Amazing finish
1If you’re wondering just how amazing it is to win The Amazing Race Canada, look no further than season 5 winner Sam’s amazing reaction after finishing first on Tuesday’s finale: “This is the most amazing thing! We’ve met so many amazing people, and the fact that I got to do it with Paul, and that we’re here. It’s just been the most amazing experience of our lives,” Sam said. Sam’s partner Paul elaborated: “This Race really has changed my life. Even six months ago, I didn’t want to tell people I was gay. I told my family and friends, but just being in front of all of these people, and being able to show that this is my boyfriend, the man I am in-love with … I feel liberated. It’s the best feeling.” That — and a grand prize of $250,000, a trip around the world and a new Chevrolet Equinox? Yep, definitely amazing.
PARADISE LOST AND FORGOTTEN
Bachelor in Paradise’s latest summer of “love” has come to an end, and we couldn’t be more relieved. Especially for all of the show’s nevershould-have-been couples — Amanda and Robby, Lacey and Daniel, Christen and Jack — who promptly parted ways on Tuesday’s finale. That left Raven and Adam — who were still together as of Tuesday — and former villainess Taylor and her beau Derek, who put a ring on it before a studio audience during the after-show. If that wasn’t enough to thrill you, indecisive Dean was also chastised for his love triangle with Kristina (who ought to be the next Bachelorette) and Danielle. But Dean can rest assured this season of Paradise will soon be forgotten — if it hasn’t already.
SEARCH FOR LOVE CONTINUES UP NORTH
Fireside dinners, mittenheld walks on the rink, kisses through chattering teeth — Bachelor Nation, you’re not in Paradise any more. The Bachelor Canada is gearing up for a far frostier take on the franchise, with Montrealborn baseball player Chris Leroux set to start his love journey on Oct. 11 (W Network). All 20 bachelorettes vying for his heart were announced this week, and they include a pageant queen, a meditation coach, a self-proclaimed “luxury travel nomad” and a mermaid — who apparently missed the aforementioned “not in Paradise any more” message.
OPEN HOUSE
Calling all future Big Brother Canada house guests. On Sept. 23, BBCan is launching a casting tour for the show’s upcoming sixth season. Stops include Sept. 23 in Vancouver and Saskatoon and Oct. 1 in Edmonton. You can also apply online at bigbrothercanada.ca. We’d like to say what traits they’re looking for in the next batch of house guests, but we never have any idea what these reality TV producers are thinking. We do know you have to be at 19 and in great physical and psychological shape. The show’s U.S. edition wraps its 19th season with a two-hour finale Sept. 20 (Global/CBS).