Launch Date Set for ABC Spark in Canada

TORONTO: Corus Entertainment’s new TV service ABC Spark is to launch across Canada on March 26.

Starting January 16, YTV, W Network and CMT will air blocks of exclusive programming to be featured on ABC Spark. The channel will be available in Canada based on a license agreement with Disney/ABC Television Group.

ABC Spark, based on the U.S. brand ABC Family, will launch with breakout series such as The Secret Life of the America Teenager, starring Golden Globe nominee Shailene Woodley and Molly Ringwald; Switched at Birth, starring Katie LeClerc, Vanessa Marano, Lea Thompson, D.W. Moffett and Constance Marie; and Melissa & Joey, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence. In addition, the channel will launch Make It or Break It, starring Candace Cameron Bure, and the new series Jane By Design, starring Andie MacDowell and newcomer Erica Dasher.

"We are very excited to bring some of ABC Family’s most compelling, critically acclaimed and hugely popular original series to Canada with the launch of ABC Spark," said Susan Schaefer, the VP and head of networks and marketing at Corus Entertainment. "Canadian viewers have been waiting for these series and they will not be disappointed. ABC Family has found tremendous success with a programming strategy committed to high-caliber productions featuring powerful storylines, memorable characters and a combination of new and established talent. We are confident that these shows will resonate with audiences across the country.”