May 2013 Paranormal TV New and Returning Air Dates

Image: Luke Newberry as Kieran Walker in In The Flesh
May is certainly a quieter month for new and returning shows as it's more of finale month as well as the time when the Big 5 US broadcasters announce their Fall Line Ups time.  Even so, we aren't starved for new content and certainly aren't as starved as the folks in our one new series, the zombies from In the Flesh which debuts on Space this month.

I wish I had more to share for new shows, but that's all I have for now.  I'll be sure to update this post if any additional series crop up.

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In the Flesh ~ Series Premiere
Saturday May 18, 2013 at 10 p.m. ET on Space.

Genre: Zombie!

I'm very excited to hear that we are getting this 3-Parter BBC Zombie series here in Canada, thanks to Space. Zombies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Series description: " Committed to educating both the living and the reanimated, the three-part supernatural drama series from the BBC tells the story of zombie teenager Kieren Walker (Luke Newberry, Anna Karenina) and his reintegration back into the local community. The series is set in the fictional village of Roarton, England after a zombie outbreak in which thousands of the dead have been reanimated after months of rehabilitation and medication. When the zombies – referred to as partially deceased syndrome (PDS) patients – are deemed ready to return to their homes and families, they’re haunted by the memories of the atrocities they committed while rabid, and also face extreme hostility from the living."

In the Flesh stars Luke Newberry, David Walmsley, Emily Bevan, Alex Arnold, Steve Cooper, Marie Critchley, Sandra Hugget, Harriet Cains and Kenneth Cranham. The 3-Part series begins Saturday, May 18 at 10 p.m. ET on Space and continues airing on Saturday nights until June 1, 2013.



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Paranormal TV News Roundup

We've not recorded a podcast for a bit, so I thought I would share a post of the bits and bobs of news that we'd normally pour over together from some returns dates for cancelled shows, new series in development, news on shows that we don't talk about religiously, and a fair amount on upcoming Amazon Studios and SyFy series that we have no idea if or when will be aired in Canada. It's a mixed bag or rag-tag miscellany, enjoy!

Paranormal News Roundup:

• Zero Hour to return to ABC June 15, 2013 at 8pm
• Do No Harm to return starting Saturday June 29, 2013 at 10pm
• Unconfirmed, Unofficial word on 666 Park Avenue remaining episodes may air in June on Saturdays (possibly June 22, 2013)
• Reaper Rights picked up by FearNet, Reunion Planned
• BBC America's Musketeers First Look
• Scream Pilot Greenlit, Series would air Summer 2014 on MTV
• Defiance doing great in the US ratings on SyFy
• J.J. Abrams looking to adapt Stephen King's 11/22/63 for cable TV
• Revolution renewed for Season 2, 22 episodes to air 2013-14
• 14 Amazon Pilots available for US viewers to watch and provide feedback; Suzie and I talked about back in our podcast on Paranormally-Inclined 2013-14 TV Pilots ~ Specialty Channels, and were excited about Supanatural (Animated), Dark Minion and Zombieland so we are sad we can't watch the pilots up here.
• SyFy adapting Larry Niven's Ringworld and Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End into Miniseries
• Absolutely oodles of series and projects in development announced by SyFy; I'm particularly interested in new scripted series High Moon (think High Noon, in space), No Place (gated-community-turned-survivalist), Orion (space opera series following a female relic hunter), Sojourn (first space detective/conspiracy series), Infinity (billionaire only person who has space travel needed to greet aliens), Silver Shields (did I hear 'magical creatures'? :). And for non-fiction shows The Jim Henson Creature Shop (a creature competition program from Jim Henson Studios) along with Cosworld and Fandemonium, following cosplay and fandom folk respectively. OH, did I mention Meat Loaf Rocks the Paranormal and Graveyard Shift with Josh Gates? No further description required on those, methinks.

Paranormal Pick of the Week: Deep South Paranormal Begins April 30, 2013

Deep South Paranormal premieres April 30, 2013 at 9pm on Space

A new paranormal reality series starts this week: Deep South Paranormal! I will admit that I don't know quite to make about the show from the previews (see trailer below) but I know I will check it out. It's a it quite on the non-fiction front these days so I'm happy to share that Deep South Paranormal is easily this weeks Paranormal Pick of the Week.

Deep South Paranormal - Series Premiere
Tuesday April 30, 2013 at 9pm ET on Space

Here is more about the show: "The quest for proof of the paranormal goes deeper than ever – Deep South that is. Deep South Paranormal follows a bayou-based team on a mission. Steeped in the rich history of their homeland, they want to unlock the mysteries that have baffled Southerners for years. They are a homegrown blend of self-proclaimed rednecks who share a passion for this part of the country and the paranormal events that take place there. They take on anything from swamp apparitions to haunted plantation houses and Southern voodoo legends.



Also Awesome

• Remember: Grimm changes to Tuesday Nights at 10pm this week. 
• Panic Button Series Premiere on Tuesday April 30, 2013 at 10pm ET on Space, the series is described as: "PANIC BUTTON is a high-impact, bone-chilling, reality series where a group of select participants become brave subjects in an elaborate and daunting maze. Each week, six people are confronted by the thing that terrifies them most, including: confinement, fear of the unknown, germs, snakes, spiders, or swarming. The Panic Button maze presents them with four ever-escalating and ever-changing levels of fear. Only the most courageous will get to the end without hitting their panic button."
Panic Button premieres April 30, 2013 at 10pm on Space
• The Following Season Finale Tuesday April 30, 2013 at 9pm EST on CTV; many of the winter start shows in 2013 did not have a great run but The Following soared in the ratings and secured a second season.
• Abraham Lincoln vs Zombies (not Vampires...that's a different movie) on Space Saturday May 4, 2013 at 10pm EST (repeats Sunday May 5, 2013 at 4pm EST).

Vikings Series Finale on Tonight on History

 Image Source

Sunday nights have continued to be powerhouse TV nights and that sure is the case with Vikings on the roster. Tonight we have the season 1 finale of the brutal (but beautifully designed!) show at 10pm on History.

If you are new Vikings, or missed any of the episodes, you have a chance to catch up before the finale as History.ca is airing the entire 9 episodes marathon style starting today at 2pm EST and then all the way straight through to the finale staring at 10pm. I'd be tempted to tune in on the hour every hour simply for the gorgeous music that accompanies the haunting opening.

I'll be curious to see how they bring Season 1 to a close, and I'll admit the show is a bit challenge to watch due to it's brutality but I find myself drawn back in time and time again for the layered storytelling, compelling characters and fantastic performances, particularly by Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Stranden, George Blagden and Gustaf Skarsgård. Plus the design, oh my... this show is gorgeous whether you are seeing braided hair or blood on the beach they always find a way to make it heartbreakingly beautiful.

Vikings has been renewed for a second season which will air 10 episodes in 2014.

See more about Vikings at History.ca and History.com

Beauty and the Beast Picked Up for Second Season

Images Source: Showcase.ca

It's party time for Beauty and the Beasters! The CW has announced that Beauty and the Beast has been renewed for a second season. I'm SO HAPPY! I've enjoyed watching Beauty and the Beast so much the season, it's nice to have an exciting and romantic series that has sweetness and heart. Plus, the chemistry between Kristin Kreuk and Jay Ryan is insane. I can't wait for more!

Here is more about the season 2 order of Beauty and the Beast from a media release: "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, starring Kristin Kreuk and Jay Ryan, was this year’s People’s Choice Award winner for Favorite New Drama, and HART OF DIXIE, starring Rachel Bilson, is one of The CW’s top performers on digital platforms, behind only THE VAMPIRE DIARIES.

All three of these series see big lifts in Live+7 Day delayed viewing versus Live + Same Day, with THE VAMPIRE DIARIES jumping 52% increase among adults 18-34 and a 56% gain among women 18-34 once all time-shifted viewing is included. HART OF DIXIE averages a 53% increase among adults 18-34 and a 61% gain among women 18-34, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST seeing a 43% jump in adults 18-34 and a 45% bump in women 18-34 from the overnight Live+SD to Live+7."

I don't actually understand what those stats mean, but it sounds like an increase which is a good thing. I'll admit I'm surprized to hear that both The Originals (Vampire Diaries spin-off) is going ahead and Beauty and the Beast is renewed, but I'll take it! I think they will do some schedule shuffling come the fall, but wherever they land I'll be checking them out. I hope Showcase picks it up for Season 2, it's been great for us Canadians to be able to watch Beauty and the Beast on Showcase and online at the Showcase site.

Vampire Diaries Spin Off Series The Originals Confirmed for 2013-14 Season

Photo Credit (The CW): The Vampire Diaries -- "The Originals"

Pictured (L-R): Daniel Gillies as Elijah and Joseph Morgan as Klaus

Image Number: VD420d_0852b2.jpg -- Photo: Skip Bolen/The CW 

© 2013 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

Good news for Vampire Diaries fans who want MORE! The CW has announced that the spin off series The Originals is confirmed for series order.  I'll admit that I've been avoiding most of the details about the possible series after hearing that their would be a 'back door pilot' implanted in this season on The Vampire Diaries, but now that it's finally aired (April 25, 2013) it feels okay to dive in.  Turns out that it was a really good idea as the idea for the series looks very different that I expected; and it looks pretty cool.

Here is more about The Originals from a media release:  “As soon as we saw last night’s episode of ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ we knew we wanted more of ‘The Originals’ – Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson have done a fantastic job with ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ which is as fast-paced and well-written as ever, and Julie has created an equally compelling world for ‘The Originals,’” said Pedowitz. “We’re also very excited to bring back ‘Beauty And The Beast’ and ‘Hart of Dixie’ for next season – both series continue to be creatively strong and compelling, and their fans are incredibly passionate. I’m very happy to have all three series on the schedule for next season.”

Need a refresher on what The Originals will be like? Here are several series descriptions from our Paranormally Inclined Possible Pilots post from back in February: 

•  Description: "The series enters on the Original family of vampires, as Klaus returns to the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans — a town he helped build centuries ago — and is reunited with his diabolical former protégé Marcel."
  
• Kinda spoiler-y Description: "This planted pilot, airing as an April episode of The Vampire Diaries, Klaus returns to the French Quarter of New Orleans, a supernatural melting pot that he helped build centuries ago, and is reunited with his diabolical former protégé Marcel"
  
• A VERY SPOILERY Description: "A spinoff of the CW's The Vampire Diaries revolving around the Original family in New Orleans. In the episode, Klaus returns to the supernatural melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans, a town he helped build centuries ago, and is reunited with his diabolical former protégé Marcel (Charles Michael Davis). Elijah, intent on helping his self-destructive brother find redemption, must side with Marcel's enemies in order to keep Klaus in line."

Grimm Picked Up for Season 3

Good news for Grimmsters! NBC has confirmed that Grimm is Picked up for third season with 22 Episodes to air during the 2013-14 Season. I find this very reassuring, especially after the recent time change from Fridays to Tuesdays. Along with Grimm, Revolution has also been renewed for an second season of 22 episodes.

Here is more about the renewals from a media release: "UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – April 26, 2013 – NBC has announced the renewal of five key drama series for the 2013-14 season: “Revolution,” “Chicago Fire,” “Parenthood,” “Grimm” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

All have been given 22-episode orders.

The announcement was made by Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment.

“On the verge of our 2013 fall scheduling decisions, we’re pleased to renew five drama series that will be important to our new season line-up,” Salke said. “We’re proud and very appreciative of all of the actors, producers, writers and directors who work so hard to deliver such high-quality work week in and week out. These complex shows represent a broad range of genres and tones, and all of them stand out for us in a television landscape now filled with one-hour series. We’re especially pleased to be renewing “Revolution” and “Chicago Fire” — two first-season successes — and there will be more returning series announcements made in the next couple of weeks.”"

And specifically about Grimm: "“Grimm,” inspired by the classic Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales, is a Universal Television and Hazy Mills production. The series was created by Stephen Carpenter, David Greenwalt, Jim Kouf. Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner and Norberto Barba also serve as executive producers along with Greenwalt and Kouf.

“Grimm” is Friday’s #1 series in adults 18-49 and is up versus one year ago by 14 percent in 18-49 rating (with a 2.4 vs. the year-ago 2.1, “most current”) and is up 12 percent in total viewers (6.9 million vs. 5.2 million)."

And specifically about Revolution: "“Revolution,” the Monday night drama that centers on a family trying to reunite amidst a worldwide power failure, is executive produced by Eric Kripke, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk (“Lost,” “Star Trek”). The series is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises and Warner Bros. Television.

“Revolution” is the season’s top-rated drama on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox and top-rated new series among those networks in adults 18-49, scoring a 4.6 rating, 12 share and 11.8 million viewers overall in “most current” averages for the season to date. “Revolution” has teamed with “The Voice” to help improve NBC’s Mondays this season versus last by 24 percent in 18-49 (with a 3.6 rating vs. a 2.9)."

Grimm Timeslot Change to Tuesday at 10pm

The word came in that NBC has moved Grimm to Tuesdays nights, and after doing a little digging and the Canadian listings it looks like we'll also Grimm shift to Tuesdays nights at 10pm EST at of April 30, 2013.  It also has shifted the channel it airs on from CTV/CKVR to CTV2/CFTO for the Canadian broadcast, in addition to the NBC airing.
 
Grimm has had a rocky few weeks, and the April 19, 2013 episode was delayed a week in the US due to preempting but did air here on the original date.  If you happened to miss that episode (Season 2, Episode 18) you watch it here over at the CTV website.  I'm be regularly watching Grimm online now, as I've shifted my TV set up from cable to antenna and I get CTV but not CTV2. 

I'm always leery of schedule changes, and it's usually a bad sign for shows but I have a feeling Grimm with hold strong, just as it did with it's very early summer 2012 start.  The general vibe seems to be that Friday night is not a sought-after broadcast night, so it could be viewed as a positive.  Grimm has quite a strong following and I feel confident it will be okay with the shift for finish out the season, especially as it has been renewed for Season 3 for 22 episodes in 2013-14. 

Remember, scheduling can *always* change, and if there is additional news on Grimm I will do my best to share it.

Haunted Highway Renewed for Season 2 on SyFy

Jack Osbourne and Dana Workman; Image Source: SyFy

I was thrilled to hear that SyFy has renewed Haunted Highway for a second season with the whole cast/crew of Jack Osbourne & Dana Workman and Fact or Faked's Jael de Pardo & Devin Marble. The non-fiction paranormal show follows the two teams of two as they investigate paranormal activity with only each other to count on.

It took me a bit to get into this show last year, but I ended up really enjoying it as they really put themselves out there and investigate really interesting and remote paranormal reports. The second season will have 6 1-hour episode and airs on SyFy starting July 24, 2013 (and I *really* hope it will air up here in Canada too!).

Jael de Pardo and Devin Marble; Image Source: SyFy

Here are more details about the Season 2 renewal of Haunted Highway from a media release:

"NEW YORK – April 22, 2013 – Syfy has ordered a second season of its hit paranormal reality series, Haunted Highway. The new six episode season will premiere, on a new night, Wednesday, July 24 at 10PM (ET/PT). The hour-long series follows two teams, Jack Osbourne & Dana Workman, and Jael de Pardo & Devin Marble, as they conduct their own first-person investigations into some of the most frightening claims of paranormal activity in some of America’s most remote regions.

Fueled by eyewitness interviews and evidence collected with state-of-the-art equipment, the two teams will self-document their harrowing face-to-face encounters with the paranormal. The new season features examinations and investigations that will take the teams off the beaten path in places like the Arizona desert, the Sierra Nevada mountains and bayous of New Orleans as they seek werewolf-like creatures, the Black Angel of Death, the ghosts of the famous Donner party and other paranormal phenomena.

This season, in a first for the series, all four cast members will join together for a special investigation of Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas. One of America’s largest and most remote coastal bases, Fort Jefferson is located in the Gulf of Mexico, 68 miles from Key West. Built in 1846 to protect one of the most strategic deep water anchorages in the United States, Fort Jefferson quickly became a horrifying prison fortress. The most famous prisoner of Fort Jefferson was Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth and was allegedly an accomplice in the assassination of President Lincoln. Many report that Dr. Mudd’s angry spirit has never forgiven those who wrongly imprisoned and tortured him. Though the island on which Fort Jefferson sits looks beautiful and tranquil, it is still known as "Death Island" for the number of fatalities among both soldiers and prisoners."



Hat Tip to FactOrFakedFans, thanks for sharing the good news! Now I just hope that we Canadian will also get to see Season 2.  The first season aired up here on Space in Summer 2012 an I would be thrilled if Space picked it up again this summer.

BBC Zombie Series In the Flesh to air on Space starting May 18, 2013

Image: Luke Newberry as Kieran Walker in In The Flesh

I get so excited when I hear we will be getting new series, and this news is ever more awesome because it's the British zombie series In the Flesh! When I first heard about this series, I felt the chances were low that we would get it here in Canada, but Space comes to our undead rescue and it will air starting starting May 18, 2013. In the Flesh is a quickie series, being just three parts but that doesn't have me any less excited about it. Bring it on, I say! Bring it on!

In the Flesh stars Luke Newberry, David Walmsley, Emily Bevan, Alex Arnold, Steve Cooper, Marie Critchley, Sandra Hugget, Harriet Cains and Kenneth Cranham. The 3-Part series begins Saturday, May 18 at 10 p.m. ET on Space and continues airing on Saturday nights until June 1, 2013.

Here is more about In The Flesh from a media release: " TORONTO (April 25, 2013) – This spring, Space encourages viewers to keep calm and avoid the undead with the North American premiere of IN THE FLESH on Saturday, May 18 at 10 p.m. ET. Committed to educating both the living and the reanimated, the three-part supernatural drama series from the BBC tells the story of zombie teenager Kieren Walker (Luke Newberry, Anna Karenina) and his reintegration back into the local community. The series is set in the fictional village of Roarton, England after a zombie outbreak in which thousands of the dead have been reanimated after months of rehabilitation and medication. When the zombies – referred to as partially deceased syndrome (PDS) patients – are deemed ready to return to their homes and families, they’re haunted by the memories of the atrocities they committed while rabid, and also face extreme hostility from the living.

Some important information about IN THE FLESH and Partially Deceased Syndrome (PDS):

FACT: In Episode 1, Kieren returns home after being subjected to months of rehabilitation and medication by a government that has set an agenda of acceptance and tolerance. However, a cauldron of brutal anti-zombie sentiment exists and is gathering support.

FACT: Since the passing of the PDS Protection act, the government wants everyone to get along, but their viewpoint is at odds with the communities who were abandoned at the time of the rising, and the bloody battle between zombies and humans that ensued.

FACT: Anti-zombie sentiment which has led to the ‘rotter’ hating Human Volunteer Force (HVF) make it hard for Kieren to return home, where he’s forced to confront his family and the community that rejected him, while dealing with the flashbacks that continue to haunt him.

FACT: Part 1 of IN THE FLESH premieres Saturday, May 18 at 10 p.m. ET, with Part 2 airing Saturday, May 25, and Part 3 on Saturday, June 1, only on Space.

FACT: IN THE FLESH also stars David Walmsley (DOCTORS) as Rick Macey, Emily Bevan (THE THICK OF IT) as Amy Dyer, Alex Arnold (SKINS) as Alex, Steve Cooper (SHAMELESS) as Steve Walker, Marie Critchley (ACCUSED) as Sue Walker, Sandra Hugget (LEAVING) as Shirley Wilson, Harriet Cains (DOCTORS) as Jem Walker, and Kenneth Cranham (DEATH IN PARADISE) as Vicar Oddie, among others.

FACT: IN THE FLESH is directed by Jonny Campbell (DOCTOR WHO), produced by Ann Harrison Baxter (THE SECRET OF CRICKLEY HALL), with Hilary Martin (THE SECRET OF CRICKLEY HALL) serving as executive producer."

In the Flesh begins on Saturday May 18, 2013 at 10 p.m. ET on Space.

Ghost Mine Renewed for Season 2 for a whopping 12 hour-long episodes

What to know how things are going for Patrick, Kristen, Papa Smurf and the gold mining crew in Sumpter? I know I am! And we will find out. That's right, Ghost Mine has been renewed for Season 2 and for double the order which means 12 new episodes of Ghost Mine goodness! I hope Fast Eddie, Dingus, Buckett, Greybeard and the greenhorns Jay and Jamol will all be back for Season 2 as well.

This show really got straight to Suzie & my hearts when it debuted earlier this year, and we always looked forward to chatting about it on the podcast. It's a well crafted non-fiction paranormal show with a lot of paranormal activity and a heck of a lot of heart. I was always curious for what activity would crop up, but also always had the safety, and success, of the miners on my mind. It was compelling, heart-driven and really showed people doing their best and very challenging jobs. I thrilled they are headed into Season 2 because I can't wait to see more.

Check out the SyFy media release for more info: "NEW YORK – April 10, 2013 – Dig even deeper into the Ghost Mine mystery when the hit Syfy paranormal unscripted series returns for Season 2 this fall. Twelve all-new episodes are set to premiere starting in September 2013.

In its first season, Ghost Mine averaged 1.25 million total viewers, with 617,000 Adults 18-49 and 727,000 Adults 25-54, making it a Top 10 original cable broadcast series in both demos during its Wednesdays at 10PM ET/PT time period based on Live +7 data.

For Season 2, the rag-tag team of gold miners and pair of paranormal investigators will return to Eastern Oregon’s Crescent Mine to continue their quest for gold and evidence of ghosts at the notoriously haunted mine. Located near the historic gold mining community of Sumpter, Oregon, the Crescent Mine is believed to contain high amounts of gold.

Each hour-long episode of the new season will feature the Ghost Mine crew battling the elements in hopes of striking it rich while delving further into the mysterious history of the Crescent Mine and revealing new information about the recurring Masonic symbols, Native American presence and a spirit named “Joe.” While the miners use the time-honored tools of their trade – including pickaxes and explosives – the paranormal investigators will introduce special new techniques and innovative gear to capture activity, including a revamped version of the popular RIPA (Remote Investigator of Paranormal Activity).

Ghost Mine is produced by 51 Minds with Mark Cronin (Celebrity Paranormal Project, Flavor of Love, Rock of Love with Bret Michaels), Dave Caplan, Jay Bluemke (Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters Academy) and Phil Davis (Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files) serving as Executive Producers.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)"

I'm really hoping Space will pick up Ghost Mine for it's second season and air it here in Canada this fall, it was such a treat to watch Season 1 and easily on of my favourite new series this year.

Paranormal Pick of the Week: Utopia Premiere April 25, 2013 on Space

Image: Jessica (Fiona O'Shaughnessy) in Utopia

I love that even in April we have multiple new series to check out and enjoy, and a new one is heading our way this week on Space: Utopia. Gotta love a good conspiracy thriller, and this 6-parter from Channel 4's follows a graphic novel that brings people together with the challenge of solving the conspiracy craziness. How could this not be this weeks Paranormal Pick of the Week? It can't! It's definitely our pick. And if you like it, there will be more as the second season of the series has already been commissioned. Now that's a good sign if I've ever heard one.

Utopia - Series Premiere
Thursday April 25, 2013 at 10pm ET on Space

Here's more information from the media release: "How long before they find you? Who’s pulling the strings? How will we all survive? On Thursday, April 25 at 10 p.m. ET, Space makes a deal with the devil for the series premiere of British conspiracy thriller, UTOPIA. The six-part series follows a small group of previously unconnected people who find themselves in possession of The Utopia Experiments, a legendary graphic novel shrouded in mystery. Suddenly and brutally, their lives begin to implode when they are relentlessly targeted by a murderous organization known as ‘The Network,’ who is in pursuit of the manuscript. The terrified group are left with only one option if they want to survive – they have to run."

Utopia stars Paul Higgins, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Alexandra Roach, Neil Maskell, Paul Ready, James Fox Geraldine James, Simon McBurney, Michael Smiley and Fiona O'Shaughnessy.



Also Awesome

• Borealis (Encore Presentation) Sunday April 28, 2013 at 8pm on Space; Suzie and I loved Borealis, the now-a-film although-was-originally-going-to-be-a-series set in the Arctic with a western-ish feel. Here's a description to jog you memory: "Set 30 years in the future, Vic (Ty Olsson, SUPERNATURAL), an ex-ultimate fighter, is the owner of the only airstrip, hotel, and bar in the high Arctic frontier town of Borealis. He does his best to keep the peace amongst a vast array of clashing characters in this lawless international free zone that sits on top of the world’s last remaining oil." And for the an early-bird out there, you can a wee be earlier as it airs Sunday April 28, 2013 at 9AM on Space.
• Robot Combat League Season Finale - Tuesday April 23, 2013 at 10pm on Space; which robot will reign supreme??? Only a few days and you shall find out!
• High Plains Invaders - Saturday April 29, 2013 at 8pm on Showcase; It's a westen-y week! I really enjoyed this western science fiction B-movie starring James Marsters (Spike from Buffy) and Cindy Sampson (Lisa on Supernatural).

Image: Vic (Ty Olsson) and Bettina (Cristina Rosato) in Borealis

Continuum Season 2 Begins Tonight on Showcase!

Continuum Season 2 Cast (L-R)

Lexa Doig as Sonya Valentine, Stephen Lobo as Matthew Kellog, Roger Cross as Travis Verta, 

Rachel Nichols as Kiera Cameron, Erik Knudsen as Alec Sadler

 and Victor Webster as Detective Carlos Fonnegra

Continuum ~ Season 2 Premiere
Sunday April 21, 2013 at 9pm on Showcase

All ready to hit up tonight's Season 2 premiere of the Canadian-produced, Canadian-set awesome science fiction series Continuum? I know I am! I've we re-watching Season 1 to get prepared (see my spoiler-free episode list to all of the Season 1 episodes that you can watch online at Showcase.ca and Continuumtheseries.com); but now it's time to live in the now! Or the future. Or the now? Dang it, time travel shows can be so confusing!

Here's a bit of a look at tonight's Season 2 Opener: "In search for answers, Kiera continues her uneasy alliance with Detective Carlos Fonnegra (Webster), and season two sees her grapple with the big question that closed the first season – why was she sent back in time? While Alec (Knudsen) struggles to understand the implications of the mysterious message he received from his future self, the Liber8 terrorists become more strategic and even more lethal as they seek to ward off what they see as the seeds of a disastrous future.

In the season two premiere entitled "Second Chances," an in-hiding Kiera must resurface and reunite with Carlos to solve a murder when the Mayor is killed in a brazen assassination. Trying to reconnect with Alec in an attempt to salvage their strained relationship, Kiera finds he’s changed since reading the message from his future self."

Continuum stars Rachel Nichols, Erik Knudsen, Victor Webster, Lexa Doig, Stephen Lobo, Roger Cross, Omari Newton and Luvia Petersen.

Need a refresher before hitting up tonight's episode? Take a look at this Season 1 recap:


See more about Continuum at Showcase.ca and Continuumtheseries.com.

Being Human (North American) Renewed for Season 4

Josh (Sam Huntington) and Nora (Kristen Hager) in Being Human) North American S3 Ep 9 Of Mice and Wolfmen

I'm very excited to share the news that Being Human (North American) has indeed been renewed for a fourth season, which will air in 2014 with 13 episodes. This news came out just after the Season 3 finale aired last week, and I had a moment of worry when it wasn't out *before* the finale.

Hexed has been following Being Human (North American) since it's very first episode back in 2011. Although we've had our ups and downs on the show and the continual comparison to it's based-on predecessor Being Human UK, it still keeps us coming back for more with new interpretations, characters and story lines that set it apart.

Want more details? Here is more from the media release: "NEW YORK – April 10, 2013 – Syfy is ordering a fourth season (13 episodes) of its hit drama series Being Human, it was announced today by Mark Stern, President of Original Content, Syfy and Co-Head of Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. The announcement comes on the heels of the Season 3 finale which aired Monday, April 8 and in time for Syfy’s Upfront presentation this evening in New York City.

Being Human stars Sam Witwer, Meaghan Rath, Sam Huntington and Kristen Hager as vampire Aidan, ghost Sally and werewolves Josh and Nora. Together they struggle to suppress their supernatural secrets and temptations and live their lives as close to normal as possible.

“‘Being Human’ really hit its stride creatively this year,” said Mark Stern. “This show has become a signature series for Syfy and we are thrilled to have it return in 2014.”

Being Human has been an all-around performer for Syfy both on-air and via digital distribution as well as in the social media space. It remains one of Syfy’s youngest and most female-skewing scripted dramas.

Inclusive of Live +7 data, Season 3 of Being Human is averaging 1.8 million total viewers, including 1.1 million Adults 18-49 and 1.1 million Adults 25-54, and is a top ten cable program in its time period among both key demos.

Being Human is a Muse Entertainment production and is based on the acclaimed series created by Toby Whithouse and produced by Touchpaper. Executive producers are Michael Prupas (The Kennedys, Pillars of the Earth), Anna Fricke (Men in Trees, Everwood) who is both writer and showrunner, and Rob Pursey and Toby Whithouse. Irene Litinsky (Human Trafficking, The Phantom) is series producer."

I know I'll be back for more supernatural roommates in action in 2014!


Aidan (Sam Witwer), Sally (Meaghan Rath), and Josh (Sam Huntington) in Season 3 Ep 12 Always a Bridesmaid, Never Alive

Hemlock Grove Season 1 Now Streaming on Netflix (All Regions)

Image Source: Netflix.com
It's time, it's time, it's time! Hemlock Grove is now streaming on Netflix, in it's entirely. That's right, the entire first season of this supernatural series is available streaming on Netflix here in Canada as well as concurrently in all territories that Netflix is available (including U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Latin America, Brazil and Scandinavia). I love the inclusiveness of the concurrent release, and really look forward to check out the show.

I think the hardest thing (other than resisting watching it all in one sitting) will be to avoid spoilers as you can blast through all 13 episodes. I've only had Netflix for about a month, and the fact that Hemlock Grove was going to be coming in April definitely played into the incentive for me to finally subscribe!

Here are some more details on the show:

Hemlock Grove ~ Series Premiere
Friday April 19, 2013 on Netflix

Genre: Paranormal/Horror/Thriller

Series Description: "After a teenage girl is mauled to death on the outskirts of Hemlock Grove, dark secrets and deep passions emerge. As authorities seek the killer, two suspects from rival families take matters into their own hands. Will they find a man or a monster?"

Hemlock Grove is an American series based on the book by Brian McGreevy and stars Famke Janssen, Bill Skarsgård, Landon Liboiron, Penelope Mitchell, Freya Tingley, Dougray Scott, Lili Taylor and Nicole Boivin.

Find out more about Hemlock Grove at Netflix.com.

Cult Pulled from Schedule

You may have noticed that Cult hasn't been on recently, neither last Friday on The CW or this week on the Tuesday Canadian airing time slot on CTV 2. I was hopeful we'd get at least one more episode, but it looks like that isn't the case. Although no official word on The CW site, the news is out in multiple sources that Cult is being pulled from the schedule. First week had the night change, and now it looks like we will be left hanging on the vision for the rest of the season.

I'm saddened by this news as Cult was one of my favourite new shows this year, with it's interesting story, great characters who came alive from the fantastic set of actors cast in the show and a bizarre meta-within-meta element that always kept me guessing. But, at least we we got more episode than Zero Hour and Do No Harm which were pulled after even fewer episodes. The mid-season shows with February starts had a really low survival rate this year.

It's tough times for new shows out there.

Paranormal Pick of the Week: Defiance Debut and Continuum Season 2

Image Source: Showcase.ca

There is too much awesome this week to play favourites, so our Paranormal Picks This Week start tonight with the new series Defiance (2 hour premiere) and keeps riding to Sunday's airing of Continuum which brings it's second season to life.

Defiance ~ Series Premiere
Monday April 15, 2013 at 10pm on Showcase

Series Description: "Set in the near future, Defiance introduces an exotically transformed planet Earth, its landscapes permanently altered following the sudden – and tumultuous – arrival of seven unique alien races. In this somewhat unknown and unpredictable landscape, the richly diverse, newly formed civilization of humans and aliens must learn to co-exist peacefully. Each week, viewers will follow an immersive character drama set in the boom-town of Defiance, which sits atop the ruins of St. Louis, MO, while in the game, players will adventure in the new frontier of the San Francisco Bay area. The dramatic tapestry of the series and the intense action of the game will exist in a single universe where their respective narratives will inform one another and evolve together into one overall story."

Defiance is a Canadian/US co-production of 13 episodes and stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Graham Greene and Mia Kirshner.

See more about Defiance at Showcase.ca and Defiance.com.

Image Source: Showcase.ca

Continuum ~ Season 2 Premiere
Sunday April 21, 2013 at 9pm on Showcase

Suzie and I really enjoyed watching and podcasting through Continuum's first season last summer. It is so cool to see a Canadian-produced, Canadian-set awesome science fiction series. And with a female lead who kicks butt to boot. The show has a great science fiction angle with time travel as well as the power of subtle social skills and even some political commentary. Plus, it's smart and a lot of fun. I'm very curious to see where things go in Season 2. If you need to catch up with Season 1? I've created a spoiler-free episode list to all of the Season 1 episodes that you can watch online at Showcase.ca and Continuumtheseries.com.

See more about Continuum at Showcase.ca and Continuumtheseries.com.



Also Awesome:

• Hemlock Grove begins on Netflix (all territories) this Friday April 19, 2013. I'm really curious to see this one in and experience the Netflix format. Find out more about Hemlock Grove at Netflix.com.

Greg Bryk, Greyston Holt and Paul Greene added to the cast of Bitten

Greg Bryk cast in Bitten
Exciting news for Bitten fans! We recently heard that Laura Vandervoort (V, Haven, Smallville) will be starring inthe The TV adaptation of the Kelley Armstrong book series, and now three men have been added to the cast: Greg Bryk, Greyston Holt and Paul Greene.

People may know Greg Bryk from A History of Violence, but I've seen him most recently as Amos in XIII and easily remember him as the skipper from the rival team in the Canadian curling film Men with Brooms; he also played Weston Field in Weston Field ReGenesis.


Greyston Holt cast in Bitten
I was very impressed with Greyston Holt in his portrayal of Ray Jr. in Durham County, and more recently we've seen in him both Alcatraz and Borealis.

Out of the three, Paul Greene is pretty new to me outside of the film Somewhere, but you may recognize him from The Client List as well as guest starring on NCIS and Eastwick. I'm so psyched for this series, and I love that everyone is Canadian.


Paul Greene cast in Bitten
I've been wanting to read the book for years now, and really enjoyed Kelley Armstrong's YA series The Darkest Powers so I know I'm in for some good fun. But as I haven't read it yet, I'm being very careful not to notice who-plays-who yet, as then I'll 'see' the actors when I'm reading. That means I have to get reading PRONTO and also that the press release below I've not read myself so if you are spoiler-sensitive you might want to read with caution. Of course if you are one of the many rabid fans, you go right ahead and DEVOUR it.

Bitten is scheduled to hit Space in Fall of 2014.

Here are more details on the casting news for Bitten from a media release from April 9, 2013:

"Space announced today that production has begun on its buzzed-about new Original Drama series BITTEN. Featuring three new male leads, the Canadian scripted series will shoot in studio and on location in Toronto, Hamilton, and in the Hespeler area in Cambridge, ON until late summer. Based on the critically acclaimed Women of the Otherworld novels by Canadian author Kelley Armstrong, the emotionally charged thriller stars previously announced Laura Vandervoort (SMALLVILLE, Ted) as Elena Michaels, the world’s only female werewolf. Additional principal casting for the series announced today includes Winnipeg’s Greg Bryk (A History Of Violence, ROOKIE BLUE) as Pack Alpha Jeremy Danvers, and Alberta natives Greyston Holt (ALCATRAZ, DURHAM COUNTY) as Clayton Danvers and Paul Greene (THE CLIENT LIST, WICKED WICKED GAMES) as Philip McAdams. The 13-episode, one-hour series is set to premiere in early 2014 on Space, and is produced by No Equal Entertainment, Hoodwink Entertainment, and Entertainment One (eOne) in association with Bell Media.

A foster child, Elena (Vandervoort) had always craved a “normal” life and thought she finally found it with her boyfriend Clayton Danvers (Holt). But the secret life he kept from her ended up changing her forever. With one small bite, Elena was forced to survive life with the Pack as a werewolf. Still craving the normal life she lost, Elena finds refuge in Toronto working as a photographer and dating a new man. Hiding her werewolf existence from her ad-exec boyfriend Philip McAdams (Greene), Elena is pulled back into her former life when bodies turn up in the backwoods of Stonehaven, the rural mansion that has served as a werewolf sanctuary for generations. Caught between two worlds and two loves, Elena returns to Stonehaven out of duty, turning to Clay’s foster-father and leader of the Pack Jeremy Danvers (Bryk) for support. But once back in the fold, Elena realizes that when push comes to shove, like any true alpha female, she’ll stop at nothing to defend her family.

Also joining the BITTEN cast are Paulino Nunes (THE FIRM, CRA$H & BURN) and Steve Lund (HAVEN, ALPHAS) as werewolf father and son Antonio and Nick Sorrentino; Natalie Brown (BEING HUMAN, HAPPY TOWN) as Diane, Philip’s sister and Elena’s best friend in Toronto; Michael Xavier (THE BEST YEARS, NIKITA) as werewolf Logan; Genelle Williams (WAREHOUSE 13, THE LISTENER) as Logan’s girlfriend Rachel; and Joel Keller (MEN WITH BROOMS, DURHAM COUNTY) as werewolf Peter.

“We’re so excited to see the rich world that Kelley Armstrong has created in her novels begin to take shape and come to life as we start production on this new series with an amazing cast,” said Corrie Coe, Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. “With Greyston and Paul joining Laura, the love triangle at the heart of the series is complete, and Greg is the perfect Pack leader.”

“After months of searching in Toronto, Vancouver, and Los Angeles, we couldn’t be more excited about casting Greyston Holt to play Clayton, Paul Greene in the role of Philip, and Greg Bryk as Pack Alpha, Jeremy Danvers,” said J.B. Sugar, Executive Producer, No Equal Entertainment. “We are truly excited to begin production and I can't think of a more appealing and talented ensemble cast of actors to populate the world of our show.”

About Greg Bryk (“Jeremy Danvers”)
Greg Bryk was first introduced to audiences as Alexander ‘The Juggernaut’ Yount in the comedy Men With Brooms, and then starred as Weston Fields for four seasons on the critically-acclaimed series REGENESIS. Bryk has appeared in major TV mini-series and movies of the week including THE GATHERING, THE ROBBER BRIDE, RED: THE WEREWOLF HUNTER, MISTLETOE OVER MANHATTAN, and XIII: THE CONSPIRACY. Bryk has also appeared in numerous feature films including David Cronenberg’s A History Of Violence, Shoot' Em Up, Weirdsville, The Incredible Hulk, Saw V, Saw 3D, Red, You Might As Well Live, Stephen King thriller Dolan’s Cadillac, and Act Of Dishonor. Bryk also played a major role in Tarsem Singh's Greek mythology epic Immortals, and had an award-winning appearance in Clement Virgo’s gritty drama Poor Boy’s Game.

A Gemini Award-nominee for his work in the television movie Deadliest Sea, Bryk has enjoyed regular roles on CRA$H & BURN, and AARON STONE, and reprised his popular character, Col. Amos, in XIII: THE SERIES. Most recently, Bryk has been featured in guest starring roles on ROOKIE BLUE, TRANSPORTER: THE SERIES, COVERT AFFAIRS, COMBAT HOSPITAL, AGAINST THE WALL, LOST GIRL, CRACKED, and NIKITA, and also starred in the TV movie THE PHANTOMS.

About Greyston Holt (“Clayton Danvers”)
Starring as Elena’s werewolf ex-boyfriend Clayton Danvers, Calgary-born Holt moved to Vancouver with his family at age two, eventually residing on Salt Spring Island. During his high school years, Holt took up guitar, formed a band, and performed at various venues in Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

After moving to Vancouver to enrol full-time in acting classes, he was cast in the award-winning Steven Spielberg mini-series INTO THE WEST. After that came a lead role in the TV feature JUST A GIRL, based on the true story of Gwen Araujo, a transgendered boy who was beaten to death for daring to be different. In August 2006, shortly after JUST A GIRL aired, Holt was tapped for a role on DURHAM COUNTY and shot six episodes that fall. From there, he had a guest-starring role on SMALLVILLE, was cast as Jordan in the pilot for SABBATICAL, had a supporting lead role on the feature film Lost Boys 2, and booked his first lead role in Slap Shot: The Junior League. Holt reprised his role on the award-winning DURHAM COUNTY for Season 2, and has since appeared in numerous series including FRINGE, ALCATRAZ, and FLASHPOINT, among others.

About Paul Greene (“Philip McAdams”)
Starring as Elena’s live-in boyfriend Philip McAdams, Greene was born and raised in the small town of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, and began acting at the age of 16 before moving to the U.S. to further his acting career. After his move, Greene landed a lead role on the series WICKED WICKED GAMES opposite Tatum O’Neill. Soon after, several guest-starring roles followed including David E. Kelley’s series THE WEDDING BELLS and a recurring role on Kelley’s next hit series HARRY’S LAW, starring ACADEMY AWARD®-winner Kathy Bates. Greene also booked a coveted recurring role playing Maura Tierney’s love interest on the pilot THE WHOLE TRUTH, which ultimately got picked up to series. Other notable guest spots include NCIS, Emmy®-nominated series SHARK, MY OWN WORST ENEMY, and EASTWICK.

Greene went back to his Canadian roots when he accepted the male lead opposite Deanna Russo and Lauren Holly in the movie-of-the-week DO NO HARM. Most recently, Greene can be seen recurring opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt in THE CLIENT LIST, and has an upcoming role playing Olivia Munn’s ex-boyfriend in Aaron Sorkin’s hit series THE NEWSROOM. In addition to television, Greene can be seen in the role of Ron in Sophia Coppola’s Somewhere.

Greene has also appeared in a number of television ad spots, and he has graced the cover of Men’s Health Magazine three times. An accomplished pilot, musician, and photographer, he currently lives in Los Angeles with his son, Oliver.

BITTEN is based on the critically-acclaimed series of novels by Kelley Armstrong, and is executive produced by J.B. Sugar (THE COLLECTOR, JPOD) for No Equal Entertainment, John Barbisan and Patrick Banister (WHISTLER) for Hoodwink Entertainment, and John Morayniss and Margaret O’Brien for eOne. Daegan Fryklind and Grant Rosenberg are Executive Producers and Co-Showrunners. eOne is distributing the series internationally.

BITTEN is produced by No Equal Entertainment, Hoodwink Entertainment, and eOne in association with Space and Bell Media, with the participation of Rogers Cable Network Fund and Cogeco Production Program and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. Rebecca DiPasquale and Tom Hastings are Production Executives, Drama, Bell Media. Trish Williams is Director of Drama, Independent Production, Bell Media. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. Catherine MacLeod is Vice-President, Specialty Channels, Bell Media. Rick Brace is President, Specialty Channels and CTV Production. Phil King is President, CTV Programming and Sports.
"

Deep South Paranormal Comes to Space April 30, 2013

Image Source
Last night I saw a commercial for the new show Deep South Paranormal, and that it will arrive on Space starting April 30, 2013. The show recently started airing on SyFy (and the trailer below is from SyFy with SyFy dates). I'm not quite sure what to make of it, but I'll give it that the folks on the show certainly have a lot of chutzpah and I am certainly curious enough to check it out.

Here is more about the show: "The quest for proof of the paranormal goes deeper than ever – Deep South that is. Deep South Paranormal follows a bayou-based team on a mission. Steeped in the rich history of their homeland, they want to unlock the mysteries that have baffled Southerners for years. They are a homegrown blend of self-proclaimed rednecks who share a passion for this part of the country and the paranormal events that take place there. They take on anything from swamp apparitions to haunted plantation houses and Southern voodoo legends.

The fun-loving charm of these larger-than-life characters becomes deadly serious when it comes to their investigations, which deal not only with the hazards of paranormal phenomenon, but with physical dangers like gators, snakes, spiders, wild hogs, and mosquitos.

Investigations this season include Alabama’s Bear Creek Swamp, the Old Cahawba ghost town, Florida’s Manntown Cemetery and the Mont Helena Plantation in the Mississippi Delta, to name just a few."


Image Source
Deep South Paranormal is set for 6 episodes. See more about Deep South Paranormal over at the shows website, check out info on the individual investigators and take a peek at the haunted (or gothic?) locations.

Poll Results: Which New 2012/13 Shows Have You Stuck With?

You have voted and the results are now in for the Hexed Poll asking: Which New 2012/13 Shows Have You Stuck With? The winner with 100% retention is Arrow! I think Arrow really has been on of the stand outs of 2012/13 with broad appear, solid action and enough to keep us coming back for more.

 Making a tie for second place at 66% retention we have Elementary and Revolution, which are the 2 that dropped off my schedule. And the final slot is shared by Beauty and the Beast and Cult with 33% each, both of which I am loving and are definitely the dark horses of the year.

Poll Results:

• 100% - Arrow
• 66% - Elementary
• 66% - Revolution
• 33% - Beauty and the Beast
• 33% - Cult

A new poll is up asking was Spring 2013 shows you are planning on checking out.

Thanks for voting!

First Look at Under the Dome!

We chatted about Under the Dome briefly back in December when the straight-to-series announcement came out, and I'm very excited to now get a chance to see what this based on a Stephen King book about a town under a dome will be like.

Here is the series description: "Under the Dome is the story of a small town in New England that is separated from the world by a clear dome. It demonstrates what happens to humanity when they’re cut off from the world they know."

Under the Dome stars Mike Vogel (Zach from Bates Motel), Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria in Twilight and New Moon), Colin Ford, Natalie Martinez, Alex Koch, Britt Robertson (Cassie from The Secret Circle), Nicholas Strong, Jolene Purdy, Aisha Hinds (Miss Jeanette from True Blood) and Dean Norris; and the series pilot will be directed by Niels Arden Oplev (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo / Män som hatar kvinnor).

It's also described as a 'summer event', and it begins Monday June 24, 2013 at 10PM on CBS and is slated for 13 episodes.

Normally I'd say check out more at the shows official webpage, and you can go there but sadly you can't see anything past the trailer without entering mailing information. I hope they free that up soon, even if it's thematic I'm not plunking info in to find out.  Until then, the Wikipedia Page for the show has great information to mull over and if you want to keep an eye out for vids, check out their YouTube Page.

Paranormal Pick of the Week: Lost Girl, Almighty Johnsons and Being Human (North American) Finales

Image Source
After a few weeks of quieter times on the biggie episodes we now are heading firmly into finale land for Spring 2013. Leading the way is our shorter seasons shows which gives all three of Being Human (North American), The Almighty Johnsons and Lost Girl with their finales this week. We've been with all three shows from their beginnings, so they all get crowned picks for this weeks Paranormal Pick(s) of the Week:

Lost Girl - Season 3 Finale
Sunday April 7, 2013 on Showcase

This amazing Canadian succubus driven series following Bo who is caught between the light and the dark has been going on strong for years now and I've very curious to hear how they will wrap up the seasons. And there will be more, with Lost Season 4 confirmed for late 2014 it won't be too long until we will be seeing more fae-ness. Fae-tastic :)


Image: Keisha Castle-Hughes as Gaia, and Emmett Skilton as Axl in The Almighty Johnsons

The Almighty Johnsons 
~ Season 2 Finale
Monday April 8, 2013 on Space

I look forward to a new episode of The Almighty Johnsons each and every week, so the fact that the Season 2 run of the show on Space is coming to an end is bittersweet. But I hope the season ends with a bang, answers some questions and keeps us laughing and smiling, which the show always manages to do. Here is to an awesome Season 2 finale! The show is going ahead with a third season in New Zealand, and I hope we get to see it here too.


Image: Being Human (North American) Aidan (Sam Witwer), Sally (Meaghan Rath), and Josh (Sam Huntington)

Being Human (North American) 
~ Season 3 Finale
Monday April 8, 2013 on Space

I get a little on again/off again on the Being Human (North American) train, but they do manage to keep us on our toes and season 3 has been full of suprizes so far. There has been a big lead up to the finale and I'm hoping it will be a good one. I'll be curious to see if this one will be going ahead for a fourth season, and I'll be sure to share the news once it is announced.

Also Awesome

• XIII Season 2 Begins Tuesday April 9, 2013 on Showcase. Season 2 of this conspiracy thriller is described as "XIII is pulled into an international conspiracy that threatens to unleash a new weapon to rival the atomic bomb. While unravelling this global plot, he must also confront the truth about his identity and a past he can neither remember nor escape", which sounds pretty excited to me! I could not find a trailer but I did find this Season 2 Set Video if you like behind-the-scenes goodness.

XIII Image Source

Vikings Renewed for Season 2!

Image Source
They will....keep coming!

I'm quite excited to share the news that the series Vikings currently airing on History.ca has already been renewed for a 10-episode Season 2. It's only been on a month and we already know we will be getting more! The level of brutality in the series makes it one that I recommend only with caution, but I continue to be amazed by the intense characters and beautiful art direction in the show.

If you are new to Vikings, here is the series premise: "Viking Ragnar Lothbrok is a young farmer and family man who is frustrated by the policies of Earl Haraldson, his local chieftain who sends his Viking raiders east to the Baltic states and Russia, whose residents are as poor as the Norsemen. Ragnar wants to head west, across the ocean, to discover new civilizations. With assistance from his friend, Floki, Ragnar builds a faster, sleeker, fleet of boats to help him make it to the western world. Through the years Ragnar, who claims to be a direct descendant of the god Odin, continues to struggle with Earl until the two face each other in a final battle for supremacy."

Vikings stars Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, George Blagden, Jessalyn Gilsig, Clive Stranden, Katheryn Winnick and Gabriel Byrne

See more about Vikings at History.ca and History.com


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6-Part Series Utopia coming to Space on April 25, 2013

Image: Jessica (Fiona O'Shaughnessy) in Utopia

I'm always up for a good conspiracy thriller, and Space has just released that they have picked up Channel 4's 6-part series Utopia starring Paul Higgins, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Alexandra Roach, Neil Maskell, Paul Ready, James Fox Geraldine James, Simon McBurney, Michael Smiley and Fiona O'Shaughnessy. Utopia begins airing on Space on Thursday April 25, 2013 at 10pm ET.

Here's more information from the media release: "How long before they find you? Who’s pulling the strings? How will we all survive? On Thursday, April 25 at 10 p.m. ET, Space makes a deal with the devil for the series premiere of British conspiracy thriller, UTOPIA. The six-part series follows a small group of previously unconnected people who find themselves in possession of The Utopia Experiments, a legendary graphic novel shrouded in mystery. Suddenly and brutally, their lives begin to implode when they are relentlessly targeted by a murderous organization known as ‘The Network,’ who is in pursuit of the manuscript. The terrified group are left with only one option if they want to survive – they have to run.

Already commissioned for a second season by U.K.’s Channel 4, UTOPIA features a brilliant ensemble cast including Paul Higgins (In the Loop), Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (MISFITS), and Alexandra Roach (The Iron Lady)."

Sounds pretty awesome to me!

April 2013 Paranormal TV New and Returning Air Dates

Cast of Hannibal: Hugh Dancy, Caroline Dhavernas, Laurence Fishburne, Aaron Abrams, Lara Jean Chorostecki, Hettienne Park, Scott Thompson and Mads Mikkelsen (Image Source)

April is a pretty impressive month for new and returning shows. Showcase will be bringing us not one but two science fiction shows with the debut of the multi-platformed Defiance show and online game plus we will also enter into the second season of the Vancouver set Continuum.

The innovation theme continues with Hemlock Grove which is a Netflix original series that will debut concurrently across the globe to all territories where Netflix is available. To start the month off we break with pattern as I included a horror/thriller series with the debut of Hannibal starring Mads Mikkelsen (Valhalla Rising) and Hugh Dancy (Blood and Chocolate). Let's hear it for April 2013!

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Image Source: CityTV.com

Hannibal ~ Series Premiere
Thursday April 4, 2013 at 10pm ET/PT on CityTV

Genre: Horror/Thriller

Okay, I'm kind of cheating including Hannibal with our April shows, but horror isn't too far off and last month we included Bates Motel which is similar in nature to Hannibal as both are prequels of horrific stories. Besides, I'm completely thrilled to see the magnificent Mads Mikkelsen and the wonderful Hugh Dancy on TV that I will break my "no serial killers show" rule to check this one out.

Series Description: "Will Graham is a gifted criminal profiler who is on the hunt for a serial killer with the FBI. Graham’s unique way of thinking gives him the astonishing ability to empathize with anyone – even psychopaths. He seems to know what makes them tick. But when the mind of the twisted killer he’s pursuing is too complicated for even Will to comprehend, he enlists the help of Dr. Lecter, one of the premier psychiatric minds in the country. Armed with the uncanny expertise of the brilliant doctor, Will and Hannibal (known as a serial killer only to the audience) form a brilliant partnership and it seems there’s no villain they can’t catch. If Will only knew…"

Hannibal is an American series and season 1 will have 13 episodes; the show stars Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas and Laurence Fishburne.

Find out more about Hannibal at CityTV.com



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Image Source: Showcase.ca

Defiance ~ Series Premiere
Monday April 15, 2013 at 10pm on Showcase

Genre: Science Fiction

I'm still mystified by the whole game and show part of Defiance, and I don't think I'll 'get' that until I seen and/or experience it. Putting that to the side, I'm so excited to see an actual science fiction series with aliens! Doesn't if feel like forever since we've had that? The show looks slick, the make up and design look amazing and I'm a fan of several of the actors. I can't wait! Thank goodness this happens after Monday nights free up after the Being Human (North American) and Almighty Johnsons wrap up for their respective seasons.

Series Description: "An unprecedented approach to storytelling, Defiance will unite scripted television and online gaming for the very first time. Both the series and the game feature an interconnected world and storylines that will launch in early April with the release of the game and continue seamlessly with the series premiere on the 15th.

Set in the near future, Defiance introduces an exotically transformed planet Earth, its landscapes permanently altered following the sudden – and tumultuous – arrival of seven unique alien races. In this somewhat unknown and unpredictable landscape, the richly diverse, newly formed civilization of humans and aliens must learn to co-exist peacefully. Each week, viewers will follow an immersive character drama set in the boom-town of Defiance, which sits atop the ruins of St. Louis, MO, while in the game, players will adventure in the new frontier of the San Francisco Bay area. The dramatic tapestry of the series and the intense action of the game will exist in a single universe where their respective narratives will inform one another and evolve together into one overall story."

Defiance is a Canadian/US co-production of 13 episodes and stars Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran, Jaime Murray, Graham Greene and Mia Kirshner.

See more about Defiance at Showcase.ca and Defiance.com.



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Image Source: Netflix.com

Hemlock Grove ~ Series Premiere
Friday April 19, 2013 on Netflix

Genre: Paranormal/Horror/Thriller

When I first heard about Hemlock Grove it was described as Twin Peaks meets Supernatural, and right then and there I knew I had to check it out. I'm also very curious about the whole airing on Netflix thing, and as a very recent Netflix-er I'm thrilled I will be able to see it! I love that it's debuting concurrently in all territories that Netflix is available including U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Latin America, Brazil and Scandinavia. That's awesome. That's so where we are now, being broadcasted at the same time is the best choice for the viewers. We want to see it, and you give us a way *to* see it. Yay!

Series Description: "After a teenage girl is mauled to death on the outskirts of Hemlock Grove, dark secrets and deep passions emerge. As authorities seek the killer, two suspects from rival families take matters into their own hands. Will they find a man or a monster?"

Hemlock Grove is an American series based on the book by Brian McGreevy and stars Famke Janssen, Bill Skarsgård, Landon Liboiron, Penelope Mitchell, Freya Tingley, Dougray Scott, Lili Taylor and Nicole Boivin. It looks like it's 12 episodes (per IMDB).

Find out more about Hemlock Grove at Netflix.com.



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Image Source: Showcase.ca

Continuum ~ Season 2 Premiere
Sunday April 21, 2013 at 9pm on Showcase

Genre: Science Fiction

Suzie and I really enjoyed watching and podcasting through Continuum's first season last summer. It is so cool to see a Canadian-produced, Canadian-set awesome science fiction series. And with a female lead who kicks butt to boot. The show has a great science fiction angle with time travel as well as the power of subtle social skills and even some political commentary. Plus, it's smart and a lot of fun. I'm very curious to see where things go in Season 2.

Series Description: "Continuum is a one-hour police drama centered on Kiera Cameron, a regular cop from 65 years in the future who finds herself trapped in present day Vancouver. She is alone, a stranger in a strange land, and has eight of the most ruthless criminals from the future, known as Liber8, loose in the city."

Continuum is a Canadian series which stars Rachel Nichols, Erik Knudsen, Victor Webster, Stephen Lobo, Jennifer Spence and Tony Amendola; Season 2 will have 13 episodes.

New to Continuum? Or want to revisit Season 1? I've created a spoiler-free episode list to all of the Season 1 episodes that you can watch online at Showcase.ca and Continuumtheseries.com.

See more about Continuum at Showcase.ca and Continuumtheseries.com.



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Image: Jessica (Fiona O'Shaughnessy) in Utopia

Utopia - Series Premiere
Thursday April 25, 2013 at 10pm ET on Space

Genre: Conspiracy/Mystery

This announcement just popped up so we've added it to the mix for April release goodness, it's a 6-part conspiracy thriller/mystery series starring Paul Higgins, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Alexandra Roach, Neil Maskell, Paul Ready, James Fox Geraldine James, Simon McBurney, Michael Smiley and Fiona O'Shaughnessy.

Here's information the show media release: "In Episode 1 of UTOPIA, five strangers from an online comic book forum agree to meet after gaining possession of The Utopia Experiments. While three of the forum members – Ian (Stewart-Jarrett), Becky (Roach), and Wilson (Adeel Akhtar, The Dictator) meet at a pub, another is confronted and attacked by two Network henchmen. The only witness to the attack is 11-year-old Grant (Oliver Woolford, Blackout), the fifth forum member, and when he flees with the manuscript, the henchmen chase after him."

And great news, Utopia is already commissioned for a second season. Woohoo!



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Late Add: Deep South Paranormal begins April 30, 2013 on Space