Shaw Media to bring Lifetime, H2 to Canada

TORONTO – Shaw Media will launch two new U.S.-based channels in Canada this fall, plus re-brand its History Television as History to match its American counterpart, the company said Wednesday at its ‘upfront’ presentation in Toronto.

Thanks to the company's partnership with A&E Networks, Canadian viewers will be able to tune in to female-skewing Lifetime, which will take the place of Showcase Diva.  With a new logo and tagline – "Your life. Your time.", the channel will premier movies like Liz and Dick starring Lindsay Lohan, and The June Carter Cash Story (wt), starring singer/songwriter Jewel.  Other programming will include Dance Moms, Bristol Palin: Life's A Tripp, The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet and drama The Client List starring Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Billed as a complement to History, H2 will target male viewers with a “broader view of history across science, technology and pop culture from around the globe”, according to the announcement.  Programming will include shows such as 10 Things You Don't Know About, The Universe and Mankind Decoded.  H2 will likely replace The Cave, but Shaw Media execs said that decision has not yet been finalized.

"A+E Networks is the force behind a number of the most sought-after TV brands and is recognized as a leader in pioneering innovative content," said Paul Robertson, group VP of broadcasting and president of Shaw Media. "Through our deepened partnership with A+E Networks we continue to stake our claim as a frontrunner in the television industry and reinforce our unwavering commitment to giving Canadians access to the best possible content."

Shaw Media also said that it has commissioned over 650 hours of original Canadian programming which will air across its suite of specialty channels including the return of The Real Housewives of Vancouver on Slice, the new drama Beauty and the Beast which will debut on Showcase, and a new Mike Holmes series for HGTV.

– Lesley Hunter with files from Greg O’Brien