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By BILL HARRIS
Special to The Lede

&nbsp;

It was pointed out to Rachel Sennott that a major entertainment publication has described her new HBO comedy series I LOVE LA as “the quintessential Gen Z show.” So what does that mean exactly?

“Um, I don’t really know what that means, either,” said Sennott, prompting laughter at a media conference this week.

Nonetheless, as the creator, writer, director, executive producer, and star of I LOVE LA – which premieres Sunday, Nov. 2 on Crave – the 30-year-old Sennott attempted to sum up her creative parameters.

“Basically, when we were making this show, we had a lot of references to iconic HBO shows,” Sennott said. “We talked a lot about SEX AND THE CITY. We talked about GIRLS. We talked about INSECURE. Also, ENTOURAGE was a big reference (all those series are on Crave). ATLANTA is another big reference for us. So we took a bunch of inspiration, but ideally what we wanted to create was our own unique tone, something that felt unique to us, and very specific to now.”

Sennott's star has been significantly on the rise for the past five years or so, first online, then in film and TV. In 2021 she had a major role in the ABC sitcom CALL YOUR MOTHER, playing the daughter of Kyra Sedgwick's character. In 2023 she starred in the movies Bottoms and I Used To Be Funny, and had a recurring role as Leia in HBO's THE IDOL (all three titles on Crave). In 2024 she starred in the film Saturday Night (also on Crave). And just last February, Sennott was selected, alongside Bowen Yang, to announce the nominations for the 97th OSCARS®.

In I LOVE LA, Sennott plays Maia, a junior staffer at a talent management company in Los Angeles who has grown frustrated with her career, and is angling to get a promotion from her boss Alyssa, played by Leighton Meester.

Maia’s life gets a jolt with the unannounced arrival of her estranged college friend and social media star Tallulah, played by Odessa A’Zion. The two were best friends back in New York, but their plans to move to L.A. together were scuttled when Tallulah backed out at the last minute, and their friendship fell apart for good reasons on both sides.

But Maia and Tallulah kind of need each other again, so they get over past grievances quickly. Maia reassumes responsibility for Tallulah’s career, but their reunion has some immediate and disruptive effects on the lives of their friends and lovers, including Jordan Firstman as Charlie, True Whitaker as Alani, and Josh Hutcherson as Dylan.

Whether Sennott is intentionally making generational generalizations or not, most of the twentysomething characters in I LOVE LA are intensely narcissistic. They make bad decision after bad decision, while always craving and expecting instant success. They’re incredibly quick to threaten legal action (and sometimes it’s not just a threat) against anyone who crosses them, even their so-called friends. And for the ones who have the numbers to do so, they don’t mind weaponizing their followers on social media, either. It’s all just another day in L.A.

“I try to approach all the characters with love and empathy,” said Sennott, who is not actually from Los Angeles, but was born in Connecticut, and first came up through the New York entertainment scene. “Obviously, they're comedy characters. Look, I’m probably a damn narcissist. This is my job. They’re flawed characters, but that's what I think makes interesting characters. We also tried to look at them with love and humanity, and find multi-facets to them, to feel like they were nuanced.”

Sennott moved to Los Angeles during COVID, and she said I LOVE LA speaks to her early experiences on the West Coast, when she was “feeling really isolated, didn't have a lot of friends here, started going through my ‘Saturn return,’ and was getting into a car accident every three months.” But then the question looms: will viewers who have never lived in Los Angeles be able to penetrate some of the inside humour in I LOVE LA?

“I think anything, if it's super specific, actually becomes more relatable, do you know what I mean?” Sennott explained. “Like, I love mafia movies. I'm not in the mafia. But I get it. Like Casino or something (available on STARZ). They set it up, like, ‘Jimmy was the guy that did this, buh buh buh buh buh,’ and you go, ‘okay, I get it.’ So we tried to have a balance of inside jokes, but also set up enough of the rules for the show so that people would get it. Any of the characters could have easily become, well, not a trope, but I think there's a way it could veer into that. But each actor did so much work grounding their characters in humanity, so that even if you don't live in L.A., you're like, ‘I have a friend like that.’ I think the characters, and the relationships, are relatable anywhere.”

&nbsp;

billharristv@gmail.com
@billharris_tv

The West Has Never Been More Wild With Rachel Sennott’s I LOVE LA

By BILL HARRIS Special to The Lede &nbsp; It was pointed out to Rachel Sennott that a major entertainment publication has described her new HBO comedy...

NOVEMBER 2 – HBO’s I LOVE L.A. *Series Premiere*   

 	From creator and star Rachel Sennott (Bottoms, Shiva Baby) comes a story of an ambitious friend group that navigates life and love in LA. I LOVE LA also stars Jordan Firstman, Josh Hutcherson, Odessa A’zion, and True Whitaker. Debuting Sunday, Nov. 2 at 10:30 p.m. ET, new episodes of the eight-episode season stream weekly until the finale on Sunday, Dec. 21 

 

NOVEMBER 2 – HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS OF BAKING *Season 2 Premiere*   

 	The series returns with even more spellbinding creations, enchanted elements and baking wizardry as a new field of competitors embark on the experience of a lifetime. Returning hosts James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) bring their charm, humour and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and are joined by esteemed culinary judges Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef, who bring their discerning palates and high expectations to the table. HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS OF BAKING premieres Sunday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. ET and follows a weekly release schedule with new episodes streaming subsequent Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.  

 

***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 October 30-November 5 

*All Programming Subject to Change* 

 

HBO and HBO Max   

November 2 – HBO Original I LOVE LA, Season 1, Episode 1 (Series Premiere)  

 

Movies 

October 31 – CHALLENGERS  

October 31 – THE STRANGERS   

October 31 – THE OTHERS    

October 31 – FIRESTARTER (2022)    

October 31 – GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE    

October 31 – SHARP CORNER *Canadian Title*   

October 31 – THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS  

October 31 – MOMMY 

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL   

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE   

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION   

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE   

November 1 – THE FAMILY MAN   

November 1 – THE HOLIDAY   

November 1 – PARTHENOPE 

November 2 – A BRUSH WITH CHRISTMAS

November 2 – A CHRISTMAS... PRESENT

November 3 – THE HOBBY  

 

STARZ  

October 31 – THE STRANGERS   

October 31 – THE OTHERS    

October 31 – MOMMY 

October 31 – MATTHIAS &amp; MAXIME   

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL   

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE   

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION   

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE   

November 1 – THE HOLIDAY   

November 1 – THE FAMILY MAN   

 

Additional Highlights 

October 30 – THE TRAITORS: NETHERLANDS Season 3-4  

November 1 – THE TRAITORS INDIA, Season 1   

November 1 – STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, Season 1   

November 2 – HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS OF BAKING, Season 2, Episode 1 (Season Premiere)   

November 3 – MICHAEL BONACINI’S CHRISTMAS AT THE FARM  

November 3 – WATTS UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS: SPENCER’S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS RECIPES 

November 5 – HAND THAT ROBBED THE CRADLE, Season 1 

November 5 – CELEBRITY TRAITORS UK, Season 1, Episode 9 (Season Finale)  

 

Next Day on Crave 

October 30 – DATELINE: SECRETS UNCOVERED, Season 16 *following OXYGEN  

October 31 – DATELINE: UNFORGETTABLE, Season 7, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) *following OXYGEN 

October 31 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – DALLAS FORT WORTH DAY 1 *following CTV Speed 

November 1 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – DALLAS FORT WORTH DAY 2 *Canadian Title* *following CTV Speed   

November 2 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – DALLAS FORT WORTH DAY 3 *Canadian Title* *following CTV Speed   

November 2 – JOY TO THE WORLD *following CTV Life 

November 3 – THE CHRISTMAS CLUES *following CTV Life 

November 3 – REPTILE ROYALTY, Season 2, Episode 1- 2 (Season Premiere) *following CTV Wild   

November 4 – ST. DENIS MEDICAL, Season 2, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) *following CTV   

November 5 – AUSSIE GOLD HUNTERS, Season 10, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) *following USA Network  

 

 

Monika Sidhu, Crave Communications Coordinator, monika.sidhu@bellmedia.ca 

October 30-November 5: Crave Weekly Streaming Overview

NOVEMBER 2 – HBO’s I LOVE L.A. *Series Premiere*    From creator and star Rachel Sennott (Bottoms, Shiva Baby) comes a story of an ambitious friend gr...

Thursday Night Football 

 	2:30 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay (TSN5) 
 	4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5) 
 	7 p.m. ET – TNF Tonight (TSN1/4) 
 	8:15 p.m. ET – Baltimore @ Miami 

 	TSN1/4, CTV2 Network, and RDS2 



Friday Programming 

 	2 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay (TSN1/3) 
 	4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5) 

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 (TSN1/3/4)
 	7 p.m. ET – Football Night in America (TSN)
 	7:30 p.m. ET – NFL on CTV Live (CTV) 

Sunday 1 p.m. ET 

 	Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh

 	CTV Toronto, CTV Ottawa, CTV Kitchener, and RDS


 	Atlanta @ New England

 	CTV Montreal and CTV Atlantic


 	San Francisco @ New York Giants

 	CTV BC, CTV Alberta, and CTV Saskatchewan


 	Minnesota @ Detroit

 	CTV Winnipeg and CTV2 Network


 	Denver @ Houston

 	TSN1/3/4 and CTV Northern Ontario


 	Carolina @ Green Bay

 	TSN+ 



Sunday 4 p.m. ET 

 	Jacksonville @ Las Vegas – Kickoff at 4:05 p.m. ET

 	TSN1/3


 	Kansas City @ Buffalo – Kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET 

 	CTV Network and RDS 



Sunday Night Football 

 	8:15 p.m. ET – Seattle @ Washington

 	TSN, CTV Network, and RDS 



Monday Programming 

 	3 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3)
 	6 p.m. ET – NFL Monday Night Countdown (TSN1)
 	8:15 p.m. ET – Arizona @ Dallas

 	TSN1/3, CTV2 Network, and RDS 



&nbsp;

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 9: AFC Rivalry Renewed as Kansas City Visits Buffalo, Cowboys Host the Cardinals for Monday Night Football, and more

Thursday Night Football  2:30 p.m. ET – NFL GameDay (TSN5)  4 p.m. ET – NFL Live (TSN1/3/5)  7 p.m. ET – TNF Tonight (TSN1/4)  8:15 p.m. ET – Baltimor...

TORONTO (October 28, 2025) – CTV News and Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina are pleased to announce that journalist Lu Fan has been selected as the recipient of the annual Sachedina ∙ CTV News ∙ Fellowship, in partnership with RTDNF Canada and Massey College at the University of Toronto.

The Sachedina ∙ CTV News ∙ Fellowship program is designed to support an emerging journalist who will produce a substantial and original piece that will be considered for publication on a CTV News platform, and will explore a subject or theme that is significant to Canada and Canadians. Throughout the reporting process, the Fellow will receive academic mentoring from faculty at Massey College, and from the leading team of journalists at CTV NATIONAL NEWS. More information on the Sachedina ∙ CTV News ∙ Fellowship is available at CTVNews.ca. 

Born in China and now based in Halifax, Lu Fan is a journalist and documentary filmmaker with 14 years’ experience working across television and digital platforms. Her work has been recognized internationally, most recently with a nomination at the 2025 New York Festivals for the documentary “The Light Within Us”. Currently pursuing a Master of Journalism at the University of King’s College, she seeks to uncover in her work unconventional stories of everyday tragedy and triumph. 

“After the success of our inaugural year, we received a wide variety of exceptional submissions for the annual Sachedina ∙ CTV News ∙ Fellowship,” said Sachedina. “All of us at CTV NATIONAL NEWS, alongside RTDNF Canada and Massey College, are committed to supporting and encouraging Lu as she embarks on her major journalism project, which will challenge and enrich our understanding of the country.” 

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity offered by CTV News, RTDNF Canada, and Massey College,” said Fan. “Many thanks are due to my professors at King's for their support. I am excited to unlock the valuable stories behind minerals critical to our way of life.”

“The story pitches from recent journalism graduates impressed the judges, and Lu Fan’s focus on mining critical minerals comes at a critical time for this country,” said Gina Lorentz, President of RTDNF Canada. “We’re thankful that talented new journalists have the generous support of Omar Sachedina and CTV News to produce compelling content. Sharing credible, uniquely Canadian stories is more important than ever.”

“At Massey College, we are delighted to partner with CTV News and RTDNF Canada in supporting the next generation of journalists through the Sachedina ∙ CTV News ∙ Fellowship,” said James Orbinski, Principal of Massey College. “Lu Fan’s work embodies the kind of curiosity, courage, and public purpose that this fellowship was created to champion. We look forward to welcoming her into the Massey community, where reflection and rigorous inquiry go hand in hand with storytelling that serves the public good.”

Canadians can continue to connect with CTV News to access all the comprehensive news they need by visiting CTVNews.ca, subscribing to the organization’s daily newsletters, and by downloading the official CTV News app.

Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina and CTV News Announce 2025 Recipient of the Sachedina ∙ CTV News ∙ Fellowship

TORONTO (October 28, 2025) – CTV News and Chief Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina are pleased to announce that journalist Lu Fan has been select...

HIGHLIGHTS



NOVEMBER 2 – HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS OF BAKING *Season 2 Premiere* 

 	The series returns with even more spellbinding creations, enchanted elements and baking wizardry as a new field of competitors embark on the experience of a lifetime. Returning hosts James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) bring their charm, humour and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and are joined by esteemed culinary judges Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef, who bring their discerning palates and high expectations to the table. HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS OF BAKING premieres Sunday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. ET and follows a weekly release schedule with new episodes streaming subsequent Sundays at 8 p.m. ET. 

  

NOVEMBER 2 – HBO’s I LOVE LA *Series Premiere*  


 	From creator and star Rachel Sennott (Bottoms, Shiva Baby) comes a story of an ambitious friend group that navigates life and love in LA. I LOVE LA also stars Jordan Firstman, Josh Hutcherson, Odessa A’zion, and True Whitaker. Debuting Sunday, Nov. 2 at 10:30 p.m. ET, new episodes of the eight-episode season stream weekly until the finale on Sunday, Dec. 21

 

NOVEMBER 6 – HBO's ALEX VS AROD *Documentary Series Premiere* 

 	As baseball fever grips Canada, Crave presents the HBO Original three-part documentary series ALEX VS AROD, directed by Religion of Sports’ Gotham Chopra and Erik LeDrew. From the pinnacle of athletic success to the depths of scandal, Alex Rodriguez saw his prolific baseball career marred by a high-profile suspension for performance-enhancing drug use. Told through a series of intimate interviews with Rodriguez, ALEX VS AROD explores the dualities of one of the most polarizing figures in sports. Part 1 streams on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. ET with new episodes streaming on subsequent Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.  

NOVEMBER 7 – Crave Original Series THE OFFICE MOVERS *Season 2 Premiere* 

 	Created by and starring Canadian content creators and brother duo Jermaine “Jae” and Trevaunn “Trey” Richards as Toronto-based office movers Everett and Eric Saunders, Season 2 features the brothers embroiled in bond-testing schemes, shady insurance scams, bogus grants, and rivalries with cutthroat family competitors. All six episodes of THE OFFICE MOVERS Season 2 drop on Friday, Nov. 7. 



NOVEMBER 7 – A COMPLETE UNKNOWN *Movie Premiere* 

 	New York, 1961. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, the electric true story behind the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history. 

 

NOVEMBER 14 – ER *Season 1-10* 

 	Seasons 1-10 of the critically acclaimed medical drama ER land on Crave, Friday, Nov. 14. Originally premiering in 1994, the series explores the inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and critical issues faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its emergency room. The pulse-pounding drama features new challenges each season, from exploring personal problems outside of Chicago’s County General Hospital to the political issues being raised inside.  

 

NOVEMBER 14 – Crave Original Series PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA *Series Premiere* 

 	PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA, the Canadian adaptation of the globally renowned fashion competition series, premieres on Friday, Nov. 14, with new episodes streaming Fridays until the finale on Jan. 16. Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha hosts and judges, alongside fashion industry icon Jeanne Beker and  CAFA award-winning designer Spencer Badu, while fashion designer, author, activist, and industry visionary Aurora James is mentor to the designers. Over 10 episodes, PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA brings some of the country’s most exciting designers together to compete in a captivating series of challenges, with surprises and twists along the way. The designers share their stories and unique runway creations as they compete for the title of Canada’s Next Great Designer,  from TD, a career launching investment of $100,000, and a coveted feature spread in an upcoming issue of Elle Canada magazine.  

 

NOVEMBER 14 – HBO’s THE SEDUCTION *Series Premiere* 

 	To be the hero of your own story, you sometimes have to be the villain in others’. Marquise de Merteuil, betrayed by Valmont, embarks on a daring journey to become Paris’ leading courtesan. Freely adapted from the novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, the series is a thrilling exploration of the price of emotional &amp; sexual freedom in a world where women had little. The six-episode French HBO Original series THE SEDUCTION debuts Friday, Nov. 14, with new episodes streaming on Fridays until the finale on Dec. 19

 

NOVEMBER 20 – Crave Original Series CANADA’S DRAG RACE *Season 6 Premiere*  

 	Returning for its sixth season, CANADA’S DRAG RACE continues to feature top Canadian drag artists as they compete for the title of “Canada’s Next Drag Superstar” and a $100,000 grand prize. Each episode pushes them to their limits with singing, dancing, acting, impersonation, costume making, and improvisation challenges. Throughout this raucous journey to the crown, the queens share personal experiences, celebrate their successes, and showcase the importance of celebrating everyone’s Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent. The 12 drag artists from across Canada showcasing their talents this season are: Dulce, Eboni La’Belle, Hazel, Karamilk, Mya Foxx, Paolo Perfección, PM, Saltina Shaker, Sami Landri, Star Doll, Van Goth, and Velma Jones. Season 6 premieres on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 9 p.m. ET with new episodes streaming Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.  

 

NOVEMBER 28 – Crave Original Series HEATED RIVALRY *Series Premiere* 

 	In the new six-part Crave Original series HEATED RIVALRY, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) are two of the biggest stars in Major League Hockey, bound by ambition, rivalry, and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands. What begins as a secret fling between two fresh-faced rookies evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery. Over the next eight years, the pair chase glory on the ice while struggling to navigate their feelings off it. Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there is room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile and as powerful as real love. The ensemble cast includes Francois Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nelisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. Created by award-winning Canadian writer-director-producer Jacob Tierney (LETTERKENNY, SHORESY) and based on the best-selling book series Game Changers by Rachel Reid. Episodes 1 and 2 drop on Friday, Nov. 28, followed by one new episode on subsequent Fridays until the finale on Dec. 26. 

New Programming 
HBO and HBO Max  

November 2 – HBO Original I LOVE LA, Season 1, Episode 1 (Series Premiere) 

November 6 – HBO Original ALEX VS AROD, Season 1, Episode 1 (Premiere)  

November 14 – HBO Original THE SEDUCTION, Season 1, Episode 1 (Series Premiere) 

 

Movies 

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL 

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE 

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION 

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE 

November 1 – THE FAMILY MAN 

November 1 – THE HOLIDAY 

November 3 – THE HOBBY 

November 6 – HAPPY CHRISTMAS 

November 7 – A COMPLETE UNKNOWN   

November 7 – REAGAN 

November 7 – BONEYARD 

November 7 – TALL TALES 

November 7 – THE UNBREAKABLE BOY 

November 7 – WISH YOU WERE HERE 

November 7 – LAURENCE ANYWAYS 

November 7 – TOM AT THE FARM 

November 7 – LAKE PLACID VS. ANACONDA 

November 7 – OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY 

November 7 – SCROOGED 

November 7 – WEIRD SCIENCE 

November 7 – NIKITA 

November 11 – PASSCHENDAELE 

November 11 – THE LOBSTER 

November 13 – THE RED VIOLIN 

November 14 – M3GAN 

November 14 – BROKE 

November 14 – ADAM SANDLER’S EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS 

November 14 – HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE 

November 14 – WHITE BIRD: A WONDER STORY 

November 14 – NOPE 

November 14 – THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU 

November 14 – BILLY MADISON 

November 15 – KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY 

November 21 – QUEEN OF THE RING 

November 21 – BOXCUTTER 

November 21 – 40 ACRES 

November 21 – BLACKWATER 

November 21 – BIG FISH 

November 21 – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

November 22 – HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: HOMECOMING 

November 22 – DRAGONS: GIFT OF THE NIGHT FURY 

November 28 – MR-9: DO OR DIE 

November 28 – THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL YOU CAN EAT 

November 28 – TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION 

November 28 – TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE 

November 28 – TRANSFORMERS: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON 

November 28 – TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT 

November 28 – ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES 

November 28 – AWAKENINGS 

November 28 – SURVIVING CHRISTMAS 

November 29 – SHREK THE HALLS 

  

STARZ  

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL 

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE 

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION 

November 1 – RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE 

November 1 – THE HOLIDAY 

November 1 – THE FAMILY MAN 

November 1 – HAPPY CHRISTMAS 

November 7 – POWER BOOK IV: FORCE, Season 3 Episode 1 (Season Premiere)  

November 7 – XXX 

November 7 – LAKE PLACID VS. ANACONDA 

November 7 – OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY 

November 7 – SCROOGED 

November 7 – LAURENCE ANYWAYS 

November 7 – TOM AT THE FARM 

November 7 – PASSCHENDAELE 

November 8 – EVERYTHING’S GOING TO BE GREAT 

November 13 – ONLY THE BRAVE 

November 13 – THE RED VIOLIN 

November 14 – BILLY MADISON 

November 14 – ADAM SANDLER’S EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS 

November 14 – THE DEATH AND LIFE OF JOHN F. DONOVAN 

November 14 – CLARA 

November 14 – THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU 

November 21 – BIG FISH 

November 21 – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

November 21 – THE IMITATION GAME 

November 21 – BAD SANTA 

November 21 – BAD SANTA 2 

November 22 – HURRY UP TOMORROW 

November 28 – MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 

November 28 – AWAKENINGS 

November 28 – SURVIVING CHRISTMAS 

November 28 – DADDY’S HOME 2 

  

Additional Highlights 

November 1 – TRAITORS INDIA, Season 1 

November 1 – STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, Season 1 

November 2 – HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS OF BAKING, Season 2, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) 

November 5 – CELEBRITY TRAITORS UK, Season 1, Episode 9 (Season Finale) 

November 7 – THE OFFICE MOVERS, Season 2, Episode 1 *Canadian Title* (Season Premiere) 

November 7 – ANNE RICE’S MAYFAIR WITCHES, Season 2 

November 8 – PAW PATROL SPECIAL – VALIENTE: A TRACKER STORY 

November 13 – DÉRIVE, Season 1, Episode 1 *Canadian Title* (Series Premiere) 

November 13 – DÉMASQUIS 

November 14 – ER, Seasons 1–10 

November 14 – PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA, Season 1, Episode 1 *Canadian Title* (Series Premiere) 

November 15 – TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, Season 1 

November 19 – LA VÉRITÉ SUR LA FAUSSE AVOCATE 

November 20 – CANADA’S DRAG RACE, Season 6, Episode 1 *Canadian Title* (Season Premiere) 

November 21 – THEN YOU RUN, Season 1 

November 22 – DRAGON’S RESCUE RIDERS: HEROES OF THE SKY VOL. 4 

November 22 – ICARLY, Season 1-2 

November 26 – AN OPTIMIST’S GUIDE TO THE PLANET, Season 2, Episode 6 *Canadian Title* (Season Finale) 

November 27 – RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK, Season 7, Episode 10 (Season Finale) 

November 28 – HEATED RIVALRY, Season 1, Episode 1-2 *Canadian Title* (Series Premiere) 

November 28 – TRAITORS IRELAND, Season 1 

November 28 – THIS TOWN, Season 1 

November 28 – DARK WINDS, Season 2 

  

Next Day on Crave 

November 1 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – DALLAS FORT WORTH DAY 2 *Canadian Title* *following CTV Speed 

November 2 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – DALLAS FORT WORTH DAY 3 *Canadian Title* *following CTV Speed 

November 3 – REPTILE ROYALTY, Season 2, Episode 1- 2 (Season Premiere) *following CTV Wild 

November 4 – ST. DENIS MEDICAL, Season 2, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) *following CTV 

November 5 – AUSSIE GOLD HUNTERS, Season 10, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) *following USA Network 

November 8 –HAPPY’S PLACE, Season 2, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) *following CTV  

November 10 – WARDENS OF THE NORTH, Season 6, Episode 1 (Season Premiere) *following CTV Wild 

November 15 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – LAS VEGAS DAY 1 *Canadian Title* *following CTV Speed 

November 16 – MECUM AUTO AUCTIONS – LAS VEGAS DAY 2 *Canadian Title* *following CTV Speed 

November 20 – THE 59TH CMAs *following CTV

&nbsp;

Monika Sidhu, Crave Communications Coordinator, monika.sidhu@bellmedia.ca 

November 2025: Crave Streaming Overview

HIGHLIGHTS NOVEMBER 2 – HARRY POTTER: WIZARDS OF BAKING *Season 2 Premiere*  The series returns with even more spellbinding creations, enchanted eleme...

By BILL HARRIS
Special to The Lede

&nbsp;

Judy Reyes’ character in CTV’s HIGH POTENTIAL just might be the all-time dream boss in TV history.

“Wow, okay!” said Reyes, clearly pleased with the description. “The dream boss, even! I never really thought about it that way.”

Well, as is standard procedure in police dramas, let’s consider the facts.

In HIGH POTENTIAL – which airs its Season 2 fall finale on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 10 p.m. ET on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streams next day on Crave – Reyes plays Lieutenant Selena Soto, a.k.a., the boss who decided to hire Morgan Gillory as a civilian consultant with the Los Angeles Police Department. Morgan, played by Kaitlin Olson, has an IQ of 160, and is a so-called “high-potential individual,” whose unorthodox thinking and keen observational skills have proved useful in solving complex cases.

But Lt. Soto bucks the normal stereotypes for bosses in police procedurals. Soto doesn’t fly off the handle. She’s clearly in charge, but she treats the people working for her with respect. They can talk to her. And perhaps most importantly, Soto isn’t grumpy all the time, which is so often the case with police bosses in countless other shows.

“Oh, thank you – I don't know what else to say to that, except that I didn't want that either, you know?” Reyes replied. “I need to really believe what I'm saying, and be able to relate it to whatever I think that experience is, emotionally or reactively. It’s not necessarily about not being emotional for Soto, but it’s about being in control, and being experienced, and her connectivity, being a woman in this space, where people really do respect each other.”

As for Soto’s lack of grumpiness, Reyes added, “I do think that she is under a lot of pressure. I never really thought of all the other bosses being grumpy, but I can see why they are. There's an enormous amount of pressure, but I think there's an enormous amount of levity, and possibility, that comes with having an element like Morgan, for example. I mean, Morgan's a genius, and she solves every case every week. So what are you going to do? What do you have to be grumpy about?”

At this point, Reyes was asked if she’s familiar with the old 1970s and ’80s TV series QUINCY, M.E.?

“I remember QUINCY!” Reyes said. “Jack Klugman!”

Well, there was a thing back then that TV writers referred to as “QUINCY syndrome,” which made fun of the fact that Quincy solved every case every week, but he had a grumpy police boss who never ever believed that Quincy was even remotely on the right track.

“Exactly,” Reyes said with a laugh. “We're just coming to the fact that Morgan is brilliant, and she’s tackling the hardest cases in town, which is, I think, a lot more interesting – or at the very least, its own thing.”

HIGH POTENTIAL is definitely its own thing, emerging as a breakout hit immediately when it premiered in the fall of 2024.

For Reyes’ Soto specifically, there has been a twist in her story in recent episodes that has led to some very interesting scenes and situations. Soto applied for a captain’s position, and she was clearly qualified for it. But she didn’t get the job, which instead went to a “nepo baby” – those were Reyes’ words – named Nick Wagner, played by Steve Howey.

As one would expect, Soto has handled this development with class. But in a moment alone with Morgan, Soto admitted in a calm but icy voice, “I’m pissed. It should have been me.”

In a less ambitious show than HIGH POTENTIAL, Soto would have broken down. But that’s not who Soto is, and her demeanour made the words much heavier and impactful.

“It absolutely did feel powerful, and I remember I thought it was really beautifully written,” said Reyes, whose vast acting resume includes series such as SCRUBS and DEVIOUS MAIDS. “It was a wonderful opportunity to create something that was its own thing with Kaitlin, who's a terrific, terrific actor. I related to it. And you're right, I think that the easy choice – I wouldn't say easy, I don't know how fair that is – but the typical choice, or the expected choice, is to make it weepier than it is. But that’s an old story. For me, and I'm positive for Kaitlin, and Javicia (Leslie, who plays Daphne Forrester), that's not how women are. You know that strength is its own emotion, and the way we were able to work off each other, it resonated with a lot of people.”

So what can fans of HIGH POTENTIAL expect from Lt. Soto moving forward, with a new captain, tough new cases every week, and the risk/reward factor of having Morgan involved?

“I think you just expect to see her handle it, continuing to be as good at her job as she has always been, handling what's unfolding before her,” Reyes said. “But then you just have to tune in to see how.”

&nbsp;

billharristv@gmail.com
@billharris_tv

With Her Refreshing, Supportive, and Non-Grumpy Take on a Cop Boss, Judy Reyes Soars in HIGH POTENTIAL

By BILL HARRIS Special to The Lede &nbsp; Judy Reyes’ character in CTV’s HIGH POTENTIAL just might be the all-time dream boss in TV history. “Wow, oka...

TORONTO (October 23, 2025) – Crave announced today the troupe of Canadian queens set to serve under the big top in Season 6 of the award-winning Crave Original series, CANADA’S DRAG RACE. Premiering Thursday, Nov. 20 at 9 p.m. ET, the nine-episode season features 12 new larger-than-life drag artists vying for the coveted title of Canada’s Next Drag Superstar.  

&nbsp;

**Media Note: assets for CANADA’S DRAG RACE are available on The Lede HERE** 

The queens of CANADA’S DRAG RACE Season 6 are: 



Dulce 

Age: 24 (London, ON) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/him (out of drag) 

Instagram: @dulcethequeen 

TikTok: @dulcethequeen 

X: @dulcethequeeen

 	Originally from London, ON, Dulce is a dancing diva who drives all over Ontario to entertain audiences. 


 	As Spanish is her first language, she performs Spanish songs as much as possible. 


 	At the age of 16, Dulce served six years with the Canadian Army Reserve, using her time there to advocate for queer people serving in the military. 

"I’m a high-energy, plus-sized dancing diva! I'm Canada's spiciest import ready for the spotlight." 

&nbsp;



Eboni La’Belle 

Age: 24 (St. Catharines, ON) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), she/her (out of drag) 

Instagram: @ebonilabelle 

TikTok: @ebonilabelle 

X: @ebonithequeen

 	Eboni La'Belle is a good-time girl who loves making audiences laugh with her quick-witted, hilariously authentic style. 


 	In the short time that Eboni has been performing, her proudest moment is winning her hometown pageant, Miss Pride Niagara 2022-2023, along with being named Pride Niagara Ambassador. 


 	As a Trans person who has overcome many struggles, Eboni embodies strength and resilience. 

"She is ratchet meets runway, ghetto meets girly pop, and girl gone glam." 

&nbsp;



Hazel 

Age: 27 (Vancouver, BC) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/him (out of drag) 

Instagram: @names.hazel 

TikTok: @nameshazel 

X: @Names_Hazel

 	Hazel is an elite-level diver who has competed for the Canadian National Team and was recruited to Florida State University on a scholarship to compete for the school. 


 	After being introduced to Florida-style Drag, she closed her diving chapter and brought her competitive spirit back to Canada. 


 	Hazel runs a weekly show called HAZE and has performed alongside artists like RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE alum Trixie Mattel.

"Sweet, a little nutty, and always packed with flavour! I'm here to crack open the competition and leave you wanting more!” 

&nbsp;



Karamilk 

Age: 25 (Toronto, ON) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/him (out of drag) 

Instagram: @karamilk.queen 

TikTok: @karamilk.queen 

X: @karamilk_queen

 	Originally hailing from Halifax, NS, Karamilk has a background in acting and musical theatre, and has spent countless hours in the dance studio.  


 	As the drag daughter of Kimmy Couture from Season 3 of CANADA’S DRAG RACE, she hopes to continue a legacy of excellence. 


 	Karamilk took home the crown in Ottawa’s Next Drag Superstar Season 1 and Absolut Empire’s Ball Season 4 and continues to perform often between Ottawa and Toronto.

“Karamilk is a talented and incredible performer, known for her humility and kindness." 

&nbsp;



Mya Foxx 

Age: 31 (Halifax, NS) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/him (out of drag) 

Instagram: @myafoxx_hfx 

TikTok: @myafoxx

 	Representing the Maritimes and Inuit heritage, Mya Foxx is ready to bring her mix of urban fashion and Indigenous influence to the national stage. 


 	Mya twirled her way onto the stage as a backup dancer for other queens, and now she can't wait to be the first Nova Scotian on CANADA’S DRAG RACE. 


 	She has honed her drag skills in multiple competitions like the Halifax Garden Ball, Best of Halifax Awards, and the TV series CALL ME MOTHER.

"The East Coast Inuk Diva is here, so come to the kitchen party, grab yourself a drink – we're gonna get into it!" 

&nbsp;



Paolo Perfección 

Age: 25 (Montreal, QC) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/him (out of drag) 

Instagram: @paoloperfeccion 

TikTok: @paoloperfeccion 

YouTube: @PaoloPerfeccion 

 	Paolo Perfección attended fashion school for design and makes professional grade costumes and looks. 


 	Attracting wide audiences, Paolo currently performs exclusively at straight clubs in Montréal to huge acclaim.  


 	Paolo’s got a natural ability to be pulling ANYTHING off, and audiences all over fall in love with her.

"I’m definitely a mouth – I say things that get attention. It's just too bad I don't know too many words." 

 



PM 

Age: 31 (Vancouver, BC) 

Pronouns: they/them (in drag), they/them (out of drag) 

Instagram: @pmforagoodtime 

TikTok: @pmforagoodtime

 	Starting drag to gain confidence while studying ballet, PM is now nine years into being known as a respected, revered artist in the BC scene. 


 	PM makes their mark with their insane dancing skills, unique make-up, and original approach to drag. 


 	There are no limits to PM’s drag – they can be a monster, alien, motorcycle daddy, or just a girl on the go.  

"I’m everyone’s favourite front flipping, jump splitting, high kicking alien from Vancouver!" 

&nbsp;



Saltina Shaker 

Age: 29 (Ottawa, ON) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/they (out of drag) 

IG: @saltinashaker 

TikTok: @saltinashaker 

X: @saltinashaker

 	Saltina Shaker has a fresh take on the future of drag, where she believes strongly in meditation, intentionality, and the power of connecting with your inner self. 


 	After surviving a serious car accident in her teens, Saltina began using drag to fall back in love with her body, and posting about her body eventually lead to her 2.3 million followers on TikTok. Everything she’s built, from her drag to her social platform, to her performance production businesses have come from that first seed of believing in her creativity and pushing through challenges.  

"I think Canada is already rooting for me. Whether it be shows or social media, people are drawn to me. I'm someone who can mold herself into anything." 

&nbsp;



Sami Landri 

Age: 26 (Moncton, NB)  

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/him (out of drag) 

IG: @samilandri 

TikTok: @samilandri

 	Sami is a major flag bearer for the Acadian drag scene and is considered a pioneer of New Brunswick drag. 


 	Since developing an online following with hundreds of thousands people, Sami has toured globally and appeared on TV several times. 


 	One of Sami’s dreams is to tour her drag in all the small, forgotten villages in Canada. 

"New Brunswick just entered the chat! I'm the chaotic Acadian that keeps popping up on your 'for you' page.” 

&nbsp;



Star Doll 

Age: 25 (Toronto, ON) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/him (out of drag) 

Instagram: @itsstardoll 

TikTok: @itsstardoll 

X: @itsstardoll

 	Star Doll is here to make her drag mom, Suki Doll, biological single mother, and the entire Filipino community proud with stunning performances and killer looks. 


 	Since graduating from theatre school in 2021, Star has been consistently booked as a Drag entertainer, performing four to five times a week. She is a fixture at the City of Toronto’s Drag Masterclass. She loves to sing, rap, and write her own lyrics, and has written her own original song “Shiny,” streaming now.  

“The one of one IT girl of Toronto. It's time to shine and show the world the STAR I am!” 

&nbsp;



Van Goth 

Age: 27 (Toronto, ON) 

Pronouns: she/her (in drag), he/him (out of drag) 

IG: @itsvangoth 

TikTok: @itsvangoth 

X: @itsvangoth

 	With a Bachelor of Design in Fashion, Van Goth’s aesthetic is a whole mood that is guaranteed to turn heads and stand out in any crowd. 


 	As a Toronto Village staple, she performs multiple times a week and has performed all over the country, from Ottawa to Vancouver. 


 	Van Goth won Absolut Empire’s Ball Season 3 and is a two-time contender at Miss El Convento Rico.  

"Van Goth is a polished burlesque showgirl who tripped and got a little dirty. She’s got a sharp tongue and even sharper liner." 

&nbsp;



Velma Jones 

Age: 39 (Montreal, QC) 

Pronouns: Velma = she/her &amp; Johnny = he/him (in drag), she/they (out of drag) 

IG: @velma.johnny_jones 

TikTok:@velmajohnny.jones

 	As an AFAB (assigned female at birth) queen, Velma Jones is here to prove that representation matters. 


 	Velma placed first in Drag Moi at Cabaret Mado, and Mx Cocktail at Le Bar Cocktail, not to mention she performed at the biggest show at Montreal Pride in 2023, Drag Superstar. Always booked and busy, Velma even co-produces and co-directs CANADA’S DRAG RACE winner Gisele Lullaby’s weekly show, Full Gisèle. 


 	Velma is very passionate about supporting younger Drag artists with mentorship and education.

"I am a super powered drag artist that will do anything to make you feel as powerful as I am." 

Available in English and French, new episodes of CANADA’S DRAG RACE stream Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Crave. Season 6 launches simultaneously on World of Wonder’s SVOD platform WOW Presents Plus, in the U.S. and in 190 territories worldwide.

Winner of 25 Canadian Screen Awards, CANADA’S DRAG RACE features top Canadian drag artists as they compete for the title of “Canada’s Next Drag Superstar” and a $100,000 grand prize. Each episode pushes them to their limits with singing, dancing, acting, impersonation, costume making, and improvisation challenges. Competitors are eliminated until one queen is left standing with the crown and sceptre. Throughout this raucous journey to the crown, the queens share personal experiences, celebrate their successes, and showcase the importance of celebrating everyone’s Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent!

In association with Crave, Season 6 of CANADA’S DRAG RACE 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, Lori Greenberg is Supervising Producer. Executive Producers for World of Wonder are Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles. For Bell Media, Justin Stockman is Executive Producer and Vice President, Content Development &amp; Programming. Senior Production Executive is Danielle Pearson. Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming. Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming.  

Step Right Up! Queens Announced as CANADA’S DRAG RACE Returns for Season 6, November 20

TORONTO (October 23, 2025) – Crave announced today the troupe of Canadian queens set to serve under the big top in Season 6 of the award-winning Crave...

Bell Media

TORONTO (October 23, 2025) – Bell Media and Tubi, Fox Corporation’s (NASDAQ: FOXA, FOX) ad-supported streaming service, today announced a long-term strategic partnership across ad sales and content distribution, including Canadian titles from Bell Media's market-leading on-demand catalogue and FAST channel lineup. The partnership also includes plans to co-develop original content for distribution on Tubi globally, across Bell Media platforms in Canada, and through Sphere Abacus, Bell Media’s international content distribution company. 

The partnership brings together two audience-focused organizations with tremendous reach. Bell Media reaches 98% of Canadians every month, while Tubi has become one of the largest and fastest-growing free streaming platforms in the country. Today, Tubi reaches 1-in-3 Canadians over 18, with viewership skewing younger and more multicultural—over half are Millennial or Gen Z. The deal expands on the previously announced licensing and distribution pact between Bell Media and FOX Entertainment Global.   

Under this agreement, Bell Media becomes the exclusive Canadian sales partner for Tubi, offering advertisers a more robust premium connected video inventory, and a unique opportunity to reach Tubi's engaged audience through Bell Media's established sales network and expertise. This partnership expands the reach and effectiveness of digital ad campaigns across the country, combining Tubi's growing platform with Bell Media's robust portfolio.  

"Bringing Bell Media and Tubi together is a powerful growth partnership that furthers many of Bell Media’s key areas of focus: increasing opportunities for advertisers to reach Canadian consumers alongside premium digital video, expanding digital distribution for our content, and collaborating with strategic partners on globally resonant storytelling,” said Sean Cohan, President, Bell Media. 

“Tubi is a global leader in free streaming, with over 100 million monthly active users and fast-growing momentum in Canada,” said Anjali Sud, CEO, Tubi. “This partnership is a win for Canadians, extending Bell Media’s iconic brands to Tubi’s highly engaged audience and giving advertisers access to viewers they can’t otherwise reach.” 

The collaboration also sees the launch of Bell Media’s FAST channels on Tubi in Canada. The channels, which become available to Tubi’s Canadian audience later this year, include CTV News, TSN The Ocho, CTV @Home, CTV Laughs, The Mightiest by CTV, CTV Gridlock, and Corner Gas Channel.   

Bell Media and Tubi Announce Strategic Ad Sales and Distribution Partnership

TORONTO (October 23, 2025) – Bell Media and Tubi, Fox Corporation’s (NASDAQ: FOXA, FOX) ad-supported streaming service, today announced a long-term st...

By BILL HARRIS
Special to The Lede

&nbsp;

In the first few minutes of IT: WELCOME TO DERRY, a young boy is hitchhiking in horrible weather. When a car pulls over and he gets picked up, the family inside the vehicle asks him where he’s headed.

His reply is both vague and hauntingly specific: “Anywhere but Derry.”

What happens next won’t be easily forgotten.

For anyone familiar with the world of acclaimed horror author Stephen King, the mere mention of the fictional town of Derry, Maine will send shivers down the spine. Premiering Sunday, Oct. 26 on Crave, HBO’s IT: WELCOME TO DERRY takes a deeper dive into the evil that exists there, serving as a prequel to the movies It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), both of which are available on Crave and were based on King’s unforgettable novel It (1986).

IT: WELCOME TO DERRY executive producer Andy Muschietti, who directed both the recent It films, was asked during a media conference if it had always been his intention to continue this creepy story somehow.

“Not always – it started as we were finishing Chapter Two, and we were starting to feel like that was it,” said Muschietti, pun possibly intended. “I started having conversations with Bill Skarsgård (who is reprising his role as Pennywise the Clown). Together, we were sort of high on the experience, and just speculating about making the origin story of Pennywise. How did It become the Clown?”

King has acknowledged many times over the years that he has largely avoided answering the questions of “why” and “how” in his horror novels, because he finds it more scary if things are left unexplained. But according to Muschietti and his producing partner and older sister Barbara Muschietti, King is very open to having those questions explored in other media such as TV and film, by other creative minds.

“First we talked to Steve, that’s the first thing,” Barbara Muschietti recalled.

Wait a minute … you call Stephen King “Steve?”

“Uncle Steve to Andy, Steve to me,” Barbara Muschietti said. “We are so lucky to have this very loving relationship with him. He has trusted us with this incredible masterpiece. He gets excited by it, and he writes to us about it all the time. Without expecting anything, you wake up and you find an email from Stephen King, loving, you know, a blood explosion, or whatever we're doing.”

So what could Stephen King’s personal email address possibly be?

“I don’t know what it means,” Barbara Muschietti admitted. “I’m not going to say it.”

Stephen King’s email address aside, the author gave his blessing to the Muschiettis, who decided to set the main plot line in IT: WELCOME TO DERRY in 1962. There’s something about that era that always works well in a King-written or King-adjacent tale, with the surface-level innocence of small-town life contrasted with what’s happening down below – figuratively in some cases, literally in others.

“There is a reason why we're telling the story backwards, that you won't know yet, and we can't tell you, but it just felt exciting,” Andy Muschietti teased.

Setting the story in 1962 also allows for an intriguing “character crossover,” so to speak. King fans may recall the name Dick Halloran from King’s 1977 novel The Shining, and the 1980 movie of the same name (available on Crave). In The Shining, Dick is an older man with telepathic abilities who befriends young Danny Torrance, who is also telepathic. In IT: WELCOME TO DERRY, we see a younger version of Dick, played by Chris Chalk.

"We're discovering who (Dick Halloran) is, and playing with the audience's expectation," Chalk said. "Because he's such a gentle soul in the versions that you know, and it's just not that guy here. He's a human, and he's having a human experience, learning to live with devastating psychic powers. It seems cool until you realize everyone around you is depressed. Then it's not super fun."

What is super fun is trying to figure out what It actually is.

“Well, the only thing I can say to that is, I'm going back to the theme of faith,” Andy Muschietti said. “Everything we have faith in is something for this thing to take, right? So does it exist because we believe in it? Is that why kids see it so much, and they’re the prominent victims of this thing, because adults don’t believe in things that don’t exist? So it’s a lingering question. It lingers in the book, it lingers in our movies, it lingers in our show. Is It real? Or is it something that we create?”

&nbsp;

billharristv@gmail.com
@billharris_tv

How Are Scary Clowns Made? IT: WELCOME TO DERRY Tells a Terrifying Origin Story

By BILL HARRIS Special to The Lede &nbsp; In the first few minutes of IT: WELCOME TO DERRY, a young boy is hitchhiking in horrible weather. When a car...

OCTOBER 24 – WEAPONS *Movie Premiere*

 	Zach Cregger directs from his own screenplay when horror film WEAPONS makes its streaming debut, Friday, Oct. 24 on Crave. When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanishes on the same night at 2:17 a.m., a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance. Starring Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, and Cary Christopher, with Benedict Wong and Amy Madigan.

 

OCTOBER 26 – HBO Original Series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY *Series Premiere*  

 	Set in the world of Stephen King’s IT universe, IT: WELCOME TO DERRY is based on King’s IT novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films IT and IT: Chapter Two. The series cast includes Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise. IT: WELCOME TO DERRY premieres Sunday, Oct. 26 at 9 p.m. ET, with subsequent episodes streaming Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

 

OCTOBER 28 – HBO Original Documentary COUNTRY DOCTOR *Premiere*

 	Since 2010, over 140 hospitals in rural America have closed, leaving just one doctor for every 2,500 people. Filmed over three years in intimate cinéma vérité style, COUNTRY DOCTOR follows Dr. James Graham in Fairfax, Oklahoma (population 1,263), who has spent over 40 years dispatching medicine, comfort, and wisdom to his patients. As Fairfax Community Hospital files for bankruptcy, Dr. Graham and his team fight to provide adequate healthcare for their community. Amid staff shortages and uncertainty for the future, a new buyer for the hospital provides a cautious beacon of hope. Premiering Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. ET.

&nbsp;
*Crave Offers in Market*
Available now until October 31, new, upgrading and reactivating subscribers can enjoy promotional pricing when they sign up directly to Crave. Crave Standard With Ads is available for $3.99 per month for the first three months (66% off), and Crave Premium is offered at $7.99 per month for the first three months (63% off). This limited-time offer is the ideal way to explore all that Crave offers at a great price. See full details at: crave.ca/octoberoffer.
  

***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 October 23-30

*All Programming Subject to Change*

&nbsp;

HBO and HBO Max 

October 26 – HBO Original IT: WELCOME TO DERRY, Season 1, Episode 1 (Series Premiere)

October 28 – HBO Original COUNTRY DOCTOR (Documentary Premiere)

&nbsp;

Movies

October 24 – WEAPONS

October 24 – THE UNINVITED 

October 24 – THE RULE OF JENNY PEN

October 24 – YOU WON’T BE ALONE

October 24 – THE WITCH

October 24 – TIGERS ARE NOT AFRAID 

October 24 – DOGTOOTH 

October 25 – ANNABELLE

October 26 – SHAUN OF THE DEAD 

October 28 – HEREDITARY 

 

STARZ 

October 24 – DOGTOOTH 

October 24 – TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2003)

October 24 – THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, Season 2, Episode 6 (Season Finale)

October 26 – SHAUN OF THE DEAD 

&nbsp;

Additional Highlights

October 24 – DADDY ISSUES, Season 1

October 25 – ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?, Season 1-2

October 25 – FIREMAN SAM, Season 16, Part Two

October 27 – CHASING MONSTERS Season 1-4

October 30 – URGENCE HELICO, Season 1, Episode 1 (Series Premiere)

October 30 – TRAITORS NETHERLANDS, Season 3-4

&nbsp;

Next Day on Crave

October 26 – HAUNTED HARMONY MYSTERIES #2: BURIED AT C *following CTV Life

October 28 – JAMIE: EAT YOURSELF HEALTHY *following CTV Life

October 30 – DATELINE: SECRETS UNCOVERED, Season 16 *following OXYGEN

&nbsp;

Monika Sidhu, Crave Communications Coordinator, monika.sidhu@bellmedia.ca

October 23-30: Crave Weekly Streaming Overview

OCTOBER 24 – WEAPONS *Movie Premiere* Zach Cregger directs from his own screenplay when horror film WEAPONS makes its streaming debut, Friday, Oct. 24...