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As the FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ grows closer, TSN delivers all-day coverage of the Final Draw this Friday, Dec. 5, a major milestone on the road to the biggest tournament in FIFA history.  

Live coverage from Washington, D.C. begins with the FIFA WORLD CUP DRAW ARRIVAL SPECIAL at 10 a.m. ET hosted by TSN’s James Duthie alongside former Canadian Men’s National Team captains and all-time appearance leaders Atiba Hutchinson and Julian De Guzman. TSN’s Matthew Scianitti reports from the red carpet. 

The FIFA WORLD CUP 26 FINAL DRAW begins at 12 p.m. ET, and determines the Group Stage matches in the newly expanded 48-team tournament, sorting 12 groups of four teams from each of the four pots.  

As the draw reaches its conclusion at 2 p.m. ET, the TSN Soccer panel of Luke Wileman, Steven Caldwell, and Kevin Kilbane provides comprehensive analysis, with TSN’s Camila Gonzalez contributing post-draw reactions from all the biggest stars. TSN’s coverage continues with CANADA’S FIFA WORLD CUP PATH, where the panel is joined by Canada coach Jesse Marsch. The FIFA WORLD CUP DRAW BREAKDOWN follows at 3 p.m. ET. After updates in SPORTSCENTRE at 6 p.m. ET, the analysis continues at 7 p.m. ET with the FANDUEL ROAD TO THE FINAL, and primetime special SPORTSCENTRE: ROAD TO 2026 at 8 p.m. ET. 

The following day (Saturday, Dec 6), TSN provides viewers with complete updates on the locations of each tournament game during the schedule release special at 11:30 a.m. ET.  

As well, new episodes of TSN’s RACE FOR THE ROSTER are available each Monday on TSN’s official YouTube channel, as the TSN Soccer panel breaks down the final push for players to earn a spot on the Canadian Men’s National Team.  

Comprehensive French-language coverage of the Final Draw is available on RDS.  

TSN Delivers All-Day Coverage of the FIFA WORLD CUP 26 FINAL DRAW on Friday, Dec. 5

As the FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ grows closer, TSN delivers all-day coverage of the Final Draw this Friday, Dec. 5, a major milestone on the road to the bigg...

**Crave Offers in Market – Boxing Week**
Beginning Dec. 8 and running until Jan. 5, new, upgrading, and reactivating subscribers can enjoy up to 66% off for the first three months when signing up directly through Crave. Crave Standard With Ads is available for $3.99 for the first three months, and Crave Premium is offered at $7.99 for the first three months. This limited time offer is the ideal way to explore all that Crave offers at a great price. For more information visit crave.ca/subscribe.
DECEMBER 4 – HBO’s MUSIC BOX: IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY

 	The next installment in the “Music Box” series created by Bill Simmons, IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY covers the life of the rising young star with an otherworldly voice and boundary-pushing artistry, who left the ‘90s music world reeling when he died suddenly at age 30 after the release of his critically acclaimed debut album Grace. Told through never-before-seen footage from Buckley’s archives and intimate accounts from his mother Mary Guibert, former partners Rebecca Moore and Joan Wasser, and former bandmates, including Michael Tighe and Parker Kindred, IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY illuminates one of modern music’s influential and enigmatic figures. The HBO Original documentary drops on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. ET.

&nbsp;

DECEMBER 5 – STARZ’s SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR *Series Premiere*

 	In this reimagined world, where power, passion and destiny unite in an unforgettable new story, viewers are thrust back into the brutality of Ancient Rome with the shocking resurrection of the once-defeated Ashur, played by Nick E. Tarabay (SPARTACUS, THE EXPANSE), who now returns as “Dominus,” the master of his own House. Fueled by vengeance and cunning ambition, Ashur rises from betrayal and bloodshed to seize power, gouging out a place for the House of Ashur in a new arena full of violence, desire and twisted loyalty. SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR premieres on Friday, Dec. 5 with the first two episodes followed by one new episode dropping subsequent Fridays on STARZ.

&nbsp;
***Media Note: Assets for Crave programming are available at the Bell Media press site, The Lede, here
&nbsp;

Programming Premieres and Key Finales for the week of November 27-December 3.

*All Programming Subject to Change*

&nbsp;

HBO and HBO Max 

December 4 – HBO Original MUSIC BOX: IT’S NEVER OVER JEFF BUCKLEY

&nbsp;

Movies

December 4 – MARIAH CAREY’S ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU

December 4 – GIRL, INTERRUPTED

December 4 – HELLBOY (2004)

December 5 – SHADOW FORCE

December 5 – THE SHROUDS

December 5 – THE FAMILY MCMULLEN

December 5 – CAUGHT STEALING

December 5 – PAYING FOR IT

December 5 – THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

December 5 – HOLIDAY INN

December 6 – MERRY MADAGASCAR

December 6 – TROLLS HOLIDAY IN HARMONY

&nbsp;

STARZ 

December 4 – GIRL, INTERRUPTED

December 4 – HELLBOY (2004)

December 5 – SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR, Season 1 Episode 1 (Series Premiere)

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

December 5 – KRAMER VS KRAMER

December 5 – A CHRISTMAS MELODY

December 5 – HOLIDAY INN

December 5 – THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

&nbsp;

Additional Highlights

December 6 – SESAME STREET, Season 55

December 6 – HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: THE SERIES, Season 1-2

December 8 – OD: TENTATIONS AU SOLEIL, Season 2, Episode 1-2 (Season Premiere)

December 10 – CRINQUÉ: SOUS LE CAPOT, Season 1

&nbsp;

Next Day on Crave

December 5 – NEXT LEVEL BAKER *following CTV

December 6 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – KANSAS CITY DAY 1 *following CTV Speed

December 7 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – KANSAS CITY DAY 2 *following CTV Speed

December 7 – SAVVY SHELDON FEELS SO GOOD AS HELL *following CTV Life

December 7 – PAWS IN THE CITY *following CTV Life

December 7 – A PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ *following CTV Life

December 7 – A DASH OF CHRISTMAS *following CTV Life

December 8 – A SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS *following CTV Life

December 9 – PASSWORD HOLIDAY SPECIAL *following CTV

&nbsp;

December 4-10: Crave Weekly Streaming Overview 

**Crave Offers in Market – Boxing Week** Beginning Dec. 8 and running until Jan. 5, new, upgrading, and reactivating subscribers can enjoy up to 66% o...

Thursday Night Football 

 	2 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay (TSN4/5) 
 	4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5) 
 	7 p.m. ET – TNF Tonight (TSN1) 
 	8:15 p.m. ET – Dallas @ Detroit  

 	TSN1/3, CTV Network, and RDS2 



Friday Programming 

 	2 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay (TSN2) 
 	4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN3/5) 

Sunday Programming 

 	10 a.m. ET – NFL Countdown (TSN1)  
 	10 a.m. ET – NFL Fantasy Football Now (TSN+) 
 	1 p.m. ET – NFL RedZone (TSN+, RDS.ca) 
 	1 p.m. ET – FanDuel Sunday (TSN1) 
 	7 p.m. ET – Football Night in America (TSN) 
 	7:30 p.m. ET – NFL on CTV Live (CTV) 

Sunday 1 p.m. ET 

 	Pittsburgh @ Baltimore  

 	CTV2 Toronto, CTV2 Ottawa, CTV2 London, CTV2 Windsor, CTV2 Atlantic, and RDS2  


 	Indianapolis @ Jacksonville  

 	TSN1, CTV2 BC, and CTV2 Alberta 


 	Cincinnati @ Buffalo 

 	CTV Toronto, CTV Montreal, CTV Ottawa, CTV Kitchener, CTV Northern Ontario, and CTV Atlantic 


 	Washington @ Minnesota  

 	CTV Winnipeg  


 	Seattle @ Atlanta  

 	CTV BC, CTV Alberta, and CTV Saskatchewan 


 	Tennessee @ Cleveland 

 	TSN+ 



Sunday 4 p.m. ET 

 	Denver @ Las Vegas – Kickoff at 4:05 p.m. ET 

 	TSN1/3/4 


 	Chicago @ Green Bay – Kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET 

 	CTV Network and RDS2 



Sunday Night Football 

 	8:15 p.m. ET – Houston @ Kansas City  

 	TSN, CTV Network, and RDS2  



Monday Programming 

 	3 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5) 
 	6 p.m. ET – NFL Monday Night Countdown (TSN1) 
 	8:15 p.m. ET – Philadelphia @ Los Angeles Chargers 

 	TSN, CTV2 Network, and RDS 



 

This page will be updated as any changes to NFL programming on CTV, TSN, and RDS are confirmed. 

 

NFL on TSN, TSN+, CTV, and RDS – Week 14: Bears and Packers Battle in NFC North Rivalry, Steelers and Ravens Clash for Lead in AFC North Division, and more

Thursday Night Football  2 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay (TSN4/5)  4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5)  7 p.m. ET – TNF Tonight (TSN1)  8:15 p.m. ET – Dallas @ De...

Bell Media

TORONTO (December 3, 2025) – Bell Media and Loblaw Advance™ have introduced a first-to-market, closed-loop measurement solution for video advertisers, covering linear TV and Connected TV. Announced at the IAB Report on Data in Toronto, Ont., the joint offering delivers comprehensive, privacy-compliant measurement, combining Bell Media’s premium inventory and robust first-party data with extensive point-of-sale insights from Loblaw Advance™. 

Using Environics Analytics secure privacy-compliant clean room environment, Bell Media’s audience exposure data is matched with purchase data from Loblaw Advance™. This process ensures data integrity and consumer privacy while delivering actionable insights. Advertisers can also enhance their media buys by adding an outcomes report, providing a clear connection between campaign exposure and verified purchase behaviour. 

The service is available now for advertisers buying Bell Media’s Linear TV and select Connected TV inventory and will expand to all Connected TV later this year. A part of Bell Media’s Outcome Measurements suite, the service enables brands to directly measure the sales impact of Bell Media video advertising and will provide in-depth insights on campaign performance through detailed purchase measurement reports. 

The report delivers actionable insights designed to help advertisers optimize performance and maximize return on investment. Key metrics include sales lift, which measures the incremental impact of advertising on product and brand sales, and return on ad spend (ROAS), providing a clear view of financial outcomes. By leveraging verified purchase data, advertisers can fine-tune campaigns with precision and confidently measure the effectiveness of their media investments. 

“This collaboration with Loblaw Advance™ showcases our innovation in the space of outcomes measurement by offering a powerful, turnkey solution that links media exposure to verified purchase data,” said Payal Gabrani-Bahl, SVP, Data and Advertising Products &amp; Platforms, Bell Media. “Together, with the strength of our complementary assets and dynamic teams, we are providing our clients with a product uniquely targeted to Canadian advertisers’ needs.”  

Backed by more than 2,300 retail stores and more than 17 million customer relationships through PC OptimumTM, Loblaw Advance™ is uniquely positioned to connect media exposure with real-world sales outcomes.  

"This isn't just a technical achievement; it's building a more effective media ecosystem for advertisers,” said Lauren Steinberg, EVP &amp; Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw. “Brands can now optimize their significant TV investments with confidence, and in turn, we can help deliver more relevant advertising experiences to millions of Canadian shoppers. Together, we’re setting a new standard for accountability and performance in the TV landscape.” 

Bell Media and Loblaw Advance™ Partner to Deliver Closed-Loop Measurement Solution for Linear and Connected TV Advertisers

TORONTO (December 3, 2025) – Bell Media and Loblaw Advance™ have introduced a first-to-market, closed-loop measurement solution for video advertisers,...

HALIFAX (December 1, 2025) – CTV Atlantic gets in the holiday spirit and prepares to help families in need across the Maritimes on Saturday, Dec. 6 with the 62nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON. The beloved yearly tradition is available on CTV Atlantic, CTVAtlantic.ca, and Crave beginning at 11 a.m. AT.

The 62nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON partners with The Salvation Army once again to distribute toys, gifts, and food throughout the holiday season, while delivering a day-long marathon of performances by local musical artists, comedians, and other special guests.

Viewers can donate by calling 1-844-400-1964 or by visiting ChristmasDaddies.org. Throughout the month of December, pledges are also being accepted at RBC locations across the Maritimes and at Credit Unions in Cape Breton.

The Telethon’s 50/50 raffle returns with three separate draws taking place for viewers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Last year, the winner from Nova Scotia took home $114,512 in cash.

“Every year, the support we receive from the community around this telethon is humbling,” said Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic. “The generosity of those who support the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON doesn’t just make the season brighter, it changes lives.”

“The CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON is a powerful reminder of what our Maritime community can achieve when we come together to support children and families in need,” said Glen LeBlanc, Vice-Chair Atlantic, Bell. “Bell Aliant is honoured to help keep this tradition alive, and we extend heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and donors whose generosity makes the holidays brighter for so many.”

One of the most anticipated annual charitable fundraising initiatives in the region, the 62nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON includes familiar faces from the CTV Atlantic team, as well as a multitude of special guests. Co-hosting this year in Halifax are Steve Murphy and Todd Battis, joined by CTV NEWS AT FIVE anchor Maria Panopalis alongside CTV Atlantic personalities Katie Kelly, Kalin Mitchell, Crystal Garrett, Lataevia Beezer, Suzette Belliveau, and reporters Vanessa Wright and Callum Smith. CTV YOUR MORNING ATLANTIC host Amanda Debison provides updates from the Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic), better known as the NAVY DIVERS, who appear at various hotspot locations throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality on Telethon Day.

Additionally, CTV News Atlantic reporters Laura Brown and Avery MacRae, along with CTV NATIONAL NEWS journalist Sarah Plowman deliver updates from Glad Tidings Church in Moncton alongside musician Ivan Daigle; local comedian Bette MacDonald hosts from the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, Cape Breton; and CTV NATIONAL NEWS reporter Maria Sarrouh and comedian Jimmy the Janitor host from the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown.

The seven-hour special features holiday songs from a variety of performers across all three Maritime provinces:

 	Nova Scotia – Classified, JRDN, and CTV’s own Suzette Belliveau and Liz Rigney
 	Cape Breton – The Turnbull Brothers, The Barra Macneils with The MacArthur Dancers, and The Men Of The Deeps with Jenn Sheppard
 	New Brunswick – La Famille LeBlanc, The Mike Biggar Jazz &amp; Blues Revue, and Patsy Gallant
 	E.I. – Tara MacLean, Whitney Rose, and The Island Jubilee Band

Since it began in 1964, the CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON has raised more than $40 million for Maritime families. CTV Atlantic’s partnership with The Salvation Army provides more than 18,000 Maritime children and parents with toys and gifts during the holidays each year. All financial donations are redistributed within their originating geographic area, allowing viewers to donate within their own communities. CTV donates airtime, technical equipment, and resources for the event, while employees, families, and friends volunteer their time.

CTV Atlantic Spreads Holiday Cheer with the 62nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DADDIES TELETHON, December 6

HALIFAX (December 1, 2025) – CTV Atlantic gets in the holiday spirit and prepares to help families in need across the Maritimes on Saturday, Dec. 6 wi...

TORONTO (December 1, 2025) – Order up! Ahead of the upcoming Season 8 finale of CTV Original series MASTERCHEF CANADA, it was announced today the return of the hit competition series for Season 9. The deal for the new season was brokered by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.  

Judges Mary Berg, Hugh Acheson, and Craig Wong are back for the new season, with production set to begin in Spring 2026. For home cooks looking for their opportunity to enter the MASTERCHEF CANADA kitchen, casting for Season 9 is currently open at masterchefcanadacasting.ca.  

“MASTERCHEF CANADA continues to serve up an exhilarating experience for Canadians as they follow the journeys of the home cooks,” said Justin Stockman, Vice President, Content Development &amp; Programming, Bell Media. “With our incredible judges at the helm, and our valued partners at MEM, we’re ready to take a fresh season of this beloved series out of the oven.” 

With casting now open at masterchefcanadacasting.ca, culinary Canadians looking to whisk it all for the chance to secure the $100,000 cash prize and title of MASTERCHEF CANADA have until January 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET to sharpen their knife skills and perfect their flavour profiles in hopes of securing a coveted white apron. More information and updates to also be made available on the show’s official accounts on TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook.  

MASTERCHEF CANADA is seeking individuals who are  

 	Ambitious: Ready to push culinary limits and strive to secure the title of  MASTERCHEF CANADA 
 	Inventive: Introduce distinctive tastes and innovative cooking methods
 	Passionate: Possess a passion for cooking and the desire to share their profound love of food with Canada

Customized and wholly integrated brand partnership opportunities for MASTERCHEF CANADA, including video, digital, social, audio, and OOH platforms with first in class data opportunities, are currently available for Season 9. 

For viewers hungry for culinary action, MASTERCHEF CANADA Season 8 continues Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and streams next day on Crave, with the Season 8 winner set to be crowned on December 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. All previous seasons of MASTERCHEF CANADA are available to stream on Crave. 

Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MASTERCHEF is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records. Now commissioned across 71 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 750 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the super-brand is known and enjoyed across the globe. 

MASTERCHEF CANADA is produced by MEM in association with CTV. For MEM, Scott McGillivray is CEO, Nanci MacLean is COO, and Marike Emery is Executive Producer. For Bell Media, Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development, Original Programming; Kelsey-Ann Maria is Production Executive, Original Programming; Danielle Pearson is 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. 

CTV Orders Ninth Serving of MASTERCHEF CANADA with Casting Now Open

TORONTO (December 1, 2025) – Order up! Ahead of the upcoming Season 8 finale of CTV Original series MASTERCHEF CANADA, it was announced today the retu...

TORONTO (November 28, 2025) – CTV News’ annual TOY MOUNTAIN campaign is happening now in partnership with The Salvation Army and local charity partners, bringing holiday cheer to those in need in communities across Canada.  

The annual TOY MOUNTAIN campaign is built on the generosity of viewers and listeners, aiming to make the season brighter for thousands of children. TOY MOUNTAIN encourages residents, businesses, schools, organizations, community groups, and more to collect and donate new, unwrapped toys for all age groups, with a special emphasis on gifts for infants and toddlers (0-35 months) and pre-teens (9-13 years). 

TOY MOUNTAIN campaigns are taking place at CTV News and iHeartRadio Canada stations in communities across Canada, with on-air personalities from each station sharing daily progress updates on donations. TOY MOUNTAIN campaigns benefitting The Salvation Army are happening at the following stations:

 	CTV News Toronto delivers the 30th anniversary of TOY MOUNTAIN until Dec. 19, led by Andria Case and Lyndsay Morrison. Full details on the campaign are available here. 
 	CTV News Ottawa and MOVE 100 team up for the TOY MOUNTAIN campaign until Dec. 19, led by Jackie Perez, Sophie Moroz, and Jeff Hopper, with more information available here.
 	CTV News London, 97.5 Virgin Radio, and PURE COUNTRY 93 unite for TOY MOUNTAIN until Dec. 18, led by Reta Ismail, with more information available here. 
 	CTV News Kitchener, 105.3 Virgin Radio, and BOUNCE 99.5 deliver TOY MOUNTAIN until Dec. 17, led by Leighanne Evans, with more information available here.
 	CTV News Barrie, PURE COUNTRY 106, and BOUNCE 104.1’s TOY MOUNTAIN campaign runs until Dec. 19, led by Luke Simard, with more information available here.
 	CTV News Winnipeg, 103.1 Virgin Radio, and BOUNCE 99.9’s TOY MOUNTAIN runs until Dec. 6, with live broadcasts from Access Storage and CF Polo Park. Complete details, as well as a list of drop-off locations, are available here. 

Additionally, CTV News and iHeartRadio Canada stations are delivering TOY MOUNTAIN campaigns in the following markets, benefitting local organizations: 

 	CTV News Calgary, CJAY 92, and 98.5 Virgin Radio’s TOY MOUNTAIN campaign runs until Dec. 19, in support of FearIsNotLove 
 	CTV News Edmonton, 100.3 The Bear, and 104.9 Virgin Radio’s TOY MOUNTAIN runs until Dec. 19, in support of BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area
 	CTV News Vancouver, MOVE 103.5, and 94.5 Virgin Radio’s TOY MOUNTAIN campaign returns Dec. 4 and 5, with live, on-location broadcasts at Guildford Town Centre, in support of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau
 	CTV News Vancouver Island and 107.3 Virgin Radio Victoria’s TOY MOUNTAIN campaign runs from Dec. 4 – 11, with live broadcasts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT at Uptown Shopping Centre, in support of CFAX Santa’s Anonymous 

 

30th Anniversary of CTV News Toronto’s TOY MOUNTAIN 

CTV News Toronto’s TOY MOUNTAIN celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, with live, on-location segments in CTV NEWS AT SIX, Toronto’s most-watched evening newscast, airing at 6 p.m. ET on CTV, Crave, CTVNewsToronto.ca, and the CTV News app. 

A major sponsor of the Toronto TOY MOUNTAIN campaign, the Toronto Area Ford Dealers Association first joined the campaign effort in 2010. Over the last 15 years, they have collected more than 147,000 toys for children in need, donated 12 vehicles for contest giveaways, supported The Salvation Army with vehicle donations, and made cash donations totalling more than $1 million. This year, they are giving away a 2025 Ford Bronco Big Bend to a TOY MOUNTAIN donor. 

Canadians can continue to connect with CTV News to access all the comprehensive news they need by visiting CTVNews.ca, subscribing to a variety of CTV News daily newsletters, and by downloading the official CTV News app. 

Annual TOY MOUNTAIN Campaigns are Underway on CTV News Stations Across the Country

TORONTO (November 28, 2025) – CTV News’ annual TOY MOUNTAIN campaign is happening now in partnership with The Salvation Army and local charity partner...

HIGHLIGHTS



NOW STREAMING – The Holiday Collection Landing Page    

 	From holiday movies and festive favourites, to beloved seasonal episodes and specials, this specially curated page houses hundreds of hours of holiday cheer. Some featured collections include Evergreen Classics, Under the Mistletoe, Festive Feasts, Throwback Movies, New for the Holidays, Christmas Episodes, and The Wizarding World among many more. Iconic titles streaming this season on Crave and STARZ include: DR. SEUSS HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, THE HOLIDAY, LOVE ACTUALLY, GREMLINS, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, A CHRISTMAS STORY and THE NIGHT BEFORE. Also available is the Yes, It’s A Christmas Movie collection with titles like EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, THE SHINING, and BATMAN RETURNS.  

 

DECEMBER 1 – HBO Original Documentary PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY *Premiere*  

 	From teen idol to chart-topping songwriter, Paul Anka has spent seven decades as one of the most prolific musicians in the world and he’s still going. Part road movie and part living biography, PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY traces the iconic Canadian’s journey through stardom and constant reinvention in an ever-changing industry. PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY premieres Monday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. ET.  

 

   

DECEMBER 5 – STARZ’s SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR *Series Premiere*  

 	In this reimagined world, where power, passion and destiny unite in an unforgettable new story, viewers are thrust back into the brutality of Ancient Rome with the shocking resurrection of the once-defeated Ashur, played by Nick E. Tarabay (SPARTACUS, THE EXPANSE), who now returns as “Dominus,” the master of his own House. Fueled by vengeance and cunning ambition, Ashur rises from betrayal and bloodshed to seize power, gouging out a place for the House of Ashur in a new arena full of violence, desire and twisted loyalty. SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR premieres on Friday, Dec. 5 with the first two episodes followed by one new episode dropping subsequent Fridays on STARZ.  

   

  

DECEMBER 12 – SLAYCATION *Season 2 Premiere* 

 	Crave Original series SLAYCATION heads to the Canadian Rocky Mountains for its six-episode second season which follows six queens from across the international DRAG RACE family as they vacation together at a Canadian winter cabin. With fun activities, frivolity, and a hint of drama, their escapades culminate in a show-stopping performance for the local community. SLAYCATION debuts Friday, Dec. 12 with the first two episodes, while two new episodes drop on subsequent Fridays. 

 

 

DECEMBER 15 – IRISH BLOOD *Series Premiere* 

 	Crime drama series IRISH BLOOD, starring Alicia Silverstone, begins with divorce lawyer Fiona Fox (Silverstone) receiving a message from her estranged father, and embarking on a journey to Ireland. She uncovers family truths and her father's dark past, realizing her life's abandonment story was a protective lie. All six episodes of IRISH BLOOD Season 1 drop on Monday, Dec. 15. 

 

 

DECEMBER 19 – THE OFFICE MOVERS SPECIAL: PROJECTED TO HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS 

 	The guys are back again, but this time to spread some holiday cheer. In this Christmas special, Everett (Jae) is determined to prove his holiday spirit to the crew. But he never thought volunteering at a church would lead to putting out literal fires, scoping out sketchy warehouses, and gifting families in need a bunch of R-rated toys. PROJECTED TO HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS drops on Friday, Dec. 19, while THE OFFICE MOVERS Season 1 and 2 are available for streaming on Crave. 
 

 

 

DECEMBER 25 – SHORESY *Season 5 Premiere* 

 	The boys are buzzing and the chirps are tighter than a freshly taped twig when they hit Crave Original comedy series SHORESY returns for its fifth season, Christmas Day. Two episodes drop on Thursday, Dec. 25 on Crave, followed by one new episode on subsequent Thursdays. Created by and starring Jared Keeso as Shoresy, and produced by New Metric Media in association with Play Fun Games, Season 5 sees Shoresy and the Bulldogs fight to protect the North American game. 

 

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New Programming 
    

HBO and HBO Max    

December 1 – HBO Original PAUL ANKA: HIS WAY (Special Premiere)   

December 3 – HBO Original HARD KNOCKS IN SEASON WITH THE NFC EAST, Season 1, Episode 1 (Premiere)   

December 4 – HBO Original MUSIC BOX: IT’S NEVER OVER JEFF BUCKLEY  

December 11 – HBO Original MUSIC BOX: WIZKID: LONG LIVE LAGOS  

December 12 – HBO Original SARAH SQUIRM: LIVE + IN THE FLESH (Special Premiere)  

December 18 – HBO Original MUSIC BOX: COUNTING CROWS: HAVE YOU SEEN ME LATELY  

    

Movies   

December 1 – LA GUERRE DES TUQUES  

December 1 – THE PEANUT BUTTER SOLUTION  

December 1 – BACH ET BOTTINE  

December 1 – A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1951) 

December 1 – THE YOUNG MAGICIAN  

December 1 – THE GREAT LAND OF SMALL  

December 1 – LA GRENOUILLE AT LA BALEINE  

December 1 – SUMMER OF THE COLT  

December 1 – BYE BYE CHAPERON ROUGE  

December 1 – PAS DE REPIT POUR MELANIE  

December 1 – THE CLEAN MACHINE  

December 1 – TOMMY TRICKER AND THE STAMP TRAVELLER  

December 1 – VINCENT AND ME  

December 1 – REACH FOR THE SKY  

December 1 – LA FORTERESSE SUSPENDUE  

December 4 – GIRL, INTERRUPTED  

December 4 – HELLBOY (2004)  

December 5 – SHADOW FORCE  

December 5 – THE SHROUDS  

December 5 – FAMILY MCMULLEN  

December 5 – CAUGHT STEALING  

December 5 – PAYING FOR IT  

December 5 – THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC  

December 5 – DUMB AND DUMBER  

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING  

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS  

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING  

December 5 – HOLIDAY INN  

December 6 – MERRY MADAGASCAR 

December 6 – TROLLS HOLIDAY IN HARMONY 

December 11 – OUR HOUSE 

December 12 – FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK: BALLERINA 

December 12 – SANCTUARY: A WITCHES TALE 

December 12 – TORNADO 

December 12 – THE SURFER 

December 12 – THE HEAT 

December 12 – THE CABLE GUY 

December 12 – MARIAH CAREY’S ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU 

December 12 – THE BOURNE IDENTITY 

December 12 – THE BOURNE SUPREMACY  

December 12 – THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM 

December 12 – THE BOURNE LEGACY 

December 12 – JASON BOURNE 

December 12 – THE NORTHMAN 

December 12 – A FAIRLY ODD CHRISTMAS 

December 18 – WE MET IN DECEMBER 

December 19 – GUNSLINGERS 

December 19 – A LINE OF FIRE 

December 19 – MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 

December 19 – AIR BUD 

December 19 – AIR BUD: GOLDEN RECEIVER 

December 19 – AIR BUD: WORLD PUP 

December 19 – AIR BUD: SEVENTH INNING FETCH 

December 19 – AIR BUD: SPIKES BACK 

December 19 – BRIAN AND CHARLES 

December 24 – THE GREEN DINOSAUR 

December 24 – PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE 

December 24 – PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE 

December 24 – IT FEEDS 

December 24 – COCAINE BEAR 

December 26 – MENTEUSE 

December 26 – TOMB RAIDER 

December 29 – AIR (2023) 

December 30 – BRIDE HARD 

December 31 – THE HUNGER GAMES  

December 31 – THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE  

December 31 – THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1  

December 31 – THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2   

 

STARZ    

December 1 – RESIDENT EVIL   

December 4 – GIRL, INTERRUPTED  

December 4 – HELLBOY (2004)  

December 5 – SPARTACUS: HOUSE OF ASHUR, Season 1 Episode 1 (Series Premiere)    

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING  

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS  

December 5 – THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING  

December 5 – KRAMER VS KRAMER 

December 5 – A CHRISTMAS MELODY 

December 5 – HOLIDAY INN 

December 5 – THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC   

December 11 – PASSENGERS 

December 11 – OUR HOUSE 

December 12 – DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS 

December 12 – THE BOURNE IDENTITY 

December 12 – THE BOURNE SUPREMACY  

December 12 – THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM 

December 12 – THE BOURNE LEGACY 

December 12 – JASON BOURNE 

December 18 – MONEYBALL 

December 18 – SAUSAGE PARTY 

 

Additional Highlights  

December 1 – LE CALENDRIER DE L’AVENT, Season 1, Episode 1 (Season Premiere)  

December 1 – PAW PATROL HOLIDAY HEARTH 

December 3 – BOTCHED PRESENTS: PLASTIC SURGERY REWIND, Season 1  

December 3 – VIE DE CHANTIER, Season 3-4 

December 6 – SESAME STREET, Season 55 

December 6 – HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: THE SERIES, Season 1-2  

December 8 – OD: TENTATIONS AU SOLEIL, Season 2, Episode 1-2 (Season Premiere) 

December 10 – CRINQUÉ: SOUS LE CAPOT, Season 1 

December 12 – SLAYCATION, Season 2, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) 

December 12 – BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, Season 1-8 

December 13 – COCOMELON JJ’S ANIMAL TIME 1, Part 1 

December 15 – IRISH BLOOD, Season 1 

December 19 – THE OFFICE MOVERS SPECIAL: PROJECTED TO HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS 

December 20 – MINI SMILEY 1, Part 1 

December 20 – A PAW PATROL CHRISTMAS 

December 25 – SHORESY, Season 5, Episode 1-2 (Season Premiere)  

December 27 – COCOMELON JJ’S ANIMAL TIME 1, Part 2 

December 31 – LE PESTACLE DE FIN D’ANNÉE 

 

Next Day on Crave   

December 1 – CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY *following CTV Life 

December 1 – MY CHRISTMAS HERO *following CTV Life 

December 1 – CTV YOUR MORNING *following CTV  

December 5 – NEXT LEVEL BAKER *following CTV 

December 6 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – KANSAS CITY DAY 1 *following CTV Speed 

December 7 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – KANSAS CITY DAY 2 *following CTV Speed 

December 7 – SAVVY SHELDON FEELS SO GOOD AS HELL *following CTV Life 

December 7 – PAWS IN THE CITY *following CTV Life 

December 7 – A PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ *following CTV Life 

December 7 – A DASH OF CHRISTMAS *following CTV Life 

December 8 – A SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS *following CTV Life 

December 9 – PASSWORD HOLIDAY SPECIAL *following CTV 

December 14 – SAVING THE CHRISTMAS RANCH *following CTV Life 

December 14 – RECIPE FOR ROMANCE *following CTV Life 

December 14 – CHRISTMAS ON WINDMILL WAY *following CTV Life 

December 15 – THANK GOD: CHRISTMAS AT THE KELLER RANCH *following CTV Life 

December 15 – MERRY PICKLEBALL CHRISTMAS *following CTV Life 

December 15 – TMZ *following E! 

December 20 – CHARMED BY THE DEVIL *following OXYGEN 

December 20 – CHRISTMAS ON THE 5TH FLOOR *following CTV Life 

December 21 – ORDINAIRY GIRL IN A TIARA *following CTV Life 

December 21 – THE CHRISTMAS BABY *following CTV Life 

December 21 – OUTBACK OPAL HUNTERS, Season 1-2 *following USA Network 

December 26 – MUCH PRESENTS K-OS *following MuchMusic 

December 28 – OUTBACK OPAL HUNTERS, Season 3-4 *following USA Network 

 

 

Monika Sidhu, Crave Communications Coordinator, monika.sidhu@bellmedia.ca 

December 2025: Crave Streaming Overview

HIGHLIGHTS NOW STREAMING – The Holiday Collection Landing Page     From holiday movies and festive favourites, to beloved seasonal episodes and specia...

TORONTO (November 27, 2025) – Santa’s got nothing on CTV’s list, as the network announced today its 2025 holiday programming lineup. CTV has everything on viewers’ wish lists all season long, with themed episodes of hit CTV series, movies, seasonal classics, festive new specials, and more. All festive programming is also streaming on Crave, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.

New Holiday Specials 

The PAW Patrol squad is getting into the spirit of the season with their first-ever holiday special, A PAW PATROL CHRISTMAS (Friday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2). Rubble can’t wait for Christmas to come this year as he’s paws-itively excited about Santa bringing him a Lazer Drill. But when Santa comes down with a cold and Christmas is cancelled, Mayor Humdinger decides he’s going to go to the North Pole to steal all of the gifts for himself. It will take all the PAW Patrol, and Rubble making a sacrifice, to stop Mayor Humdinger from ruining Christmas and learning the true meaning of the howl-iday season. Stars Luke Dietz and Lucien Duncan-Reid.

Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the 16th annual CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (Tuesday, Dec.  2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2) features one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from country music’s biggest stars. Hosted by Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis, the holiday special includes performances by Daigle, Davis, Riley Green, Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and BeBe Winans.

CTV delivers the Canadian network broadcast premiere of MARIAH CAREY: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! (Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2), a concert special from the Queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey. Filmed in New York City at the world-renowned Madison Square Garden arena, the special features the singer-songwriter performing a repertoire of her festive holiday hits, including the chart-topping massive perennial favorite “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

A spinoff of NEXT LEVEL CHEF, Gordon Ramsay’s new holiday baking series NEXT LEVEL BAKER (Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2 beginning Dec. 4) delivers a ho-ho-whole lot of new twists on the classic cooking competition series. The all-new three-week special event series follows bakers as they are challenged to create eye-popping festive holiday delights. Chef Ramsay is coming to town after scouring the country for the very best home, pro and social media bakers, all from different backgrounds and levels of expertise, who compete against one another and are ready to sleigh the competition! Joined by two powerhouse chefs and entrepreneurs, television chef Carla Hall and Sprinkles Cupcakes founder Candace Nelson, Ramsay and his co-mentors bring magical moments and surprises to their hand selected group of talented bakers. Only one baker will rise to the top and walk away as the first ever NEXT LEVEL BAKER, winning $25,000 and a HexClad prize package.

New Holiday-Themed Episodes

CTV’s schedule also includes all-new holiday-themed episodes of PASSWORD (Dec. 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT), SHIFTING GEARS (Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT), SHARK TANK (Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2); CELEBRITY WHEEL OF FORTUNE (Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. ET/PT); and more. Leading up to the holidays, CTV YOUR MORNING features festive segments, while THE GOOD STUFF WITH MARY BERG returns with its annual ‘A Very Mary Giveaway’ series (beginning Dec. 1), offering guests and viewers at home (through social contesting) the chance to take home some of the season’s most exciting and coveted holiday gifts. THE SOCIAL presents a new edition of THE SOCIAL: YEAR IN REVIEW (Dec. 19); and ETALK concludes 2025 with two new specials: THE GREY’S ANATOMY PHENOMENON (Dec. 20) and THE BTS PHENOMENON (Dec. 22).

NFL on Christmas Day

The NFL also delivers a series of games on Christmas Day, including two afternoon matchups kicking off with the Dallas Cowboys facing the Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET on TSN and CTV), followed by the Detroit Lions taking on the Minnesota Vikings (4:30 p.m. ET on TSN and CTV), before the Denver Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m. ET on TSN and CTV).

Holiday Movies 

CTV and CTV2 are serving up a sleigh-load of heartwarming and utterly unmissable made-for-TV movies this holiday season including A FURRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS (Nov. 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2); A VERY MERRY BEAUTY SALON (Nov. 30 at 12 a.m. ET/PT on CTV2); A PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ (Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. ET/PT on CTV); A DASH OF CHRISTMAS (Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2); A ROYAL DATE FOR CHRISTMAS (Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2); CANDY CANE CANDIDATE (Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2); JOY TO THE WORLD (Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV), starring Emmanuelle Chriqui (ENTOURAGE) and Chad Michael Murray (SULLIVAN’S CROSSING); and more.

CTV’s lineup also treats viewers to iconic blockbuster and classic holiday films such as: ELF (Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on CTV); THE SANTA CLAUSE (Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV2); CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS (Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV); THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on CTV2); THE HOLIDAY (Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV); HOME ALONE (Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV); A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV2 and 1:30 a.m. ET/PT on CTV); and more.

CTV is also home to blockbuster movies all season long with DIE HARD (Dec. 6 at 12 a.m. ET/PT); DIE HARD 2 (Dec. 13 at 12 a.m. ET/PT); DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Dec. 20 at 12 a.m. ET/PT), WONKA (Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. ET/PT), and more. Plus, this holiday season, the Force is festive! CTV2 brings the magic of the STAR WARS franchise home for the holidays, airing a film from the legendary saga and anthology Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

CTV Specialty programming further complements the festive celebrations, with more than 100 hours of holiday movies on CTV Life Channel, including: SECOND GUESSING FATE (Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. ET) directed by Stefan Brogren (DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION); CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY (Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. ET) starring singer-songwriter Brandy Norwood (QUEENS); SAVVY SHELDON FEELS AS GOOD AS HELL (Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. ET) starring Amber Riley (GLEE) and based on the novel of the same name by Taj McCoy; PAWS: IN THE CITY (Dec. 6 at 10 p.m. ET) starring Emeraude Toubia (SHADOWHUNTERS); A MERRY PICKLEBALL MATCH (Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. ET) starring James Lafferty (ONE TREE HILL) and Zibby Allen (VIRGIN RIVER); CHRISTMAS AT KELLER RANCH (Dec. 14 at 10 p.m. ET) executive produced and inspired by Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown hit duet “Thank God”; ORDINARY GIRL IN A TIARA (Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. ET) starring Dmitry Chepovetsky (CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING); THE CHRISTMAS BABY (Dec. 20 at 10 p.m. ET) starring Katherine Barrell (WYNONNA EARP); A CHRISTMAS MURDER MYSTERY (Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. ET) starring Vivica A. Fox, and more.

For the fifth year in a row, CTV’s suite of specialty channels including CTV Sci-Fi Channel, CTV Drama Channel, CTV Life Channel, CTV Comedy Channel, Oxygen True Crime, and USA Network are on a nationwide free preview from Friday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 11 – available through participating television service providers across the country, including but not limited to Bell, Bell Aliant, BellMTS, Cogeco, Eastlink, Rogers, SaskTel, Telus, and participating members of the CCSA. During the free preview, viewers will be treated to complete marathons of beloved hit series such as THE BIG BANG THEORY (CTV Comedy), GILMORE GIRLS (CTV Drama), BLUE BLOODS (CTV Life), and the inaugural season of THE PITT (USA Network) ahead of the show’s second season premiere in 2026, and movie marathons of the biggest blockbuster film franchises including select X-MEN, HARRY POTTER, STAR WARS, TRANSFORMERS, THE AVENGERS, and more (CTV Sci-Fi).

CTV Holiday Hub 2025

CTV’s Holiday Hub – available until Jan. 5 on Crave, CTV.ca, and the CTV app – offers themed programming consisting of more than 80 movies, 30 series, and 12 curated collections, in addition to seasonal selections of CTV Throwback series and a delightful array of festive food recipes, complemented by a heartwarming lineup of culinary-themed shows and specials. Viewers can stream holiday favourites such as THE HOLIDAY, Adam Sandler’s EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS, and CHRISTMAS IN THE SPOTLIGHT; seasonal selections of throwback series such as HOME IMPROVEMENT, GOLDEN GIRLS, FRIENDS, WILL &amp; GRACE, and THE JEFFERSONS; festive specials like JAMIE OLIVER’S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK, Mary Berg’s MARY MAKES IT EASY: MARY MAKES IT MERRY, and more. Plus, CTV.ca unlocks full seasons of hit CTV Original series including THE TRAITORS CANADA, MASTERCHEF CANADA, THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, ACTING GOOD, and more. Visit the Holiday Hub for the complete collection.

All programming scheduling is subject to change (all times are ET/PT). Visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times. For additional holiday programming updates, follow @CTV_PR.

CTV Rings in the Holidays with a Merry Mix of New Specials, Movies, and Holiday-Themed Episodes

TORONTO (November 27, 2025) – Santa’s got nothing on CTV’s list, as the network announced today its 2025 holiday programming lineup. CTV has everythin...

By BILL HARRIS
Special to The Lede

&nbsp;

Both Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie could literally feel the simmering pressure of HEATED RIVALRY.

Premiering Friday, Nov. 28 on Crave, the six-part drama stars Williams as young Canadian hockey star Shane Hollander, and Storrie as young Russian hockey star Ilya Rozanov. The tale begins back in 2008, and while Shane and Ilya are linked in all the obvious hockey ways – competitiveness, ambition, the tradition of Canada vs. Russia – they also feel a romantic and sexual pull toward each other that would have widespread ramifications if it ever became public.

For most acting jobs, actors are told to commit emotionally to the role. But in the case of HEATED RIVALRY, which was created by award-winning Canadian writer-director-producer Jacob Tierney (LETTERKENNY, SHORESY), the whole dilemma is that the lead characters feel that they can’t commit emotionally to their feelings in any kind of public way.

“I remember I actually turned to Hudson, probably halfway through the shooting, because there was this kind of unease, or there was this sort of tension that I would leave the set with on certain days,” Storrie recalled. “Usually with acting, even if it's really difficult and emotional circumstantially, it's usually a cathartic experience, you know? But with this tension, the kind that’s unsaid, not completely vulnerable or in a completely honest place for a long period of time, it did kind of build up some sort of discomfort, because there's not that expression. So, yeah, I remember being like, ‘damn, I feel kind of weird,’ because there's no catharsis.”

Williams totally agreed.

“Yeah, my chest would feel constricted,” he said. “Because you're constantly sort of closed off. Even Shane's voice is kind of constricted. His shoulders are rounded. He’s tense. His whole being is so pushed down and stifled that you feel it physically when you leave the set.”

Of course, in terms of the actual plot in HEATED RIVALRY, much of the external tension comes from the question of, is anyone going to find out what’s going on between Shane and Ilya, who are hiding in plain sight as two of the highest-profile athletes in the world?

“That is kind of the gasoline that makes the hiding and the shame and the secret of it all,” Storrie said. “That's what raises the stakes, because it's one thing to confront that with yourself, and look at the person across from you and be vulnerable about those feelings, but it's another thing to do that publicly when you feel like the stakes are so high.”

Williams added, “gasoline feels like a good word. With the amount of cameras and attention and sort of public image that these characters have to put forth, I think, at least for my character, it leads to a constant deer-in-the-headlights thing. He is always harboring this secret, which just drives all the angst.”

Another intriguing aspect of HEATED RIVALRY is the usual manner in which Shane and Ilya communicate. Phones back in that era could basically do only two things: you could phone someone, or text someone.

“It’s not even just the technology, but how you interacted with the technology was different,” Storrie observed. “Like, now it's very normal to be in a dressing room where everyone is on their phones, because there's so much going on. But back in the day, if you were on your phone, it was literally to be sending a message, and that was pretty much it.”

Which meant that anyone, including Ilya and Shane, would be much more conspicuous when they were using their phones. Teammates would be naturally curious, because it wasn’t something that everyone was doing all the time.

“Yes, and that gets called out a lot, too – like, ‘who are you texting?’ ” Storrie said.

Williams added, “it's sort of the perfect time period for when this relationship started in this fictional world, the fact that they had access to those kinds of phones at that time, where you could have instant messaging, but only at that sort of calibre.”

Considering HEATED RIVALRY at an icier level, did Williams and Storrie grow up playing hockey?

Williams shook his head. “I’m a bad Canadian,” he said.

“And I'm not Canadian, so I have no obligation to hockey,” said Storrie, who is American. “I love it now, though. I totally get the hype, and if I'm going to sit down and watch a sport, it's probably going to be hockey at this point.”

“I had different sports in my world when I was growing up,” Williams said. “But I would say hockey is my favourite team sport now as well. It was fun to finally get to loop around back to the sport that was sort of an oversight for me, and get to learn about the culture, and appreciate it. I reached out to some hockey friends to kind of get influenced a little bit more, and learn the key terminology, so I could feel like I had some legitimacy when I actually showed up on set.”

The game starts on Friday, in more ways than one.

&nbsp;

billharristv@gmail.com
@billharris_tv

Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie Slice The Ice and Keep a Secret in HEATED RIVALRY

By BILL HARRIS Special to The Lede &nbsp; Both Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie could literally feel the simmering pressure of HEATED RIVALRY. Premi...