Canwest Broadcasting announced today the launch of a newly branded, wholly owned digital specialty channel: Twist TV. Set to begin November 1, Twist TV will be available in over 2 million homes nationwide.

Twist TV is all about real life with a twist; capturing the experiences of everyday people facing extraordinary situations. The channel’s diverse cast of characters and their colourful stories – from unique personal challenges, to difficult family issues, to unusual medical circumstances – are always relatable and often outrageous. With a lineup of programming that includes tales of out of control kids, pageant moms and life changing health situations, Twist TV will deliver on the channel’s memorable tagline: “Life throws curves”.
Catering to adults 25-54, with a female skew, the channel will offer exclusive access to a variety of entertaining, reliable and practical show titles including: Raising Sextuplets, Dad Camp, Little Miss Perfect and 8 Boys and Wanting a Girl as well as the latest seasons of international hit series Nanny 911 and Wife Swap.

“Canwest’s lifestyle channels are the most popular in Canada. Food Network and HGTV are the top two favourite channels for Canadian women and we are confident that Twist TV will quickly become another audience favourite,” said Karen Gelbart, Senior Vice President, Lifestyle Content, Canwest Broadcasting. “We look forward to introducing this new brand and exciting programming mix to viewers in November.”

A glimpse at a few exclusive series confirmed for launch includes:

Dad Camp (Canadian Broadcast Premiere)
Dad Camp features six irresponsible fathers-to-be and their pregnant girlfriends working together to prepare for their future as parents.

Raising Sextuplets (Canadian Broadcast Premiere)
After a three-year struggle to conceive, Jenny and Bryan Masche find their wishes have multiplied when the news that they’re expecting six babies rocks their world. Raising Sextuplets follows them as their lives expand by six.

8 Boys and Wanting a Girl (Canadian Broadcast Premiere)
This documentary features forty three year old Wendy Bowen who has eight boys and is desperate for her dream girl and her ticking biological clock has turned it into an obsession.

Little Miss Perfect (Canadian Broadcast Premiere)
Little Miss contests are a storm of hope and anxiety, of dreams and despair, as young families buy thousand dollar dresses and dentures for children barely out of diapers.

The launch of Twist TV follows Canwest subsidiary CW Media’s purchase in 2009 of the shares of Discovery Health Channel Canada previously held by Discovery Communications Inc.

On November 1, 2010, Twist TV will become available in over 2 million homes through Rogers (as part of their digital VIP package), Shaw, Cogeco, Bell TV, Shaw Direct and Videotron amongst other carriers.

*Source:
Specialty Engagement Study, SRG/Canwest, Nov. 2009 A25-54 and W25-54