Shaw Media is trying to get back in the game after its so-so year, and with several new buzzworthy dramas debuting on Global TV this fall, the network has announced loudly that it is ready to play. Hard.
Global is hoping "Last Resort," the latest offering from executive producer Shawn Ryan ("The Shield"), will perform better than "The Chicago Code" did -- and hopefully Canadian Scott Speedman ("Felicity") will help. But considering how awesome "TCC" was, yet it was still cancelled, I'm a little worried for the fate of "Last Resort."
Speaking of awesome and "The Shield," Michael Chiklis, along with Dennis Quaid, headline "Vegas," which takes place in the 1960s. The other must-see is "Elementary," a modern take on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Watson -- this time played by Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu, respectively -- as they try and solve the NYPD's toughest cases.
"The Office" has left Global's building (at least according to its line-up) and two comedies have replaced the show: Jimmy Fallon's "Guys With Kids" and "Go On," starring Matthew Perry (I guess that means d-bag Mike Kresteva won't be back to make the Florricks' lives difficult on "The Good Wife," though he does need one little return to wrap up that story).
The other new series (a.k.a. the ones I don't think stand a chance) are "Made in Jersey" and "Chicago Fire." As for returns, "The Good Wife," "Glee," "Hawaii Five-0," "Bones," "NCIS," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Touch" and the 25th (!!) installment of "Survivor" are all back. It should be worth mentioning to "Parenthood" fans that Global will air Season 4 the day before it airs on NBC. Two words: Giddy. Up. (See Global TV's full schedule below.)
Article Continues After Slideshow [All Captions Written By Chris Jancelewicz]
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"Beauty And The Beast"
From the classic tale comes a new, fresh take on "Beauty and the Beast," starring Canadian Kristin Kreuk ("Smallville") as Catherine Chandler. Now a smart, no-nonsense homicide detective, Catherine discovers Dr. Vincent Keller (Jay Ryan, "Terra Nova"), the man who saved her many years before.<br><br>
<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> TV watchers love Kreuk, and we've seen how the appetite can be for a romance-infused teenage show ("The Vampire Diaries"). This'll last.
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<em>(All Photos Courtesy of Shaw Media)</em>
"Animal Practice"
Meet Dr. George Coleman (Justin Kirk, "Weeds"), a top-dog New York veterinarian. With an unorthodox style of operating, George's success comes from his undeniable gift with animals of all kinds. That is, all but the human kind.
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<strong>Our Verdict: </strong> Anything with a monkey doesn't really stand a chance, does it? We do love Bobby Lee, though.
"Celebrities At Home"
Hosted by Nancy O'Dell, co-host of "Entertainment Tonight," this show gives fans an inside look at the interiors and exteriors of celebrity homes. This season features celebs like Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean, country singer Naomi Judd, and more.
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<strong>Our Verdict: </strong> If this is your thing, you're gonna love it!
"Chicago Fire"
No job is more stressful, dangerous or exhilarating than those of the Firefighters, Rescue Squad and Paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51. These are everyday heroes -- the courageous men and women who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way. But the enormous responsibilities of the job also take a personal toll.
<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Doesn't really stand a chance. There have been too many before it.
"Go On"
Misery loves company. Unless you're sportscaster Ryan King (Matthew Perry) who thinks misery should just be left alone. After losing his wife in a recent car accident, Ryan is ready to get back to work, but his boss won't let him until Ryan seeks counselling. So, Ryan reluctantly joins a support group with one goal in mind: get in, get out and get back on air as quickly as possible.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> It'll survive, as long as Perry lays on the charm.
"Vegas"
A drama inspired by the true story of former Las Vegas Sheriff Ralph Lamb, a fourth-generation rancher tasked with bringing order to Las Vegas in the 1960s. Lamb (Dennis Quaid) wants to be left in peace to run his ranch, but Las Vegas is starting to intrude on his simple life.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Quaid leading a TV drama is certainly interesting, but does he have the sex appeal/overall appeal to keep this thing afloat? Luckily for him, Vegas provides an awesome backdrop for the show.
"Dance Moms"
Set in Pittsburgh's renowned Abby Lee Dance Company, owned and operated by the famously outspoken Abby Lee Miller, "Dance Moms" follows children's early steps on the road to stardom and their mothers who are there for every rehearsal, performance and bow ... all under Miller's discerning eyes.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Already a favourite in the US, this show will draw attention, no question. It's like a train wreck.
"Elementary"
A modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller), the iconic detective is taking on New York. Just out of rehab, he's been assigned to live with his worst nightmare -- sober coach, Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu).
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Sexy casting. Semi-cheesy premise. Could be good! All depends on the script.
"Ex-Wives Of Rock"
This show chronicles the highs and lows of four famous ex-wives in L.A. Once married to famous rock stars, they were kicked to the curb, and forgotten. With narrator Shannon Tweed as our guide, we follow the action as Athena, Bobbie, Blue and Sharise try to reinvent themselves and make their way to the top again.
<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Nope. <em>Way</em> too many other wife shows out there.
"Guys With Kids"
From Emmy winner and executive producer Jimmy Fallon comes a new comedy about three thirty-something dads trying to hold on to their youth, while holding onto their new babies' hands. Easy, right? Thankfully, Chris (Jesse Bradford), Nick (Zach Cregger) and Gary (Anthony Anderson) have each other to help navigate their survival as new dads, while still trying desperately to remain dudes.
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<strong>Our Verdict: </strong>More of a movie plot than a TV plot, this show looks to be funny -- but it'll probably mostly appeal to the mom demo.
"The Client List"
Everyone's got something to hide and Riley Parks is no exception. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Riley, a single mother, living in a small Texas town and leading a shocking double life. Her secret would send shockwaves through the community and possibly land her in jail if it was ever exposed.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Americans are in love with this show, and soon Canadians will be too. There's something about JLH (ahem) that speaks to men and women alike. We'll let you figure it out.
"Holmes Makes It Right"
Canada's most trusted contractor helps unfortunate homeowners whose homes, lives and finances have been brutally disrupted by disastrous events and renovations. Mike Holmes takes on catastrophes that would make other contractors run.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Holmes fans are Holmes fans. The man could dance in a potato sack and people would still watch.
"The Jeff Probst Show"
Hosted and executive produced by the Emmy Award-winning Jeff Probst, "The Jeff Probst Show" is a one-hour talk show that will cover topics including relationships and family dynamics, newsmakers of the day, families and individuals facing challenges.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Moderating "Survivor," yes, but talk show host? The fate of this remains to be seen.
"Last Resort"
500 feet beneath the ocean's surface, the U.S. ballistic missile submarine Colorado receives its orders: over a radio channel, designed only to be used if their homeland has been wiped out, they're told to fire nuclear weapons at Pakistan.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Dealing with sensitive issues, this may be a fan favourite, but it could also choke on its own seriousness.
"Made In Jersey"
You can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can't take Jersey out of the girl. When a brassy street-wise lawyer joins a posh Manhattan law firm, she lowers expectations at first sight. But, despite her white-collar colleagues' skepticism and her Italian family's well-meaning but constant intrusions, she rises to the challenge.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Pass. We have enough Jersey on TV as it is.
"My Wife And Kids"
Starring Damon Wayans and Tisha Campbell-Martin ("The Protector"), "My Wife and Kids" centres on the character of Michael Kyle, a loving husband and modern-day patriarch who rules his household with a unique and distinct parenting style. As he teaches his three children some of life's lessons, he does so with his own brand of humour.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Wayans is hilarious, and it's been a while since we saw a good, old-fashioned family sitcom. We have our fingers crossed for this one.
"The Ricki Lake Show"
Premiering in September, "The Ricki Lake Show" brings America's girlfriend back to television. Covering topics that interest the 25-54 year old woman, this is a new Ricki -- reflecting where she and her audience are now in their lives.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> It's like taking a trip back to the '90s, when Ricki's show was ridiculously popular. We think the populace is thirsting for a brand-new, exciting talk show, and Ricki may just have the goods.
"Strike Back"
A high-octane, globe-spanning thriller with storylines ripped from the headlines, "Strike Back" focuses on two members of a top-secret anti-terrorist organization known as Section 20. Leading the team are British Sergeant Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) and Damian Scott (Sullivan Stapleton), a Delta Forces operative who was disgraced and discharged on the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> War isn't exactly the most popular topic on TV, so our hopes aren't very high for this show.
"Mankind: The Story Of All Of Us"
The world broadcast initiative "Mankind: The Story of All of Us" is the epic tale of the global rise of civilization, complete with danger, action, heroism and adrenaline. This series takes viewers from the first flourishing of civilization in Mesopotamia through the discovery of America. Utilizing multiple disciplines to provide greater insight into the formation of our world, the series will draw upon surprising links from geography, natural history and science.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> This is going to be delivered in beautiful HD and is very interesting, so we imagine it'll draw a large number of viewers.
"Chuck's Week Off"
Chef Chuck Hughes is hungry for a break from his daily grind, so he's heading to Mexico and cruising across the country in an open-air jeep in search of culinary adventures. There's nothing he won't try, whether it's off-roading up a volcano, working a shift at a taco stand, stepping into a wrestling ring, or roping a cow with a group of Mexican cowboys.
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<strong>Our Verdict:</strong> Yum.
Now, let's delve into Shaw's specialty channels, shall we? Showcase is bringing back more "Lost Girl," "Covert Affairs," "Royal Pains," "Haven" and "Warehouse 13," and has five new dramas on tap, including the CW remake of "Beauty and the Beast" (starring "Smallville"'s Kristin Kreuk and "Terra Nova"'s Jay Ryan), the long-awaited "Copper," USA Network's "Common Law," and the eight-part series, "World Without End" (based on Ken Follett's bestseller). Missing from the list are "Rizzoli & Isles" and "King." Um, what?
Lifetime comes north of the border, which means you'll be scratching out your corneas this fall once Lindsay Lohan stumbles on to a TV near you (thanks to her miscasting as Elizabeth Taylor in the movie, "Liz and Dick.") The cable channel will also bring forth Bristol Palin's reality show, "Life's a Tripp" (insert eye roll here), Jennifer Love Hewitt, her boobs, and her hit show "The Client List," more "Dance Moms" (both the regular and the Miami version) and the best thing -- the powerful women-only interview series "The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet," which is executive-produced by Demi Moore. The worst has to be the docu-series "The Houston Family Chronicles," which follows the lives of family members of the late Whitney Houston. Oh, dear. Way too soon.
If you didn't think there was enough Mike Holmes on HGTV, you're in luck. Canada's most trusted contractor has yet another new series, "Holmes Makes it Right," which joins fellow newbies "May The Best House Win" (based on the hit U.K. series), "Design Star All Stars" and "Celebrities at Home." Naturally, there's even more "Leave It to Bryan," and my personal guilty pleasures, "House Hunters" and "House Hunters International" for your viewing pleasure.
Another overexposed Mike (well, Michael) is back with a new show on Food Network. "Chef Michael's Kitchen" shows Michael Smith adding a personalized twist to simple dishes. Along with a third season of "Top Chef Canada," new series include "Chuck's Week Off," "3 Days to Open With Bobby Flay," "Restaurant Takeover" and "The Next Iron Chef: Redemption." Also on tap -- the network's first real-life sitcom, "SugarStars." A recipe for disaster, methinks.
Slice has confirmed a second season of "The Real Housewives of Vancouver" (whatever deity you pray to, help us), as well as new shows "Ex-Wives of Rock" (which sounds a little too similar to the "Real Housewives" franchise), "The Mistress" and "Keasha's Perfect Dress" starring "Say Yes to the Dress"' sassy bridal consultant, Keasha Rigsby, who opens up her own boutique in Toronto. Oh, and how could I forget the new seasons of returning hits "Mob Wives," "Real Housewives of New Jersey" and "The Brides of Beverly Hills"?
Finally, Shaw announced that History Television has officially removed the 'Television' from its name. So if you've been referring to the network as History for all these years, you're ahead of the pack.
Global TV's Fall 2012-13 Schedule:
MONDAY
8 p.m. Bones
9 p.m. Parenthood
10 p.m. Hawaii Five-0
TUESDAY
8 p.m. NCIS
9 p.m. NCIS: Los Angeles
10 p.m. Vegas
WEDNESDAY
8 p.m. Survivor: Philippines
9 p.m. Go On
9:30 p.m. Guys With Kids
10 p.m. Chicago Fire
THURSDAY
8 p.m. Last Resort
9 p.m. Glee
10 p.m. Elementary
FRIDAY
8 p.m. Touch
9 p.m. Made in Jersey
10 p.m. 16x9
SATURDAY
8 p.m. Recipe to Riches
9 p.m. Crime Time Saturday
10 p.m. Close Up
11:30 p.m. Saturday Night Live
SUNDAY
7:30 p.m. The Cleveland Show
8 p.m. The Simpsons
8:30 p.m. Bob's Burgers
9 p.m. Family Guy
9:30 p.m. American Dad (Ed. Note: This is still on?!)
10 p.m. The Good Wife
Huffington Post Canada TV | By Denette Wilford Posted: 05/30/2012 2:39 pm Updated: 05/30/2012 2:42 pm