CTV presented its 2002-2003 programming line-up today, with new dramas and comedies tailored to build on the success of the last two seasons.
The 2002/2003 CTV schedule includes the season’s best new American drama and comedy programming like “CSI: Miami,” “Boomtown,” and “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.” Along with it are hot Canadian fare like the powerful new drama series “The Eleventh Hour”, and an unparalleled slate of original Canadian movies and documentaries. Together with critically acclaimed returning hit series like “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “The West Wing” and “Law & Order”, CTV has the best quality dramatic series in Canada anchoring its prime time schedule.
“The latest additions to the schedule – quirky dramas, bright new comedies, and the sure-fire hit of the season, CSI: Miami – are designed to make our powerful schedule even more powerful,” says Susanne Boyce, President of Programming and Chair of the Media Group, CTV. “In drama, we chose the best new shows this season had to offer like the innovative, provocative Boomtown. Overall, the schedule sets the standard for drama lineups on conventional TV. Cops are “in”, as are family drama, car chases, flash and cool. It’s a roster of quality actors and terrific storytelling second to none.”
Summarizing the new acquisitions, CTV announced the addition of 10 NEW AMERICAN SERIES. A five-pack of dramas are headlined by the newest must-see favourite, “CSI: Miami”, starring David Caruso. Others titles include “Boomtown” from the acclaimed Graham Yost (Speed), “Everwood” starring Treat Williams, the action packed “Fastlane” and mid-season series “Kingpin.”
CTV also announces the addition of the highly anticipated mob hit “The Sopranos”, Season Three.
From the import world of comedy, CTV will fold in four new series — “8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter”, starring John Ritter, “Less Than Perfect” starring Sarah Rue, “Life With Bonnie,” staring Bonnie Hunt, and “Oliver Beene”. Finally, CTV adds “Dr. Phil”, daytime’s hottest new talk show.
CTV is proud to announce THREE NEW CANADIAN SERIES to the 2002-2003 schedule. Headlining the list is the new 13-part drama series “The Eleventh Hour” from producers Alliance Atlantis. The series, which heads into production in August, follows an ensemble cast of reporters, producers, camera crews and editors as they unearth, investigate and assemble stories for a television news-magazine of the same name.
“The Eleventh Hour scripts are among the smartest, most sophisticated drama scripts we’ve ever seen,” says Bill Mustos, Senior Vice President, Dramatic Programming, CTV. “The series has been in the works for 18 months, and the material sings. We’re in the midst of an exciting casting process and can’t wait to see it come to life on CTV.”
CTV is also adding 10 NEW ORIGINAL MOVIE TITLES including the highly anticipated broadcasts of “100 DAYS IN THE JUNGLE, “THE INVESTIGATION”, “aka: THE ALBERT WALKER STORY” and “AGENT OF INFLUENCE” to the 2002-2003 schedule.
Joining CTV’s new drama series are a pair of series from the Comedy front. “Just For Laughs – Gags” comes to the Network along with “The Holmes Show”, starring standout comic Jessica Holmes, which aims to take sketch comedy to new levels.
“Jessica is one of the greatest comic talents in this country and we’re proud to offer Canadians the chance to see her in action in primetime every week,” says Ed Robinson, Senior Vice President, Comedy and Variety Programming, CTV. “It’s also gratifying to see Just For Laughs – Gags, which started out as a series of “shorts” on The Comedy Network, move to primetime. Gags hit the universal funny bone and are incredibly popular on TV around the world. They’ll be front-and-centre for Canadians on CTV this year.”
From News, the headline remains the same: CTV News is Number One.
National, local and number one in sheer resources, including eight domestic and 10 international bureaus. CTV Chief News Anchor Lloyd Robertson remains Canada’s most-trusted anchor, and celebrates 50 spectacular years in broadcasting. CTV’s News tradition continues, night after night, to deliver the most-watched newscasts in the country. This year, the Gemini Award-winning W-FIVE, North America’s longest-running newsmagazine will fold in a documentary slot titled W-FIVE Presents, in addition to its ongoing, hard-hitting investigations. W-FIVE Presents delivers 13 new documentary titles in 2002-2003. In addition, “Canada AM”, the country’s Number One morning show, will celebrate its 30th year this season.
The action continues on the sporting front for 2002-2003. CTV takes viewers to the international sporting stage for coverage from the very best of golf, skating and auto racing. As part of TSN’s new four-year deal with the PGA TOUR, CTV has secured exclusive rights to the final rounds of the tournaments including the “Bell Canadian Open” (Sept. 5-8) and all four World Golf Championships. Known as “Canada’s Figure Skating Network,” CTV remains committed to providing top-notch figure skating coverage, which this year will include the “World Figure Skating Championships” (March, 2003). From the pole to the checkered to the flag, CTV covers lap after exciting lap of the “2002 Formula One Air Canada Grand Prix” from Montreal (June 9) and returns back to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the “2003 Air Canada Grand Prix”.
“The CTV schedule has something for everyone,” Susanne Boyce concludes. “From intense and engaging dramas to family fare that will touch your heart, to comedies and stand-up comedy that’ll make you laugh out loud, we’ve built a programming line up that’ll make every night “must see” TV on CTV. The entertainment package, in combination with the number one news in the country and the number one sports properties, means CTV now, more than ever, is a broadcaster in the true sense of the word. Hold onto your seat and stay tuned this fall when CTV brings Canadian viewers the best television has to offer.”
