Kids join Canada’s love-in
With Canada-centric programming fervently marking the country’s 150th birthday (see: The World Without Canada, Canada: The Story of Us and the upcoming Canada in a Day, among others), it only seems right that kids are invited to the party. Consider Canada Crew their RSVP.
The new series, a blend of live-action and animation, features three puppets: Bebe the Beaver, Mo the Moose and Gavin the Canada goose. Over 26 seven-minute episodes, they travel to each province and territory to explore the things that make the country super-cool, like specific foods, pastimes, animals and the national anthem.
For show creator Ben Mazzotta, the series fills a hole in the kids TV landscape. “I didn’t see enough TV shows for kids that are quintessentially Canadian,” he says. “Canada Crew represents everything I love about my country.”
In one episode, Bebe and Mo build a canoe and meet Olympic kayaker Adam van Koeverden. A hockey-based instalment features NHL legend Darryl Sittler, while the Canada Day one gets face time with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.
“All the guest stars were amazing. I get a kick out of watching a celebrity being interviewed by puppets,” says Mazzotta. “Madame Sophie Gregoire Trudeau was a joy to meet. Charismatic, smart and easygoing.”
Geared toward four- to six-year-olds, Canada Crew is available on the TVOKids YouTube channel.
THAT’S ALL FOR SAUL
Better Call Saul airs its Season 3 finale Monday on AMC, with the episode Lantern. Kim (Rhea Seehorn) takes some time off, while Nacho (Michael Mando) gambles with his future and Hamlin (Patrick Fabian) pushes Chuck (Michael McKean) to make a decision.
In an interview with Uproxx, co-creator Peter Gould hinted at how much longer the acclaimed prequel to Breaking Bad could run.
“I will say I think this show has a definitely limit to it,” he said. “It’s a story with a beginning and a middle and a definite end. I have to say, I would rather have it end too soon than go on too long. It’s the old showbiz adage: ‘Leave them wanting more.’ ”
LABOUR OF LOVE
In a new episode of Still Star-Crossed, the ABC/ CTV drama that picks up after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, Prince Escalus (Sterling Sulieman) suggests a public betrothal ceremony between Benvolio and Rosaline (Wade Briggs and Lashana Lynch). The two still aren’t crazy about getting married. Meanwhile, a conspiracy threatens to prolong the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. Still Star-Crossed is based on Heather Mitchell’s like-named book.