Citytv Greenlights Two New Original Comedy Series, Package Deal and Seed

- Two 13-episode comedy series slated to debut mid-season on Citytv -

- Homegrown series to be produced by Vancouver-based Thunderbird Films and Force Four Entertainment -

TORONTO, May 29, 2012 /CNW/ - In its continuing support of Canadian productions, Citytv announced today it has greenlit two new original comedy series - Package Deal and Seed. Commissioned by Citytv's original content team and produced by Thunderbird Films and Force Four Entertainment, respectively, the two series are slated to launch exclusively on Citytv in mid-season.

The announcement was made today as part of Citytv's annual Upfront presentation. Additional production and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

"Citytv has long been the home to some of the most successful and critically-acclaimed comedies from the U.S. - and now we're throwing our hat into the ring!" said Claire Freeland, Director of Original Programming, Rogers Media. "We're excited to be working with the seasoned teams at both Thunderbird Films and Force Four Entertainment, where together, we will create two comedies that are edgy and hip - and most importantly, funny.  Andrew Orenstein and Joseph Raso have created fresh and hilarious characters in worlds our viewers will love.  Our audiences love comedies, and Citytv's strength in this genre is undeniable."

Package Deal:
Created by Andrew Orenstein (Malcolm in the Middle, 3rd Rock from the Sun) and produced by Thunderbird Films, Package Deal is a 13-episode, half-hour, multi-camera original comedy about three overly close brothers and the woman who comes between them.  When Kim starts dating Danny, he seems too good to be true - a successful lawyer, charming, and single.  Then she discovers he's already committed - to his two older brothers, Sheldon and Ryan.  Will Danny ever grow up and be his own man?  Or will Kim have to accept that his brothers are part of the 'package deal'?

Seed:
From Force Four Entertainment, the producers of the upcoming Citytv original reality series The Bachelor Canada, and creator Joseph Raso, Seed is a 13-episode, half-hour series that offers a fresh take on the family comedy.  Ill-equipped bachelor Harry finds his foray into the world of sperm donation has resulted in kids (lots of them) and becomes entangled in the lives of his new-found children and their less-than-thrilled families - whether they want him to or not.

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About Thunderbird Films
Thunderbird is a Vancouver-based entertainment company that collaborates with talented producers. The company finances, produces and distributes programming maximizing the financial and creative benefits of Canadian co-production. Thunderbird is committed to premium finished product that appeals to broadcasters worldwide. The company now has in excess of 400 hours of content on Canadian and U.S. television and its programming airs on major networks all around the world.  For more information, visit www.thunderbirdfilms.net.

About Force Four Entertainment Inc.
Vancouver-based Force Four Entertainment is one of Canada's most successful and respected television production companies. Since beginning operations in 1983, Force Four has produced more than 300 hours of prime-time broadcast programming. The company's highly successful television programs include lifestyle, documentary, and scripted programming that is sold and aired around the world.  Force Four has been awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, 11 Gemini Awards and more than 25 Gemini nominations, and is owned by President Rob Bromley, Executive Producer John Ritchie, and Director of Business Affairs Gillian Lowrey. For more information, visit www.forcefour.com.

About Citytv
Citytv™ television stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg offer viewers intensely-local, urban-oriented, culturally-diverse television programming. A distinct alternative to other conventional television stations, Citytv engages its viewers with dynamic on-air personalities and delivers an entertaining mix of news, local-interactive formats such as: Breakfast Television and CityLine; as well as local Canadian and U.S. acquired prime-time entertainment programming. Citytv is a part of Rogers Broadcasting Limited, a division of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI and NYSE: RCI) which is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. For more information on Citytv stations and programming, visit www.Citytv.com.

Media Contacts: 
Michelle Lomack, Citytv, [email protected]; c-416.819.2783
Andrea Goldstein, Rogers Media, [email protected]; c-647.801.4394