W Network’s Original Story

The fall schedule of Canada’s W Network is packed with original programming, Vibika Bianchi, the channel’s director of original productions, talks about what viewers can expect.

Nine new original series have been added to the grid for W Network’s fall 2010/winter 2011 schedules. Vibika Bianchi, the channel’s director of original productions, says that overall "W Network is about entertaining women, while being inclusive of the rest of the family." This has helped shape the selections for the new programming season, which focuses heavily on the home.

"While our new lineup of original productions does focus a lot on the home, we have done so with a broader view," explains Bianchi. "It is not just home renovations and real estate. We have taken a multi-faceted approach to looking at the home, from a new series on how to finance a home with Burn My Mortgage and how to entertain in a home with Come Dine with Me Canada to how to redesign your home with Inside the Box."

The shows feature several returning hosts that are familiar personalities for the network, but there are also a number of new faces that will be making their way to the channel. "We are really excited to be bringing some new talent to the network with this new slate of original programming," says Bianchi, "including Ty Pennington with his new show Inside the Box and finding new shows for some of our hosts that have been part of the W family for some time and are audience favorites, such as our new show Candice Tells All with Candice Olson."

When deciding whether an original will work for W or not, Bianchi says that great stories, lots of drama and strong characters are some key attributes she looks for. "Ideally we are looking for a concept that is relatable and attainable, broad in scope and broad in appeal, while staying away from anything that is life-staged focused or only appeals to women," Bianchi adds.

In addition to Inside the Box and Come Dine with Me Canada, based on the popular British format, the fall schedule for W includes All For Nothing, about homeowners selling properties in need of design improvements; Burn My Mortgage, featuring financial expert Kelly Keehn; and Grin and Build It!, which features couples stepping outside their comfort zones. While Candice Olson’s Candice Tells All leads off the winter lineup, further series include Homewreckers, with contractor Kristi Hansen; Property Brothers, a Cineflix production; and Sibling Rivalry. The nine new originals join three returning series with fresh seasons: Anna & Kristina’s Grocery Bag, Colour Confidential and Love It or List It.

"There really is something for everyone with this new lineup," says Bianchi. "While we remain a women-targeted network, we aim to be inclusive of the rest of the family. We feel like we have covered a broad range of lifestyle topics with this new lineup, creating a go-to destination on W Network for everything lifestyle and home-related."