Corus Announces 2016-17 Slate for Specialty Channels

TORONTO: Returning shows and debuts of scripted, unscripted and kids’ titles are at the forefront of Corus Entertainment’s 2016-17 programming lineup for its portfolio of specialty channels.

On the drama front, HISTORY is introducing SIX, inspired by the real missions of the SEAL Team Six. Also joining the HISTORY roster is Knightfall, which chronicles the mysterious but true accounts of the Knights Templar. Showcase, meanwhile, will premiere the futuristic thriller Incorporated from executive producers Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, along with the time-traveling sci-fi series Travelers. In addition, the dark comedy My So Called Wife (working title) is set for the W Network.

Returning dramas include Mr. Robot and Outlander for Showcase, the fourth season of Vikings on HISTORY and a new season of Good Witch on W Network.

Corus is also introducing a roster of unscripted programs, among them an All-Stars edition of Top Chef Canada on Food Network. Other highlights are the lifestyle series Real Housewives of Toronto and the new Slice original Style Factory, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at how fashion and beauty products are made. W Network is slated to launch the first-ever version of The Bachelorette Canada, with HGTV prepping the new fall titles Bryan Inc., Moving the McGillivrays and Holmes and Holmes.

Rounding out Corus’s 2016-17 new unscripted programming is an array of original factual programs, such as HISTORY’s Airport: Below Zero and Nazi Treasure Hunters. Finally, CMT (Canada) brings its host Billy Bretherton north of the 49th parallel in the original series Billy Goes North.

Returning series are Home to Win’s second season on HGTV Canada, plus new installments of Leave It To Bryan, Timber Kings and Tiny House Hunters. Meanwhile, Canadian duo Drew and Jonathan Scott return to W Network for new seasons of Property Brothers and Buying and Selling with the Property Brothers. Food Network brings back Chopped Canada and new episodes of You Gotta Eat Here!, while Slice has ordered new runs of First Dates, Real Housewives of Atlanta and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. HISTORY adds new seasons of factual titles such as Forged in Fire, Ice Road Truckers, Mountain Men and Yukon Gold.

Corus also announced launches in the kids’ space. YTV will debut the Canadian original series Drive Me Crazy, in which unlicensed teen drivers work together to pass the ultimate driver’s test, and Ride, which follows the adventures of a girl as she moves to England for her dad’s new job. YTV also welcomes back Game Shakers and Stanley Dynamic, as well as new episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants. Superpowers and superheroes take over TELETOON with the series Atomic Puppet, Supernoobs and Counterfeit Cat. Over on Disney Channel, series premieres include Elena of Avalor and returning hit series Little Charmers, Trucktown and Max & Ruby. Treehouse also offers new original series that focus on discovery and exploration with Ranger Rob and Rusty Rivets.

“Corus is at the forefront of specialty entertainment with a powerhouse portfolio of 45 specialty brands full of celebrated original content, critically acclaimed dramas, fascinating unscripted series and unmatched kids’ programming,” said Barb Williams, the executive VP and COO of Corus Entertainment. “With an upcoming slate of some of the most highly anticipated new and returning series, Corus maintains its position as the go-to destination for entertainment in Canada.”