CTV's Original Canadian Talk Series THE SOCIAL Brought to U.S. Syndication Market

- PPI Releasing pitching CTV's popular new daytime series to U.S. markets for 2014 -

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TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - CTV and PPI Releasing announced today that CTV's hit original talk series THE SOCIAL is being shopped across the border. The series, which premiered Sept. 2 on CTV, is now being marketed for U.S. syndication to begin in 2014.

**Media Note** Download photography for THE SOCIAL at BellMediaPR.ca

Co-hosted by news anchor Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, relationship expert Cynthia Loyst @cynthialoyst), Canada's foremost gossip blogger Lainey Lui (@LaineyGossip, and entertainment reporter Traci Melchor @stayfabulous), THE SOCIAL is the #2 Canadian lifestyle series, and last week alone saw two record audiences, up 38%-48% above the current season average with total viewers.

"THE SOCIAL has been a strong addition to CTV's successful daytime lineup since its premiere in early September," said Phil King, President, CTV Programming and Sports. "There is clearly enormous appeal for American audiences as well."

"By 2014, we'll have produced well over 200 episodes," said Rick Brace, President, Specialty Channels and CTV Production. "We've created an engaging series that is resonating with Canadian viewers, and can launch in the U.S. next year with a solid foundation."

"The popularity of panel talk-shows has sky-rocketed as both viewers and stations appreciate their diversity, breadth of subject matter and entertainment," said PPI principal Ritch Colbert. "In THE SOCIAL, we've got a proven format that could be the next talk panel hit in syndication."

"THE SOCIAL comes to the market in full stride by the time it reaches syndication," said PPI's Josh Raphaelson. "We know - and our broadcast partners know - what we are getting.  And it is a winner."

PPI is offering the day-and-date series as a Monday-Friday strip to debut in broadcast syndication in Fall 2014, although discussions are also underway on a potential mid-season launch as early as January 2014. The series is sold on a cash plus barter basis, with over 200 original episodes, a first for any first-run talk show launched in the last decade.

THE SOCIAL delivers an innovative forum for viewers to debate and discuss the topics of the day by interacting with the co-hosts through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, among others. Each show kicks-off with a round-table chat featuring the buzz-worthy subjects people are talking or Tweeting about, including headlines of the day, celebrity news, and trending topics. The round-table is followed by lifestyle segments inspired by viewers. Celebrity guests will also stop by to chat with the co-hosts, with Michael Bublé, Jessica Alba (Little Fockers), Ryan Kwanten (TRUE BLOOD), Sarah Rafferty (SUITS), Elisha Cuthbert (HAPPY ENDINGS), and Jay Baruchel (Cosmopolis) already appearing on the series.

THE SOCIAL airs weekdays at 1 p.m. (2 p.m. AT) on CTV, 2 p.m. ET on CTV Two, and 7 p.m. ET on E! THE SOCIAL also airs live on CTV Mobile (visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times), as well as on demand across CTV's digital platforms: including CTV.ca, TheSocial.ca, the CTV App, the CTV Mobile channel on Bell Mobile TV, and through video on demand partners such as Bell Fibe TV following the broadcast.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Twitter:
@TheSocialCTV
@melissagrelo
@cynthialoyst
@LaineyGossip 
@stayfabulous

Facebook:
facebook.com/TheSocialCTV

Instagram:
TheSocialCTV

Pinterest:
pinterest.com/TheSocialCTV

About PPI Releasing
PPI Releasing co-founders Ritch Colbert & Josh Raphaelson are committed to delivering high quality entertainment content both domestically and outside of the US.  Venice, CA based PPI currently has seven series on broadcast, cable and online platforms in the US market.

About THE SOCIAL
Produced by Bell Media In-House Productions, THE SOCIAL brings a fresh, daily, perspective on the up-to-the-minute news, pop culture, and lifestyle topics that matter most to Canadians in a socially interactive format. The series is co-hosted by Melissa Grelo, Cynthia Loyst, Lainey Lui, and Traci Melchor. Michelle Crespi is Executive Producer. Laura Scarfo is Supervising Producer. Nanci Maclean is Executive Director, Bell Media Production. Catherine MacLeod is Senior Vice-President, Specialty Channels, Bell Media. Rick Brace is President, Specialty Channels and Bell Media Production. Mike Cosentino is Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks. Phil King is President, CTV Programming and Sports.

About CTV
CTV is Canada's #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV has been Canada's most-watched television network for the past 12 years in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. Bell Media is part of 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.

- CTV -

Source: BBM Canada, 9/2/2013 to 10/13/2013

SOURCE: CTV

For more information on THE SOCIAL, please contact:
Emily Alonzo, CTV and CTV Two, 416.384.2664 or [email protected]
Christy Sullivan, CTV and CTV Two, 416.384.3624 or [email protected]

For more information about PPI Releasing, please contact:
Katie Labrie, 310.399.4499 or [email protected]