Canadian Idol
The Moment of Truth
Wipeout
I Survived a Japanese Game Show
America's Got Talent
Burn Up
In Plain Sight
Living Lohan
Pamela
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 Moment of Truth
Date: Airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, returned May 27, CTV/FOX
In a nutshell: Contestants answer 21 increasingly personal questions honestly, as determined by a polygraph test conducted before the show, and can win up to $500,000.
Predictions: It’s the only game show where the participants know both the questions and the answers going into it. But that still hasn’t helped, since no one, to date, has won the big prize. Will there be someone cold and ruthless enough to take home half a million bucks? Yeah, I’m certain of it. Don’t you just prepare your family/friends/special guests, apologize ahead of time, and prepare to count the money. Right?
Show: Wipeout
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
In a nutshell: Twenty-four contestants crash their way through an extreme obstacle course meant for slapstick humour to win a grand prize of $50,000.
Predictions: This show sounds like what should be the description for I Survived a Japanese Game Show, due to its similarities with Spike TV’s MXC. |
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Show: I Survived a Japanese Game Show
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 9 p.m. ET, ABC
In a nutshell: Ten Americans are plucked from their native land and planted on Japanese soil to compete in a Japanese game show. Along for the ride is host/interpreter Tony Sano (Touch Wood, Beating Vegas), who speaks fluent Japanese; host Rome Kanda, Japanese comedian and actor who leads the contestants through the wacky challenges; and a house mother lovingly named Mamasan. Not only does the winner get to say I Survived a Japanese Game Show, but they also get to take home $250,000.
Predictions: Culture shocked contestants are guaranteed. Expect strange, whacked-out, maybe even disgusted, looks from everyone at some point. Also up on the menu will be challenges and games with names like Chicken Butt Scramble, Crazy Crane Finds Fluffy Bear and Why Is This Food So Hard To Eat?
Show: America’s Got Talent
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 9 p.m. ET, NBC; another show airs July 1, and the series resumes July 8, 9 p.m. ET, NBC. The show will be on hiatus during the Olympics, returning on Aug. 26.
In a nutshell: Performers of all kinds – including singers, dancers, comedians, jugglers and magicians – display their acts for judges David Hasselhoff, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne. Their goal is to win over viewers and land the grand prize: $1 million. New for the third season, thousands of people will attend the auditions and critique the acts along with the show’s judges. Jerry Springer returns as host.
Predictions: This glorified variety show always does well in the ratings, and is a nice summer diversion.
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Show: Burn Up
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 9 p.m. ET/PT; Part 2 airs Wednesday, June 11, 9 p.m. ET/PT, Global
In a nutshell: This four-hour mini-series airs in two parts, and is a conspiracy thriller based on the battle between environmental activists and oil company executives. The Global Canadian Original production stars Neve Campbell, Bradley Whitford (The West Wing) and British actor Rupert Penry-Jones (Spooks, MI-5, Casanova).
Predictions: A special about climate change is oh-so-timely and relevant. And with a solid cast, it could go a long way to raising questions and awareness while providing some compelling entertainment. |
Show: In Plain Sight
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 10 p.m. ET/PT, Global
In a nutshell: Crime lovers, rejoice! This drama stars Mary McCormack (1408, The West Wing) as a U.S. Marshal linked to the Federal Witness Protection Program. Her witnesses are set on starting a new life, but it’s her job to keep them from the people who want them dead.
Predictions: Lots of potential for secrets, surprise and suspense. With its combination of assumed identities and look-over-your-shoulder drama, I’m pegging this show to be full of thrills and chills.
Show: Living Lohan
Date: Airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET, debuts May 27, E!
In a nutshell: Ah, the notorious Living Lohan. The reality series follows Lindsay Lohan’s mom Dina as she tries to take her 14-year-old daughter Ali to similar heights of fame (but we’re assuming not infamy) enjoyed by her big sis.
Predictions: Can you say “train wreck waiting to happen?”
Show: Pamela
Date: Airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET, debuts August 5, E!
In a nutshell: This reality show – er, “observational documentary” – follows one of Canada’s blondest exports. Watch as Pamela Anderson navigates love and career. But don’t expect to see her kids; this show’s all Pam.
Predictions: This could either be a raging success or a mere blip on the radar (anyone still watching Hey Paula?). But I’m sure Anderson’s physical assets will lure in more than a few viewers.
