Instant Star
The Hills
Million Dollar Password
High School Musical: Get in the Picture
Mad Men
Othello
Test the Nation: Sports
Everest
Big Brother 10
Jingles
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
The Real Housewives of Orange County
Denise Richards: It's Complicated
Show: Instant Star
Date: Airs Sundays at 7 p.m. ET, returns June 8, CTV
In a nutshell: Jude Harrison must deal with the problems and challenges of both her musical career and personal life, as the two weave into each other.
Predictions: Three new rising stars join the cast this season: Kyle Riabko, who recently landed the lead role in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Spring Awakening, Cassie Steele (Degrassi: The Next Generation), and Tatiana Maslany (Flash of Genius). Jude discovers that having a serious relationship with your record producer comes with a whole bunch of problems, but she and Tommy will strive to make it work.
Show: The Hills
Date: Premières June 1 at 7 p.m. ET, but moves into its regular 7:30 p.m. ET the following week, MTV
In a nutshell: Chronicling the personal and professional life of Laguna Beach gal, Lauren Conrad.
Predictions: Well, if you’re a fan of the show, you probably already watched Lauren’s trials and tribulations on MTV. So don’t read on if you don’t want to get spoiled. Lauren and Speidi’s feud worsens, Whitney and Lauren get new jobs, Lauren, Lo and Audrina decide to buy a house together, Heidi struggles with her engagement to Spencer, Lauren and Spencer’s sister, Stephanie become friends, Lauren is briefly reunited with former flame, Stephen, and Audrina becomes jealous of Lo.
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Show: Million Dollar Password
Date: Airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET, debuts June 1, CTV/CBS
In a nutshell: A revamped version of the show, Password, which features two teams of two – consisting of a contestant and their celebrity partner – and each team is given a password and their partner must guess the word based on a one-word clue from their partner.
Predictions: It seems like these game shows with the million-dollar payouts never seem to pay out the huge jackpot, but for some reason, I think that’s about to end. I think a million bucks will be given out more than once – especially with the star-studded assistance of Neil Patrick Harris, Rosie O’Donnell and Rachael Ray. |
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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: Mad Men
Date: Airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET, debuts June 8, CTV
In a nutshell: The show takes place in the 60s at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency on Madison Avenue in the Big Apple, and centres around Don Draper, a high-level ad executive, and the people in his personal and professional lives.
Predictions: The critically acclaimed show depicts the changing social situations of early 1960’s America, and accurately depicts Draper as he struggles to stay a step ahead of the rapidly changing society and the young executives nipping at his heels.
Show: Othello
Date: Sunday, June 15th, 9:00 p.m. ET, CBC (one-time broadcast), CBC
In a nutshell: The two-hour production is based on the classic Shakespeare tale, but tailored for the TV screen. Starring Carlo Rota (Little Mosque on the Prairie) and Christine Horne (The Stone Angel).
Predictions: For those who have never been able to get to Stratford (or afford the ticket prices), this little TV gem is the next best thing.
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Show: Test The Nation: Sports
Date: Sunday, May 25th, 8:00 p.m. ET (one-time broadcast), CBC
In a nutshell: Hosted by Ron MacLean (Hockey Night in Canada) and Test the Nation alumna Wendy Mesley, this modified version of the original is a sports fan’s dream.
Predictions: The original evokes interest from both sexes, but this version already sounds like it will be more male-oriented.
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Show: Everest
Date: Sunday, Aug 31, 8:00 p.m. ET, CBC
In a nutshell: Jason Priestley didn’t need to beg for a role on the new 90210 spinoff; he’s returning to TV on higher grounds. This mini-series documents the first Canadians to ever climb Mount Everest, a feat so few have ever accomplished.
Predictions: With William Shatner (Boston Legal) and Leslie Hope (24) on board, the star power alone is enough to attract viewers.
Show: Big Brother 10
Date: Sunday, July 13, 8 p.m. ET, CBS/Global
In a nutshell: The tenth season of CBS’ summer staple returns with a new game and new twists. The show will continue airing three times a week with the Tuesday edition beginning July 15 at 9 p.m. ET and the Wednesday eviction show with Julie Chen at 8 p.m. ET.
Predictions: The only clue we’ve had as to what kind of turn this version will take was the quizzical “together again” slogan at the end of season 9. Will the housemates know each other? Or will all the contestants be foreign, something we haven’t seen since Season 3.
Show: Jingles
Date: Sunday, July 27, 9 p.m. ET, CBS
In a nutshell: Mark Burnett’s newest reality venture seeks potential jingle writers to come up with and perform jingles for various items each week.
Predictions: It’s from Mark Burnett and has the potential for some killer advertising, but people seem to have had enough reality rammed down their throats during the strike. The plus side is that the winner is voted for by the viewer.
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Show: How do you Solve a Problem like Maria?
Date: Sunday, June 15, at 8 p.m. ET, CBC
In a nutshell: Hosted by This Hour has 22 Minutes comedian Gavin Crawford, How do you Solve a Problem like Maria? follows the search for the actress that will take the role as Maria in the Toronto production The Sound of Music stage show. The panel of judges — Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music supervisor and principal conductor for the past 12 years; Elaine Overholt, respected vocal coach who has worked on movies including Chicago and Hairspray; John Barrowman, a Broadway veteran and star of Torchwood and Doctor Who — will dwindle down 48 contestants to one winner.
Predictions: Expect an appearance from Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and David Mirvish as they are the force behind The Sound of Music stage production in Toronto. Nun outfits will be a must, along with a lot of crying and probably a rendition of “So Long, Farewell.” |
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Show: The Real Housewives of Orange County
Date: Sunday, May 25, 9 p.m. ET/PT, E!
In a nutshell: Find out what happens in the exclusive gated community in Southern California in this juicy ode to excess – cocktails, shopping, Botox and all. The aforementioned housewives include Jeana (an ex Playboy Playmate), Jo (a single) and Vicki (an insurance broker).
Predictions: Sounds a lot like Desperate Housewives, only real. And we all know how well that show did…
Show: Denise Richards: It’s Complicated
Date: Airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET, debuts May 27, E!
In a nutshell: Richards, a former Bond girl (and Charlie Sheen’s former wife) tries to get her life together in this reality show.
Predictions: With controversy swirling over Richards’ decision to involve her kids in the show, It’s Complicated is already generating buzz. But the question is can it hold onto viewers?
