- PPI Releasing pitching CTV's popular new daytime series to U.S.
markets for 2014 -
To tweet this release: http://bit.ly/1gKiw7Y
TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - CTV and PPI Releasing announced today
that CTV's hit original talk series THE SOCIAL is being shopped across the border. The series, which premiered Sept. 2
on CTV, is now being marketed for U.S. syndication to begin in 2014.
**Media Note** Download photography for THE SOCIAL at BellMediaPR.ca
Co-hosted by news anchor Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo, relationship expert Cynthia Loyst @cynthialoyst), Canada's foremost gossip blogger Lainey Lui (@LaineyGossip, and entertainment reporter Traci Melchor @stayfabulous), THE SOCIAL is the #2 Canadian lifestyle series, and last week alone saw two record
audiences, up 38%-48% above the current season average with total
viewers.
"THE SOCIAL has been a strong addition to CTV's successful daytime lineup since its
premiere in early September," said Phil King, President, CTV
Programming and Sports. "There is clearly enormous appeal for American
audiences as well."
"By 2014, we'll have produced well over 200 episodes," said Rick Brace,
President, Specialty Channels and CTV Production. "We've created an
engaging series that is resonating with Canadian viewers, and can
launch in the U.S. next year with a solid foundation."
"The popularity of panel talk-shows has sky-rocketed as both viewers and
stations appreciate their diversity, breadth of subject matter and
entertainment," said PPI principal Ritch Colbert. "In THE SOCIAL, we've got a proven format that could be the next talk panel hit in
syndication."
"THE SOCIAL comes to the market in full stride by the time it reaches syndication,"
said PPI's Josh Raphaelson. "We know - and our broadcast partners know
- what we are getting. And it is a winner."
PPI is offering the day-and-date series as a Monday-Friday strip to
debut in broadcast syndication in Fall 2014, although discussions are
also underway on a potential mid-season launch as early as January
2014. The series is sold on a cash plus barter basis, with over 200
original episodes, a first for any first-run talk show launched in the
last decade.
THE SOCIAL delivers an innovative forum for viewers to debate and discuss the
topics of the day by interacting with the co-hosts through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, among others. Each show kicks-off with a round-table chat featuring
the buzz-worthy subjects people are talking or Tweeting about,
including headlines of the day, celebrity news, and trending topics.
The round-table is followed by lifestyle segments inspired by viewers.
Celebrity guests will also stop by to chat with the co-hosts, with
Michael Bublé, Jessica Alba (Little Fockers), Ryan Kwanten (TRUE BLOOD), Sarah Rafferty (SUITS), Elisha Cuthbert (HAPPY ENDINGS), and Jay Baruchel (Cosmopolis) already appearing on the series.
THE SOCIAL airs weekdays at 1 p.m. (2 p.m. AT) on CTV, 2 p.m. ET on CTV Two, and 7 p.m. ET on E! THE SOCIAL also airs live on CTV Mobile (visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times), as well as on demand across CTV's
digital platforms: including CTV.ca, TheSocial.ca, the CTV App, the CTV Mobile channel on Bell Mobile TV, and through video on demand partners such as
Bell Fibe TV following the broadcast.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Twitter:
@TheSocialCTV
@melissagrelo
@cynthialoyst
@LaineyGossip
@stayfabulous
Facebook:
facebook.com/TheSocialCTV
Instagram:
TheSocialCTV
Pinterest:
pinterest.com/TheSocialCTV
About PPI Releasing
PPI Releasing co-founders Ritch Colbert & Josh Raphaelson are committed
to delivering high quality entertainment content both domestically and
outside of the US. Venice, CA based PPI currently has seven series on
broadcast, cable and online platforms in the US market.
About THE SOCIAL
Produced by Bell Media In-House Productions, THE SOCIAL brings a fresh, daily, perspective on the up-to-the-minute news, pop
culture, and lifestyle topics that matter most to Canadians in a
socially interactive format. The series is co-hosted by Melissa Grelo,
Cynthia Loyst, Lainey Lui, and Traci Melchor. Michelle Crespi is
Executive Producer. Laura Scarfo is Supervising Producer. Nanci Maclean
is Executive Director, Bell Media Production. Catherine MacLeod is
Senior Vice-President, Specialty Channels, Bell Media. Rick Brace is
President, Specialty Channels and Bell Media Production. Mike Cosentino
is Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks. Phil King is
President, CTV Programming and Sports.
About CTV
CTV is Canada's #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of
quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV
has been Canada's most-watched television network for the past 12 years
in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia
company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. Bell
Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest
communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the
network's website at ctv.ca.
- CTV -
Source: BBM Canada, 9/2/2013 to 10/13/2013
SOURCE CTV
