"Things That Canadians Will Watch": CTV Unveils its Summer 2016 Schedule Including 4 New Series

– CTV scores big with two new game show revival series as $100,000 PYRAMID and MATCH GAME join competitive Sunday night lineup, June 26 –

– Previously announced competition reality series AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR (June 1) and Hot Docs Selection O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA (June 11) debut on CTV's big-buzz summer slate –

– Canada's uncontested most-watched summer series THE AMAZING RACE CANADA returns for Season 4, June 28 –

– CTV delivers all-new seasons of hit series MISTRESSES (May 30), MASTERCHEF (June 1), ZOO (June 28), plus the final episodes of MOTIVE (July 5) –

– CTV hits all the right notes with THE 2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS (May 22) and THE 2016 IHEART RADIO MUCH MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS (June 19) –

To tweet this release: http://bmpr.ca/1TSE9pz  

TORONTO, May 13, 2016 /CNW/ - CTV "is in it to win it" as Canada's most-watched network unveiled its Summer 2016 schedule today, including the announcement of four new programs and four returning hits, all joining star-studded music celebrations THE 2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS and THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MUCH MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.

Beginning June 26, the competition ramps up on Sunday nights with the debut of the Emmy^® Award-winning race against the clock game show phenomenon $100,000 PYRAMID, hosted by celebrated TV personality Michael Strahan (LIVE! WITH KELLY AND MICHAEL). Then, immediately after, contestants meet their match and attempt to fill-in the missing blanks in the premiere of MATCH GAME, hosted by Golden Globe^® and Emmy Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin (Still Alice). The two new high-stakes series join the previously announced pop culture juggernaut AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR (June 1) and the timely docu-series O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA (June 11) on CTV's leading summer schedule. Leading into the AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR season premiere, viewers can warm up with the series' first-ever two-hour all-star special featuring two teams – selected by hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila – that will go head-to-head for bragging rights and the championship trophy (May 29).

With the starting line now within eye shot, Canada's most-watched summer series for three years in a row hits the road for a brand new Season 4 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA (June 28). All-new seasons of summer favourites also make their triumphant return including the scandalous season premiere of MISTRESSES (May 30); award-winning chefs Gordon Ramsay (MASTERCHEF JUNIOR) and Christina Tosi (CHOPPED) welcome 40 new home cooks into the MASTERCHEF kitchen for Season 7 (June 1); last summer's biggest event series is back with a special two-hour season premiere of ZOO (June 28); and CTV's original hit crime drama MOTIVE concludes its final season episodes with riveting all-new investigations (July 5). Plus, CTV doesn't skip a beat, delivering a tandem of star-studded celebrations of music with THE 2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS, featuring a tribute to Prince by Madonna (May 22), and THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs, hosted by international supermodel Gigi Hadid, and featuring performances by singer-songwriter Alessia Cara, multi-platinum recording artist Nick Jonas, and pop supergroup Fifth Harmony (June 19).    

"With a strong mix of exciting new shows, fan favourites, and live events, CTV is set to bring the best in summer television entertainment to Canadians," said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks and CraveTV™.

A closer look at CTV's Summer 2016 schedule:

All programming is subject to change, and all times ET/PT. Visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times.

New to the Schedule:

AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR: ALL STARS
Two-hour special airing Sunday, May 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO
In the first-ever AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR: ALL STARS, hosts Matt Iseman, along with former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila have each selected their own teams comprised of five competitors that will go head-to-head for bragging rights and the championship trophy. The special features five supersized skills and obstacles competitions, including a giant pegboard, a 40-foot Salmon Ladder, the Flying Shelf Grab, Jump Hang, and the Mega Wall.

AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR
Special two-hour season premiere, Wednesday, June 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO, before moving to its regular Monday 8 p.m. timeslot, beginning June 13
Hosted by Matt Iseman, along with former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila, and co-host Kristine Leahy (CBS SPORTS), AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR is based on the global hit SASUKE, now in its 31^st season in Japan. Last fall, viewers were treated to an unbelievable season, which saw its first ever $1 million grand prize winner when Isaac Caldiero conquered the Stage 4 course, modelled after the famed Mt. Midoriyama course in Japan. This season, hundreds of competitors test their skills and see if they can make history and join Caldiero as just the second person ever to win the $1 million grand prize, and earn the title of "American Ninja Warrior." New obstacles and several new cities await in the continuing quest for physical excellence, as AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR makes stops in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City, and Philadelphia this season, before heading to Las Vegas for the four-stage Mt. Midoriyama obstacle course.

O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA
Part 1 premieres Saturday, June 11 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV and CTV GO with episodes airing over the next eight days (check local listings)
It is perhaps the defining cultural tale of the 20th century, one that centres around two of America's greatest fixations: race and celebrity. Directed by Peabody and Emmy Award-winner Ezra Edelman, O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA explores these themes while tracing the personal journey of Orenthal James Simpson: from how he became a prolific NFL legend and why the country fell in love with him off the field, to his being accused of murdering his ex-wife and his subsequent acquittal, and why he is now sitting in jail 20 years later for another criminal charge. Edelman gains unprecedented access to O.J.'s closest confidants and legal adversaries, home videos shot by his friends and family, and extraordinary archival footage that puts his race-haunted rise and fall in new historical context. Part riveting biopic, part legal thriller, this addictive series is must-see viewing for fans of the latest true crime-viewing trend.

$100,000 PYRAMID
Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, beginning June 26 on CTV and CTV GO
Hosted by Pro Football Hall of Famer and celebrated TV personality Michael Strahan, the Emmy Award-winning pop-culture phenomenon is re-imagined and back with $100,000 up for grabs in every episode. The hottest stars will team up with players from across the U.S. to take on the timeless war of words, racing against the clock to give and guess clues in one of TV's all-time great word-association games.

MATCH GAME
Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT, beginning June 26 on CTV and CTV GO
Hosted by Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Alec Baldwin, MATCH GAME is a panel game show that features two contestants as they attempt to match the answers of six celebrities in a game of fill-in the missing blank.

Returning Series and Awards Shows:

THE 2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS
Sunday, May 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO
Broadcasting live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, THE 2016 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS will be hosted for the third year in a row by Grammy^® award-winning recording artist Ludacris, alongside first-time host and international recording artist, Ciara. The show will showcase this year's hottest and biggest music stars including performances by Canada's own global superstar Justin Bieber and breakout star Shawn Mendes, Meghan Trainor, P!nk, DNCE, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Tove Lo, Rihanna, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign, and Madonna will honor Prince. Plus, renowned musical performer, Celine Dion, will be honoured with the esteemed ICON Award and will take to the stage for a special performance, while multi-platinum pop-icon, Britney Spears, will receive this year's Millennium Award and will perform a medley of her greatest hits.

MISTRESSES
Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT, beginning May 30 on CTV and CTV GO
In Season 4 of MISTRESSES, the drama continues to focus on the scandalous lives of a sexy and sassy group of girlfriends, each on their own path to self-discovery. When it comes to love, these girlfriends find support and guidance with each other as they push the limits, test their boundaries and discover just how far they are prepared to go. They are willing to brave love's turbulent journey, as well as its excitement, secrecy and betrayal, all the while bound by the complex relationships they've created.

MASTERCHEF
Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT, beginning June 1 on CTV and CTV GO
In Season 7 of MASTERCHEF, award-winning chefs Gordon Ramsay and Christina Tosi welcome 40 new home cooks into the kitchen. The contestants will not only have to impress Chefs Ramsay and Tosi, but throughout the season, will compete for the approval of culinary greats and special culinary guest judges, including Wolfgang Puck, Aarón Sánchez, Edward Lee, Kevin Sbraga, and Richard Blais. Representing 15 states across the U.S., this season's 40 contestants, including a professional poker player, DJ, web designer, yoga instructor, pool lifeguard, investigator, three firefighters, and more, take time away from their busy day jobs in hopes of turning their culinary dreams into reality.

THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs
Sunday, June 19 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV, Much, Much.com, and VRAK
Hosted by international supermodel Gigi Hadid, ETALK Reporter and Much Host Liz Trinnear, and Much and E! Host Tyrone Edwards, the epic awards show airs live in stunning 4K from Much HQ in Toronto on June 19. Chart-topping performers descending on THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs include singer-songwriter Alessia Cara, pop supergroup Fifth Harmony, a special duet by pop singer and actress Hailee Steinfeld with B.C. hit-maker Shawn Hook, hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, multi-platinum recording artist Nick Jonas, and Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara. Author and actress Amber Rose and comedic entertainer and YouTube™ sensation Lilly Singh, a.k.a. "Superwoman," are confirmed as the first two presenters set to appear on THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs broadcast.

THE AMAZING RACE CANADA
Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT, beginning June 28 on CTV and CTV GO
THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is back for a fourth season with brand new teams and exciting, nail-biting challenges. The fourth season of Canada's most-watched summer series for three years in a row has all the non-stop, action-packed adventure viewers have grown to love, as the racers travel across Canada and the world in the hopes of being the last team standing. Hosted by Olympic Gold Medallist Jon Montgomery, the series pits fresh teams, each comprised of two members with a pre-existing relationship, against each other in the biggest race this country has ever seen.

ZOO
Special two-hour premiere airs Tuesday, June 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO
In Season 2 of ZOO, the danger escalates as the animal mutation moves to phase two, and they begin attacking infrastructure and creating deadly environmental phenomena in an effort to make the planet uninhabitable. Also, the team discovers a shocking mutation that threatens the life of one of their own.

MOTIVE
Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT, beginning July 5 on CTV and CTV GO
In the final episodes of MOTIVE, each member of the Homicide Team will face pivotal choices about their future, as they set on a course of change and evolution, and decide what they want their legacies to be. Homicide Detective Angie Flynn (Kristin Lehman) redefines her role within Homicide and Staff Sergeant Oscar Vega (Louis Ferreira) faces ethical dilemmas that may drive him out. Detective Brian Lucas (Brendan Penny) succumbs to temptation on the job and must live with the consequences, while Dr. Betty Rogers (Lauren Holly) faces a nightmare from her past. Plus, the detectives will all face their biggest professional challenge to date when a killer gets away.

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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 14 years in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out-of-Home. Bell Media is owned by 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.

Source: Numeris, Summer 2015 (May 25-Sept 13), Summer 2014 (May 26-Sept 14), Summer 2013 (May 27-Sept 15)

SOURCE CTV

Tonia Addison, CTV Networks, 416.384.2194 or [email protected]; Matthew Almeida, CTV Networks, 416.384.2629 or [email protected]; Jessica Charbonneau, CTV Networks, 416.384.3016 or [email protected]