This year, CTV turns 50… no wait, they’re #1!

CTV is #1: we heard/saw it on screen at least 25 times during the one hour presentation (yes we counted!). Instead of sticking to the ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ motto, CTV decided to invest in #1 shows today, in order to maintain their #1 position in the future.  While we applaud the effort in pursuing this strategy and understand the imposition of US programming, we are left feeling lukewarm as to the potential success of their new acquisitions. Further, their modifications in top 20 programming slots lead us to wonder: will they remain a strong #1 for a 10^th year in a row, or will Global close in on the gap on a national scale? Also, with Rogers (Citytv) coming in with a strong fall programming schedule which includes the top ranked show out of the US upfronts, The Event, there’s definite potential for market share shifting.

Let’s start with the sure bets – there’s no question – CTV has a lot of them. They include: Grey’s Anatomy, The Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives, Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, The Mentalist & Dancing with the Stars. What about CSI and American Idol, you might be wondering? We would have included the CSI franchise in this list had it not been for major alterations in its programming slots. Mondays certainly won’t be the same without Horatio, admit it, you love his cheesy lines! CSI: Miami moves to Sunday night following Desperate Housewives, CSI: NY moves to Friday nights and CSI changes timeslots to Thursday 7pm.  Regrettably, the appointment viewing that the CSIs had built is no more because CTV is at the mercy of US simulcast.  Will American Idol continue to grow despite the loss of America’s favourite villain?  Only time will tell, but rest assured you can get your Simon fix on The X Factor in the fall of 2011 (yet another singing competition). And for the gazillions of you that miss seeing Paula on the tube, you will be able to catch her on Got to Dance in 2011 as well (yes, another dance show).

Let’s continue with the many new series on CTV, 11 in total.  In the past, we have always classified them as must-sees, this year however we need to wait and see what will become of them.  The underlying theme in the new programming is comedy, whereas in the past the strength of CTV has always been with drama hits. To name a few: Mr. Sunshine featuring the return of Matthew Perry, $#*! My Dad Says with William Shatner & The Defenders with Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell.

There is one new show that caught our eye: Law & Order: Los Angeles (LOLA). Assuming it will be at the height of the Law & Order-brand series, we deem that this will be the big hit of the new lineup.

A shout-out goes to CTV for continuing to produce & promote Canadian series (8 in total) – including Flashpoint which steals a spot in the top 20 and continues to air in the US.

Oh and one more thing: Conan’s back! Funny thing, his show may be airing too late for many of us to enjoy.  Expect to laugh weekdays at 1am following the Daily Show and The Colbert Report.

CTV’s sister station /A\ continues to take on some of CTV’s programming such as Two and a Half Men and The Vampire Diaries but also acquired 3 new programs: Mike & Molly, Hellcats & Nikita.

Ultimately, regardless of what happens in the Canadian television market as a whole, we are confident that CTV Montreal will keep its strong lead, and stay #1!