CITYTV
Trista and Ryan’s Wedding (working title)
Citytv/ABC, air date TBA
(4 hours – format TBA)
the story: This four-hour epilogue is the squishy icing on the cake of the love story that began on last year’s first season of The Bachelorette. The date for the wedding has not yet been announced, but Trista and Ryan should give hope to the countless other reality TV couples out there desperate to believe that true, televised love is possible.
the cast: Trista and Ryan.
the verdict: The Bachelorette series drew big numbers last year (number five on the Toronto top 10, adults 18 to 49, September 2002 to February 2003 with 11.1 share, according to Nielsen Media Research). This ‘fairytale ending’ could surpass the series share of last season.
the backing: Expect an overdose of saccharine as this event is heavily cross-promoted between the City and NewNet stations. PS
CHUM NEWNETS
Fearless
CHUM NewNets/WB, Tuesdays 9-10 p.m.
(13 x 60 min.)
the story: Born without the natural human instinct of fear, Rachael Leigh Cook plays 23-year-old FBI agent Gaia, part of an elite investigations unit. Her two partners suspect her secret but have no choice but to trust her as the three take down dangerous young criminals.
the cast: Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That), Eric Balfour (24, Six Feet Under), Bianca Lawson (Dawson’s Creek, Save the Last Dance), Ian Somerhalder (The Rules of Attraction, Young Americans), Erich Anderson (Unfaithful, Felicity).
the verdict: If the cast’s previous credits are any guide, there’s a lot of talent here. Which is why it’s a little perplexing that Cook appears to be the weakest link, her lines delivered in painfully bored and lifeless fashion. Hopefully, that won’t be the tone of what is otherwise a fairly original drama.
the backing: On the WB, Fearless follows on the heels of the hit Gilmore Girls – which, it’s important to note, is also female-centric – but it’s up against the Emmy award-winning 24 on Fox. Here in Canada, expect cross-promotion between City and the NewNets, TV books and radio, and electronic outdoor boards. It will also benefit from the usual heavy WB hype. SO&PS
1-800 Missing
CHUM NewNets, Wednesdays 8-9 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: Brooke Haslett is an FBI agent whose investigation into the disappearance of a U.S. senator’s fiancée leads her to a girl with psychic powers. Brooke has her doubts, but new evidence supports Jess’s intuitions, and they embark on a mission that seals their partnership.
the cast: Gloria Reuben (The Agency, ER) and Katerina Scorson (PSI Factor).
the verdict: NewNet viewers love the supernatural and sci-fi genres, so this drama seems right up their alley.
the backing: It’s a Canadian show! (Kind of.) Produced by Lions Gate Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures distribution. Should get the usual CHUM promo push. PS
Jake 2.0
CHUM NewNets/UPN, Wednesdays 9-10 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: U.S. National Security Agency computer nerd Jake Foley becomes infected with nanobots and becomes a superhuman NSA weapon. But having little robots crawling around in your bloodsteam has its downside too.
the cast: Christopher Gorham (Felicity), Sarah Heywood (Six Feet Under) and Keegan Connor Tracy.
the verdict: This could appeal to the Buffy crowd and fill the superhuman void left by her demise with a mix of Spider-Man and The Six Million Dollar Man.
the backing: CHUM expects this to be a winner so expect heavy cross-promotion between City, New Nets and specialties, radio and TV book ads, and electronic billboards. PS
10-8
CHUM NewNets/ABC, Sundays 8-9 p.m.
(TBA x 60 min.)
the story: Brooklyn badass gets caught, becomes deputy sheriff trainee in L.A., finds New York’s mean streets weren’t so mean compared to being a rookie cop. Based on the real-life experience of Sheriff Paul Pietrantoni.
the cast: Danny Nucci (Titanic, The Rock) stars as badass Rico Amonte, Ernie Hudson (Oz) plays his tough-as-nails training officer, John Henry Barnes.
the verdict: Reminiscent of the Denzel Washington movie Training Day, this is a favourite of CHUM VP of marketing and sales David Kirkwood. Still it’s up against a stronger concept with CBS’s Cold Case and it’s competing with a returning American Dreams on NBC and iron-clad Simpsons on Fox.
the backing: Aaron Spelling (along with Touchstone Television) is standing behind 10-8 and he generally knows what he’s doing. Besides, Dave loves it. Expect it to get first-class treatment from CHUM. PS&DH
