DHX Television brings the heat into fall with hottest programming lineup to date

HOMEGROWN HITS BACKSTAGE AND THE NEXT STEP RETURN TO FAMILY

F2N'S DEGRASSI: NEXT CLASS FINALE LEAVES VIEWERS ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS 

FAMILY CHRGD AMPS UP TUESDAYS WITH NEW SLUGTERRA AND FANGBONE!

PLAYTIME ADVENTURES INCREASE WITH PLAYDATE ON FAMILY JR.

TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - This fall, DHX Television has the perfect cure for the end of summer blues: a sizzling hot lineup the entire family will enjoy. The forecast for Family's suite of channels is bright as musical celebs, daring adventure-hunters and animated heroes bring the best in fall entertainment to viewers. Beginning as early as August 29, exciting new series, returning favourites and monumental finales join the programming schedule.

"For fall, we've got it all. Drama, comedy, music and adventure are staples in our schedule, and the programming slate is a fantastic blend of original hits and notable acquisitions that complement each other," said Michael Serafini, Vice President, Programming, DHX Television. "In designing schedules for the audiences on our multiple networks, we have created viewing destinations that are suited to families' consumption habits. With the addition of The X Factor UK airing exclusively on Family alongside our popular tween dramas, we're offering programming from a number of different genres that is both relatable and entertaining to our viewers. Plus, with our Family Channel App, we're serving up the hits on both the linear and mobile platforms."

With new episodes debuting weeknights at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Family Channel throughout the fall, singing and dancing take centre stage ushering in the return of fan-favourite series Backstage, The Next Step and The X Factor UK. Family's teen block F2N continues with new episodes of Degrassi: Next Class, culminating in the gripping season finale. Family CHRGD keeps Tuesdays turbo-charged with the return of The Deep, Slugterra and Fangbone! Meanwhile, Family Jr. sparks creativity and imagination with brand new episodes of Nature Cat, YaYa & Zouk and Rainbow Ruby airing alongside returning fan-favourites Playdate and Teletubbies.

Below is a detailed listing of series featured in DHX Television's fall schedule. All programming is subject to change. High-resolution images for all networks are available at: http://press.family.ca.

Family Channel – All Times ET/PT
The X Factor UK – New Season – Monday, August 29 at 7 p.m.
Known for discovering some of the world's biggest stars like Olly Murs, Little Mix and One Direction, The X Factor UK returns with a brand new season of stellar singing and fierce competition. Simon Cowell holds his post as head judge, joined by Louis Walsh, former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and fan-favourite Sharon Osbourne. Dermot O'Leary hosts.  

Backstage – New Episodes Return – Friday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m.
After a whirlwind mid-season finale which saw Carly take her best friend Vanessa's place in the show and Alya leave school to chase stardom, nothing is like what it was before the break. With missing faces in the halls, new musical partnerships forming and dancers changing positions, all of Keaton's students are searching for answers while trying to adjust.

The Next Step – New Episodes Return – Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m.
With Regionals just around the corner, the pressure is on for A-Troupe who are determined to defend their title as Regional Champions. But tensions run high in The Next Step studio as Piper struggles with the fact that she saw Alfie and Riley kiss, and the dancers wonder how they'll even qualify after Noah's departure from the team. The new episodes will also feature a guest starring role by the winner of the UK's reality competition series Taking The Next Step, which currently airs Fridays at 7 p.m.  

We Are Savvy – New Timeslot – New Episodes air Thursdays at 7 p.m. beginning September 8 
Hosts Tehya, Spencer and Sarah continue to keep fans in-the-know and up-to-date on the latest trends with awesome interviews, crafty DIYs and tours of cool locations. Upcoming special guests include: singer JoJo, rapper Little T, popstar Betty Who, illustrator Juliana Neufeld, astronaut-in-training Alyssa Carson, viral sports fan Mini Bautista, DIY superstar LaurDIY and more! 

Food Truck Fanatics – New Series – Premieres Wednesday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
Twins Veronica and Vanessa Merrell hop on the best food trucks in LA and learn to make the foods they're famous for. Food trucks featured include: Fruit Frenzy, famous for their smoothies and empanadas; Belly Bombs, known for Fire Cracker wings and pork belly sliders; Breezy Freeze, home to the famed Snowball; Curb Appeal, notorious for their Cali BLT; and more. 

Cook That! – New Series – Premieres Wednesday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m.
In this kooky competition series hosted by YouTube sensation Rachel Ballinger, fan-favourite digital stars face off in the kitchen to see who can create the best dish – or at least an edible one. From pizza and burgers, to guacamole and grilled cheese, these YouTube celebs are cooking up a storm in an attempt to gain lots of laughs and ultimate bragging rights.

F2N – All Times ET/PT
Degrassi: Next Class – Season 2 Finale – Tuesday, September 20 at 9:45 p.m.
As the Degrassi girls volleyball team prepares for the championship game against Northern Tech, things reach a boiling point. Shay finds out if her relationship with Tiny is "Lola approved," while Winston continues to second-guess his relationship with Zoe – forcing her to make an important personal decision. Meanwhile, Hunter worries that he is an angry monster who will never deserve Yael, or any relationship for that matter.

Gilmore Girls – Sunday Night Marathons – Sunday, September 3 starting at 9 p.m.
From Lorelai and Rory's unshakable mother-daughter bond to the show's unforgettable catchphrases, fans of Gilmore Girls and new viewers alike won't want to miss F2N's Sunday Night Marathons. Get caught up on all the highs and lows of Stars Hollow's residents with three back-to-back episodes of the popular teen drama which looks at topical issues like family, friendship and romance.

Cheerleaders – Season 3 Finale – Coming November 2016
After what can only be described as an emotional rollercoaster season, the cheerleaders are finally in Orlando for day one of the World Cheerleading Championships. While practice has gone well, the team needs to make sure they stay just as confident when they're on the competition mat. Will SMOED let their nerves get the best of them or will they be able to deliver a standout routine?

Family CHRGD – All Times ET
The Deep – New Episodes Return – Tuesday, September 6 at 6 p.m.
The underwater adventures of Ant and the Nekton family continue this fall with the return of The Deep. Home to the unexplored and unexplained, the deep is a place where leviathans swim, pirates lurk and a mysterious group of guardians hide long lost secrets. With state-of-the-art technology and a thirst for discovery, the Nekton family explores the mysterious depths of the ocean in their submarine, the Annorax.

Slugterra – Season 4 Premiere – Tuesday, October 4 at 5 p.m.
As the Shane Gang returns to the 99 Caverns from their Eastern adventure, they discover the Shadow Clan has decided to put slugs before the needs of the people. The Gateway Cavern has been overrun with slugs and it's up to Eli and the gang to restore balance. Met with resistance, help comes from an unexpected source – 13-year-old Tad and his slug Pieper, who just arrived from the Surface.

Fangbone! – New Episodes Return – Tuesday, November 1 at 6 p.m.
Fangbone, the great barbarian from Skullbania, returns this November to continue protecting the Big Toe of Venomous Drool from being reunited with its evil sorcerer master. With the help of his best friend Bill, the pair battle minions, fat fingered foot finders and magical contractors all in the hopes of keeping the Toe safe.

What Parents Don't Know – New Series – Premieres Sunday, September 4 at 4 p.m.
It's a test of strength, determination and overall knowledge of all things kid culture in the new series What Parents Don't Know. Hosted by Major Curda (The Thundermans), this hilarious game show puts parents to the test with trivia questions and physical challenges. The kids make the decisions, but it's up to their parents to make them proud – or put them to shame.

Bear Grylls' Survival School – Season Finale – Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m.
In the two-part season finale, the kids are airlifted by helicopter into the Welsh mountains for a grueling final exercise. Their task: hike Moel Siabod mountain, spend the night alone in the wilderness and find their way to the finish point. With just 24 hours to complete the mission, the team will need to draw on all the skills they've been taught during Survival School in order to navigate to safety and meet up with Bear.

Family Jr. – All Times ET
Nature Cat – New Episodes air Mondays at 7:30 p.m.
Nature Cat can't wait to get outside for a day of backyard nature excursions and bravery, but there's one problem: he's still a house cat with no instincts for nature. Like many, he is eager and enthusiastic about outdoor activities, but at times, he finds them intimidating. With the help of his animal friends, Nature Cat embarks on action-packed adventures filled with nature investigation, "a-ha" discovery moments and humour, all while inspiring young viewers to go outside and play.

Playdate – New Episodes Return – Monday, September 5 at 5:40 p.m.
Mac, Sammy, Priscilla and Buckie return to Family Jr. this fall for even more playtime adventures with brand new episodes of the short series Playdate. When the children are away, the stuffies come out to play, but in their attempts to help out, they often wind up causing some kind of chaos. Since the kids can never know their toys come to life, the gang has to finish their escapades before their owners return. Beginning September 5, new episodes will also premiere on Télémagino every Monday at 4:55 p.m.

Yo Gabba Gabba! – Season 3 Premiere – Saturday, September 10 at 3 p.m.
New musical adventures await with DJ Lance Rock and the gang in a new season of Yo Gabba Gabba! Known for its fair share of celebrity appearances, notable guest stars for Season 3 include: Sarah Silverman, Anthony Bourdain, Fred Armisen, Charlyne Yi, Angela Kinsey, Jack McBrayer, Paul Scheer, Erykah Badu, Weird Al Yankovic, Solange Knowles, Mos Def, Weezer, The Killers and Blink 182's Travis Barker.

Kate & Mim-Mim – Season 2 Premiere – Monday, September 12 at 4:25 p.m.
Whenever feisty five-year-old Kate faces a problem, she finds the solution in her fantasy world, Mimiloo, where her toy bunny Mim-Mim transforms into a larger-than-life playmate! Season 2 will continue to see Kate and Mim-Mim and their group of loveable friends discover exciting new places and set off on adventures, all in the hope of solving the puzzling problem Kate has encountered in the real world.

Teletubbies – New Episodes Return – Monday, October 3 at 9 a.m.
Again, again! Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po are back this October with new episodes of Teletubbies every Monday. Full of fun and exploration, the iconic preschool series inspires confidence and curiosity, as the lovable characters explore the Home Dome and the magical countryside of Teletubbyland.

Super Why! – New Series – Premieres Monday, September 5 at 6:30 a.m.
Designed to inspire children to develop a lifelong love of reading and books, Super Why! transports viewers to Storybrook Village, a magical world located behind library shelves. Whenever a fairytale character encounters a problem, Whyatt and his friends transform into literacy powered superheroes, flying into books and getting to the bottom each situation with help from viewers at home. 

All of the programs debuting as part of Family, F2N, Family CHRGD and Family Jr.'s fall schedule will be available for viewing on the channels' respective OnDemand services, as well as the Family Channel App, following the broadcast premieres. Additionally, viewers can visit Family.ca, F2N.ca, FamilyJr.ca and CHRGD.ca for more information on new series, new specials and new games throughout the fall.

Family Channel offers the best in family television entertainment in a premium, commercial-free environment. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a daily vacation for children and their families, Family airs a unique mix of top-rated Canadian and acquired series, movies and specials. Family is also home to F2N – an entertainment haven for teens that features high quality programs after 9 p.m. Family Channel subscribers have access to the Family Channel App, Family OnDemand and Family Online at no additional cost, to see hit movies and series when they want them, where they want them. Visit us at Family.ca.

Family CHRGD is an advertising-supported digital specialty network that features animated and live-action programming. Designed to surprise and entertain young viewers, Family CHRGD showcases series, movies and specials that will blow kids minds and keep boredom at bay. Ensuring access is available to subscribers when they want it, where they want it, Family CHRGD is also available through Family CHRGD OnDemand and Family CHRGD Online at no additional cost. Visit us at CHRGD.ca.

Family Jr. is a commercial-free channel available to English-language subscribers across Canada. Committed to capturing young minds and engaging young hearts, Family Jr., and its complementary French service, Télémagino, inspires imagination and make-believe at every turn with renowned Canadian series and popular preschool brands. Ensuring access is available to subscribers when they want it, where they want it, Family Jr. is also available through Family Jr. OnDemand and Family Jr. Online at no additional cost. Visit us at FamilyJr.ca.

About DHX Television
DHX Television is comprised of Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr. and Télémagino, and is part of DHX Media Ltd., a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. Dedicated to celebrating family fun, DHX Television delivers best-in-class programming through premium subscriptions and its original production mandate, and creates and produces captivating in-market events that appeal to Canadian families. DHX Television is home to world-renowned series including The Next Step, Degrassi: Next Class and Teletubbies. DHX Media Ltd. has offices globally, and is traded on the NASDAQ and Toronto Stock Exchange.

SOURCE DHX Television

Joanna Landsberg, Publicist, DHX Television, 416.977.7458, [email protected]