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June 14, 2004 - Strategy Media Archive
Fall TV Preview

The Shows - Citytv, NewNets, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, WB

by Terry Poulton and Sion Wulffhart
page M 34

And Go!

Citytv Toronto & Vancouver, Thurs. 8-8:30 p.m.

New Nets, Fri. 10-10:30 p.m.

13 x 30 min., debuts Sept. 13

the story: This guerrilla-style comedy/improv Canadian production features award-winning comic Bruce Hunter as he takes two improv performers to different locations and nabs innocent bystanders to take part in spontaneous street skits.

the cast: Bruce Hunter (Second City, Puppets Who Kill, The Red Green Show), others TBA.

the backing: And Go Inc.

the verdict: A passel of harmless fun might be just what many viewers are craving as an antidote to heavier stuff. TP

Battlestar Galactica

Citytv Toronto & Vancouver, time-slot TBA

60 min., debuts in January

the story: The long-awaited remake of the 1978 series and follow-up to the highly rated 2003 cable mini-series, this dramatic series is an intriguing re-imagination of the sci-fi, cult classic adventure.

the cast: Reprising their original roles are Edward James Olmos (Miami Vice, Selena, Stand and Deliver), Mary McDonnell (Donnie Darko, Mumford, Dances With Wolves), Canadian Tricia Helfer (C.S.I., Jeremiah), James Callis (Bridget Jones' Diary, The Scarlet Pimpernel).

the backing: Universal Television and Glen A. Larson Productions, with Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Touching Evil) and David Eick (Battlestar Galactica, The Agency) as executive producers.

the verdict: Probably can't lose, especially with some of the original creators at the helm. TP

Jack & Bobby

NewNets WB, Sunday 8-9 p.m.

60 min., debuts this fall

the story: Two bright young brothers grow up with an eccentric single mother whose personality helps to shape both and secures one of the boys a place in the history books. Set in present day with flash-forward interviews of the future President McCallister's White House staffers and first lady.

the cast: Academy Award, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Christine Lahti (Chicago Hope), Matt Long, Logan Lerman (10-8), Canadian Jessica Paré (Stardom).

the backing: Warner Bros. Television, Berlanti/Liddell Productions, Shoe Money Productions. Creator/executive producer Greg Berlanti (Everwood, Dawson's Creek), creator/co-executive producer Vanessa Taylor (Everwood), creators Steve Cohen and Brad Meltzer, with executive producers Mickey Liddell (Everwood, Go) and Thomas Schlamme (The West Wing, Ally McBeal) and director David Nutter (Smallville, Without a Trace).

the verdict: This one's got class written all over it and if it goes over as well as Everwood and The West Wing, it'll find a captive audience. TP

Life As We Know It

NewNets/ABC,

Thurs. 9-10 p.m.

60 min., debuts in Sept.

the story: Teen girls aren't the only ones to experience angst. This series follows the life and times of three teen boys - a jock, an artsy type and a bookworm - as they work their way through adolescence. Oh yeah, Ozzy's obnoxious daughter Kelly Osbourne is thrown in to steer the boys in the right direction.

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