TORONTO, June 12 /CNW/ - Citytv is excited to unveil its new lineup of
programming coming this Fall. The new schedule includes the return of a number
of fan favorites along with an entertaining mix of new shows. Citytv will be
airing the following programs during the Fall 2008 - 2009 Season:
NEW PROGRAMS PREMIERING THIS FALL:
"Bonnie Hunt" - (S-WGRZ) New! (Not airing in Winnipeg)
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Acclaimed comedy producer, director, writer and performer, Bonnie Hunt,
hosts and executive produces her first talk show, a highly anticipated new
first-run syndicated strip. One of the most versatile comedic performers of
her generation, Hunt has built an impressive career of more than 20 years on
stage, in motion pictures and on television.
"Celebrity Fit Club" - New!
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A group of 8 celebrities join the fit club to get their lives and weight
back into shape. Split into two competing teams of four, each week teams are
given different physical challenges, and weigh in to see if they reached their
target goal weights. They are monitored and supervised by a team that includes
a nutritionist, a psychologist, and a physical trainer.
"Crusoe" - (S-NBC) New!
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Based on the legendary novel by Daniel Defoe, this is the tale of
Robinson Crusoe. A young man (Philip Winchester, "Flyboys") leaves behind his
true love to embark on an adventure -- only to end up shipwrecked on a remote
tropical island for 28 years, completely detached from the life he once knew.
His desire to return to his wife and his strong and unlikely friendship with
Friday are the only things that keep him sane. While stranded, Crusoe
encounters enemies and braves the elements. Equal parts MacGyver, Castaway and
Pirates of the Caribbean, this series is an inspirational tale of survival
rife with action and comedy.
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" - New!
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Larry David has it all - money, security, famous friends, a nurturing
wife, a fabulous Hollywood home. So why is he so intent on making a complete
mess out of his life? Just because you've "made it" doesn't mean you've got it
made. "Curb Your Enthusiasm", brings the off-kilter comic vision of Larry
David -- co-creator and co-executive producer of Seinfeld -- to the HBO comedy
series starring Larry David as himself!
"Easy Money" - (S-CW) New!
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From multiple Emmy-winning creators Diane Frolov and Andy Schneider ("The
Sopranos","Northern Exposure") comes "Easy Money". 28 year-old Morgan Buffkin
finds himself in charge of his eccentric family's enormously successful short
term loan business. Any doubts he has about his family's business are quickly
replaced by dealing with family business. From his sister Brandy's
questionable morals to his suspicion that his parents are not being honest
about his relation to the family, Morgan must deal with his dysfunctional
family in this hilarious unique world of "Easy Money".
"ER" - New!
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"ER" follows the lives of the emergency room staff and doctors of
Chicago's County General Hospital, a Level One Trauma Center where the
difference between life and death rests on split-second decisions -- and the
pressure, joy and guilt are often overwhelming. These medical professionals
are determined to save lives in a place where nothing is taken for granted and
nothing is certain...nothing except that another desperate person will be
rushed through the emergency room doors in the next moment, in need of their
help. Some will live, and some will die, but the dedication and passion of
these healers will endure.
"Glam God" - New!
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In a competition show ripped straight from the pages of everyone's
favorite gossip magazines, comes "Glam God", hosted by film and television
superstar, Vivica A Fox. 12 Celeb-Stylist wannabes will compete head to head
in pop culture and red carpet challenges. Each week, the stylists' mission
will be to create the perfect look from head to toe. At the end of every
episode, the contestants that fall short of creating a hot look will be sent
packing. The one stylist that rises above the rest will be given the ultimate
reward...the opportunity to launch their careers by styling an A-list
celebrity and the $100,000 grand prize.
"Kaya" - New!
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"Kaya" is a stylized single-camera drama exposing a rock star on the
brink of destruction and the underbelly of the music industry. Watch as Kaya
navigates her way through the minefield of celebrity and the pressures of
superstardom in today's media crazed society. Being a young beautiful rock
star has its perks. She's buying fancy cars, clothes, expensive gifts for her
friends, and she's out clubbing where she over-indulges in the rock 'n roll
buffet. But fame has its price. For every perk, there are sacrifices, and
consequences. Will she survive the pressures of being in the limelight? The
failed friendships? The passionate but short-lived love affairs? Most
important of all, will she have the strength to be true to her art and not
sell-out? Stay tuned.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" - New!
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From the creator of the longest-running drama series on television, "Law
& Order", comes a powerful series chronicling the life and crimes of the
Special Victims Unit of NYPD. Each episode follows the exploits of detectives
Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), Olivia Benson (Emmy-award winning Mariska
Hargitay), John Munch (Richard Belzer) and Odafin Tutuola (Ice-T) as they
attempt to solve the city's most complex cases.
"Less Than Kind" - New!
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For 15-year-old Sheldon Blecher (Jesse Camacho), life sucks. He's
overweight, with a self-destructive driving-instructor father (Maury Chaykin),
a pyromaniac mother (Nancy Sorel), and a failed-actor brother who won't get
out of Sheldon's room. The family business, Blecher's Driving School, is on
its way down the toilet and the family lives in Winnipeg. As Sheldon struggles
to escape his family, and his family struggles to keep the business running,
cars crash, hearts break, blood pressure boils, and corned beef is eaten.
"Lipstick Jungle" - (S-NBC) New!
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Based on the best-selling book by Candace Bushnell, this enticing new
dramedy follows three high-powered friends as they weather the ups and downs
of lives lived at the top of their game. Movie executive Wendy (Brooke
Shields) does everything she can to balance career and family. Nico (Kim
Raver) editor-in-chief of a hot fashion magazine, has her eye on becoming CEO.
And free-spirited designer Victory (Lindsay Price) longs to make her dreams
come true, and maybe find Mr. Right along the way. Armed with humour and
strength, these three modern women support one another through the triumphs
and tears that are all part of making it big in The Big Apple.
"NFL Football" - (S-FOX/CBS) New!
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The NFL returns with another action-packed season of gridiron football.
Thirty-two teams challenge each other week after week through grueling
schedules for their shot at glory. Don't miss a second of incredible passing,
amazing catches, unbelievable kicks and pesky interceptions that lead to the
thrilling victories and heartbreaking losses.
"Nip/Tuck" - New!
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Sean (Dylan Walsh) and Christian (Julian McMahon), two plastic surgeons,
close friends and business partners who own an overwhelmingly successful
plastic surgery practice, attempt to bring inner peace and visceral
contentment to their patients through external cosmetic procedures. Although
their clients aspire to cover up their pain, it is the surgeons who truly wear
the masks of anguish and unhappiness, sadness and disillusionment. At midlife,
the doctors question the prosperity that has brought them so much -- and has
offered so little. Having relocated their business to Los Angeles, Sean and
Christian struggle for success in a city where they are professionally
unknown, and where residents yearn for fame.
"Opportunity Knocks" - (S-ABC) New!
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Each week one lucky family will play the game of a lifetime in front of
all their friends and neighbours as "Opportunity Knocks" takes the action of a
game show directly into contestants' homes, setting up shop in the family's
front lawn. The instant host, JD Roth, knocks on the front door, the game will
begin. The host poses trivia questions to family members based directly on
their lives, each other and articles found in and around their home. If
they're able to prove they know their family inside and out, they'll win the
prizes of their dreams.
"Rock of Love III"
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Bret Michaels is back and still looking for love! The rock star's third
quest for a soul mate follows a group of beautiful women facing a number of
challenges and eliminations. Whether it's partying on the tour bus,
jetting-off to a sun-kissed beach, or hanging out with his celebrity friends,
the series follows this new batch of ladies on the rollercoaster ride of their
lives. They'll all get a taste of living the rock star life, but in the end,
only one lucky lady will win an all access pass to his heart.
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager" - New!
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From the creator of "7th Heaven", comes a heartfelt drama that focuses on
the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with
unexpected teen pregnancy. The series regular cast includes popular actress
Molly Ringwald ("Sixteen Candles") and teen breakout actress Shailene Woodley
("The O.C".). Rounding out the regular cast are TV favourites John Schneider
("Smallville"), Josie Bissett ("Melrose Place") and Ernie Hudson ("Oz").
"Stylista" - (S-CW) New!
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If "The Devil Wears Prada" were a reality show, it would be "Stylista".
Eleven fashion enthusiasts go head to head in hopes of landing a coveted
editorial job with Elle magazine. In an attempt to impress Elle's Fashion News
Director, Anne Slowey, a well-respected fashion icon, the competitors must
carry out one assistant task and one fashion editorial assignment per episode.
Each week, Anne fires one person, until the final fashionista gets "promoted"
to the real-life job opportunity. The grand prize includes a paid editorial
position at Elle magazine, a paid lease on a fabulous apartment in Manhattan,
and a clothing allowance at H&M, all for one year, valued at $100,000.
"Surviving the Filthy Rich" - (S-CW) New!
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Megan Smith (Joanna Garcia, "Reba") is having a bad day. Her New York
apartment burned down, she just got fired from her job at a tabloid magazine
and she accidentally dyed her hair the color of a Blow Pop! Things start to
look up when she is offered a position in Palm Beach, working as a tutor for
16-year-old twin billionaires, Rose (Lucy Kate Hale, "Sisterhood of the
Traveling Pants 2") and Sage Baker (Ashley Newborough, "The Best Years",
"Rent-A-Goalie"). In exchange for getting the girls into Duke University,
Megan will get to live amongst the rich and fabulous, and have the remainder
of her college loans covered! But moving to Florida means moving back home,
which means facing a sister she hasn't spoken to in years, and a childhood
best friend, Charlie (Michael Cassidy, "Smallville", "The O.C."), who may be
secretly in love with her. From Rina Mimoun ("Pushing Daisies", "Gilmore
Girls"), "Surviving the Filthy Rich" is based on the book How to Teach Filthy
Rich Girls by Zoey Dean.
"Valentine's Inc." - (S-CW) - New!
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Every day is Valentine's Day for people lucky enough to cross paths with
Irwin M. Valentine, the world's most successful private investigator
specializing in matters of the heart. The only love life Valentine can't fix
is his own. When his mother hires a mysterious, seductive woman as office
manager for the family-owned business, Irwin's philosophy of love and life is
challenged in ways sure to make love fun. Instead of solving crimes, Irwin
mends broken hearts and reconnects soul mates. From lost loves to true loves
to new loves, Valentine magically brings people together each week. If there
is a soul mate out there for you, Valentine will find them and if there is a
breakup you can't quite get over, Irwin has the tonic.
RETURNING FALL PROGRAMS:
"BreakfastTelevision"
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Tuning into "BreakfastTelevision" makes sense. Arming you with everything
you need to start your day, the high-energy "BT" team provides a fast-paced
look at your city. "BT" relays the latest in news, sports and entertainment,
as well as frequent traffic and weather updates to help you plan your day.
Your weekday wake-up call is at 6am, so grab "BT" and a cup of coffee and
start your day off right.
"Chuck" - (S-NBC)
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When computer store geek, Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) opens an e-mail
subliminally encoded with government secrets, he unwittingly downloads an
entire server of sensitive data into his brain. With the government's most
precious secrets in Chuck's head, Major John Casey (Adam Baldwin) of the
National Security Agency assumes the responsibility of protecting him. His
partner is the CIA's top agent -- and Chuck's first date in years -- Sarah
Walker (Yvonne Strahovski).
"CityLine"
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"CityLine" engages, entertains and informs viewers across Canada with its
unique live format and daily themed approach. As guest experts visit the set,
viewers are treated to professional tips covering such topics as décor,
entertaining, fashion, beauty, home and gardening.
"Everybody Hates Chris"
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Inspired by his childhood experiences, comedian Chris Rock narrates the
hilarious, touching story of a teenager growing up as the eldest of three
children in Brooklyn, New York during the early 1980's. Uprooted to a new
neighbourhood and bused into a predominantly white middle school two-hours
away by his strict, hard-working parents Julius and Rochelle (Terry Cruise,
Tichina Arnold), Chris (Tyler James Williams) struggles to find his place
while keeping his siblings in line at home and surmounting the challenges of
junior high. This responsible, resilient adolescent brings a distinct, funny
spin to his everyday trials and traumas.
"Friends"
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For a hilarious look at dating and working in the big city, delve into
the hearts and minds of six friends living in New York City as they explore
the anxieties and absurdities of adulthood. During this exciting time when
everything seems possible, even marriage, parenthood and career moves, they
know they will always face the future together -- because they've got
"Friends". Starring; Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Lisa Kudrow,
David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" - (S-ABC)
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Emmy-winning comedian Jimmy Kimmel hosts this wild one-hour late night
talk show airing live from the heart of Hollywood. He's unpredictable,
unbalanced and practically unsound. His innovative late night party features
weekly rotating co-hosts, interviews along Hollywood Boulevard with local
business owners and colourful pedestrians and special shows taped from big
events like the Super Bowl or Mardi Gras. Outrageous, topical and funny,
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is more than a talk show; it's a guaranteed night of fun
on the town!
"Ugly Betty" - (S-ABC)
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Few people ever get to know sweet, intelligent Betty Suarez (America
Ferrera) because in the world of fashion, Betty is the oversized square peg in
the petite round hole. When a publishing mogul hands the reigns of his fashion
magazine over to his son Daniel (Eric Mabius), he hires Betty as his son's new
assistant - because she's the only woman in NYC who Daniel won't sleep with.
Neither of them knows the ins and outs of the fashion world, but together
they're a formidable team against the label-wearing sharks who will do
anything to see them fail.
MIDSEASON PROGRAMS:
"American Gladiators" - (S-NBC)
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"American Gladiators" celebrates the everyday, true American heroes --
weekend warriors who excel and take pride in their physical fitness. These
contestants go up against the show's gladiators -- charismatic and eclectic
warriors -- in the ultimate David & Goliath battle. As in the traditional
"American Gladiators" franchise, everyday amateur athletes compete against
action stars and stunt professionals in contests of physical strength and
endurance. The series includes such classic events as The Joust, The Wall,
Hang Tough and the Eliminator. This iconic competition has been reinvented for
the 21st century using splashy twists which include special effects, water
skills and the latest technology to up the stakes in the games and make the
show the most thrilling reality-based competition on television.
"F.A.T. City" - (S-CW) New!
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Just blocks from the glittering lights of the Las Vegas strip resides one
of the most successful fugitive apprehension teams in the world. F.A.T. City,
is a six-member inter-agency task force comprised of FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals
and the Las Vegas Police. Their only mission is to find and arrest fugitive
felons. It's a 24-hour a day job that blurs the lines of their professional
and personal lives.
"Hell's Kitchen" - (S-FOX)
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It's cook or be cooked for a new crop of hopefuls as they face off in the
ultimate culinary boot camp. Under the watchful and often critical eye of
renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, the fifteen would-be cuisiniers slice, dice,
flambé and sauté their way to the top, in order to prove they have what it
takes to succeed in the high 'steaks' world of fine-dining. Each week the
competition sizzles as Chef Ramsay turns up the intensity and demands nothing
short of perfection from his new recruits.
"Here Come the Newlyweds" - (S-ABC)
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Seven newlywed couples compete for a $500,000 "nest egg" to help them
realize their dreams. This one-hour reality show is all about relationships,
the differences between men and women, and the universal issues that every
couple must face. The newlyweds are young, sexy and diverse, including such
pairings as high school sweethearts, a May-December couple, an arranged
marriage, an interracial union and an Internet personals couple. In this
exciting competition, each couple will face a variety of mental and physical
challenges which, at their core, are tests of the kind of relationship the
players really have. At the end of each episode, voting results will send one
couple home. Ultimately, which of these diverse couples will prove to have the
strongest union? Will it be the one we would've predicted, based on first
impressions?
"Outnumbered" - (S-FOX) New!
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When it comes to raising a family, there are no winners or losers...just
survivors. In this case the survivors are Greg and Jenna Embry who are
constantly kept on their toes by their rambunctious and overly intelligent
children, Alex (12), Jack (7) and Lilly (5). Outnumbered is a funny and
sometimes painfully honest look at juggling family life in these fast-paced
times. It stars funnyman Ken Marino ("TheTen", "Reno 911: Miami") and a cast
of promising young actors.
"Scrubs" - (S-ABC) New!
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Scrubs focuses on the strange experiences of fresh-faced medical intern
J.D. Dorian (Zack Braff) as he embarks on his healing career in a surreal
hospital crammed full of unpredictable staffers and patients. Joining J.D. are
fellow interns Chris Turk (Donald Faison), J.D.'s college buddy who is part of
the elite surgical group, and the beautiful but socially awkward Elliot Reid
(Sarah Chalke). Keeping a watchful eye over the hospital are the caustic chief
of medicine, DR. BOB KELSO (Ken Jenkins); the abrasive but caring Dr. Perry
Cox (John C McGinley); and no-nonsense nurse Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes).
Hilarious and irreverent, Scrubs will keep audiences in stitches!
"The Bachelor" - (S-ABC)
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America's most eligible bachelor gets the opportunity to find the woman
of his dreams -- and hopefully his bride-to-be as he embarks on a romantic
journey meeting 25 women, then selecting 15 as potential mates. After getting
to know each one, he continues to narrow the field, from 10 to 5, then 6, and
ultimately, the 1 woman to whom he proposes marriage in the series' dramatic
finale. But the big mystery is: If he pops the question, will she accept?
"The Goode Family" - (S-ABC) New!
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"The Goode Family" is a satirical, hilarious look at contemporary
families reacting to the often self-imposed guidelines for surviving and
succeeding in the politically correct era. Created, written and produced by
Mike Judge ("Beavis & Butthead"; "King of the Hill") and John Altschuler &
Dave Krinsky ("King of the Hill"), the Goodes are a family obsessed with doing
the 'right' thing - environmentally, politically and socially. Unfortunately
their efforts to be 'good' often result in unintended comedic consequences.
Citytv, with stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and
Winnipeg, broadcasts intensely-local, urban-oriented, culturally-diverse
television in its own unique, interactive style. With its strong local voice,
Citytv offers a distinct alternative to other conventional television
offerings. Its instantly recognizable 'look' and 'sound' are the product of
refreshingly different on-air personalities, unique program formats and high
television style. Citytv is a division of Rogers Media Inc., a division of
Rogers Communications Inc.