Are some topics just off limits for comedy? I’ve been having that conversation with several people in the funny business lately while pulling together a feature about a certain ex- CBC radio host. A good example of a TV show that tackles a taboo subject with wit and compassion is Getting On, returning for a second short season
The World Series, municipal elections, Wallendas walking across Chicago skyscrapers (above)–it’s not just The Walking Dead rocking broadcast schedules these days. In the States, shows are finally getting canceled, with three comedies (Bad Judge, A to Z and Manhattan Love Story) and one reality show (Utopia) getting axed. Here’s a look at the overnight estimates for
Thanks to all the fans who came out to the 100th episode screening of Murdoch Mysteries Monday night in Toronto. The screening saw 1000 fans lined up around the block outside CBC’s Broadcast Centre. There were so many on the sidewalk passers by assumed it was a witness express line for former Q interns. Inside, the atrium screening was
Just a few years ago, Murdoch Mysteries was deader than Jian Ghomeshi at a meeting of Intern parents. That was back when City walked away from the series after five seasons. Now it is CBC’s most-watched scripted series and one of the highest-rated dramas in Canada. It could also be Canada’s Top TV export, sold to
A busy week has pushed this ratings report way back. Still, hands up who wants numbers? Worth a look as the season marches well into its second month, MONDAY Gotham remains a consistent winner Monday nights on CTV drawing 1,691,000 overnight viewers. Forever followed with 1,281,000 and Castle remained huge at 10 drawing 1,987,000. Global
Another day, another multi-million-dollar media deal. Wednesday in Toronto, Rogers president and CEO Guy Laurence announced a three year, $100 million partnership with Vice Media. Vice, co-founded 20 years ago in Montreal by Concordia grad Shane Smith, has a proven track record delivering online news to the demo broadcasters seem unable to reach–18 to 34-year-olds.
Many thanks to co-founders Hamlin Grange, Cynthia Reyes and all who worked to pull together Innoversity Summit 2014 Tuesday and Wednesday in Toronto. I had the good fortune to mederate a panel of “Canadian TV Goldmakers, Haymakers, Groundbreakers, Hitmakers.” Whatever you call them, they were a blue ribbon panel: Saving Hope co-creator and showrunner Morwyn
From Tuesday night’s Jimmy Kimmel Live: Congratulations to John Tory, who has succeeded the inimitable Rob Ford as mayor of Toronto…Ford has vowed to run for mayor again in 2018. I don’t know if I can wait that long!