YTV Canada is adding a new teen-starring series this April. Toronto-based prodco 9 Story Entertainment’s Survive This is a 13 x 22-minute live-action series that follows eight 14- to 16-year-olds as they test their survival skills in the wilderness. For three weeks the teens will battle the elements, responsible for their own food and shelter, without (gasp!) Internet or video games.
In another test of endurance for YTV’s six-to-11 demo, mini-Idol wannabes are currently auditioning for Karaoke Star Junior, another contest for six- to 15-year-olds that premieres March 16 at 7 pm. Each week, an online and text-messaging voting window will open for regional auditions, leading up to the final showdown in Calgary. The winner, who gets $5,000 and bragging rights, will be announced on the May 19 finale. Currently the show is sponsored by cookie brand Bear Paws Minis, and is produced by YTV and CMT.
Although Family Biz is not a reality show, it may be an unfortunate case of art-imitates-life for some. The series is about three kids whose run of the house is interrupted when their corporate dad gets laid off and starts to work from home. Filmed in Ontario, Family Biz is a comedy for tweens, co-produced by Canadian Muse Entertainment and Summit Crescent Productions and France’s Breakout Films. It premieres Friday, March 6 at 6:30 pm.
