CHANNEL CANADA :: Alliance Atlantis Announces 2007 Fall Programming Line-Up

Alliance Atlantis Announces 2007 Fall Programming Line-Up
Posted on Thursday, July 05, 2007 - 04:59 PM
Alliance Atlantis Communications today unveils programming highlights from the fall broadcast schedule across the company’s 13 specialty television channels. This programming announcement follows record audiences over winter and spring seasons securing 4 of the top 10 spots across all Canadian specialty networks for Adults 25-54 (HGTV #4, History #5, Showcase #7, Food Network #10) and 5 of the top 10 spots across digital specialty (Showcase Action #2, National Geographic #3, Showcase Diva #5, BBC CANADA and Discovery Health Channel jointly #9). “The strong collective performance of the channels demonstrates the wide appeal of our brands and our programs. We’ll build on this momentum with our stellar fall programming lineup including the exclusive Canadian premieres of TNT’s Saving Grace on Showcase, the remarkable documentary series Lost Worlds airing on History Television and Jamie Oliver’s newest venture Jamie’s Chef on Food Network. We are also very excited to now launch the original Canadian series Project Runway Canada on Slice™ and Colin & Justin’s Home Heist on HGTV,” says Norm Bolen, Executive Vice-President of Content for Alliance Atlantis Communications. HGTV* Continuing on its success, HGTV presents a fall schedule packed with new design, décor, real estate and renovation programs and specials. HGTV also introduces a new ‘first timers’ programming block this fall including the new Canadian series Marriage Under Construction (Oct. 1) as well as new seasons of Property Virgins and Home To Stay. The schedule boasts 10 new original and international series with 21 returning viewer favourites including Holmes On Homes (Oct. 4), design inc. (Oct. 2), Designer Guys (Oct. 2), and Disaster DIY (Oct. 4). Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, the outrageous and dynamic design duo from the top-rated British series How Not To Decorate, have crossed the Atlantic to spread their gospel of ‘decorative beautification’ in Canada with the new 26-part original series Colin & Justin’s Home Heist premiering on Tuesday, October 2 at 9 p.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT. They are on the hunt for Canadian homes with sinfully bad interior design and have just one week to give them a radically stylish makeover. But there’s a catch – the homeowners are placed under careful watch and are forced to help correct their own terrible handiwork, one paint stroke at a time. SHOWCASE This fall, Showcase offers an incredible selection of ground-breaking new programs and new seasons every night as part of the network’s 10pm lineup. New titles include The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle (Sept. 2) starring Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous). Returning favourites include critically acclaimed Rescue Me with Denis Leary (Aug. 28 – episodes will also be streamed online at showcase.ca); Weeds starring Mary-Louise Parker (Oct. 10); The L Word with Jennifer Beals (Aug. 30); and the irreverent comedy It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia with Danny DeVito (Nov. 4). Showcase continues to deliver new cutting-edge series with the Canadian premiere of the provocative new drama Saving Grace airing Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning August 27. In her television series debut, Academy Award®-winning actress Holly Hunter (The Piano) takes on the role of a cynical police detective facing a personal crisis of divine proportions. Hunter stars as Grace Hanadarko, a tormented, fast-living Oklahoma City police detective who, despite being at the top of her field, takes self-destruction to new heights. After experiencing tremendous tragedy in her life, Grace lives life hard and fast. She drinks too much, sleeps with the wrong men and defies authority. In an uncharacteristic moment, Grace asks for help, and gets it – in the form an unconventional angel named Earl (Leon Rippy, Deadwood). Earl gives Grace a last chance at redemption. SLICE™ Consistently delivering highly addictive, must-see entertainment for hip women, Slice™’s first fall schedule features 10 brand new and returning series. All new to Slice™ are The List, hosted by Liza Fromer, The Biggest Loser Australia, Average Joe Hawaii and Trading Spouses. Viewer favourites At The End of My Leash, Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp, Til Debt Do Us Part and Wedding SOS return to the Slice™ schedule with never-before-seen episodes. Required viewing for those looking to live life to the fullest, each episode of The List finds fearless host Liza Fromer fulfilling people’s dreams, ambitions and decadent desires. From taking the stage with a famous rock band, kissing a stranger in Paris or having shoes custom-designed by Manolo Blahnik, Liza helps others accomplish an item on their ultimate life to-do list – while participating in each adventure herself. World-renowned style icon Iman hosts the highly anticipated Canadian version of the Emmy-nominated, critically acclaimed series that gives aspiring designers a chance to break into the notoriously difficult-to-crack fashion industry. Premiering on Monday, October 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, Project Runway Canada finds 12 designers competing in a number of head-to-head challenges for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to show collections at a premiere fashion event and be discovered as the next 'It' Canadian designer. Ultimately one designer will claim their rightful place in the spotlight, winning the top prize, including $100,000, to begin their own fashion line and a feature spread showcasing their winning collection in the pages of the country’s foremost fashion magazine. HISTORY TELEVISION This fall’s schedule features many new documentary series including Trapped (Sept. 8), a program which revisits some of the greatest disasters in history; Go Deep (Sept. 11), a fascinating exploration into our oceans’ depths and Extreme Rescue (Oct. 20), offering insight into the high-risk rescues that have made headlines all over the world. The critically-acclaimed HBO series Deadwood (Sept. 12) returns for its third season and new documentaries and blockbuster Hollywood films examine the people, places and events that have shaped history. From the castle of the real Count Dracula to the majesty of ancient Athens, history is full of temples, lost civilizations, and secret worlds that have been left behind by the passage of time. Now a team of field investigators and engineering experts go in search of clues about these great feats of engineering, technology, and culture. Premiering on Monday, October 1 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the new 13-part series Lost Worlds re-creates the past in stunning detail, bringing ancient history back to life using modern-day computer generated information technology. FOOD NETWORK Jamie Oliver returns to Food Network with the North American premiere of the series Jamie’s Chef (Oct. 21), which garnered rave reviews from British critics. Jamie Oliver has overseen the graduation of more than 50 disadvantaged youngsters from Fifteen, the London restaurant which he founded. They've turned their lives around but now he wants to see who can really rise to the top. It's time to turn up the heat and challenge them to compete for the opportunity to open and run their own restaurant. Food Network continues to nurture and profile its Canadian talent with the launch of three new original series during the first week of October: The Main (Oct. 1) hosted by Anthony Sedlak, winner of Food Network’s Superstar Chef Challenge, a documentary series focusing on visionary culinary arts teacher Paul Finkelstein in Fink (Oct. 2) and a unique view into one of Canada’s most prestigious culinary schools in Chef School (Oct. 2). NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL This fall’s new programs and specials include: Dino Autopsy, an investigation of the most intact dinosaur mummy in the world; Situation Critical (Sept. 15), a program that dissects major incidents and tells the compelling tales of human survival; Incredible Human Machine, an exploration of the miraculous everyday workings of the human body; My Brilliant Brain, a program that travels into the inner recesses of the mind and Huge Moves, a series documenting the planning and execution of giant moving projects. The six-part documentary series Through Hell and High Water follows the incredible journey of celebrity rowers James Cracknell and Ben Fogle in the Atlantic Rowing Race. Attempting to row 2,930 miles, James and Ben’s epic journey sees them battling stormy weather, dehydration, life threatening conditions and colossal physical stress. At times, their remarkable voyage becomes a living hell, stretching their friendship to the breaking point. Pushed physically, psychologically and emotionally to the limit, their only thoughts are to push on with their journey, Through Hell and High Water. SHOWCASE ACTION Looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush this fall? Showcase Action fights its way into the season with a brand-new lineup of programs exclusive to the network weekdays at 7 p.m. ET. Tapout (Mondays at 7 p.m. ET beginning August 20) is a reality series focusing on the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). This Canadian premiere follows Mask, Punkass and SkysKrape, founders of the renowned TapouT clothing and gear line, as they travel around in search of promising fighters to develop and sponsor. Each episode follows the training and development of one fighter, culminating in a fight at a professional MMA event. The Gemini award-winning Stuntdawgs (Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ET beginning August 22) is an adrenalin-charged wild ride into the elusive world of renegade stunt performers. Viewers are led head first through the complex and dangerous art of engineering feature film stunts (including the famous motorcycle jump from Terminator 2, a full body burn and a mid-air car crash) by Canadian Peter H. Kent, a long-time Schwarzenegger stunt double. In Dane Cook’s Tourgasm (Thursdays at 7 p.m. ET beginning August 23), comedian Dane Cook invited three fellow comics to join him on a sold-out stand-up tour across the U.S. just as his career was taking off. With camera crews in tow, the foursome traveled by bus to perform at 20 college campuses in 30 days. They faced cramped quarters, ball-busting and practical jokes – and finally come to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime journey none will forget. SHOWCASE DIVA Love octagons, unstable villains, egos, pool parties and 90s fashion are reunited at last as Melrose Place (Monday to Friday, Sunday at 7 p.m. ET beginning Sept. 24) joins classic episodes of ER and Nip/Tuck on Showcase Diva this fall. Following the lives of a group of sexy young adults living in an apartment block in West Hollywood, Melrose Place is crammed with the plot twists and shock moments we all loved. Hunks Grant Show (Jake), Andrew Shue (Billy) and Thomas Calabro (Michael) heat things up as the scheming Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear) – head of her own advertising agency and owner of the apartment building – makes life difficult for her tenants and her many, many men. IFC The quintessential pop culture network, IFC offers a stellar lineup of exclusive series that delve into the worlds of filmmaking, comedy and music. ***'d Gunns (Nov.) is an unflinching rockumentary series about the worst band you've never heard of. Led by the brothers Van Gunn (Reggie and Dick), *'d Gunns could become the biggest band in the world. The only things holding them back are a total lack of work ethic, songs, a record deal, talent, and legions of fans. Andrew Dice Clay made a career out of being the most outrageous comic of his time. Before Chappelle, before South Park, Dice was shocking audiences – breaking the rules with a never-before-seen style of hardcore comedy. In Dice Undisputed (Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET beginning September 8), Dice attempts what no comic has ever tried – to perform his die-hard comedy to a sell-out crowd in Giants Stadium. Dice's mission to get back in the game is sometimes exhilarating, sometimes a train wreck, but always honest. The Festival (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET beginning September 4), is an ensemble comedy about a documentarian hired to follow a young director embarking on his virgin voyage to a prestigious film festival to get a distribution deal for his first film… and the pressure is on. DISCOVERY HEALTH Discovery Health continues to provide a diverse range of programming this fall covering topics such as the effects of food on everything from your mood and fertility in The Truth About Food, the highs and lows of losing weight in the National Body Challenge, and people struggling with extreme eating habits in the new series Eataholics. In the North American premiere of Spa Of Embarrassing Illnesses (beginning Thursday, September 6) we meet up with leading nutritionist Amanda Hamilton in her Spanish spa as she detoxifies the bodies and rejuvenates the spirits of those who have some of society's most embarrassing and socially stigmatised medical conditions. We follow the emotional journey of these eight people as Amanda, with her unconventional beliefs and techniques that emphasize mind and body duality, works to shift attitudes from one of shunning to sympathy in an effort to turn their lives around. BBC CANADA BBC CANADA’s fall schedule is packed with more lifestyle programming than ever before. Outspoken style gurus Trinny and Susannah (What Not To Wear) are back with Trinny & Susannah Undress, David Dickinson takes on the challenge of turning interested amateurs into antique experts in Dealing with Dickinson (Sept. 4), and a family attempts to ‘go green’ in It’s Not Easy Being Green (Sept. 6), with the goal to live a 21st-century lifestyle while being self-sufficient and environmentally friendly. Returning drama and comedy series include viewer favourites Escape to the Country (Sept. 8), Absolutely Fabulous, Everything Must Go (Oct. 12), Footballers Wives (Oct. 9) and Inspector Lynley (Dec. 12). In Perfect Housewife (Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. ET beginning September 8) Anthea Turner is on a mission to revolutionize Britain's households. Each week in this light-hearted eight-part series, two housewives (or househusbands) visit Anthea’s home for an intensive housewifery course in the 3 H’s: housekeeping, homemaking and hostessing – the Anthea way. Will either contestant measure up to her impeccably high standards? BBC Kids This fall BBC Kids sees the return of great viewer favourites including My Hero (Sept. 3), The Raven (Nov. 5) and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. New programs include the fun and interactive dance program for kids, Boogie Beebies (Sept. 3) and Lockie Leonard (Sept. 3), a series that follows the life of a teenager growing up in a new, remote town. Seventeen-year-old Kale Stiglic is navigating the rapids of life's rockiest years with insight and humour. According to Kale, when something humiliating happens, you have to laugh about it - and that's exactly what she does with Our Hero (Mondays at 7:30 p.m. ET beginning September 3), a little photocopied 'zine' which she writes, illustrates and mails out ‘for the catharsis of me and the amusement of others’. FINE LIVING** Now available in over 1.3 million Canadian homes, FINE LIVING kicks off its fall schedule with a weekend programming block (Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. through to 2 p.m ET beginning October 6) designed to help viewers save time and money by providing insider tips from experts and industry professionals. Smart Shopping Weekend includes such series as The Shopping Detective, What’s Your Time Worth? and What You Get For The Money: Vacations. Whether hunting for that perfect gift, accessories for the home, steaks for a backyard party, a new handbag for work, or that hard-to-fit armoire, everyone wants the most for their money. With The Shopping Detective (Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT beginning October 4 and Saturdays at 11 a.m. ET) viewers learn where to shop, how to shop, and what to look for in every shopping category, for every occasion. FINE LIVING gives shoppers—no matter what they're looking for—the tools to make every shopping trip a successful mission. Check out www.falltvpreview.com for more information as well as upcoming block fall schedule for the channels mentionned above. * Source: BBM/NMR Wks 32-37 2006/2007 vs. Wks 32-37 2005/2006
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