- HBO's Six Feet Under Returns to Showcase
- Showcase Launches Next Season of Trailer Park Boys
- Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman Launch Two New Series -
Design Rivals on HGTV and Style Rivals on Life Network
- Britain's Kitchen Bad-Boy, Gordon Ramsay, Brings Reality-Based
Series to Food Network Canada
- History Television Looks at Military Inventions with Everyday
Applications in Tactical to Practical
- The Office Specials Air Exclusively on BBC CANADA
- Gina Gershon Hits the Road with a Rock Band on IFC
TORONTO, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Alliance Atlantis
Communications today released highlights of its 2004/2005 broadcast schedule
across the company's specialty channels. This season's highlights include
premieres of dramatic, reality- based and original series, in addition to
premieres of movies, specials and documentaries, and new seasons of many
returning favourites.
"During the 2004/05 broadcast year Canadians can anticipate another
blockbuster year of stellar programming from Alliance Atlantis as we continue
our steadfast commitment to investing in the production of new, original
Canadian programs, such as the highly anticipated season five of Trailer Park
Boys and the brand new Design Rivals and Style Rivals," says Phyllis Yaffe,
Chief Operating Officer, Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. "In addition we
will also bring the world's best entertainment to our channels via our
relationships with our programming partners with acquisitions like HBO's Six
Feet Under, Food Network's Iron Chef America and the BBC's The Office."
"In the last five years we have witnessed an industry-wide trend that has
more and more Canadians choosing specialty programming. At Alliance Atlantis
we have seen average-minute-audience growth in the range of 14% in the last
year alone(1). This growth is sure to continue as we continue to build on the
successes of the last few years and unveil another robust, high-calibre
programming slate for 2004/05," continues Yaffe.
Specifically, some of the highlights of Alliance Atlantis' past broadcast
season include:
- Showcase Original series Trailer Park Boys delivered the highest
audience for an episode of a Canadian-produced series on English
specialty television in the past 5 years.(2) In addition, the episode
ranked 10th among all episodes of Canadian dramatic series across all
English Canadian national networks for the 2003/2004 broadcast
year.(3)
- Food Network Canada hit two personal bests achieving its two highest-
ever ratings during the 2003/2004 season. Jamie's Kitchen became the
all-time number one ranked series on the network(4) while Iron Chef
America premiered as the network's number one episode to date.(5)
- On History Television The Great Escape: The Canadian Story was among
the top documentaries to ever air on the network.(6) Further, History
Television's recent strong slate of D-Day programming, in honour of
D-Day's 60th Anniversary, delivered the network's highest single-day
average minute audience.(7)
- Showcase Action is the number one ranked New Specialty channel.(8)
- Collectively, Alliance Atlantis' New Specialty channels have
experienced an overall average minute audience increase of 60%.(9)
The following is a channel-by-channel look at some of the programming
highlights for the upcoming broadcast year. For a more detailed list of new
and returning programs and series, please contact Alliance Atlantis'
Communications Department.
Showcase
--------
Six Feet Under (Network Premiere)
HBO's Six Feet Under focuses on the Fishers, a family who owns and
operates a funeral home in Los Angeles. In season two, Nate (Peter Krause)
discovers that he has Arterio-Venous Malformation (AVM), a condition that
could be fatal, and his old friend Lisa (Lili Taylor) re-enters his life;
David (Michael C. Hall) tries to mend his relationship with Keith (Mathew St.
Patrick); Ruth (Frances Conroy) enrols in "The Plan," a self-actualization
course, while Claire (Lauren Ambrose) grapples with her future beyond high
school. Six Feet Under also stars Golden Globe(R)-winner Rachel Griffiths and
was created by Oscar(R)-winning writer Alan Ball (American Beauty).
Trailer Park Boys (New Season)
Returning for a fifth season Trailer Park Boys continues to follow the
story of Julian (John Paul Tremblay), Ricky (Robb Wells) and Bubbles (Mike
Smith) - three guys whose view of the world has been shaped by their
experiences growing up in Sunnyvale trailer park.
Sin Cities (Canadian Premiere)
Hosted by British journalist Grub Smith, Sin Cities takes viewers on a
sex-focused journey around the world. Traveling to Europe, the Far East and
the United States, the program shines the spotlight on a variety of funny and
attention-grabbing sexual practices occurring in various countries. Focusing
on local specialties and obsessions, weird clubs, resident celebrities and
naughty nightlife, destinations include Moscow, Berlin, Miami, Jakarta, Tokyo,
Hong Kong, Copenhagen, Barcelona and Los Angeles.
Wire In The Blood 2 (Canadian Premiere)
This series follows Dr. Tony Hill and his team as they investigate
suspicious, and often ghastly, murders. From twisted child-killers to deadly
witch hunt-like burnings, Hill and his team are constantly finding their
scientific expertise - and emotional endurance - put to the test.
Paradise Falls - Season 2 (Canadian Premiere)
This Showcase Original series chronicles an ever-twisting tale of murder,
mystery and steamy love affairs in a seemingly quaint Northern Ontario town.
In season two, when a new B&B opens in Paradise Falls to serve a gay
clientele, Mayor Pete Braga (Art Hindle) doesn't like it one bit. Meanwhile,
Bea Sutton (Dixie Seatle, who won a Gemini award for her role in the series)
learns to love again and Pamela (Cherilee Garofano) has visions that threaten
her relationship with Sam (Josh Peace). New cast this season include Kate
Trotter, David Ferry, Salvatore Migliore, Mike Realba and Raven Dauda.
In addition to great series, Showcase - Television Without Borders - is
the number one destination for the best uncut movies. This year's movie line-
up includes the broadcast premieres of Y Tu Mama Tambien, Donnie Darko and
Rounders.
History Television
------------------
Tactical to Practical (Canadian Premiere)
Setting the stage for high- action, high-tech and high-adventure with a
unique fast-paced approach to military and historical storytelling, Tactical
to Practical explores the innovations developed for combat that have evolved
into useful tools for civilian life. Hunter Ellis, a former Navy Fighter Pilot
and tribe member in Survivor: Marquesas hosts this series.
Barbarians (Canadian Premiere)
Savage tribes who hurl themselves repeatedly against the bastions of
civilization, Barbarians are violent forces from the dark beyond. Aided by
cinematic re-creations, this series recounts the astonishing sagas of the
Vikings, Goths, Mongols and Huns.
Crime Stories (Broadcast Premiere)
This History Television Original series takes viewers behind the scenes
of some of the most intriguing crimes in Canadian history. First-hand
accounts, in addition to dramatic re- enactments, news footage, clippings and
photographs paint a comprehensive picture of what really happened during a
variety of Canada's highest profile crimes.
Food Network Canada
-------------------
Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares (Canadian Premiere)
Michelin-star chef and cookbook author Gordon Ramsay - the explosive,
foul-mouthed black sheep of Britain's culinary scene - unleashes his wrath on
struggling restaurants in this reality series Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.
Ramsay prescribes drastic measures and doesn't mince his words as he visits a
different kitchen each episode with the aim of transforming the floundering
eatery within one week.
party dish (Broadcast Premiere)
Chef and caterer Trish Magwood helps food enthusiasts plan and execute
elegant, impressive parties in the new series, party dish. From a woman who
has to pull together a same-day dinner party for six, to an avid golfer who's
on hook for the annual golf social - despite his handicap in the kitchen -
each episode finds a different guest facing a unique dining dilemma. Magwood
taps into her expertise and infectious enthusiasm to help her dinner party
host create an event worth remembering.
Chef At Home (Broadcast Premiere)
Chef Michael Smith changes out of his chef whites to get comfortable in
his own kitchen in the new, prime-time cooking show, Chef At Home. Shot on
location at Smith's home on the coast of rural Prince Edward Island, each
episode finds Smith creating fresh, seasonal and simply prepared dishes that
will inspire home cooks to close their cookbooks, improvise and be adventurous
in the kitchen.
HGTV
----
Design Rivals (Premiere)
The boys are back! After three successful seasons of Designer Guys,
Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman are helming the brand-new series Design
Rivals. Fast on the heels of a summer launch, Design Rivals returns with new
episodes and features Sabados and Hyndman each collaborating separately with
their creative team to explore their independent interpretations of the ideal
design solution for their clients. Witness the behind-the-scenes rivalries,
conflicts and alliances at play as they work together - or at odds - to
complete each transformation and draw out expressions of each homeowner's
personality.
Kitchen Equipped (Broadcast Premiere)
Co-hosted by Stacy McLennan, an industrial designer, and carpenter Jay
Purvis, Kitchen Equipped uncovers the latest in kitchen renovation and design
as the duo collaborate on creating several in-studio kitchens over the course
of the series. From decorating and "must-have" products to renovation stories,
appliance analysis and reviewing builds-in-progress, this series shares the
recipe for planning, accessorizing and building the perfect kitchen.
Design Inc. (Broadcast Premiere)
Sarah Richardson is renovating! After completing five seasons of Room
Service, Richardson returns with Design Inc., a new series that reveals the
inner workings of a bustling interior design firm, from meetings with clients,
suppliers and trades, to the behind-the- scenes creative process. Witness the
first client meeting, the point-of-no- return swing of the sledgehammer and
the finishing touches, as each episode follows the story of a room that
evolves into a stunning new space.
Life Network
------------
Style Rivals (Broadcast Premiere)
Two guys, two gals, one big event and a fashion challenge. The women -
best friends, sisters, co-workers - have opposite fashion sensibilities. In
each episode, well-known television hosts Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman
(Design Rivals) use their flair, urban chic and savvy know-how to help prepare
the women for a splashy event. The twist? One woman will get a modest $500
budget while the other will get to splurge with a $2000 dollar budget. The
challenge for Steven and Chris will be to make them both look equally
fabulous, whatever the cost, for the big event.
Sexy Girl (Broadcast Premiere)
Designed to change not just a woman's look, but her whole life, Sexy Girl
is about finding and releasing a woman's inner sexpot. With host and
confidante D'Arcy Butler by her side, each week one woman will be transformed
and emerge with a fresh, new and totally sexy look. From the creators and
executive producers of Debbie Travis' Facelift.
When's Mum Coming Home?(x) (Broadcast Premiere)
Hosts Charlie Lubiniecki and Dagmar Midcap whisk mum away from her home
and children in this series. While mum enjoys a two-day luxury retreat
substitute mum - one of three candidates nominated by mum and chosen by the
hosts - is dropped in her place and left to cope with the meals, meltdowns and
daily challenges of raising children. Mum watches her family from afar via Web
cam, revealing insights and worries and giving the substitute mum instructions
if she sees her rules being carelessly ignored. (x)working title
BBC Canada
----------
The Office Specials (Canadian Premiere)
Catch up with the staff - past and present - of the most famous paper
merchants in Slough. The Office specials finds Gareth in the coveted position
of office manager and Tim, last seen asking Dawn out (again), nearing the
point of despair. Meanwhile, mercurial former manager, David Brent, has blown
his compensation package on releasing a single and now makes his living
selling cleaning products door-to- door and making z-list "celebrity"
appearances. Accolades for The Office include Best Comedy Actor for Ricky
Gervais and Best TV Comedy, Golden Globe Awards 2004; Peabody Award, 2004;
Best Situation Comedy and Best Comedy Performance for Ricky Gervais, BAFTA TV
Awards 2004.
State of Play (Canadian Premiere)
Stephen Collins, an ambitious MP, is stunned when his research assistant -
and lover - dies mysteriously in London's Underground. When news of their
affair breaks, Cal McAffrey, an investigative journalist - and Collins' ex-
campaign manager - takes notice, while simultaneously investigating the murder
of a teen suspected of dealing drugs. Friendships are tested and a conspiracy
unfolds when these seemingly unrelated deaths are connected back to a single
phone call. Winner of Britain's Best Drama Series or Serial, Broadcast Awards
2004 and Best Drama, Indie Awards 2004.
Million Pound Property Experiment (North American Premiere)
Can the value of a home be stretched from pnds stlg 100,000 to pnds stlg
1 million? This exclusive eight-part series profiles designers/property
developers Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan as they buy and sell houses for
profit. Their challenge is to play the U.K.'s property market by buying on the
cheap, re- designing the property, increasing its market value, and then
selling at a profit. Profits from the sales go to the U.K. charity Children in
Need.
BBC Kids
--------
The Sleepover Club (North American Premiere)
When you're 12 years old, life is full of fun and adventure. Based on the
books of the same name, and set in the Australian beachside suburb of Crescent
Bay, The Sleepover Club is made up of five girlfriends who stay over at each
other's houses and who have created their own secret society with special
rituals and rules - including no boys or parents allowed!
Don't Blame the Koalas (North American Premiere)
Life for the upper class King family is turned upside down when they
leave England and relocate to Australia, after inheriting property Down Under.
Alas, what they expect to be a profitable cattle farm turns out to be an out-
of-the-way, rundown wildlife park, complete with strange indigenous animals,
and strange Australian relatives - the Kings of Australia. Will they all be
able to get along?
S Club 7 (Network Premiere)
Catch the series that catapulted S Club 7 to the top of the music charts
and into platinum sales in Canada and around the world. This series follows
the exploits of seven band mates who face all kinds of hilarious adventures
and mishaps. Features S Club 7 performing many of their top hits.
Discovery Health Channel
------------------------
Condition Critical (Canadian Premiere)
This series examines the drama of daily life in the ER. Tracking a wide
range of trauma cases that come through the hospital doors at St. Michael's
Hospital and Sunnybrook & Women's College Hospital in Toronto, viewers will
see some of Canada's best emergency medical teams fight to save lives against
often formidable odds.
Second Opinion with Dr. Oz (Canadian Premiere)
New York City's celebrated heart surgeon Mehmet Oz opens viewers' eyes to
the inner workings of their bodies and empowers them to take control of their
health and lives. Known for his combination of ancient and modern medical
techniques, Dr. Oz points to lifestyle issues that impact overall health.
Focusing on topics such as sexuality, obesity, heart disease, cancer and
aging, the series also features celebrity guests such as Oprah Winfrey, Joe
Torre and Quincy Jones who discuss how particular medical issues have affected
their lives.
Hospital (Canadian Premiere)
This series follows life at the world- renowned Duke University Medical
Center. Featuring the personal stories of patients who persevere in the face
of difficult - and often life-threatening - situations, each episode also
sheds light on the dedicated healthcare professionals who help them.
IFC - The Independent Film Channel
----------------------------------
Rocked With Gina Gershon (Canadian Premiere)
This documentary series follows actress Gina Gershon on a multi-city tour
across the U.S. with the band Girls Against Boys. Gershon decided to join the
tour in order to promote her upcoming film, Prey for Rock and Roll, in which
she plays the lead singer of an all-girl rock band. Along the way, Gershon
gets a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a musician's on-the-road lifestyle and
encounters the highs and lows of touring - including the notable "high" of
jamming with Lenny Kravitz.
Project Greenlight - Season 2 (Canadian Premiere)
This HBO series, conceived by Oscar(R)-winning writers/actors Ben Affleck
and Matt Damon, enables aspiring screenwriters to submit scripts with a chance
to win a $1 million budget and a theatrical-distribution guarantee. In season
two, a directing competition was added, the winner of which directs the
winning writer's screenplay. Now it's up to the novices to work together to
make a movie that is on time and on budget.
Ultimate Film Fanatic (Canadian Premiere)
In this series movie buffs from across the United States go head-to-head
in such categories as Movie Trivia, Debate Round and Obsession War to earn the
coveted title of Ultimate Film Fanatic.
IFC's movie line-up this fall includes network premieres of Dead Man
Walking, Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy, Scarface and The Usual Suspects.
National Geographic Channel
---------------------------
Worlds Apart (Canadian Premiere)
This new adventure series transplants American families into remote
cultures to experience authentic lifestyles firsthand. In each episode, a
different family is airlifted to another corner of the globe. Meet the non-
stop Thurmans from suburban D.C., who go back to the basics in the South
Pacific and the Russells of Birmingham, Alabama, who are trading their 21st
century routine for a family compound in Ghana.
Seconds from Disaster (Canadian Premiere)
Behind every disaster lies a catalogue of events - a series of trigger
points that combine to create a catastrophe without warning. Seconds from
Disaster investigates some of the world's most tragic accidents. From plane
crashes and car accidents to nuclear meltdown, this series deconstructs some
of the pivotal moments that changed history.
Demolition Squad (Canadian Premiere)
Numerous massive, derelict buildings around the world are in need of
being blown up before they fall down. That's where the Yorkshire-based company
Controlled Demolition Group (CDG) come into play. Known as the leaders in
their field, there is no structure that they cannot blow down. Armed with tons
of high explosives, they storm the most extreme places in search of structures
that need levelling.
Showcase Action
---------------
Showcase Action brings viewers uncut, explosive and steamy action 24
hours a day with spies and tough guys, adventurers and Kung Fu masters. Movies
on Showcase Action this year include: The Good the Bad and the Ugly, Iron
Monkey and Jeepers Creepers.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Season Four)
Set in Las Vegas, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation chronicles the fast-
paced lives of a passionate team of forensic investigators who use cutting-
edge technology and old-fashioned police work to solve crimes. William
Petersen (To Live and Die in L.A.) stars as Gil Grissom, a quirky senior
forensics officer who heads the team of crime scene investigators including
Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger), Warrick Brown (Gary Dourdan), Nick
Stokes (George Eads), Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) and Captain Jim Brass (Paul
Guilfoyle). Each episode of CSI takes viewers inside the evidence to reveal
what the untrained eye can't see.
Birds of Prey (Network Premiere)
In the future, long after Batman has driven himself into exile, his
legacy lives on in the form of the Birds of Prey - Black Canary, Oracle and
the Huntress. The latter is Batman's daughter, born out of his passionate
affair with Catwoman. Together, these three women have become protectors of
New Gotham.
Fastlane (Network Premiere)
To take down the most dangerous crime rings in Los Angeles, two
undercover detectives (Peter Facinelli and Bill Bellamy) experience a dream
come true. In order to get in character, they must borrow dazzling valuables
impounded by the police including sports cars, designer clothes, jewelry, guns
and cash.
Ultimate Force (Canadian Premiere)
This series follows the adventures of the Red Troop, an elite fighting
team led by experienced soldier Henno Garvie (Ross Kemp, Eastenders). As they
uncover assassination plots and outwit terrorist groups, members of the Red
Troop put their lives on the line in the name of Britain's top fighting
regiment.
Showcase Diva
-------------
Showcase Diva delivers star-studded movies and series with a bold female
attitude twenty-four hours a day. This year's movies include: Home For The
Holidays, Untamed Heart and Moonstruck.
CSI: Miami (Season 2)
Set against the steamy, tropical backdrop of Miami, Florida, CSI: Miami
follows a team of talented investigators who use cutting- edge scientific
techniques, gut instinct and old-fashioned investigative work to collect and
analyze crime scene evidence and solve complicated cases. Led by Horatio Caine
(David Caruso), the team works to solve crimes and protect the memory of the
victims who cannot speak for themselves. Also stars Emily Procter, Rory
Cochrane, Adam Roderiguez, and Khandi Alexander.
Charmed (Returning Series)
Three sisters reunite and unlock their powers to become the Charmed Ones -
the most powerful witches in existence. The sisters work to vanquish evil
while living their lives as normal women in the real world. Stars Alyssa
Milano, Holly Marie Combs and Shannen Doherty.
Attribution for Statistics
--------------------------
(1) Source: Nielsen Media Research (NMR) Average Minute Audience, 12
Network CUME, A25-54, M-Su 6a-6a, 01/06/03-01/04/04 vs. 01/07/02-
01/05/03
(2) Source: NMR (08/31/98-05/30/04) Average Minute Audience (AMA) Mon.-
Sun. 6a.m.-6a.m. Analysis includes all non-news, non-sports
programming based on a single airing.
(3) Source: NMR AMA Mon.-Sun. 6-11p.m. Analysis excludes mini-series.
(09/01/03-05/30/04)
(4) Source: NMR AMA (equal sign) Average of all airings by network
season, A25-54, 10/2/00 - 5/30/04
(5) Source: NMR AMA, V2+ 05/30/04 9-10 p.m. ET. Single episode program
AMA 10/2/00 - 5/30/04
(6) Source: NMR AMA, V2+, 10/01/97-06/06/04
(7) Source: NMR AMA, A25-54, M-Su 6a-2a, 10/01/97-06/06/04
(8) Source: NMR AMA, A25-54, M-Su 6a-6a, 09/01/03- 05/30/04
(9) Source: NMR AMA, A25-54, M-Su 6a-6a, 09/01/03-05/30/04 vs. 09/02/02-
06/01/03
ALLIANCE ATLANTIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. is a leading vertically integrated
broadcaster, creator and distributor of filmed entertainment. The Company's
common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange - trading symbols
AAC.A, AAC.B and on NASDAQ - trading symbol AACB. The Company's Web site is
http://www.allianceatlantis.com.
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