High School Musical: Get in the Picture
Canadian Idol
The Bachelorette
The Mole
Wanna Bet
American Gladiators
Nashville Star
Durham County
Show: High School Musical: Get in the Picture
Date: Airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, debuts July 20, CTV
In a nutshell: Guy and gals ages 16-22 who have dreamed of being centre stage get a chance to show off their skills, with the winner appearing in a music video that is shown over the end credits of the theatrical release of High School Musical 3: Senior Year.
Predictions: That may not seem like a huge deal, but this reality-based series revolves around the extremely popular Disney HSM franchise, and with host Nick Lachey, it can’t go wrong.
Show: Canadian Idol
Date: Airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET, debuts June 3, CTV
In a nutshell: Based on the popular British show Pop Idol, and its American counterpart, American Idol, this competition features the search for the most talented young singer in the country.
Predictions: After weeding out the best from auditions all over the country, the top contestants will get a little extra help from new cast member Jully Black who is there to mentor, advise, and support. The past seasons never had it so good.
Show: The Bachelorette
Date: Airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, returned May 9, Citytv/ABC
In a nutshell: A competitive reality dating game show, spun off from The Bachelor
Predictions: After suffering a painful, last-minute rejection by Brad Womack and earned the sympathy of women everywhere, DeAnna Pappas is getting the last laugh as she gets to make her own choice regarding true love. I think after what she went through, she’ll follow the footsteps of Trista and Ryan, and not Jen and Jerry.
Show: The Mole
Date: Airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET, returns June 2 at 10 p.m. ET, ABC
In a nutshell: A group of players try to win money as a group – while someone amongst them is sabotaging their chances of increasing their purse. The players must decide who they think The Mole is, but the person who knows the least about they saboteur is immediately "executed" from the game.
Predictions: After a four-year absence, The Mole returned with new missions, new locations and a new host (Jon Kelley, Extra). It was highly rated its first four seasons, and should do well in its Monday night timeslot, where its competition will be reruns. |
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Show: Wanna Bet
Date: Monday, July 21, 9 p.m. ET, ABC
In a nutshell: Hosted by British comedy duo Ant and Dec, Wanna Bet features four celebrity judges raising money for charity who test their luck by betting on whether or not participants can do the challenges, stunts and tricks they’ve dreamed up. Celebrity judges so far include Drew Lachey, Sherri Shepherd, Bill Engvall and Scott Hamilton.
Predictions: Considering participants will want to stump celebs on national television, wild and outrageous stunts with hilarious results are likely.
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Show: American Gladiators
Date: Monday, May 12, 8 p.m. ET, NBC; series resumes on May 19, 8 p.m. ET, NBC
In a nutshell: Season 2 returns with a familiar formula – regular men and women take on muscle-bound gladiators in physical challenges. Classic games such as Joust, Hang Tough, Powerball, Pyramid and the Eliminator will be joined by two new events, Earthquake and Hit & Run. New gladiators will also be featured, while Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali return as hosts.
Predictions: Gladiators raked in hordes of viewers when it debuted in January, so we’re guessing there’s still a huge market for floodlights and spandex. Plus, what’s not to love about gladiators Wolf and Crush? |
Show: Nashville Star
Date: Monday, June 9, 9:30 p.m. ET, NBC
In a nutshell: Season 6 of the reality series returns to find America’s next big country star. (Previous seasons have launched the careers of Chris Young, Buddy Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Lance Miller and Angela and Zac Hacker.) The winner will receive a recording contract and a gig at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Billy Ray Cyrus makes his debut as host. Also new this year, duets and groups were allowed to audition and the age minimum was dropped to 16.
Predictions: More country-singing fun.
Show: Durham County
Date: Monday, May 19, 10 p.m. ET/PT, Global
In a nutshell: This dark thriller stars Hugh Dillon (Trailer Park Boys: The Movie) as detective Mike Sweeney, who moves to a quiet town with his family only to find himself hunting a serial killer. Turns out, the killer could be Mike’s neighbour, and they share a mysterious past.
Predictions: This Canadian series isn’t always palatable, and we’d normally find this kind of boundary-pushing fare on HBO. The critics may love the show, but it could be difficult to build an audience that isn’t afraid to explore the gritty side of humanity.
