Family Channel takes The Next Step towards Full Out Awesomeness with its 2015 Fall Programming Lineup

FLAGSHIP SERIES THE NEXT STEP RETURNS WITH NEW EPISODES, SEPTEMBER 11

DEGRASSI'S ANA GOLJA AND JENNIFER BEALS STAR IN FEATURE FILM FULL OUT,
SEPTEMBER 11

NEW SERIES AWESOMENESSTV AND MAKE ME OVER DEBUT SEPTEMBER 4

TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Fans will be falling for Family's September schedule as the network has revealed its 2015 Fall Programming Lineup. The non-stop schedule is stocked with series, specials and movies that amount to a month full of not-to-be-missed moments. September brings the return of the #1 tween show The Next Step; the sophomore season of innovative magazine series Gaming Show (In My Parents' Garage); and the Canadian TV debut of the comedy sketch sensation AwesomenessTV and Bethany Mota's reality series Make Me Over. Also on deck this month, the premiere of the inspirational feature film Full Out, depicting the true story of UCLA gymnast Ariana Berlin.

"The fall schedule we've got lined up for viewers offers the highly-anticipated return of fan-favourite series and brings the Family audience an awesome list of brand new series and specials that will hook fans this September," said Michael Goldsmith, Vice President, Original Production, DHX Television. "With new series debuting as early as September 1, we're not wasting any time kicking off this fall's lineup. We're diving into shows that appeal to our audiences' sensibilities and speak to their generation. While The Next Step, Gaming Show and Full Out play to our fans' interest in relevant stories, the introduction of the AwesomenessTV slate offers a twist that will resonate with today's savvy youth."

Below is a chronological listing of detailed programming information for Family Channel's new Fall schedule. All programming is subject to change. High-resolution images and contact information for programming on Family Channel are available at: http://press.family.ca.

All times ET/PT
Nowhere Boys – Sneak Peek – Tuesday, September 1 at 6 p.m.
A mix of fantasy and science fiction, Nowhere Boys follows the action-packed adventures of four teenage boys who return from a school excursion to discover they're stuck in a parallel world into which they were never born. In this first look, viewers are introduced to alpha jock Jack, golden child Sam, rebel Felix and bookworm Andy – four opposing personalities that must learn to get along when supernatural forces thrust them together. Fans can look forward to series' official debut this October.

AwesomenessTV – Series Premiere – Friday, September 4 at 4:30 p.m.
Comedy, pranks and pop music parodies collide in this exciting new sketch show that offers a fresh, hilarious take on teen life. Weekly guest hosts include: 5 Seconds of Summer, Austin Mahone, Cimorelli, Daniella Monet, Emblem3, Fifth Harmony, Grace Helbig, Jack Griffo, Kira Kosarin, Rixton, Smosh, Sydney Park and The Vamps.

Make Me Over – Series Premiere – September 4 at 6 p.m.
Fashion influencer Bethany Mota gives everyday teens the surprise of a lifetime in the brand new reality series Make Me Over. With her Glam Squad in tow, Bethany is on a mission to make everyone feel like the most beautiful version of themselves, and to stand up in support of teens who have encountered everything from bullying to body insecurities.

Gaming Show (In My Parents' Garage) – Season 2 Premiere – Monday, September 7 at 6 p.m.
Set in Jesse's parents' tricked out garage, Gaming Show (In My Parents' Garage) stars real-life video game addicts Jesse Sukunda, Julia Schwartz and Ian Duchene, a trio of quirky young teens who have created their own YouTube channel devoted to gaming. Season two explores the exciting world of gaming through insightful reviews, head-to-head competitions and cool and informative field segments. Plus, viewers can expect some surprise visits from high profile YouTube, sports, music and gaming celebs.

The Next Step – Season 3, Fall Premiere – Friday, September 11 at 6:30 p.m.
The kicks, tricks and back flips continue as Family Channel's hit series The Next Step returns with new episodes this fall. The one-hour premiere picks up where the mid-season finale concluded with the arrival of a mischievous new dancer visiting from the UK, and the departure of a valued team member. Despite never-ending obstacles and challenges, the A-Troupe must find the strength to support each other as a team as they travel to Miami to compete at Internationals. Following the premiere, new episodes will air regularly Fridays at 7 p.m.

Full Out – Movie Premiere – Friday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Based on real-life events, Full Out is the motivational story of Ariana Berlin (Ana Golja, Degrassi), an elite gymnast and Olympic hopeful whose life took a sharp turn after a near-fatal car accident. Following a year in rehabilitation, Ariana redirected her focus and joined a professional dance crew, incorporating many of her former gymnastics skills into the group's hip-hop and breakdancing routines. But, she never gave up on her dream to compete again. The movie also stars Jennifer Beals (Flashdance) and The Next Step's Trevor Tordjman and Lamar Johnson.

Big Ticket Summer Concert – Special Television Event – Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.
The hottest talent from across the globe take centre stage in this special televised presentation of the summer's biggest party. Fans can relive the explosive live performances that took place at Family Channel's Big Ticket Summer Concert from Toronto's Molson Canadian Amphitheatre on Sunday, August 23, 2015 and catch exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses and interviews with this year's incredible lineup including Becky G, The Vamps, Shane Harte, The Tide and the cast of The Next Step.

The Next Step Live: The Movie – Movie Premiere – Friday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Fans of the wildly popular tween drama, The Next Step, won't want to miss this feature-length documentary that follows the series' stars as they travel cross-country to perform in front of sold-out crowds during their two-month live stage tour. The film, which was shot earlier this year, features exclusive footage of the dancers as they prepared for their inaugural tour, including footage from the tour bus, backstage, live performances and meeting fans, as well as exclusive interviews with cast members.

Barbie in Rock'n Royals – Movie Premiere – Saturday, October 17 at 12 p.m.
In this upbeat musical, Barbie™ stars as Princess Courtney, a modern princess whose world is turned upside down when a mix-up sends her to Camp Pop and Erika, a famous rock star, to Camp Royalty. While the leaders of the rival camps try to correct the mix-up, both Courtney and Erika learn to adjust to the different worlds and have fun while making new, unexpected friends. When the girls learn both camps are at risk of shutting down, they must embrace their differences, find their true voices and come together for an epic sing-off that shows anything is possible when you dare to dream big.

All of the programs debuting as part of Family Channel's fall schedule will be available for viewing on Family OnDemand following their on-air premieres. Additionally, viewers can visit Family.ca for more information on new series, new specials and new games throughout the fall.

Also returning to Family Channel this fall are the popular Disney series Jessie, Dog With A Blog and I Didn't Do It, and classic favourites Good Luck Charlie, Phineas and Ferb, Wizards of Waverly Place and A.N.T. Farm.   

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 Channel subscribers also have access to 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.

About DHX Television
DHX Television is comprised of the Family suite of channels and is part of DHX Media Ltd., a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. DHX Media Ltd. markets and distributes its library of more than 11,000 half-hours of entertainment programming worldwide, and licenses its owned properties through its dedicated brand-management and consumer-products business, DHX Brands. DHX Media Ltd.'s full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG), represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. With offices in 15 cities worldwide, including Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich, Amsterdam and Beijing, DHX Media Ltd. is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

SOURCE Family Channel

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