The Doctors, Big Love, Knight Rider – looks like Global’s been concentrating on acquisitions lately. And the net’s also bringing back Survivor, Big Brother and the Grammys this month.
‘Global continues to heat things up in prime time,’ Barbara Williams, EVP, content, tells MiC. ‘We have an amazing range of programming, from returning fan favourites to critically acclaimed drama series and highly anticipated specials – it’s the one-stop destination for television entertainment.’
Canwest has secured The Doctors – a new daytime spinoff of Dr. Phil that aims to do for bodies what that show does for mindsets – from CBS for Global’s fall sked. Hosted by ER doctor Dr. Travis Stork (The Bachelor), the series puts a ‘dream team’ of five practising medical pros to work taking questions and breaking down myths on medical issues like painkillers, weight loss, addiction, sex and vaccines. Doctors on the show will also make appearances on Dr. Phil throughout the 2007-08 season – an interesting promo for Canadian viewers, considering that CTV currently carries Dr. Phil.
For the current season, Global’s picked up the HBO series Big Love (pictured). The controversial show, which is now running on pay-TV, stars Bill Paxton (Apollo 13) as the polygamous father of seven with three homes and three wives. The 12-ep series premieres on Global Thursday, Feb. 7 in the 10 pm ET/PT time slot.
The new Knight Rider movie, starring Justin Bruening (All My Children) and Deanna Russo (The Young and the Restless), is hitting the net Sunday, Feb. 17 in the 9 pm ET/PT time slot. David Hasselhoff, who portrayed the lead role of Michael Knight in the series’ original four-season run in the ’80s, makes a special guest appearance in this two-hour movie event.
KITT, the hero’s talking car, will be voiced by Canadian Will Arnett (Arrested Development, 30 Rock) – who will draw a bit of attention to the four-wheeled character’s new shape: a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR. The movie was directed by Steve Shill (Dexter, The Tudors).
Global is also gearing up for the premieres of its returning reality fare: Survivor: Fans vs. Favourites on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 8 pm ET/PT, and Big Brother on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 9 pm ET/PT.
Also on the sked for Sunday, Feb. 10 is the 50th annual Grammy Awards at 8 pm ET/PT. The show will include performances by Beyoncé, Foo Fighters, Carrie Underwood and Aretha Franklin. Entertainment Tonight Canada will do the red carpet special at 7 pm ET/PT.
