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SASKATOON, SK (June 25, 2026) – Today, the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) is thrilled to announce an all-Canadian first wave of performers for the 2026 CCMA Awards, taking place at Sasktel Centre in Saskatoon, SK on September 19. Celebrating artists from coast to coast to coast, the 2026 CCMA Awards will also shine the spotlight on the long-standing contributions our host province Saskatchewan has made to the genre.

&nbsp;

With each artist bringing their own unique brand of country to the national stage, country music’s biggest night in Canada will feature triple platinum-certified, 19x CCMA Award Winner Dean Brody, 6x CCMA Award winners including 3x consecutive Group or Duo of the Year wins James Barker Band, double-platinum, 10x CCMA Award winning duo The Reklaws, 3x CCMA Award Winner including the 2025 CCMA Award for Album of the Year Owen Riegling, and homegrown Saskatchewan stars including Weyburn’s double-platinum, CCMA Award winner Tenille Arts, Shaunavon’s chart-topping, platinum-certified group Hunter Brothers, Hudson Bay’s award-winning rising star Kalsey Kulyk, and Rocanville’s platinum-selling JUNO and multi-CCMA Award winner Jess Moskaluke. Available exclusively on CTV and streaming on Crave through the live CTV channel, the 2026 CCMA Awards bring the artistry, identity, and creative spirit of Canadian country music to a national stage for one unforgettable night.

 

"Unveiling the first wave of performers for the CCMA Awards is always a special moment, offering an exciting glimpse into what promises to be an incredibly memorable night for country music in Canada," says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. "This remarkable group of artists each bring something different to the stage, and we're thrilled that fans across the country get to experience this extraordinary, one-night-only evening live from Sasktel Centre."

 

"Saskatoon sits in the heart of Treaty 6 Territory, and we are proud to welcome country music fans from coast, to coast, to coast, to our shared home this September,” shares Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Saskatoon Tribal Council. “Hosting Canadian Country Music Week is an opportunity to celebrate our community, our culture, and the spirit of partnership that defines this city. On behalf of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, I invite everyone to experience the warmth and hospitality of our people and to be part of a celebration that brings us all together."

&nbsp;

Adds Mayor Cynthia Block, “This is just the beginning. As more performers are announced and the countdown continues, the excitement here in Saskatoon keeps growing. We can’t wait to welcome artists, industry leaders and fans from across the country for what promises to be an incredible celebration of Canadian country music, and an unforgettable week for our city.”

"Today's announcement turns anticipation into action. With talent like this taking the stage at SaskTel Centre, the 2026 Canadian Country Music Week and Awards will put Saskatoon in front of the entire country and we're ready to show off everything this city does best. Grab your tickets, book your room at one of Saskatoon’s Best Hotels, and be part of a week Saskatoon will be talking about for years," says Stephanie Pocha, CEO, Discover Saskatoon

&nbsp;

“The 2026 Canadian Country Music Week and Canadian Country Music Awards will reinforce Saskatchewan’s reputation as an outstanding host of major events that bring people, industries, and communities together,” adds Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Alana Ross. “As talent announcements begin, the Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to support this exciting event that will gather country music fans from all over Canada to experience our province’s world-class hospitality.”

&nbsp;

Returning to Saskatoon for the first time in nine years; the third time the City of Bridges has hosted and welcomed the CCMA; the 2026 CCMA Awards will deliver a spectacular evening of live performances and country music’s biggest moments, marking a highlight of Country Music Week 2026. From September 16-19, artists, industry, and fans from across Canada will come together to celebrate the best in Canadian country, with this year’s event made possible through the support of the City of Saskatoon, Discover Saskatoon and Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels (SDMH), the Government of Saskatchewan, and the 2026 Host Committee.

&nbsp;

Bell Media will deliver extensive multi-platform 2026 CCMA Awards coverage and content across broadcast, radio, digital, and social media properties, including iHeartRadio Canada’s PURE COUNTRY.

 

For the latest CCMA news, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube or visit www.ccma.org.

&nbsp;

Digital Toolkit And Photo Assets Available HERE

&nbsp;

Media Contacts:

For Discover Saskatoon &amp; SDMH

Leanne Schinkel | lschinkel@discoversaskatoon.com

&nbsp;

For CCMA Awards + Country Music Week Sponsorship Inquiries

Sponsorship@ccma.org

&nbsp;

For Tenille Arts

Craig Campbell | craig@campbellentgrp.com

 

For Dean Brody + The Reklaws

Richelle Umali | richelle@ohthats.fun

&nbsp;

For Hunter Brothers

Emily Hay | emily@rekentertainment.com

 

For James Barker Band

Kieran Sells | kieran.sells@umusic.com

 

For Kalsey Kulyk

Lauren O’Brien | lauren.obrien@umusic.com

 

For Jess Moskaluke

Shelby Burnell | shelby@redumbrellapr.com

 

For Owen Riegling

Stephanie Mudgett | stephanie.mudgett@umusic.com

First Wave of Performers Announced for the 2026 CCMA Awards

SASKATOON, SK (June 25, 2026) – Today, the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) is thrilled to announce an all-Canadian first wave of performer...

JUNE 26 – HBO Original LIFE, LARRY, AND THE PURSUIT OF UNHAPPINESS *Series Premiere* 

 	From executive producers Larry David, Jeff Schaffer, and The Obamas’ Higher Ground, the seven-episode HBO Original limited series LIFE, LARRY, AND THE PURSUIT OF UNHAPPINESS premieres Friday, June 26 at 9 p.m. ET, with subsequent episodes streaming Fridays at 9 p.m. ET. Those who don’t know history…are doomed to watch Larry David repeat it. In addition to David, the series features select CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM actors and noteworthy guest stars.  

JUNE 27 – Seasons 1-9 of BIG BROTHER CANADA *Crave Premiere* 

 	The first nine seasons of BIG BROTHER CANADA will land on Crave on Saturday, June 27, ahead of future seasons ordered for CTV and Crave as part of Bell Media's previously announced partnership with Banijay Rights. An all-new season of BIG BROTHER CANADA is set to begin production in Montréal in Spring 2027 with Canadian TV personality Andrea Bain, co-host of CTV’s THE SOCIAL, confirmed as host. 

***Media Note: Assets for Crave programming are available at the Bell Media press site, The Lede, here   

   

Programming Premieres and Key Finales for the week of June 25 – July 1. 

*All Programming Subject to Change*    

 

HBO and HBO Max

June 26 – HBO’s LIFE, LARRY AND THE PURSUIT OF UNHAPPINESS S1 E1 (Series Premiere) 

June 30 – HBO Original BANG MY BOX: THE ROBIN BYRD STORY (Documentary Premiere)  

 

Movies 

June 26 – PEPPERMINT 

June 26 – GHOST RIDER 

June 26 – WRONG HUSBAND *Canadian Title* 

June 26 – SALTBURN 

June 26 – SMILE 2 

June 26 – PILLION 

June 26 – BLADE 

June 26 – BLADE II  

June 26 – BLADE: TRINITY 

June 26 – POKEMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU 

 

STARZ

June 26 – PEPPERMINT 

June 26 – GHOST RIDER 

June 26 – THE EQUALIZER 2 

June 26 – GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE 

 

Additional Highlights

June 25 – CANADA'S TEAM: IN FOCUS E14 (Finale) *Canadian Title* 

June 26 – THE KILLING OF CLAIRE LEVEQUE E1-2 (Docuseries Premiere) 

June 26 – THE TOM GREEN FARM S1 E9-10 (Season Finale) *Canadian Title* 

June 26 – BIG BROTHER CANADA S1-9 *Canadian Title* 

July 1 – ROAD TO AVONLEA S1-4  

July 1 – SUPA STRIKAS S2 

July 1 – RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES S1  

 

Next Day on Crave

June 26 – 2026 CMA FEST PRESENTED BY SOFI *following CTV 

June 25 – July 1: Crave Weekly Streaming Overview  

JUNE 26 – HBO Original LIFE, LARRY, AND THE PURSUIT OF UNHAPPINESS *Series Premiere*  From executive producers Larry David, Jeff Schaffer, and The Oba...

TORONTO (June 23, 2026) – Celebrating the thrill of adventure and heart-pounding competition, the country’s most-watched summer series THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is back for Season 12 – delivering its most unpredictable race yet, packed with unexpected twists and high-stakes surprises. Hosted by Olympic Gold Medallist Jon Montgomery, 10 new dynamic and determined teams from all parts of Canada take their mark for one epic adventure beginning Tuesday, July 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and streaming next day on Crave.

Season 12 begins in spectacular fashion atop Whistler Mountain in British Columbia as the world-renowned destination celebrates its 60th anniversary. From the very first episode, racers are faced with one of the biggest twists in THE AMAZING RACE CANADA history when host Jon Montgomery surprises every team with an Express Pass – a game-changing advantage that dramatically shifts the strategy of the Race.

The winning team of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA Season 12 receives OneKeyCash&#x2122; from Expedia to plan a trip around the world, a quarter of a million dollars, and the coveted title of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA champions.

The 10 teams competing on Season 12 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA are:


Keshia &amp; Nova
Keshia and Nova (Miss Universe Canada 2020) are bold and fiercely loyal best friends who connected instantly when they met in 2010 at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology on basketball scholarships. Natural athletes, they thrive on pushing their limits and motivating each other to be better.

Keshia Gordon (she/her)
Age: 35
Hometown: Edmonton | Current: Vancouver
Occupation: DJ &amp; Events
Instagram: @KGfresh_| TikTok: @KGfresh_

Nova Stevens (she/her)
Age: 33
Hometown: Vancouver | Current: Vancouver
Occupation: Model | Pageant and Mindset Coach
Instagram: @TheNovaStevens | TikTok: @TheNovaStevens


Filipe &amp; Clara
While crossing the Americas on horseback in 2017, Filipe met Clara in Patagonia, and it was love at first sight. Clara eventually joined him on a month-long ride through Southern Argentina, deepening their bond. Their relationship thrives on teamwork, common goals, and their shared culture. Both have overcome major personal hurdles to be where they are today, and they plan on celebrating that on THE AMAZING RACE CANADA.

Filipe Masetti (he/him)
Age: 39
Hometown: Pinhal, Brazil | Current: Calgary
Occupation: Horseback Guide | Public Speaker
Instagram: @filipemasetti | TikTok: @filipemasetti

Clara Davel (she/her)
Age: 32
Hometown: Lago Puelo, Argentina | Current: Calgary
Occupation: Student
Instagram: @Clara Davel | TikTok: @ClaraDavel


Chayla &amp; Chyana
Chyana and Chayla are Cree and Métis sisters and granddaughters of Thelma Chalifoux, the first Métis woman appointed to the Canadian Senate. Raised on Treaty Six territory, they developed resilience, sharp instincts, and the ability to read people and situations quickly. Chyana is a bestselling author of Soft as Bones and works for Indspire, one of Canada's largest charities. Chayla became a mother at age 17 and is fiercely protective, direct, and unafraid of confrontation. Together, they balance strength and strategy, always grounded and ready to take on any challenge.

Chayla Rain (she/her)
Age: 29
Hometown: Edmonton | Current: Edmonton
Occupation: Executive Assistant
Instagram: @chaylarain | TikTok: @chaylarain

Chyana Marie Sage (she/her)
Age: 32
Hometown: Edmonton | Current: Hamilton, Ont.
Occupation: Author | Digital Content Lead at Indspire
Instagram: @softasbones | TikTok: @softasbones


Sacha &amp; Sebastien
Sacha and Sebastian are brothers and adrenaline junkies who spend all their free time together. Proudly representing their Red River Métis roots and the French Manitoba community, these two are planning for a competitive, high-risk adventure on THE AMAZING RACE CANADA.

Sacha Régnier (he/him)
Age: 25
Hometown: Winnipeg | Current: Winnipeg
Occupation: Custom Upholster/Musician
Instagram: @regnier.sacha | TikTok: N/A

Sébastien Régnier (he/him)
Age: 27
Hometown: Winnipeg | Current: Winnipeg
Occupation: Skeleton Athlete | Realtor
Instagram: @sebregnier | TikTok: N/A


Tina &amp; Liz
Tina and Liz are twin sisters who have an extremely strong connection. They spent the first 17 years of their lives together, sharing a bedroom and often being treated as one unit, before attending separate universities to grow individually. Now, these siblings are ready to test their ultra-competitive nature and treat THE AMAZING RACE CANADA as their biggest challenge yet.

Christina “Tina” Liao
Age: 32
Hometown: Hamilton, Ont. | Current: Oakville, Ont.
Occupation: Corporate Lawyer
Instagram: @tinaandliz | TikTok: N/A

Elizabeth “Liz” Liao
Age: 32
Hometown: Hamilton, Ont. | Current: Waterdown, Ont.
Occupation: Family Doctor &amp; Obstetrician
Instagram:  @tinaandliz | TikTok: N/A


Michele &amp; Matteo
Brothers Michele and Matteo grew up in the small town of Siderno in southern Italy, before moving to Canada 14 years ago. Determined to succeed in a new country, they balanced jobs ranging from construction to lifeguarding while learning English and excelling academically, ultimately graduating with honours in Marketing and Engineering, respectively. Now full-time content creators as The Bello Bros, the brothers share an unbreakable bond.

Michele Bruzzese (he/him)
Age: 28
Hometown: Siderno, Italy | Current: Toronto
Occupation: Content Creator
Instagram: @micbruzzese | TikTok: @TheBelloBros

Matteo Bruzzese (he/him)
Age: 26
Hometown: Siderno, Italy | Current: Toronto
Occupation: Content Creator
Instagram: @matteobruzzese_| TikTok: @TheBelloBros


Eamon &amp; Bec
Married couple Eamon and Bec have spent more than a decade building a life together, growing from co-workers to best friends, life partners, and business owners. They are the creators of Eamon &amp; Bec, a YouTube&#x2122; channel where they have shared their adventures and life's biggest milestones. In 2021, Bec was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31 and has since used her platform to inspire others through honesty, resilience, and optimism. Now living with Stage 4 cancer, she is determined to make the most of every opportunity – including fulfilling her longtime dream of competing on THE AMAZING RACE CANADA.

Eamon Fitzgerald (he/him)
Age: 34
Hometown: Toronto | Current: Toronto
Occupation: YouTuber | Entrepreneur
Instagram: @eamonandbec | TikTok: @eamonandbec

Rebecca “Bec” Moroney (she/her)
Age: 36
Hometown: Toronto | Current: Toronto
Occupation: YouTuber | Entrepreneur
Instagram: @eamonandbec | TikTok: @eamonandbec


Ameen &amp; Surria
Ameen and Surria are a powerhouse mother-son duo and co-founders of the nationally recognized brand Cedar Valley. Together, they built Cedar Valley from a high school project and a $3,000 grant into a brand that is now carried in more than 5,000 stores across Canada and the U.S. They consider themselves the perfect balance: Ameen brings structure and strategy, while Surria brings humour, confidence, and momentum to the team.

Ameen Fadel (he/him)
Age: 26
Hometown: Windsor, Ont. | Current Town: Windsor, Ont.
Occupation: Business Owner
Instagram: @ameenfadel_| TikTok: N/A 

Surria Fadel (she/her)
Age: 62
Hometown: Windsor, Ont. | Current: Windsor, Ont.
Occupation: Business Owner
Instagram: @surriafadel | TikTok: N/A


Maestro &amp; Duane
Long-time friends, Canadian Music Hall of Fame recipient Maestro Fresh Wes and two-time Guinness World Record holder Duane “D.O.” Gibson are united by a passion for inspiring others. Maestro made history as the first Canadian hip-hop artist to receive platinum status in Canada. He has won three JUNO Awards, received the 2024 Governor General Lifetime Achievement Award for Performing Arts, and is considered to be the Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop. Duane is a hip-hop artist, motivational speaker, author, and record-breaking freestyle rapper whose work has reached students across Canada through more than 4,000 school performances, assemblies, youth conferences, and educational programs. Together, the pair bring a unique blend of talent, determination, and inspiration to every challenge they take on.

Maestro Fresh Wes (he/him)
Age: 58
Hometown: Toronto | Current: Saint John, N.B.
Occupation: Musician | Actor | Motivational Speaker | Author
Instagram: @maestrofreshwes | TikTok: @maestrofreshwes

Duane “D.O.” Gibson (he/him)
Age: 47
Hometown: Sarnia, Ont. | Current: Woodbridge, Ont.
Occupation: Hip-Hop Artist | Motivational Speaker | Author
Instagram: @iamdogibson | TikTok: @iamdogibson


Dana &amp; Cordelia
Dana and Cordelia are a mother-daughter duo who are also best friends. As only the second team to represent Labrador, they want to bring their East Coast charm to THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, and show they are the provinces’ biggest fans. They want to showcase their provincial pride and kindness along this adventure, but in the end, they’ll do whatever it takes to win.

Dana Martin-Kelly
Age: 56
Hometown: Wabush, NL | Current: Wabush, NL
Occupation: Registered Massage Therapist | Fitness Instructor
Instagram: @dana.martin_kelly | TikTok: @lord.cords_mudder

Coredelia Richards
Age: 31
Hometown: Wabush, NL | Current: St. John’s, NL
Occupation: Esthetician
Instagram: @lordy.cordy | TikTok: @lord.cord

In the Season 12 premiere of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA (Tuesday, July 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and streaming next day on Crave), titled “Express Pass Let’s Go”, 10 teams begin the adventure of a lifetime as the Race kicks off atop Whistler Mountain in British Columbia. Racers are faced with one of the biggest twists in THE AMAZING RACE CANADA history when host Jon Montgomery surprises every team with an Express Pass – a game-changing advantage that dramatically shifts the strategy of the Race right from the beginning.

Along the way, communities across Canada once again welcome the Race, offering viewers a unique glimpse into the people, traditions, and industries that help make each region distinct. Racers meet community leaders, local business owners, Indigenous Elders, park rangers, devoted fans of the series, and Canadian sports icons, including two-time Olympic gold medallist, philanthropist, author, and Order of Canada recipient Andre De Grasse, who welcomes teams to his hometown of Scarborough, Ont.

For more information on the teams competing on THE AMAZING RACE CANADA this season, including team videos and exclusive content, visit the show’s homepage on Crave.ca and official social media channels (@AmazingRaceCDA).

As previously announced, sponsors Expedia®, Desjardins Group, and BOOST return to THE AMAZING RACE CANADA for Season 12 and are joined by new partners Café William, Molson Canadian, Bell, and Pür &amp; Simple.

Season 11 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA was Canada’s #1 summer program, with a season average of 1.3 million viewers. It also closed out its 11th consecutive year as Canada’s most-watched summer series among the key A25-54 demo. The series has amassed a total of 55 Canadian Screen Award nominations and 30 wins during the past 11 seasons.

THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is produced by Insight Productions Ltd. (a Blue Ant Studios Company) in association with CTV. For Insight, John Brunton is Executive Producer and Mark Lysakowski is Executive Producer and Showrunner. For Bell Media, Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Danielle Pearson is Executive Producer and Senior Production Executive, Original Programming; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Content Development &amp; Programming, Bell Media.

The Cross-Country Adventure of a Lifetime Continues as 10 Teams Revealed for Season 12 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA

TORONTO (June 23, 2026) – Celebrating the thrill of adventure and heart-pounding competition, the country’s most-watched summer series THE AMAZING RAC...

TORONTO (June 23, 2026) – Crave announced today casting for its latest project with Jared Keeso, CATS IN THE PLATEAU, a dark comedy about two Montréal garbage men who start a gang. The series was recently announced as part of Bell Media’s upcoming original content slate for 2026-2027.

Created, written, starring, and for the first time directed by Jared Keeso (LETTERKENNY, SHORESY), production on the six-episode, half-hour, series is underway in Montréal, QC and it’s set to premiere on Crave in 2027.

Keeso is joined onscreen by an ensemble cast including Alexander Calvert  (SUPERNATURAL), Robert Bazzocchi (RIPPLE), Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse (Crave Original BON COP, BAD COP), Brian Gazemar (MEA CULPA), and social media star Lysandre Nadeau (Crave Original LYSANDRE + CLAUDE; BIG BROTHER CÉLÉBRITÉS 1 )

CATS IN THE PLATEAU is about two Montréal garbage men (Calvert and Bazzocchi), tired of living at the bottom of the social and financial food chain, as they attempt to catapult themselves to the top by starting a gang.

The series is distributed internationally by New Metric Media.

The new series from Jared Keeso is produced by New Metric Media, in association with Play Fun Games. Jared Keeso is Executive Producer, director, writer, star, and creator, with story by Keeso and Producer Jason Kitts. Jonathan “JoDolo” Diaby and Aurèle Gaudet serve as Producers. Montreal’s most famous garbage man and author of the spirited memoir “Trash: A Garbageman’s Story”, Simon Paré-Poupart, serves as Creative Consultant. Mark Montefiore and Kara Haflidson are Executive Producers with Max Wolfond serving as Supervising Producer for New Metric Media. For Bell Media, Melissa Williamson is Senior Production Executive; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; and Justin Stockman is Vice President, Global Content.

Crave Announces Casting for Jared Keeso Upcoming Comedy Series, CATS IN THE PLATEAU

TORONTO (June 23, 2026) – Crave announced today casting for its latest project with Jared Keeso, CATS IN THE PLATEAU, a dark comedy about two Montréal...

TORONTO (June 22, 2026) – As excitement builds for CANADA’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS, Crave announced today the lineup of special guests joining Brooke Lynn Hytes, Priyanka, and Jimbo as judge and jury on the show’s inaugural season. The Crave Original series premieres on Thursday, July 9 at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Crave. It also launches simultaneously on World of Wonder’s SVOD platform WOW Presents Plus, in the U.S. and in 190 territories worldwide.

Offering a sneak peek of what CANADA’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS has in store for fans, a trailer was also released today:  

As previously announced, the six-episode, one-hour spin-off of Crave’s Canadian Screen Award-winning hit CANADA’S DRAG RACE brings together nine fan-favourite queens for a second shot at the crown. Aurora Matrix, Jackie Cox, Jada Shada Hudson, Juice Boxx, Makayla Couture, Nearah Nuff, Pythia, Sami Landri, and Tiffany Ann Co. return with unfinished business, battling for the inaugural title of “Canada’s Ultimate All-Star” and a grand prize of $100,000.

Joining the panel throughout the season is an exciting lineup of special guest judges, including: acclaimed fashion writer and editor Christian Allaire; pop-disrupting Mexican-American singer, songwriter, DJ, and cult-followed queer icon Rebecca Black; Emmy® Award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin; celebrated comedian and writer Robby Hoffman; and CANADA’S DRAG RACE: CANADA VS THE WORLD Season 2 winner, Lemon. Adding even more star power to the competition, beloved CANADA’S DRAG RACE alumni Melinda Verga and Suki Doll return for special appearances, bringing their signature charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent back to the runway.

In association with Crave, CANADA’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS is produced by Blue Ant Studios with World of Wonder. Executive Producers for Blue Ant Studios are Matthew Hornburg, Mark Bishop, Donna Luke, and Laura Michalchyshyn. Trevor Boris is Executive Producer/Showrunner; Shivani Srivastava is Supervising Producer. Executive Producers for World of Wonder are Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles. For Bell Media, Senior Production Executive is Danielle Pearson; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; and Justin Stockman is Executive Producer and Vice President, Global Content.

Guest Judges and Trailer Revealed for New Crave Original Series, CANADA’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS

TORONTO (June 22, 2026) – As excitement builds for CANADA’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS, Crave announced today the lineup of special guests joining Brooke Ly...

TORONTO (June 19, 2026) – Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team made history on Thursday evening, securing their first-ever FIFA WORLD CUP&#x2122; victory, and the win electrified Canadian fans. Attracting a record average audience of 5.3 million viewers on TSN, RDS, CTV, Noovo, and Crave, it becomes the most-watched FIFA WORLD CUP&#x2122; Group Stage match on record, according to preliminary data from Numeris. 

Overall, 11.7 million unique Canadian viewers tuned in for some part of the FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; match, an increase of +34% compared to Canada's second match at the 2022 tournament. The record-breaking match saw audiences peak with 7.3 million viewers at 8:01 p.m. ET as Canada secured the victory. Additionally, streaming audiences more than doubled compared to Canada’s second match in 2022. 

Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar now ranks as the country’s most-watched FIFA WORLD CUP&#x2122; match since the 2014 Final.  

“The record audiences and unprecedented engagement throughout FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; demonstrate the powerful connection Canadians have with both the global game and Canada’s Men’s National Team,” said Shawn Redmond, Vice President, Bell Media Sports. “Across broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platforms, fans have come together in extraordinary numbers to follow this historic tournament and support this team on the world stage. These results reflect a landmark moment for soccer in Canada and the passion fans have shown every step of the way.” 

 

Additional FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; audience highlights from June 11-18 include: 

 	A total of 21 million unique Canadian viewers have tuned in to watch FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; coverage so far on TSN, RDS, CTV, Noovo, and Crave 
 	Canadians have consumed more than 92 million hours of FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; live matches, up more than +54% compared to this point in the 2022 tournament
 	Non-Canada matches have attracted an average audience of 1.2 million viewers, an increase of +54% compared to this point in the 2022 tournament
 	Major increases for FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; content on TSN social media accounts on June 18, including 17 million video views and 32 million impressions
 	More than 1 million views for Canada-Qatar content FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; content on YouTube  

&nbsp;

TSN and RDS are the exclusive home of FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; all the way to the Final on Sunday, July 19, with select matches also available on CTV, Noovo, and streaming on Crave. The Canadian Men’s National Team next faces Switzerland on Wednesday, June 24 at BC Place Vancouver at 3 p.m. ET across TSN, RDS, CTV, Noovo, and Crave. 

&nbsp;



 

Source: Numeris, Preliminary Data, Total Canada, P2+, TSN, CTV Com, CTV2 Total, Noovo Total, RDS, RDS2, audiences inclusive of PPM encored digital live streams. Consumption and Reach includes all FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122;content, 6/11/26 to 6/18/26 vs. 11/20/22 to 11/27/22 | Live Streaming Audience Claims based on internal viewership data 

Canada’s History-Making FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; Victory Becomes the Most-Watched Group Stage Match Ever, Reaching 11.7 Million Viewers

TORONTO (June 19, 2026) – Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team made history on Thursday evening, securing their first-ever FIFA WORLD CUP&#x2122; victo...

JUNE 19 – KINGS OF COKE: THE LEGEND OF RORY SHAYNE  

 	The second follow-up chapter to the 2022 Crave Original documentary KINGS OF COKE. After KINGS OF COKE: NEW BLOOD (June 12), now KINGS OF COKE: THE LEGEND OF RORY SHAYNE dives into the life of a notorious bank robber known for spectacular heists, prison escapes, and a courtroom hostage standoff. Linked to the West End Gang and respected across the underworld, Rory Shayne robs decades then vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a trail of questions and a search for a crime legend.   

 

JUNE 21 – HBO Original HOUSE OF THE DRAGON *Season 3 Premiere* 

 	The HBO Original drama series HOUSE OF THE DRAGON returns for its third season, Sunday, June 21 at 9 p.m. ET, with subsequent episodes streaming Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire &amp; Blood,” the series, set 200 years before the events of GAME OF THRONES, tells the story of House Targaryen. Season 3 stars Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, Matthew Needham, James Norton, Tom Bennett, Kieran Bew, Kurt Egyiawan, Freddie Fox, Clinton Liberty, Gayle Rankin, Abubakar Salim, Tom Cullen, Tommy Flanagan, Dan Fogler, Joplin Sibtain, and Barry Sloane. 

 

***Media Note: Assets for Crave programming are available at the Bell Media press site, The Lede, here   

   

Programming Premieres and Key Finales for the week of June 18 – 24. 

*All Programming Subject to Change*    

 

HBO and HBO Max

June 18 – HBO Max ON THE ROAM S2 E6 (Season Finale)  

June 21 – HBO Original HOUSE OF THE DRAGON S3 E1 (Season Premiere) 

June 21 – HBO Original HOUSE OF THE DRAGON WITH ASL S3 E1 (Season Premiere)  

June 23 – HBO Original THE WELCOME TABLE (Documentary Premiere) 

 

Movies 

June 19 – FRUITVALE STATION 

June 19 – AIR FORCE ONE 

June 19 – TRAINSPOTTING 

June 19 – YOUNGBLOOD (2025) *Canadian Title* 

June 19 – NICKEL BOYS 

June 19 – GOAT 

June 19 – THE TRAVELLERS 

June 19 – FAIRYLAND 

June 19 – BORN TO BE BLUE *Canadian Title* 

June 19 – SICARIO 

June 19 – URCHIN 

June 19 – ONE TO ONE: JOHN &amp; YOKO 

June 24 – FRENCH GIRL *Canadian Title* 

June 24 – LYDIA AND THE MIST RIDER *Canadian Title* 

 

STARZ

June 19 – FRUITVALE STATION 

June 19 – AIR FORCE ONE 

June 19 – TRAINSPOTTING 

 

Additional Highlights

June 19 – KINGS OF COKE: THE LEGEND OF RORY SHAYNE E1-2 *Canadian Title* 

June 22 – GAME AND GLORY E10 (Season Finale) 

June 24 – Crave Original THE LAST CAPTAINS S2 E8 (Season Finale) 

June 24 – COOKIE'S CRUMBY PICTURES E1-11 

 

Next Day on Crave

June 22 – UFC RIVALS S1 E1-2 *following MUCH  

June 23 – PHILLY HOMICIDE S2 E10 (Season Finale) *following OXYGEN 

June 18 – 24: Crave Weekly Streaming Overview  

JUNE 19 – KINGS OF COKE: THE LEGEND OF RORY SHAYNE   The second follow-up chapter to the 2022 Crave Original documentary KINGS OF COKE. After KINGS OF...

By BILL HARRIS

Special to The Lede

&nbsp;

It’s hard to imagine any of the main characters in HBO’s HOUSE OF THE DRAGON ever going on vacation.

But showrunner, co-creator, writer, and executive producer Ryan Condal brought that odd image to mind, to make a wider point, as he set up Season 3 of the GAME OF THRONES prequel series, which premieres Sunday, June 21, only on Crave.

“I think the big thing this season, as with any kind of real-life situation, you learn a lot about an individual when you see them under stress,” Condal said during a virtual media conference. “It's very easy to just have a guy sitting next to a pool with a Mai Tai, and everybody's pretty calm in that situation. But when you put them in a life-and-death situation, or where other people around them are in life-and-death situations, you really get to know who they are as characters. I think the extreme pressure applied to most of our cast this season will shed real light on who these characters actually are, at their core.”

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON is set 200 years before the events in GAME OF THRONES, and tells the turbulent tale of House Targaryen. As anyone familiar with the source material would expect, it’s a complex story with the likes of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Emma D'Arcy), Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) jockeying for power in a dark and dangerous time.

En masse, the producers and cast have promised that Season 3 of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON is by far the most fiery to date, following two seasons when some fans have been yearning for a bit more action.

“The idea has always been, we have a plan, we’re going to stick to it, and we’re not going to listen to the noise in between,” Condal insisted. “I realize that this is a four-season show, and you have to wait two years in between each chapter (the first two seasons were released in 2022 and 2024). But ultimately, this is one story we’re telling. I mean, to get upset about something midway through is like reacting to a play when you don't like the turn that the story took in the middle. But there are another two acts coming. I think that’s where we sort of are.”

Nonetheless, Condal said he understands the impatience of some devotees.

“I get the frustration,” he said. “It’s a long downtime between seasons. But it just takes a long time to make the show. There’s prep and shooting, and this is after scripts are written, which takes a year. And then it takes seven or eight months to make dragons. So do the math. It’s not possible to come out every year. I’m very sorry, but you guys decided to be fans of a show called HOUSE OF THE DRAGON.”

Speaking of dragons and everything that comes along with them, there’s no shortage of action and carnage in the first episode of Season 3. It’s known as the Battle of the Gullet to those who have read the books, and not everyone involved survives.

The first two seasons have been incrementally building up to this explosive point in the narrative.

“The delight for me is that (Queen Rhaenyra) is finally in a position of confidence and power – personal, political, strategic,” D’Arcy said. “And so, a character who we've seen in a sort of reactionary position for the majority of two seasons is finally positioned to act. And some of the restraints have finally been lifted. There is a great clarity to her thinking. I think she has a growing religiosity. I think that she's leaning increasingly on her faith. I think she believes hers is a holy war. I think she believes she has a divine mandate to rule. And with that comes a reduction in doubt. So yeah, we are primed to see quite a different side to her character.”

As far as Daemon goes, however, Smith perceives a perilous consistency.

“(Daemon) has been trying to raise an army for some time, and finally that addiction is about to be sated,” Smith said. “He's about to enter the period or the element of his life where he feels most alive, which is war, violence, and chaos. I've always seen him as an agent of chaos, really. What's strange is, there's not a huge amount of time that has passed between Season 1 and now (in the timeline of the story), actually. And so, to transform someone completely is always … I'm always sort of at odds with that idea. Because fundamentally, the kind of situations around them change, but the people, the essence, the idea of him, is pretty similar to what it was in Season 1.”

Cooke, meanwhile, had more immediate, pressing concerns.

“I actually had to see the osteopath because my cape was too heavy,” she said. When other cast members expressed surprise, she insisted she wasn’t joking.

There are just so many heavy responsibilities in HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. Everyone could use a Mai Tai.

&nbsp;

billharristv@gmail.com

&nbsp;

@billharris_tv

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The ‘Extreme Pressure’ is About to Explode in The Highly Anticipated Third Season of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

By BILL HARRIS Special to The Lede &nbsp; It’s hard to imagine any of the main characters in HBO’s HOUSE OF THE DRAGON ever going on vacation. But sho...

Soccer’s biggest spectacle, FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122;, is underway and Canadians are enjoying every moment, with audiences up +47% over the tournament’s first four days, compared to 2022.  

Overall, 16.9 million unique viewers have tuned in to tournament coverage on TSN, RDS, CTV, Noovo, and Crave, according to preliminary data from Numeris. 

Canadians are uniting behind Bell Media’s exclusive live coverage of the biggest FIFA WORLD CUP&#x2122; in history, and across the tournament’s opening weekend (June 11-14), audience highlights include: 

 	

 	41% of Canada’s population have watched live tournament coverage
 	Canadians have consumed nearly 50 million hours of FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; content, up over +50% compared to this point in the 2022 tournament
 	Bell Media broke live streaming viewership records on June 12, 13, and 14, with ongoing daily growth across TSN, RDS, and Crave
 	More than 52 million video views and over 85 million impressions across TSN social media accounts
 	Total of 5.7 million views and 43 million impressions for FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; content on YouTube
 	8.6 million unique viewers watched Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 12), with an average audience of 3.2 million viewers
 	Streaming audiences increased +70% compared to Canada’s FIFA WORLD CUP&#x2122; opener in 2022



TSN and RDS are the exclusive home of FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122; all the way to the Final on Sunday, July 19, with select matches also available on CTV, Noovo, and streaming on Crave. The Canadian Men’s National Team next faces Qatar on Thursday, June 18 at BC Place Vancouver, with pre-match coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET across TSN, RDS, CTV, Noovo, and Crave. 

&nbsp;
 
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Source: Numeris, Preliminary Data, Total Canada, P2+, TSN, CTV Com, CTV2 Total, Noovo Total, RDS, RDS2, audiences inclusive of PPM encored digital live streams. Consumption and Reach includes all FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122;content, 6/11/26 to 6/14/26 vs. 11/20/22 to 11/23/22 | Live Streaming Audience Claims based on internal viewership data 

Canada Comes Together for FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122;, with Audiences Up +47% Over First Four Days

Soccer’s biggest spectacle, FIFA WORLD CUP 2026&#x2122;, is underway and Canadians are enjoying every moment, with audiences up +47% over the tourname...

TORONTO (June 16, 2026) – CTV announced today the new and returning partners for Season 12 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, as Canada’s #1 program gets set to take its mark at the starting line Tuesday, July 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and streaming next day on Crave. Returning partners include Expedia®, Desjardins Group, and BOOST®, alongside new partners Café William, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Bell Canada, and Pür &amp; Simple. Details around Season 12 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, including the teams participating are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Built for adventure, Expedia® returns for a sixth consecutive season as THE AMAZING RACE CANADA’s official prize partner, rewarding teams during each leg of the Race. This season, each first-place team receives OneKeyCash&#x2122; from Expedia and $10,000 cash. New for Canadian travellers, OneKeyCash&#x2122; from Expedia gives racers added flexibility to book eligible hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, and more on Expedia. Teams arriving first at the mat throughout the Race win $5,000 in OneKeyCash&#x2122;, plus an additional $10,000 cash prize to put toward flights and future travel experiences. Also joining the Race in an expanded capacity this season, Expedia becomes the series’ grand prize sponsor, awarding the Season 12 champions an unforgettable trip around-the-world.

Desjardins Group celebrates its fifth season partnering with THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, with “The Assist by Desjardins” returning for a fourth consecutive year after its debut in Season 9. Featured in select challenges during the Race, The Assist gives teams strategic advantages at critical moments in the competition. In some cases, this valuable support is offered by a local small business owner or expert. In support of the partnership, Desjardins also launches new creative showcasing how it helps not only racers, but also individuals across Canada manage their finances, protect what matters, and achieve their goals.

Returning for a third consecutive season, BOOST® joins THE AMAZING RACE CANADA with a custom challenge highlighting its lineup of High Protein nutritional beverages. Teams will also have multiple opportunities to level up during the Race and compete for additional $5,000 cash prizes on various legs throughout the season.

Joining THE AMAZING RACE CANADA as a new partner this season, Café William is featured in a custom challenge inspired by their unique sail-transported coffee, highlighting the brand’s bold collection and diverse product lineup. Teams can also enjoy their coffee on the go with Café William tumblers accompanying them on their journey.

Also taking part in THE AMAZING RACE CANADA this season, Molson Canadian has a custom challenge highlighting the brewer’s diverse portfolio of iconic beer brands, premium offerings, and flavour-forward beverages.

Bell Canada teams up with the Race as a leg prize sponsor in Episode 1, with the partnership featuring in-show brand integration and sponsored messaging throughout the broadcast.

The series also welcomes Pür &amp; Simple, a leader in the better breakfast category. In a featured episode, racers make their way to a newly opened Pür &amp; Simple location to retrieve their next clue, bringing the brand directly into the Race experience.

“THE AMAZING RACE CANADA continues to offer brands a unique opportunity to reach highly engaged audiences at scale,” said Matt McGowan, SVP, Business Solutions, Bell Media. “From integrated brand moments woven naturally into the series, to expanded content and promotional opportunities that amplify visibility and audience interaction, this season delivers meaningful value for advertisers while creating an unforgettable experience for viewers across every platform.”

Inspired by the unforgettable destinations seen across THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, CTV also launches “100 Places to Visit in Canada” – a curated celebration of the experiences, landmarks, and hidden gems that make this country truly remarkable. From iconic bucket-list destinations to unexpected local favourites, the initiative celebrates the places that define Canada’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities. Designed to spark curiosity and fuel adventure, the list captures the spirit of discovery that resonates long after the journey ends. It’s a nationwide celebration of travel, storytelling, and the moments that turn places into memories. Because whether you’re racing across the country or roaming close to home, Canada is always worth exploring.

Bell Media Brand Partnerships continues to provide impactful partnership opportunities for brands looking to connect with engaged audiences through integrated storytelling and cross-platform activations across broadcast, digital, and social channels. THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is produced by Insight Productions Ltd. (A Blue Ant Studios Company) and hosted by Olympic Gold Medallist, Jon Montgomery.

Season 11 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA was the overall Canada’s #1 summer program among total viewers for the full 2024-25 broadcast year, with a season average of 1.3 million viewers. It also closed out its 11th consecutive year as Canada’s most-watched summer series among the key A25-54 demo. The series has amassed a total of 55 Canadian Screen Award nominations and 30 wins during the past 11 seasons.

CTV Announces THE AMAZING RACE CANADA Partners and Grand Prize Sponsors Ahead of Season 12 Premiere, July 7

TORONTO (June 16, 2026) – CTV announced today the new and returning partners for Season 12 of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, as Canada’s #1 program gets set...