chris Rock Enterprises, Inc. in association with Paramount Network Television. Chris Rock (Head of State), Ali LeRoi (Head of State), Howard Gewirtz ("Oliver Beene"), Michael Rotenberg ("The Chris Rock Show") and Dave Becky ("The Hugleys") are the Executive Producers.
SUPERNATURAL
Citytv, SPACE & CitytvHD
This thrill ride takes a dark journey into the terrifying world of the unexplained. Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki, "Gilmore Girls," House of Wax) has done his best to escape his family’s eerie history but, along with his older brother, Dean (Jensen Ackles, "Smallville"), Sam is bound by tragedy and blood to a dangerous, otherworldly mission. Crisscrossing the mysterious back roads of America in their ’67 Chevy Impala, the Winchester brothers search for their missing father – and hunt down evil paranormal forces along the way. Executive Producers are McG ("The O.C.," Charlie’s Angels movies) and David Nutter ("The West Wing," "ER," "Without a Trace," "Smallville").
WANTED
Citytv, CitytvHD
Gary Cole ("The West Wing," Office Space) stars as Lieutenant Conrad Rose, a staunch LA Metro SWAT veteran who has assembled a covert criminal apprehension squad from various federal and local law enforcement agencies. His elite force includes ATF Field Agent Jimmy McGloin (Ryan Hurst, Remember the Titans), FBI Special Agent Tommy Rodriguez (Benjamin Benitez, "Tru Calling"), DEA Agent Joe Vacco (Brendan Kelly, Conair), LAPD techno whiz Rodney Gronbeck (Josey Scott), U.S. Marshal Eddie Drake (Lee Tergesen, "Oz") and Carla Merced (Rashida Jones, "Boston Public"), a tough-as-nails hostage negotiator from Naval Intelligence. Up against the roughest customers out there and law enforcement politicos, the Wanted crew can only depend on each other to survive another day and cross one more name off the list. Executive Producers are Aaron Spelling ("Charmed," "7th Heaven," "Beverly Hills 90210"), E. Duke Vincent ("Charmed," "7th Heaven," "Beverly Hills 902100) and Zamacona.
THREE WISHES
Citytv
Amy Grant stars in this hour-long, unscripted series in which she leads a team of experts to a small town to "grant" wishes to help make the hopes and unbelievable dreams of deserving people come true. Viewers will follow some of the town folks’ deeply personal and heartwarming stories as Grant and her team transform these hopes into a life-changing reality. The full spectrum of wishes ranges from paying tribute to an unsung hero to helping a despairing family in the grip of a loved one’s life-threatening medical crisis. Carpenter Carter Oosterhouse ("Trading Spaces"), contractor Eric Stromer (Clean Sweep) and architect Amanda Miller (Knock First) comprise Grant’s team of experts. Executive Producers are Andrew Glassman and Jason Raff. From Glassman Media and NBC Universal Television Studio.
JUST LEGAL
A-Channels, Citytv – (Winnipeg, Calgary & Edmonton) – & CitytvHD
Don Johnson ("Miami Vice") and Jay Baruchel (Million Dollar Baby) star as lawyers who save their clients – and in the process, themselves. David "Skip" Ross (Baruchel), 19, is a brilliant legal prodigy, who dreams of becoming a great trial lawyer. When he can’t land a job at a prestigious L.A. firm because he’s too young, Skip ends up working for Grant Cooper (Johnson), who was once a great lawyer, but is now barely scraping by in his beachfront law office. Together, underdogs Skip and Cooper become crusaders for the wronged. "Just Legal" comes from Jerry Bruckheimer ("Cold Case," Pirates of the Caribbean), Jonathan Littman ("Cold Case," "Without a Trace") and Jonathan Shapiro ("The Practice," "Boston Legal").
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Citytv, CitytvHD
The most successful and longest-running primetime sports series in television history kicks off its 36th season with the opening game of the 2005 NFL season on Thursday, September 8th, when Super Bowl-champions New England Patriots host the Oakland Raiders. The game features the Raiders’ debut of wide receiver Randy Moss and will be Oakland’s first visit to New England since the teams’ memorable 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff "blizzard" game. Citytv will then broadcast 16 live consecutive Monday night games, the first of which sees NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles travel to Atlanta to take on Michael Vick and the defending NFC South champion Falcons.
HOT PROPERTIES
A-Channel (Ontario) & Citytv (Winnipeg, Calgary & Edmonton)
In the tradition of "Sex and the City" and "Designing Women" comes an uninhibited comedy about real career women searching for real relationships. "Hot Properties" follows four sexy females in the cutthroat Manhattan real estate business. Fortysomething Ava Summerlin is married to a 25-year-old and wants to have a baby, while self-improvement junkie Chloe would happily settle for a guy who’d still remember her in the morning. Voluptuous Lola, recently divorced after 10 years of marriage to a gay husband, dreads jumping back into the dating pool and rich girl Emerson Ives instantly bonds with her new co- workers after learning her supposedly virginal fiancé was anything but. Stars Audra Blaser, Gail O’Grady ("NYPD Blue"), Stephen Dunham (Monster-in-Law), Evan Handler ("Sex and the City"), Nicole Sullivan ("MADtv"), Sofia Vergara (Chasing Papi). Executive Producer/Writer Suzanne Martin ("Frasier"), produced by Interbang Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television.
HOPE AND FAITH
A-Channels, Citytv (Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton)
New to CHUM Television this season, "Hope and Faith" is the story of two sisters, from two different worlds trying to co-exist in the same household. Stay-at-home mom Hope leads a busy, family-centered suburban life in the Midwest with her husband, Charley, and three lively children. Her sister Faith, a former daytime star has settled into living with Hope while she tries to reignite her Hollywood career. Stars Faith Ford, Kelly Ripa, Ted McGinley, Megan Fox, Macey Cruthird and Paulie Litt. Executive Producers are Emile Levisetti, Joanna Johnson, Jeffrey Hodes, Nastaran Dibai. Produced by Touchstone Television in association with Industry Entertainment.
SOUTH BEACH
Citytv (Mid-season)
Matt and Vince are best friends filled with aspirations of a better future. They abandon their world as they know it and head to the alluring paradise of sandy beaches, beautiful people and hot spots in glamorous South Beach. Matt’s preoccupation with his old fashion-model girlfriend has him diving headfirst into her thrilling new life and Vince, willing to do anything to get ahead, uncovers the dangerous and possibly seedy underbelly of South Beach. Stars Marcus Coloma (Point Pleasant), Chris Johnson (xXx: State of the Union), Lee Thompson Young (Friday Night Lights), and Vanessa L. Williams (Johnson Family Vacation). Produced by Nuyorican Productions and Flame Television in association with Paramount Network Television. Tony Krantz (The Bad Girl’s Guide), Jennifer Lopez, Simon Fields (Shall We Dance?) and Philip Levens ("Smallville") are Executive Producers.
BEDFORD DIARIES
Citytv & CitytvHD (Mid-season)
In the small Manhattan institution of Bedford College, charismatic professor Jake Macklin teaches the controversial course Sexual Behavior and the Human Condition to a very diverse group of students. From sensitive to callous, hesitant to unrestrained, struggling to privileged, the 12 scholars join in an unforgettable experience that requires them to open their souls to their classmates week after week. Using video diaries, they capture their feelings on sex, love and life, learning from one another and themselves as much as they do from Macklin. Starring Matthew Modine, Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls, American Dreams), Tiffany Dupont (Cheaper By the Dozen), Penn Badgely (The Mountain), Corri English (The Dale Earnhardt Story), Ernest Waddell (As the World Turns), Victoria Cartagena, Audra McDonald and Peter Gerety. Produced by the acclaimed team behind "Homicide: Life on the Street" Barry Levinson, Tom Fontana, Jim Finnerty and Julie Martin.
MODERN MEN
A-Channel (Mid-season)
Three twentysomething Chicago guys – boy-next-door Tim, codependent Doug and womanizing Kyle – have done everything together since high school. So when they realize there’s something lacking in their love lives, the three do the last thing they ever imagined: seek the help of a female life coach (guest star Wendie Malick "Just Shoot Me!," "Jake in Progress",) . Stars Josh Braaten ("Less Than Perfect"), Max Greenfield ("Veronica Mars"), Eric Lively ("The L Word"), Marla Sokoloff ("The Practice," "Desperate Housewives") and George Wendt ("Cheers"). "Modern Men" marks the first foray into comedy by Jerry Bruckheimer ("Without a Trace," Pirates of the Caribbean), who executive produces with Jonathan Littman ("Cold Case," three "CSI" series) and Marsh McCall ("Just Shoot Me!").
UNLOCKING DA VINCI’S CODE
Bravo! Canadian Television Premiere
Inspired by ideas from Dan Brown’s "The Da Vinci Code," this one-hour documentary reveals the greatest mysteries of our time and the greatest secrets of our past as told by hidden riddles and clues within Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest works. For the first time, the controversial links between Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene and da Vinci are exposed and the secret society that included da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Botticelli and Victor Hugo is explored.
NEW CANADIAN SCRIPTED PROGRAMMING
YOUNG BLADES
A-Channels
Set in 17th century France, "Young Blades" follows the exciting adventures of a new generation of sword-wielding warriors, the children of the infamous Three Musketeers. Stars Bruce Boxleitner, Michael Ironside and Sheena Easton. Shot in HD.
MURDER 19C: DETECTIVE MURDOCH MYSTERIES – UNDER THE DRAGON’S TAIL
Bravo!
Produced in association with Bravo!, this is the third film based on Maureen Jennings’s mystery novels set in Victorian Toronto. Detective William Murdoch (Peter Outerbridge) investigates the murder of a back-street abortionist, Dolly Shaw, whose clients all have their own personal reasons to fear the divulgence of their indiscretions.
STARGATE ATLANTIS
Citytv, CitytvHD & Mid-season on SPACE
A spin-off from the highly successful "Stargate SG-1," this series follows a multinational scientific and military group, led by diplomat Dr. Elizabeth Weir, as they head on a mission to investigate the secrets of Atlantis, a city now known to have been built by ancient powerful beings, and bring whatever they discover back to Earth. When power requirements of this intergalactic mission render the journey one-way, the team discovers they may never return home, unless they can find the technology they need in Atlantis to return them to Earth.
ICE CORPS
SPACE
The Earth is under a new ice age. The very existence of the sun has been forgotten. 18-year-old Cal and his friends set out to revive the warmth of that forgotten memory as they try to prove that the sun still exists and uncover the terrible conspiracy preventing its return. Produced by Carpediem Film & TV and Gala Film. Based on the hugely popular "La compagnie des glaces" series of Francophone novels by George J. Arnaud.
NEW CANADIAN REALITY PROGRAMMING
BATHROOM DIVAS: SO YOU WANT TO BE… AN OPERA STAR!
Bravo!
Neophyte opera singers from across the country and from all walks of life get a chance to become the ultimate "bathroom diva" in this all-new Canadian six-part, one-hour series produced in association with Bravo!.
MUCH 911
MuchMusic
Need to… pull a prank? Find true love? Raise money? It’s all about wish fulfillment as Much VJs travel across Canada to help music fans in need. Each week, VJs select two lucky winners from a pool of hopefuls – who’ve logged the most compelling "911" requests on MuchMusic.com/911 – and then set out to make rock ‘n’ roll dreams come true.
NEW CANADIAN DOCUMENTARIES
DARK PINES: A DOCUMENTARY INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF TOM THOMSON
Bravo!
A one-hour docudrama produced in association with Bravo! about the Group of Seven member’s life, works and mysterious death at age 39 in 1917. Filmed in Northern Ontario and in Thomson’s shack on the grounds of the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg, startling revelations about the archetypical Canadian’s untimely death come to the surface through dramatic reenactments. Directed by David Vaisbord (Drawing Out the Demons: A Film About the Artist, Attila Richard Lukacs).
SHADOW HUNTER
SPACE
A 13-part half-hour documentary series produced in association with CHUM Television that looks at the fascinating world of the paranormal through the eyes of charismatic ghost hunter, best-selling author and doctor of parapsychology Darryll Walsh.
NEW ORIGINAL CANADIAN SERIES
THE IT LIST
MuchMusic
MuchMusic fan favourites, VJs Matte Babel & Leah Miller scope out the latest trends in music, movies, gaming, fashion and more – and deliver a must- get weekly rundown and no-holds barred critique and rating system for fans; it’s a Much-Style advance edge on all things cool.
VIDEO ON TRIAL
MuchMusic
It’s all about dish, dirt and deconstruction as top pop culture experts analyze today’s hottest music videos with candid commentary, scathing reviews and tongue-in-cheek profiling. Art? The ultimate marketing tool? Nothing’s off limits in the VOT forum.
HEATMETER
MuchMoreMusic
In the world of celebrity, only one question really matters: "Who’s hotter?" Now fans can get the answer on the all-new M3 "HeatMeter." Top music stars, their careers and defining media moments get the "compare and contrast" treatment in this weekly stardom tracker. Britney & Christina, Celine & Shania, JLo & Beyoncé and more, go head to head and face the "HeatMeter" review, ultimately culminating in an overall rating. Online, fans can log opinions at www.muchmoremusic.com.
STAR! DAILY
Citytv, A-Channels & Star!
Broadcast from the headquarters of Star!, MuchMusic and FashionTelevision, "Star!Daily" brings you entertainment news, business and stories from the people who make entertainment a part of their life… everyday.
I Love…
Star!
Think Trekkies and yearly Elvis conventions are a little extreme? In this new, half-hour series, Star! takes you inside the shocking world of fan obsessions …. From those obsessed with actors and singers, to those fixated on films and television shows. Upcoming episodes include: I Love Lucy, I Love Star Trek, I Love Shania Twain and I Love Elvis.
10 BEST THINGS ABOUT…
Star!
In this new weekly half-hour series, Star! counts down the 10 best things about…well, everything – from celebrities to trends to upcoming events. Episodes will include Summer Movies, Action Films and the Toronto International Film Festival.
THE LETTERS
BookTelevision
A literary approach to reality TV, "The Letters" follows seven young men who position themselves as modern day Cyrano de Bergeracs in their quest to win the affection of one special young woman. Enjoy the renaissance of romantic prose in this vibrant new series where the pen is, once again, infinitely mightier than the sword.
THE KILLER NEXT DOOR
CourtTV Canada & CLT
This fascinating documentary series seeks to answer one ultimate question: what drives seemingly ordinary people to commit murder? Each episode features details retrieved from insider interviews and family documents; dramatic recreations of the murders and surrounding events; and in-depth analyses from psychiatrists, psychologists, and criminologists who provide insights into the dark side of human nature.
MAKING A SCENE
SexTV: The Channel
Join SexTV in this one-hour special as three aspiring filmmakers are challenged to make a short, sexy movie in one day.
Teturning programming includes:
AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (A-Channels)
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL (Citytv)
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SPACE)
CHARLIE JADE Season 1(A-Channels)
COPS (A-Channels)
EVERWOOD (A-Channels)
GODIVA’S Season 2 (Citytv & Bravo!)
INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO (Bravo!),
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE (Citytv (excluding Vancouver) & A-Channel Victoria)
LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN (A-Channels (excluding Victoria) & Citytv Vancouver)
LIVE AT THE REHEARSAL HALL (Bravo!)
LIVE TRIAL COVERAGE (CourtTV Canada)
MISSING (A-Channels)
MONK (A-Channels & ACCESS)
SMALLVILLE (A-Channels, SPACE & ACCESS)
STARGATE SG-1 (Citytv & SPACE)
SUPERNANNY (A-Channels & Citytv (Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton)
THE 4400 (SPACE)
THE BACHELOR (Citytv)
THE COLLECTOR (Citytv & SPACE)
THE DEAD ZONE (A-Channels & SPACE)
THE MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS (MuchMusic, Citytv, Star!, CitytvHD)
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (A-Channels (excluding Victoria) & Citytv Vancouver)
WORLD POKER TOUR (Citytv & ACCESS)
7th HEAVEN (A-Channels & ACCESS).
