Shaw Media and A+E Networks today announced the extensive expansion of their long-standing partnership to bring two exciting new channels, Lifetime and H2, to Canada. Additionally, Shaw Media’s number one entertainment specialty channel, History Television will transition to History. Slated to launch in fall 2024, the new channels will join Shaw Media’s slate of top-ranked specialty channels.
A+E Networks is the force behind a number of the most sought-after TV brands and is recognized as a leader in pioneering innovative content,” says Paul Robertson, Group Vice President of Broadcasting and President of Shaw Media. “Through our deepened partnership with A+E Networks we continue to stake our claim as a frontrunner in the television industry and reinforce our unwavering commitment to giving Canadians access to the best possible content.”
As one of the top female targeted cable networks in the U.S., Lifetime will boost Shaw Media’s undisputed domination in the coveted women’s demographic. Since merging with A+E Networks two years ago, the Lifetime brand has evolved through an aggressive expansion of their original content and a fresh new logo and tagline – “Your life. Your time.”. The network’s critically acclaimed, award-winning and star-packed programming for women focuses on a triple threat strategy of original scripted series, movies and unscripted shows. When the network touches down in Canada Dance Moms, Bristol Palin: Life’s A Tripp and The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet will be amongst its roster of stellar content. Also on that schedule is Lifetime’s newest scripted series, The Client List, a new hit drama starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Lifetime’s slate of highly anticipated movies will include Liz and Dick starring Lindsay Lohan, and The June Carter Cash Story (wt), starring acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress, Jewel.
“With innovative programming, compelling characters and distinct brand propositions, History, Lifetime, and H2 have truly struck a chord with viewers in the U.S.,” said Nancy Dubuc, President & General Manager, History and Lifetime Networks. “We are thrilled to partner with Shaw Media to bring these brands into Canada, where they will develop a voice and content that is unique to the Canadian audience.”
“A+E Networks and Shaw Media have a long-standing relationship, and we are very pleased to join forces to bring Lifetime, H2 and History to Canada. This marks a particularly important milestone for A+E Networks as Canada represents the first international launch for both Lifetime and H2,” said Sean Cohan, Sr. Vice President, International, A+E Networks. “Shaw Media has a strong track record for building powerful TV brands and we are confident that HISTORY, Lifetime and H2 will appeal to viewers across Canada.”
Building on the massive success of the history channels on both sides of the border Shaw Media is launching H2, a natural complement to History with its own mission and male skewing programming. H2, a new destination where information is entertainment, experienced in unexpected and exciting ways, offers a broader view of history across science, technology and pop culture from around the globe. It’s more to explore, more to know, more to understand – more 2 HISTORY. In the U.S., H2 is the number one emerging network of 2024 with 62% YOY audience growth for total viewers in Q2. H2’s Canadian fall schedule boasts a diverse lineup of original programming and compelling storytelling including 10 Things You Don’t Know About, The Universe and Mankind Decoded.
The transition to History and launch of H2 will dramatically expand the choices for Canadian viewers, and allow for synergistic programming opportunities. This new agreement will allow Shaw Media to provide Canadians more of the best dynamic Canadian and U.S. original hits that have made History Television the number one entertainment specialty channel.
The agreement does not end with broadcast assets but extends further to include digital platforms, both for online and mobile.
Highlights from Lifetime and H2’s roster of programs include:
Lifetime:
Dance Moms (Canadian Premiere)
Set in Pittsburgh’s renowned Abby Lee Dance Company, owned and operated by the famously outspoken Abby Lee Miller, Dance Moms follows children’s early steps on the road to stardom and their mothers who are there for every rehearsal, performance and bow…all under Miller’s discerning eyes. Presenting a powerful cast of characters the show immerses itself in dance competition season, delivering a captivating and dramatic look at the cast’s intense pursuit of National Dance titles.
Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp (Canadian Premiere)
If being the daughter of America’s most recognized political figure is tough, being a 20-year old single mother ever-scrutinized by the press is even tougher. Put them together and you have Bristol Palin: Life’s A Tripp.
The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet (Canadian Premiere)
Lifetime’s all-new series The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet is a refreshing and intimate take on celebrity interviews hosted by British television personality and renowned photographer Amanda de Cadenet and executive produced by Demi Moore and de Cadenet. Presenting an honest view of the shared issues affecting women today, The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet will include powerful and in-depth interviews with some of the world’s most famous and influential women in the comfort of their own homes including Jane Fonda, Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Preston, Alicia Keys, Donna Karan, and Gabby Sidibe.
The Client List (Canadian Premiere)
Everyone’s got something to hide and Riley Parks is no exception. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Riley, a single mother, living in a small Texas town and leading a shocking double life. Her secret would send shockwaves through the community and possibly land her in jail if it was ever exposed. Riley’s taken a job at a seemingly traditional day spa, but soon realizes that the parlor offers a little more than just massage therapy. The series follows Riley balancing these two worlds – one that revolves around her kids and family – and the other that revolves around the massage parlor and its special clientele.
The Houston Family Chronicles (wt) (Canadian Premiere)
An all-new docu-series that will follow the lives of the late Whitney Houston’s family, led by Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and manager, and including Pat’s daughter Rayah, Whitney’s brother Gary, daughter Bobbi Kristina and mother, Grammy® Award-winning singer Cissy Houston.
H2:
10 Things You Don’t Know About (Canadian Premiere)
Did you know that President John F. Kennedy was a bodybuilder, that Roman ruler Caligula loved to gamble and drug kingpin Pablo Escobar burned millions in cash to keep warm? In the series 10 Things You Don’t Know About, author and maverick historian David Eisenbach reveals intriguing and provocative details about some of history’s most fascinating individuals and groups. Tune in each week to explore the lives of historical figures ranging from Abraham Lincoln to the members of the Rat Pack, discovering what your textbooks never told you.
The Universe (Canadian Premiere)
From the planets to the stars and out to the edge of the unknown, history and science collide in The Universe. With ground-breaking new discoveries and stunning high-definition computer animations, it’s a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time.
Mankind Decoded (Canadian Premiere)
Mankind Decoded reveals the gripping story of how 12 surprising forces shaped human civilization and helped make us who we are today. While HISTORY series Mankind: The Story of All of Us takes an epic, chronological journey from the emergence of man to the present day, Mankind Decoded crisscrosses all eras to show how these 12 universal forces link all of mankind, through time. Technological leaps that transform our world; everyday foods that change the course of civilization; great forces of nature that drive human history: through astonishing global stories and surprising connections, Mankind Decoded reveals the secret history of all of us.
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