Bell Media's Entertainment Specialties Announce Exclusive New Series for 2016/17 Lineup

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Bell Media

Jun 08, 2016, 08:20 ET

– DOCTOR WHO companion series CLASS begins session this fall –
– Highly anticipated drama THE ARRANGEMENT comes to E! in 2017  –
– From Mark Wahlberg, intense new drama SHOOTER comes to Bravo –
– Gusto becomes the exclusive home of all new Jamie Oliver programming –
– Additional new series include dramas GUILT, FAMOUS IN LOVE, FALLING WATER, HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS, and STAN LEE'S LUCKY MAN, as well as comedy series
PEOPLE OF EARTH –
– New series feature talent including Ryan Phillippe; Omar Epps; Mariah Carey; Michael Vartan; Alice Braga; Kevin Hart; Bella Thorne; Khloe Kardashian; Billy Zane; and Wyatt Cenac –
– To tweet this release: bmpr.ca/1PESg3r  –

"An ominous warning, at least one of the cast being an alien in exile, and disturbing hunters from beyond the veil, all grounded with some slice-of-life realness? Not a bad set up." –
Wired on CLASS

"SHOOTER's first season won't be for the faint of heart." – Entertainment Weekly

"…FALLING WATER will be the must-see series for people obsessed with the dreamscape."
– Bustle

"…the fact that it's being executive produced by I. Marlene King (the genius behind PRETTY LITTLE LIARS) pretty much guaranteed it was going to be amazing."
– Seventeen Magazine on FAMOUS IN LOVE

"Millennial Hitchcock, with a techno beat." – Los Angeles Times lists GUILT as one of their "21 shows worth staying in to watch"

"With screenwriter Neil Biswas at the helm, we can safely say this series will fall at the grittier, more serious end of the superhero spectrum." – Independent on STAN LEE'S LUCKY MAN

"He is a breath of fresh air, bringing quality food to a mass audience in his own breezy and unpretentious way." – BBC News on Jamie Oliver

TORONTO, June 8, 2016 /CNW/ - Bell Media announced today its lineup of exclusive new programming for its industry-leading entertainment specialty channels for the 2016/2017 season. Led by the acquisition for Space of the highly anticipated DOCTOR WHO companion series CLASS from Stephen Moffat, the diverse series further cement Bell Media's suite of channels as must-watch destinations, and complement Bell Media's brand-building collection of original series.

The new series include:

Discovery

  • the six-hour scripted broadcast event HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS, revisiting the birth of the iconic motorcycle company

The Comedy Network

  • comedy series PEOPLE OF EARTH starring Wyatt Cenac (THE DAILY SHOW); and from Comedy Central Kevin Hart comedy HART OF THE CITY, one of many series coming to Bell Media as part of a recently announced long-term content licensing agreement with Viacom International Media Networks for Comedy Central content in Canada.

Space

  • in addition to CLASS, mind-bending drama FALLING WATER, and London-based underworld crime drama STAN LEE'S LUCKY MAN

Bravo

E!

Much

  • gladiator battle TEAM NINJA WARRIOR, comedy game show THE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE GAMESHOW, and high school animated comedy LEGENDS OF CHAMBERLAIN HEIGHTS

MTV

  • Hollywood comedy LOOSELY EXACTLY NICOLE, serialized docu-series THE INVESTIGATION, weed dealer comedy MARY + JANE, and dark dramedy SWEET/VICIOUS

Gusto

  • all new programming from Jamie Oliver, including a new series to premiere this fall, and UNCORKED, an unscripted series documenting six aspiring master sommeliers from New York

"We promise advertisers and viewers strong brands that cut through the noise of abundant choice with exclusive, curated content, and these recent acquisitions make good on that promise," said Tracey Pearce, Senior Vice-President, Specialty and Pay. "From CLASS and THE ARRANGEMENT, to SHOOTER and exclusive new programming from the amazing Jamie Oliver, our diverse programming resonates with viewers, delivering audience in all key demos."

Bell Media's English entertainment specialty channels reach nearly 20 million Canadians each week, and have five of the Top 10 entertainment specialty series. Each week, 77% of English Canadian entertainment specialty viewers watch Bell Media brands. Success stories include:

  • Discovery is the #1 entertainment specialty channel in primetime among total viewers and all adult demos, featuring two of the Top 3 series (CANADA'S WORST DRIVER and GOLD RUSH) with key adult demos; and five of the Top 10 among A25-54;
  • Comedy is the #1 entertainment specialty among Adults 18-34 and ranks among the Top 5 with all key adult and female demos;
  • Space, a Top 10 specialty network for total viewers and all key adult and female demos, with the #1 entertainment specialty program for all key adult demos (DOCTOR WHO);
  • Bravo, a Top 5 entertainment specialty network in audience growth for all key female demos;
  • and E!, which had its most-watched broadcast year to date among total viewers.

Currently, Bell Media delivers the #1 new series on Canadian entertainment specialty with THE SHANNARA CHRONICLES (MTV), and three of the Top 5 new series with A18-49 and A25-54: THE SHANNARA CHRONICLES, THE EXPANSE (Space), COLONY (Bravo).

Pedigreed production talent associated with the series include Stephen Moffat (DOCTOR WHO); Mark Wahlberg (BOARDWALK EMPIRE) and Stephen Levinson (BOARDWALK EMPIRE, BALLERS) ; I. Marlene King (PRETTY LITTLE LIARS); Gale Anne Hurd (THE WALKING DEAD) and the late Henry Bromell (HOMELAND); Conan O'Brien (CONAN), Greg Daniels (THE OFFICE, PARKS AND RECREATION), David Jenkins and Jeff Ross (CONAN, EAGLEHEART), along with David Kissinger (EAGLEHEART) and Larry Sullivan; Oprah Winfrey and acclaimed director Ava DuVernay (Selma); and comic book legend Stan Lee.

Bell Media Entertainment Specialties New 2016/17 Acquired Series:

Discovery

HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS (Monday, Sept. 5 to Wednesday, Sept. 7, 3 x :120)
Based on a true story, scripted event series HARLEY AND THE DAVIDSONS will tell the story of how Milwaukee schoolyard pals William (Bill) Harley and Arthur Davidson built - and rode - the machines that rule the road. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, at the shores of Lake Michigan, the series charts the birth of Harley-Davidson during a time of great social and technological change and tells the epic story of how two 19-year-old kids from Milwaukee started a company in their backyard that would go on to become an American legend.

The Comedy Network

PEOPLE OF EARTH (Mid-Season, 10 x :30)
PEOPLE OF EARTH is a new, original comedy about a support group for alien abductees from Emmy®-winning executive producers Conan O'Brien (CONAN) and Greg Daniels (THE OFFICE, PARKS AND RECREATION), created by David Jenkins. The comedy centres on skeptical journalist Ozzie Graham (Wyatt Cenac, THE DAILY SHOW), who investigates a support group to write about the members' supposed alien encounters. The more he digs into their oddball claims, the more he realizes a semblance of truth to their stories and possibly even signs that point to his own alien abduction. The onetime outsider now finds himself a part of this eclectic group of misfits, all the while struggling with the idea of knowing that life could exist beyond our world. The comedy's ensemble cast includes three-time Emmy® winner Wyatt Cenac, Ana Gasteyer (SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE), Oscar Nuñez (THE OFFICE), Michael Cassidy (Argo), Alice Wetterlund (The Interview), Luka Jones (Her), Brian Huskey (Neighbors), Nancy Lenehan (THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE), Tracee Chimo (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK), Da'Vine Joy Randolph (SELFIE), Björn Gustafsson (Spy), and Ken Hall (STRAIGHT MAN). The executive producers of the series are Conan O'Brien, Greg Daniels, Norm Hiscock (KING OF THE HILL), Jeff Ross (CONAN), David Kissinger (THE PETE HOLMES SHOW, EAGLEHEART), and Larry Sullivan (Conaco Productions). Daniels directed the pilot from a script written by Jenkins. PEOPLE OF EARTH is produced by Conaco in association with Warner Horizon Television, and is distributed around the world by Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.

KEVIN HART PRESENTS: HART OF THE CITY (2016, 8 x :30)
This eight-episode series follows mega-star comedian and actor Kevin Hart as he explores local comedy scenes in cities including his hometown Philadelphia, and Atlanta, Houston, Birmingham, and Sacramento. The series is produced by Hart's Hartbeat Productions , and is executive produced by Hart, Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment, Leland "Pookey" Wigington and Michele Armour. Jonas Larsen and JoAnn Grigioni are the executives in charge for Comedy Central.

Space

STAN LEE'S LUCKY MAN (Summer, 10 x :60)
Based on an original idea from comic book legend Stan Lee, LUCKY MAN tells the story of Harry Clayton (James Nesbitt, The Hobbit trilogy), a cop from Central London's notorious Murder Squad. Harry is down on his luck; his wife (Eve Best, NURSE JACKIE) and child have left him due to his gambling habit, his boss thinks he's in league with the devil, and he has a huge debt to an infamous underworld crime boss who is threatening his life. A chance meeting with a mysterious woman who gives him an ancient bracelet changes everything. It appears to give Harry control over luck itself, but at what cost? What is luck anyway, and is one man's luck always another's misfortune? Harry Clayton is about to find out.

CLASS (Fall, 8 x :60)
Created and written by award-winning author Patrick Ness, and from DOCTOR WHO executive producers Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin, this new DOCTOR WHO spin-off set in contemporary London is scary, funny, and as painful and sharp as youth. Shining a light on a whole new corner of the Whoniverse, the series stars newcomers Greg Austin (Mr. Selfridge), Fady Elsayed (My Brother the Devil), Sophie Hopkins (Since We Last), and Vivian Oparah. They will be joined by Katherine Kelly (THE NIGHT MANAGER) - a powerful new presence at Coal Hill School. The four students have hidden secrets and desires, and are facing their own worst fears, navigating a life of friends, parents, school work, sex, sorrow – and possibly the end of existence.

FALLING WATER (Mid-Season, 10 x :60)
FALLING WATER, a mind-bending drama, is the story of three unrelated people who slowly realize that they are dreaming separate parts of a single common dream. The deeper they dig, the more they come to realize that the visions found in their common dream just might hold the key to the fate of the world. The series, from Universal Cable Productions, is executive produced by Gale Anne Hurd (THE WALKING DEAD) of Valhalla Entertainment, Blake Masters (BROTHERHOOD), and the late Emmy® Award-Winner Henry Bromell (HOMELAND). David Ajala (Fast & Furious 6), Will Yun Lee (HAWAII 5-0), and Lizzie Brochere (AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM) star.

Bravo

GUILT (June 21 at 9 p.m. ET, 10 x :60)
When Natalie's (Emily Tremaine, VINYL) sister Grace (Daisy Head, THE SYNDICATE) becomes the prime suspect in her roommate's murder, and a popular target for the press and in social media, Natalie leaves her life in Boston and heads to London to defend her. With the help of an ethically questionable ex-pat lawyer Stan Gutterie (Billy Zane, Zoolander 2), Natalie starts to question how innocent her sister may really be as more ugly truths start to emerge. GUILT is a co-production of Sea to Sky Entertainment, the joint venture between Lionsgate Television and Thunderbird Films, and BV Family Productions, in association with Freeform.

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH (Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 10 p.m. ET, 13 x :60)
The powerful story of Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga, I Am Legend), QUEEN OF THE SOUTH follows a woman who is forced to run and seek refuge in America after her drug-dealing boyfriend is unexpectedly murdered in Mexico. In the process, she teams up with an unlikely figure from her past to bring down the leader of the same drug trafficking ring that has her on the run.

SHOOTER (Fall, 10 x :60)
Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Hunter, Point of Impact, and the 2007 Paramount film, and starring Ryan Phillippe (SECRETS AND LIES) and Omar Epps (HOUSE), SHOOTER follows the courageous journey of Bob Lee Swagger (Phillippe), a highly-decorated ex-Marine sniper who is coaxed back into action after he learns about a plot to kill the President. When Swagger's former commanding officer Isaac Johnson (Epps) solicits his expertise in a clandestine operation, Swagger re-emerges from exile only to find out that he is inextricably involved in a disastrous operation with ties to his past. SHOOTER is executive produced by Mark Wahlberg (BOARDWALK EMPIRE, ENTOURAGE) of Closest to the Hole Productions; Stephen Levinson (BOARDWALK EMPIRE, BALLERS) of Leverage Entertainment; and Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Transformers, THE REAL O'NEALS). John Hlavin (THE SHIELD) wrote the pilot and will also executive produce. Simon Cellan Jones (BLOODLINE) directed the pilot. Ryan Phillippe is also a producer. SHOOTER is a co-production between Paramount Television and Universal Cable Productions.

FAMOUS IN LOVE (Mid-Season, 10 x :60)
Based on the novel by Rebecca Serle, FAMOUS IN LOVE follows ordinary college student Paige (Bella Thorne, The DUFF) who gets her big break after auditioning for the starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster. Paige must now navigate her new star-studded life and undeniable chemistry with her two co-leads while discovering the highs and lows that come with being the new "it girl" in town. Executive producers of the series are I. Marlene King, Miguel Arteta (ENLIGHTENED), and Dan Farah (READY PLAYER ONE). Rebecca Serle is co-executive producer. King & Serle developed the project for television and wrote the pilot script. Arteta directed the pilot. The series is produced by Long Lake Media, Farah Films, and Carmina Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Horizon Television. It is distributed around the world by Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.

QUEEN SUGAR (Mid-Season, 13 x :60)
QUEEN SUGAR chronicles the lives and loves of the estranged Bordelon siblings in Saint Josephine, Louisiana. The siblings are Nova (Rutina Wesley, TRUE BLOOD), a world-wise journalist and activist; Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS), the savvy wife and manager of an NBA star; and Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe, AWKWARD), a formerly incarcerated young father in search of redemption. After a family tragedy, the Bordelons must navigate the triumphs and struggles of their complicated lives in order to run an ailing sugarcane farm in the Deep South. The show's ensemble cast includes Omar J. Dorsey (RAY DONOVAN), Dondre T. Whitfield (MISTRESSES), Timon Kyle Durrett (BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT), Nicholas L. Ashe (ARE WE THERE YET?), Greg Vaughan (DAYS OF OUR LIVES), Ethan Hutchinson (THE PATH), Marycarmen Lopez (FROM DUSK TIL DAWN: THE SERIES), and Tina Lifford (SCANDAL). Based on the book by Natalie Baszile, QUEEN SUGAR is executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, Ava DuVernay (Selma), and Melissa Carter (MISTRESSES). DuVernay developed the project for television, and wrote and directed the pilot episode. The series is distributed around the world by Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.

E!

THE ARRANGEMENT (Mid-Season, 10 x :60)
Described as a Cinderella story for modern times with a dramatic and complicated Hollywood twist, The Arrangement follows Megan Morrison (Christine Evangelista, THE WALKING DEAD), a beautiful young actress who auditions for the female lead in a summer blockbuster playing opposite Kyle West (Josh Henderson, DALLAS), the hottest actor of the moment. After an amazing audition segues into a dream-like first date, Megan's Cinderella story takes a turn to the bizarre when she is presented with a contract that details an entire relationship with Kyle. Megan must weigh the benefits and consequences to her career and her life overall, and decide whether or not she will accept "the arrangement."

MARIAH'S WORLD (Mid-Season, 8 x :60)
This revealing docu-series takes viewers backstage and into the private life of one of the greatest pop divas of all time: singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress, Mariah Carey. MARIAH'S WORLD follows the pop superstar as she travels to the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa for her "Sweet Sweet Fantasy" tour and makes plans for her upcoming wedding to Australian business mogul James Packer.

REVENGE BODY BY KHLOE KARDASHIAN (Mid-Season, 6 x :60)
Everyone knows what it's like to feel alone, left out, different, or just not good enough. Revenge Body with KhloE Kardashian transforms lives with the support of Strong Looks Better Naked author Khloe Kardashian. Whether they've been dumped, lost their job, or are facing some of life's toughest challenges, Khloe motivates them to seek the ultimate revenge by receiving a true and total makeover. Because, as Khloe can attest, the best revenge is looking and feeling your best! This original unscripted series is produced by Rogue Atlas Productions in association with Lionsgate Television, KhloMoney Productions, Inc., and Ryan Seacrest Productions.

Much

TEAM NINJA WARRIOR (Thursday, June 30 at 10 p.m. ET, 8 x :60)
For the first time in ninja history, the mother of all obstacle courses is built for two. In TEAM NINJA WARRIOR, America's fittest athletes form 24 squads of three, consisting of two males and one female, for an epic sprint against each other. Over the first six, one-hour episodes, four different teams will see their teammates individually race directly against the opposing team's players through the brutal obstacle course. Each individual win gives the team more points, and at the end of the episode, the two teams left standing will face-off, with the winner of that final relay showdown moving on to the TEAM NINJA WARRIOR finals

THE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE GAMESHOW (Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 10 p.m. ET, 6 x :30)
A hilarious half-hour comedic game show in which contestants complete physical challenges ranging from the absurd to the outlandish to beat the game and win cash prizes. Riding tiny bikes over a mud pit, putting on oversized pants while running full-speed on a giant treadmill, and grating a heaping block of cheese onto a plate of nachos using a grater attached to their derrières are just a few of the outrageous challenges the contestants face. THE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE GAME SHOW is based on a popular U.K. format by the same name, produced by Endemol Shine UK. Produced by Endemol Shine and MTV, executive producers include Rob Smith and Georgie Hurford-Jones for Endemol Shine North America; Matt Odgers and Scott Teti for Left Hook Media.

LEGENDS OF CHAMBERLAIN HEIGHTS (2016, 10 x :30)
A new animated comedy from veteran Simpsons artist Brad Ableson, retired UCLA basketball players and sports producers Quinn Hawking (ESPN) and Josiah Johnson (NFL Network), writer Michael Starrbury (The Inevitable Defeat Of Mister & Pete), and Bento Box Entertainment (BOB'S BURGERS). LEGENDS OF CHAMBERLAIN HEIGHTS centers on three high school freshmen: Jamal, Grover, and Milk, with Hawking and Johnson providing inspiration for the characters. Hawking voices Jamal and Johnson voices Grover and Milk, with the two bringing their experience as former UCLA basketball benchwarmers to the project. The three friends tackle life with some wins and some losses, but failure doesn't faze them since they're legends…even if it's just in their own minds.

MTV

THE INVESTIGATION (2016, 8 x :60)
This serialized documentary series follows the journey of alleged wrongfully convicted prisoners fighting for their freedom. MTV's THE INVESTIGATION navigates these separate cases in an effort to uncover the truth with the highest possible stakes — the lives and freedom of innocent people locked up for life, and the duty to honor the lives of those lost. This series takes an in-depth look into three criminal cases through the unique POV of Ryan Ferguson, who at 19 years of age was convicted of a murder he didn't commit and was released in 2013 after serving nearly a decade behind bars. MTV is producing with Embassy Row. Michael Davies, Debbie DeMontreux, Stacey Altman, and Andrew Jenks are executive producers.

MARY + JANE (2016, 10 x :30)
Paige (Jessica Rothe, The Art of Love) and Jordan (Scout Durwood, Dream Job) may be weed dealers, but in their eyes they are entrepreneurs. Their dope delivery app is quickly gaining popularity with foodies, celebrities and — the most particular and crucial consumer — hipsters. This half-hour comedy takes an entertaining look at two L.A. girls who are desperate to succeed, find a little romance, and keep their clients happy and high — all with the least amount of effort possible. Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont serve as executive producers. Television 360 is executive producer.

SWEET/VISCIOUS (TBA, 10 x :60)
A dark one-hour dramedy about two very unlikely friends taking justice into their own hands and kicking literal ass on their college campus. Jules (Eliza Bennett, Inkheart) comes off as the perfect sorority dream girl, but little do her red-cup-toting sisters know, she's got a completely different agenda come nightfall. Ophelia (Taylor Dearden, 101 WAYS TO GET REJECTED), your everyday stoner-hacker-hellion, has officially run out of effs to give, and when she discovers Jules may be the masked vigilante exacting justice on campus, her interest in college life is re-energized. Amanda Lasher (GOSSIP GIRL) serves as Showrunner. Stacey Sher (The Hateful Eight) is Executive Producer, and Jennifer Robinson is creator and Co-Executive Producer.

LOOSELY EXACTLY NICOLE (2016, 10 x :30)
Nicole Byer (GIRL CODE, CollegeHumor) is living the Hollywood dream. Well, Hollywood adjacent – the deep valley to be precise. And it's not so much a dream but a struggle. In this hilarious half-hour comedy, Nicole, exuding her special brand of confidence and irreverence, demonstrates the hilarious missteps of what it means to be out on your own for the first time. She deals with humiliating auditions, unpaid electric bills, friendship ups and downs, and the battlefield that is Tinder as she slowly but surely finds her voice as a comedian. Christine Zander is Showrunner/Executive Producer. Avi Gilbert (3 Arts) and Christian Lander are Executive Producers. 

Gusto

UNCORKED (Fall, 6 x :60)
Master Sommelier is more than just a title; it's a badge of honor, and to earn it you need to be a wine expert in mind, body, and spirit – an achievement measured by passing one of the world's most difficult exams. If you can pass it, you'll be let into a club with just over 200 members worldwide and granted access to the most desirable jobs in the entire food and wine industry. UNCORKED follows six aspiring master sommeliers from New York as they prepare for the Court of Masters Sommelier exam.

Source: Numeris

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With passion and an unrelenting commitment to excellence, Bell Media creates content and builds brands that entertain, inform, engage, and inspire audiences through the platforms of their choice. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, out-of-home advertising, and digital media. Bell Media owns 30 local television stations led by CTV, Canada's #1 television network; 34 specialty channels, including TSN and RDS, Canada's most-watched specialty channels in English and French; and four pay TV services, including The Movie Network and Super Écran. Bell Media is also Canada's largest radio broadcaster, with 106 licensed radio stations in 54 markets across Canada. Bell Media owns Astral Out of Home, one of Canada's most dynamic and innovative out-of-home advertising companies with a network of more than 30,000 advertising faces in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia. Bell Media also operates more than 200 websites; delivers TV Everywhere with premium subscription on-demand streaming service CraveTV, as well as its innovative GO video streaming services including CTV GO, Discovery GO, TMN GO, and TSN GO; operates multi-channel network Much Digital Studios; holds an equity stake in digital startup Hubub; is partners in Cirque du Soleil Media, a joint venture with Cirque du Soleil; and owns Dome Productions Inc., a multi-platform production company. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. For more on Bell Media, please visit www.bellmedia.ca.

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