Family Channel greenlights a second season of breakout dance series The Next Step

Canadian original series debuts to record-setting premiere audience

TORONTO, April 9, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Family Channel announced today that it has greenlit a second season of its original reality-style series The Next Step. The serialized dance show, produced by Toronto's Temple Street Productions , will have 26 half-hour episodes added to the production slate and principal photography will get underway later this summer.

The commissioning decision comes just a month after the series debuted on March 8 to Family's largest premiere audience for any series, acquired or domestic, with an unprecedented 574,500 viewers tuning in (P2+ AMA). The reach of the audience exceeded more than one million P2+ viewers for the show's premiere. With Family's target audience of K8-14, the premiere was the #1 program of the week (March 3) on all television in the 7:00 p.m. timeslot, and was the #3 program of the day with the target demo for all television, following two episodes of Family Channel's Good Luck Charlie.¹

"Family is an industry leader when it comes to making innovative programming that resonates with the tween audience," said Kevin Wright, Senior Vice President of Programming, Astral Television Networks. "The Next Step is something different for Family and we recognize that we took a bit of a risk with the show. But we're delighted that our viewers have embraced the show in a big way. The record-breaking viewership and incredible reaction demonstrate that the show's appealing characters and relatable storylines really connect with our audience. We are thrilled to order a second season of this creative and highly entertaining series."

"The Next Step offers something viewers have been asking for in a tween series - drama and dance with compelling characters and storylines. We are pleased to be able to produce more episodes of this unique series for Family Channel," said David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, co-presidents of Temple Street Productions.

The Next Step follows the lives of a group of elite dancers at The Next Step Dance Studio as they work to win the regional competition. When a talented new girl joins the team, the studio's hierarchy is brought into question. But with the regional championships fast approaching, the A-Troupe must work together if they want to win and qualify for the national title.

Commissioned by Family Channel, The Next Step is produced by Temple Street Productions and is executive produced by Frank van Keeken (Wingin' It, Kids in the Hall, Billable Hours), Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (Orphan Black, Being Erica, Wingin' It). BBC Worldwide has acquired international distribution rights. The Next Step is also produced with financial assistance from The Shaw Rocket Fund.

Family Channel is a premium, commercial-free network offering the best in family television entertainment in approximately 6 million homes across Canada. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a fun experience for all, Family airs a unique mix of series, movies and specials, with a large portion of programming supplied by Disney. Family Channel also offers Family OnDemand, a television-based Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) service and Family OnLine, an Internet-based, broadband service. Both of these services offer hit Disney movies and series, top-rated Canadian series to subscribers when they want it, where they want it. Visit us at Family.ca.

Family Channel is a member of the Astral family. Astral Media Inc. (TSX : ACM.A/ACM.B) is one of Canada's largest media companies. It operates several of the country's most popular pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising and interactive media properties. Astral plays a central role in community life across the country by offering diverse, rich and vibrant programming that meets the tastes and needs of consumers and advertisers. To learn more about Astral, visit astral.com.

For artwork and series information, visit http://press.astral.com

1. The Next Step. Source: BBM Canada PPM: P2+ AMA All Locations Total Canada 574,500 - March 8 - 7:00 p.m. ET/PT - Family Channel.
   

SOURCE: Family Channel

Jaime Werby, Astral Television Networks, 416-956-8584 or [email protected]

Pam Wilson, for Temple Street Productions, 661-799-9102 or [email protected]