A New Holiday Classic: 1.3 Million Viewers Saddle Up to CTV's New Original Movie THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE

- THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE is Sunday's most-watched drama -
- Viewers can catch encore presentations on Wednesday on Bravo and Friday on CTV Two -

To tweet this release: http://bit.ly/UMMHyS

"THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE is a lovely, well-crafted and beautifully performed yarn that's perfect for family viewing during the festive season…" - Winnipeg Free Press

TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - A major holiday television event, last night's premiere of CTV's new, critically acclaimed, original television movie THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE drew 1.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched drama of the night with total viewers and an instant holiday classic. Growing by double digit percentages in its second hour with total viewers and the key adult demos, the movie peaked at 1.6 million during its moving conclusion when the community of McBride, B.C. rallied together to save two stranded horses in time for Christmas. Overall, the movie attracted 3.6 million unique viewers throughout the two-hour broadcast.

Inspired by real-life events, THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE stars Aidan Quinn, Kari Matchett, and MacKenzie Porter. Encore presentations of THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE air Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and Friday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Two. THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE is also available across CTV's digital platforms on CTV.ca, the CTV App, and the CTV Mobile channel.

**Media Note** Photography for THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE is available online at BellMediaPR.ca.

Leading up to premiere, critics were unanimous in their praise: "… perfect for the Christmas season…" said the Calgary Herald; "the movie is a pleasure to watch," said The Globe and Mail; and the Medicine Hat News said it's "a story that promises to warm the heart before Christmas."

Inspired by real-life events, THE HORSES OF MCBRIDE follows cowboy-outfitter Matt Davidson (EMMY^® Award-nominated Aidan Quinn, ELEMENTARY) who has decided to sell his family ranch and find work in the city. His wife Avril (Kari Matchett, 24) and son Kenny (Edward Ruttle, HELLCATS) have embraced the move, but his daughter Nicki (MacKenzie Porter, R.L. Stine's THE HAUNTING HOUR), who dreams of being an outfitter and mountain guide like her dad, is shocked and angry. It's late December 2008, when two starving horses are discovered high up on the Rockies, trapped in a six foot-deep prison of snow more than 30 miles from any road. After seeing the spirit in their eyes, Nicki commits to getting them off the mountain - somehow. With no other options, she picks up a shovel and starts to dig out the mile-long path in deep snow, inspiring her father, family, and an entire community to pitch in.

About CTV
CTV is Canada's largest private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV is Canada's most-watched television network. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network's website at ctv.ca.

Source: BBM Canada

SOURCE: CTV

Matthew Almeida, CTV and CTV Two, 416.384.2629 or [email protected]
Jim Quan, CTV and CTV Two, 416.384.5311 or [email protected]