Citytv Announces Fall 2008 - 2009 Programming Schedule

(Toronto - June 12) Citytv is excited to unveil its new lineup of programming coming this Fall. The new schedule includes the return of a number of fan favorites along with an entertaining mix of new shows. Citytv will be airing the following programs during the Fall 2008 - 2009 Season:

NEW PROGRAMS PREMIERING THIS FALL:

"Bonnie Hunt" - (S-WGRZ) New! (Not airing in Winnipeg)

Acclaimed comedy producer, director, writer and performer, Bonnie Hunt, hosts and executive produces her first talk show, a highly anticipated new first-run syndicated strip. One of the most versatile comedic performers of her generation, Hunt has built an impressive career of more than 20 years on stage, in motion pictures and on television.

"Celebrity Fit Club" - New!

A group of 8 celebrities join the fit club to get their lives and weight back into shape. Split into two competing teams of four, each week teams are given different physical challenges, and weigh in to see if they reached their target goal weights. They are monitored and supervised by a team that includes a nutritionist, a psychologist, and a physical trainer.

"Crusoe" - (S-NBC) New!

Based on the legendary novel by Daniel Defoe, this is the tale of Robinson Crusoe. A young man (Philip Winchester, "Flyboys") leaves behind his true love to embark on an adventure -- only to end up shipwrecked on a remote tropical island for 28 years, completely detached from the life he once knew. His desire to return to his wife and his strong and unlikely friendship with Friday are the only things that keep him sane. While stranded, Crusoe encounters enemies and braves the elements. Equal parts MacGyver, Castaway and Pirates of the Caribbean, this series is an inspirational tale of survival rife with action and comedy.

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" - New!*

Larry David has it all - money, security, famous friends, a nurturing wife, a fabulous Hollywood home. So why is he so intent on making a complete mess out of his life? Just because you've "made it" doesn't mean you've got it made. "Curb Your Enthusiasm", brings the off-kilter comic vision of Larry David--co-creator and co-executive producer of Seinfeld--to the HBO comedy series starring Larry David as himself!

"Easy Money" - (S-CW) New!

From multiple Emmy-winning creators Diane Frolov and Andy Schneider ("The Sopranos","Northern Exposure") comes "Easy Money". 28 year-old Morgan Buffkin finds himself in charge of his eccentric family's enormously successful short term loan business. Any doubts he has about his family's business are quickly replaced by dealing with family business. From his sister Brandy's questionable morals to his suspicion that his parents are not being honest about his relation to the family, Morgan must deal with his dysfunctional family in this hilarious unique world of "Easy Money".

"ER" - New!*

"ER" follows the lives of the emergency room staff and doctors of Chicago's County General Hospital, a Level One Trauma Center where the difference between life and death rests on split-second decisions -- and the pressure, joy and guilt are often overwhelming. These medical professionals are determined to save lives in a place where nothing is taken for granted and nothing is certain�nothing except that another desperate person will be rushed through the emergency room doors in the next moment, in need of their help. Some will live, and some will die, but the dedication and passion of these healers will endure.

"Glam God" - New!

In a competition show ripped straight from the pages of everyone's favorite gossip magazines, comes "Glam God", hosted by film and television superstar, Vivica A Fox. 12 Celeb-Stylist wannabes will compete head to head in pop culture and red carpet challenges. Each week, the stylists' mission will be to create the perfect look from head to toe. At the end of every episode, the contestants that fall short of creating a hot look will be sent packing. The one stylist that rises above the rest will be given the ultimate reward�the opportunity to launch their careers by styling an A-list celebrity and the $100,000 grand prize.

"Kaya" - New!

"Kaya" is a stylized single-camera drama exposing a rock star on the brink of destruction and the underbelly of the music industry. Watch as Kaya navigates her way through the minefield of celebrity and the pressures of superstardom in today's media crazed society. Being a young beautiful rock star has its perks. She's buying fancy cars, clothes, expensive gifts for her friends, and she's out clubbing where she over-indulges in the rock 'n roll buffet. But fame has its price. For every perk, there are sacrifices, and consequences. Will she survive the pressures of being in the limelight? The failed friendships? The passionate but short-lived love affairs? Most important of all, will she have the strength to be true to her art and not sell-out? Stay tuned.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" - New!*

From the creator of the longest-running drama series on television, "Law & Order", comes a powerful series chronicling the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of NYPD. Each episode follows the exploits of detectives Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), Olivia Benson (Emmy- award winning Mariska Hargitay), John Munch (Richard Belzer) and Odafin Tutuola (Ice-T) as they attempt to solve the city's most complex cases.

"Less Than Kind" - New!

For 15-year-old Sheldon Blecher (Jesse Camacho), life sucks. He's overweight, with a self-destructive driving-instructor father (Maury Chaykin), a pyromaniac mother (Nancy Sorel), and a failed-actor brother who won't get out of Sheldon's room. The family business, Blecher's Driving School, is on its way down the toilet and the family lives in Winnipeg. As Sheldon struggles to escape his family, and his family struggles to keep the business running, cars crash, hearts break, blood pressure boils, and corned beef is eaten.

"Lipstick Jungle"- (S-NBC) New!

Based on the best-selling book by Candace Bushnell, this enticing new dramedy follows three high-powered friends as they weather the ups and downs of lives lived at the top of their game. Movie executive Wendy (Brooke Shields) does everything she can to balance career and family. Nico (Kim Raver) editor-in-chief of a hot fashion magazine, has her eye on becoming CEO. And free-spirited designer Victory (Lindsay Price) longs to make her dreams come true, and maybe find Mr. Right along the way. Armed with humour and strength, these three modern women support one another through the triumphs and tears that are all part of making it big in The Big Apple.

"NFL Football" - (S-FOX/CBS) New!

The NFL returns with another action-packed season of gridiron football. Thirty-two teams challenge each other week after week through grueling schedules for their shot at glory. Don't miss a second of incredible passing, amazing catches, unbelievable kicks and pesky interceptions that lead to the thrilling victories and heartbreaking losses.

"Nip/Tuck" - New!

Sean (Dylan Walsh) and Christian (Julian McMahon), two plastic surgeons, close friends and business partners who own an overwhelmingly successful plastic surgery practice, attempt to bring inner peace and visceral contentment to their patients through external cosmetic procedures. Although their clients aspire to cover up their pain, it is the surgeons who truly wear the masks of anguish and unhappiness, sadness and disillusionment. At midlife, the doctors question the prosperity that has brought them so much -- and has offered so little. Having relocated their business to Los Angeles, Sean and Christian struggle for success in a city where they are professionally unknown, and where residents yearn for fame.

"Opportunity Knocks" - (S-ABC) New!

Each week one lucky family will play the game of a lifetime in front of all their friends and neighbours as "Opportunity Knocks" takes the action of a game show directly into contestants' homes, setting up shop in the family's front lawn. The instant host, JD Roth, knocks on the front door, the game will begin. The host poses trivia questions to family members based directly on their lives, each other and articles found in and around their home. If they're able to prove they know their family inside and out, they'll win the prizes of their dreams.

"Rock of Love III"

Bret Michaels is back and still looking for love! The rock star's third quest for a soul mate follows a group of beautiful women facing a number challenges and eliminations. Whether it's partying on the tour bus, jetting-off to a sun-kissed beach, or hanging out with his celebrity friends, the series follows this new batch of ladies on the rollercoaster ride of their lives. They'll all get a taste of living the rock star life, but in the end, only one lucky lady will win an all access pass to his heart.

"The Secret Life of the American Teenager" - New!

From the creator of "7th Heaven", comes a heartfelt drama that focuses on the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with unexpected teen pregnancy. The series regular cast includes popular actress Molly Ringwald ("Sixteen Candles") and teen breakout actress Shailene Woodley ("The O.C".). Rounding out the regular cast are TV favourites John Schneider ("Smallville"), Josie Bissett ("Melrose Place") and Ernie Hudson ("Oz").

"Stylista" - (S-CW) New!

If "The Devil Wears Prada" were a reality show, it would be "Stylista". Eleven fashion enthusiasts go head to head in hopes of landing a coveted editorial job with Elle magazine. In an attempt to impress Elle's Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, a well-respected fashion icon, the competitors must carry out one assistant task and one fashion editorial assignment per episode. Each week, Anne fires one person, until the final fashionista gets "promoted" to the real-life job opportunity. The grand prize includes a paid editorial position at Elle magazine, a paid lease on a fabulous apartment in Manhattan, and a clothing allowance at H&M, all for one year, valued at $100,000.

"Surviving the Filthy Rich"- (S-CW) New!

Megan Smith (Joanna Garcia, "Reba") is having a bad day. Her New York apartment burned down, she just got fired from her job at a tabloid magazine and she accidentally dyed her hair the color of a Blow Pop! Things start to look up when she is offered a position in Palm Beach, working as a tutor for 16-year-old twin billionaires, Rose (Lucy Kate Hale, "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2") and Sage Baker (Ashley Newborough, "The Best Years", "Rent-A-Goalie"). In exchange for getting the girls into Duke University, Megan will get to live amongst the rich and fabulous, and have the remainder of her college loans covered! But moving to Florida means moving back home, which means facing a sister she hasn't spoken to in years, and a childhood best friend, Charlie (Michael Cassidy, "Smallville", "The O.C."), who may be secretly in love with her. From Rina Mimoun ("Pushing Daisies", "Gilmore Girls"), "Surviving the Filthy Rich" is based on the book How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls by Zoey Dean.

"Valentine's Inc." (S-CW) - New!

Every day is Valentine's Day for people lucky enough to cross paths with Irwin M. Valentine, the world's most successful private investigator specializing in matters of the heart. The only love life Valentine can't fix is his own. When his mother hires a mysterious, seductive woman as office manager for the family-owned business, Irwin's philosophy of love and life is challenged in ways sure to make love fun. Instead of solving crimes, Irwin mends broken hearts and reconnects soul mates. From lost loves to true loves to new loves, Valentine magically brings people together each week. If there is a soul mate out there for you, Valentine will find them and if there is a breakup you can't quite get over, Irwin has the tonic.

RETURNING FALL PROGRAMS:

"BreakfastTelevision"

Tuning into "BreakfastTelevision" makes sense. Arming you with everything you need to start your day, the high-energy "BT" team provides a fast-paced look at your city. "BT" relays the latest in news, sports and entertainment, as well as frequent traffic and weather updates to help you plan your day. Your weekday wake-up call is at 6am, so grab "BT" and a cup of coffee and start your day off right.

"Chuck" - (S-NBC)

When computer store geek, Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) opens an e-mail subliminally encoded with government secrets, he unwittingly downloads an entire server of sensitive data into his brain. With the government's most precious secrets in Chuck's head, Major John Casey (Adam Baldwin) of the National Security Agency assumes the responsibility of protecting him. His partner is the CIA's top agent -- and Chuck's first date in years -- Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski).

"CityLine"

"CityLine" engages, entertains and informs viewers across Canada with its unique live format and daily themed approach. As guest experts visit the set, viewers are treated to professional tips covering such topics as d�cor, entertaining, fashion, beauty, home and gardening.

"Everybody Hates Chris"

Inspired by his childhood experiences, comedian Chris Rock narrates the hilarious, touching story of a teenager growing up as the eldest of three children in Brooklyn, New York during the early 1980's. Uprooted to a new neighbourhood and bused into a predominantly white middle school two-hours away by his strict, hard-working parents Julius and Rochelle (Terry Cruise, Tichina Arnold), Chris (Tyler James Williams) struggles to find his place while keeping his siblings in line at home and surmounting the challenges of junior high. This responsible, resilient adolescent brings a distinct, funny spin to his everyday trials and traumas.

"Friends"

For a hilarious look at dating and working in the big city, delve into the hearts and minds of six friends living in New York City as they explore the anxieties and absurdities of adulthood. During this exciting time when everything seems possible, even marriage, parenthood and career moves, they know they will always face the future together -- because they've got "Friends". Starring; Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" - (S-ABC)

Emmy-winning comedian Jimmy Kimmel hosts this wild one-hour late night talk show airing live from the heart of Hollywood. He's unpredictable, unbalanced and practically unsound. His innovative late night party features weekly rotating co-hosts, interviews along Hollywood Boulevard with local business owners and colourful pedestrians and special shows taped from big events like the Super Bowl or Mardi Gras. Outrageous, topical and funny, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is more than a talk show; it's a guaranteed night of fun on the town!

"Ugly Betty" - (S-ABC)

Few people ever get to know sweet, intelligent Betty Suarez (America Ferrera) because in the world of fashion, Betty is the oversized square peg in the petite round hole. When a publishing mogul hands the reigns of his fashion magazine over to his son Daniel (Eric Mabius), he hires Betty as his son's new assistant -because she's the only woman in NYC who Daniel won't sleep with. Neither of them knows the ins and outs of the fashion world, but together they're a formidable team against the label-wearing sharks who will do anything to see them fail.

MIDSEASON PROGRAMS:

"American Gladiators" - (S-NBC)

"American Gladiators" celebrates the everyday, true American heroes -- weekend warriors who excel and take pride in their physical fitness. These contestants go up against the show's gladiators -- charismatic and eclectic warriors -- in the ultimate David & Goliath battle. As in the traditional "American Gladiators" franchise, everyday amateur athletes compete against action stars and stunt professionals in contests of physical strength and endurance. The series includes such classic events as The Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough and the Eliminator. This iconic competition has been reinvented for the 21st century using splashy twists which include special effects, water skills and the latest technology to up the stakes in the games and make the show the most thrilling reality-based competition on television.

"F.A.T. City"- (S-CW) New!

Just blocks from the glittering lights of the Las Vegas strip resides one of the most successful fugitive apprehension teams in the world. F.A.T. City, is a six-member inter-agency task force comprised of FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals and the Las Vegas Police. Their only mission is to find and arrest fugitive felons. It's a 24-hour a day job that blurs the lines of their professional and personal lives.

"Hell's Kitchen" - (S-FOX)

It's cook or be cooked for a new crop of hopefuls as they face off in the ultimate culinary boot camp. Under the watchful and often critical eye of renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, the fifteen would-be cuisiniers slice, dice, flamb� and saut� their way to the top, in order to prove they have what it takes to succeed in the high �steaks' world of fine-dining. Each week the competition sizzles as Chef Ramsay turns up the intensity and demands nothing short of perfection from his new recruits.

"Here Come the Newlyweds" - (S-ABC)

Seven newlywed couples compete for a $500,000 "nest egg" to help them realize their dreams. This one-hour reality show is all about relationships, the differences between men and women, and the universal issues that every couple must face. The newlyweds are young, sexy and diverse, including such pairings as high school sweethearts, a May-December couple, an arranged marriage, an interracial union and an Internet personals couple. In this exciting competition, each couple will face a variety of mental and physical challenges which, at their core, are tests of the kind of relationship the players really have. At the end of each episode, voting results will send one couple home. Ultimately, which of these diverse couples will prove to have the strongest union? Will it be the one we would've predicted, based on first impressions?

"Outnumbered"- (S-FOX) New!

When it comes to raising a family, there are no winners or losers�just survivors. In this case the survivors are Greg and Jenna Embry who are constantly kept on their toes by their rambunctious and overly intelligent children, Alex (12), Jack (7) and Lilly (5). Outnumbered is a funny and sometimes painfully honest look at juggling family life in these fast-paced times. It stars funnyman Ken Marino ("TheTen", "Reno 911: Miami") and a cast of promising young actors.

"Scrubs" (S-ABC) New!

Scrubs focuses on the strange experiences of fresh-faced medical intern J.D. Dorian (Zack Braff) as he embarks on his healing career in a surreal hospital crammed full of unpredictable staffers and patients. Joining J.D. are fellow interns Chris Turk (Donald Faison), J.D.'s college buddy who is part of the elite surgical group, and the beautiful but socially awkward Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke). Keeping a watchful eye over the hospital are the caustic chief of medicine, DR. BOB KELSO (Ken Jenkins); the abrasive but caring Dr. Perry Cox (John C McGinley); and no-nonsense nurse Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes). Hilarious and irreverent, Scrubs will keep audiences in stitches!

"The Bachelor" - (S-ABC)

America's most eligible bachelor gets the opportunity to find the woman of his dreams--and hopefully his bride-to-be as he embarks on a romantic journey meeting 25 women, then selecting 15 as potential mates. After getting to know each one, he continues to narrow the field, from 10 to 5, then 6, and ultimately, the 1 woman to whom he proposes marriage in the series' dramatic finale. But the big mystery is: If he pops the question, will she accept?

"The Goode Family" - (S-ABC) New!

"The Goode Family" is a satirical, hilarious look at contemporary families reacting to the often self-imposed guidelines for surviving and succeeding in the politically correct era. Created, written and produced by Mike Judge ("Beavis & Butthead"; "King of the Hill") and John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky ("King of the Hill"), the Goodes are a family obsessed with doing the 'right' thing - environmentally, politically and socially. Unfortunately their efforts to be 'good' often result in unintended comedic consequences.

Citytv, with stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, broadcasts intensely-local, urban-oriented, culturally-diverse television in its own unique, interactive style. With its strong local voice, Citytv offers a distinct alternative to other conventional television offerings. Its instantly recognizable 'look' and 'sound' are the product of refreshingly different on-air personalities, unique program formats and high television style. Citytv is a division of Rogers Media Inc., a division of Rogers Communications Inc.