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Canada's SPACE Channel Announces January 2013 Programming Schedule

Guest-star Colin Ferguson (as Howard Kanan) and Niall Matter (as Evan Cross) in Primeval: New World's "Breakthrough." Photo copyright of Bell Media & SPACE.

This January there will be epic adventures, mystery, and makeup magic as fresh new episodes of returning fan favourites join SPACE’s schedule. On January 22nd @ 10 p.m. ET, the dino-mighty SPACE Original Series Primeval: New World gives viewers something to roar about, as the mid-season premiere tears into the schedule in its new Tuesday night timeslot. Leading into new episodes of Primeval: New World is Season 4 of the competitive make-up effects reality series Face Off. The popular series returns Tuesday, January 15th @ 9 p.m. ET with a special 90-minute premiere. Fresh off the palette of its Season 3 success, Face Off continues to attract new viewers, with its Season 3 audiences up by almost 50% compared to Season 2 among total viewers.

Also returning this January is the blood-lusting drama Being Human (U.S.) for its third season on Monday, January 14th @ 9 p.m. ET. Last season, the wildly popular series was the #2 program on SPACE during its run with A25-54 viewers. Then, the quest continues during the Season 2 premiere of The Almighty Johnsons, as the four God-like brothers unite again on Monday, January 14th @ at 10 p.m. ET. The Almighty Johnsons saw a super-human number of viewers during its first season on SPACE, with the premiere becoming one of the Top 10 SPACE premieres of all time.

As previously announced, Merlin also returns for its fifth and final season beginning Saturday, January 5th. @ 8 p.m. ET, and new series Ripper Street premieres Saturday, January 19th @ 9 p.m. ET.

Sam Witwer as Aidan in Being Human. Photo copyright of Bell Media & SPACE.

The new season of Being Human (U.S.) picks up 15 months after the events of last season’s riveting finale which ended with Aidan (Sam Witwer, Battlestar Galactica) being buried alive as punishment from the vampire leader Mother (Deena Azziz, The Moth Diaries). Also, Sally (Meaghan Rath, 18 To Life) was lost in a state of limbo, and Josh’s (Sam Huntington, Not Another Teen Movie) plot to kill Ray (Andreas Apergis, Durham Country), his werewolf “maker,” endangered Nora (Kristen Hager, CSI: Miami).

Season 3 features a stellar lineup of new and returning guest stars, including Mark Pellegrino (Lost, Revolution) as Aidan’s vampire mentor Bishop; Amy Aquino (Harry's Law, ER) as Donna, a witch whose supernatural spells are sought out to help find Sally; Xander Berkeley (Nikita, 24) as Liam, father of purebred werewolf twins who is intent on locating his missing children; Bobby Campo (Final Destination) as Max, a young mortician who develops a connection with Sally; and Kyle Schmid (Copper, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) who returns as Aidan’s vampire protégé Henry.

The Almighty Johnsons' Axl (Emmett Skilton). Photo copyright of Bell Media & SPACE.

Season two of The Almighty Johnsons premieres Monday, January 14th @ 10 p.,. EST. Following four ordinary Kiwi brothers who have the powers of Norse Gods, the Johnson’s set out on a quest to fulfil an ancient prophesy so that they could get their full God powers. Facing a number of obstacles in their attempt to find the Goddess Frigg, their quest continues in Season 2, and the youngest brother, Axl (Emmett Skilton, Home by Christmas), finds himself on a more personal journey – to become Odin. The Almighty Johnsons also stars Tim Balme (Maddigan's Quest and Mercy Peak) as Mike, Dean O’Gorman (McLeod's Daughters and Shortland Street) as Anders, and Jared Turner (Go Girls and Power Rangers) as Ty.

Returning to the lab for the new season of Face Off is actress and host McKenzie Westmore, along with judges Ve Neill (The Hunger Games, Pirates of the Caribbean), Glenn Hetrick (CSI: New York, The Hunger Games, Heroes), and Neville Page (Avatar, Prometheus).

Joining the series as the official contestant mentor is world-renowned Hollywood makeup artist, Michael Westmore. Westmore has earned a record 42 EmmyAward nominations and nine wins, four Motion Picture Academy nominations, and an OSCA in 1986 for his artistry on the film Mask. Westmore supervised 18 years of Star Trek, and is host McKenzie Westmore’s father. Guest judges this season include Bryan Singer (House),Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead), John Landau (Avatar), Michael Nankin (Defiance), and John Rhys-Davies (Psych).

Dylan Weir (Sara Canning) and Evan Cross (Niall Matter) in Primeval: New World's "Breakthrough." Photo copyright of Bell Media & SPACE.

Returning for the second half of the successful first season, Primeval: New World picks up with Breakthrough. In this episode, footage of a triceratops goes viral on the net forcing Evan (Niall Matter, Eureka) and Dylan (Sara Canning, The Vampire Diaries) to track the creature to an upscale neighbourhood, and to the home of Evan's old rival Howard Kanan (Colin Ferguson, Eureka), who is only too capable of understanding the implications of Anomalies and intersections in time.

As noted above, all photos copyright of Bell Media & SPACE, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

Michael Shanks (Stargate SG-1/Saving Hope) Stars in The Bouquet - 02/05/13

Actor Michael Shanks.

Filled with romance, humor and hope, the all-new original movie, The Bouquet, blooms on DVD this February from Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment and Nasser Entertainment.  Kristy Swanson (What If, Little Women, Big Cars), Danny Glover (Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight), Michael Shanks (Christmas Lodge) and Alberta Mayne (The Client List) star in the heartwarming story about two estranged sisters who are brought back together by a sudden tragedy. 

When a sad event brings two siblings home, they are forced to put their busy lives on hold and reluctantly come to terms with the state of their relationship.  Once home, they are given shocking news about the state of the family’s floral business, throwing their mother into a tailspin. Understanding that the shop is in trouble, the sisters agree to put their hostility aside and join together to save their legacy and mend their mother’s broken heart. In doing so, they are able to strengthen their sisterly bond, and also find space in their hearts to receive the love that was blooming in front of them along the way. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, The Bouquet includes five free music downloads of love songs, PLUS a special offer from Teleflora.com. Celebrate love, life and family with The Bouquet, available at the suggested retail price of $14.93. 

Matt Smith Talks Doctor Who: The Snowmen

Matt Smith as The Doctor in Doctor Who: The Snowmen. Photo copyright of the BBC.

Returning to screens on Christmas Day, it is all change for Matt Smith’s Doctor with a new costume, a new hat and minus Amy Pond in this year's holiday special, Doctor Who: The Snowmen.  In this second of five BBC America press interviews, he talks about what fans can expect from this festive treat and family tradition. Doctor Who: The Snowmen airs Tuesday, December 25th @ 9:00 p.m. EST/PST on BBC America.

"Lots of snow and a rather good villain," says Smith, chatting enthusiastically about this year’s Christmas special, Doctor Who: The Snowmen.  Set in a Victorian snow covered England the episode opens with the Doctor feeling more 'bah humbug' than festive, as he struggles to get over the loss of his companions, Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill). 

"He is slightly removed and not at his best," explains the actor.  But after the Doctor meets a feisty young governess, Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman do we see a change in the Doctor?  "You get to see a different side to him," says Smith. "She is very different to Amy Pond. That, however, is the great thing about this show - reinvention. It keeps me as an actor on my toes!"

As well as seeing Matt Smith’s Doctor for the first time without his old companions, his character will be sporting a new costume complete with top hat. "It is a bit like the Doctor meets the Artful Dodger," reveals the actor.

So can we expect to see a period of grieving following the loss of Amy and Rory?  "Grieving has its place," muses Smith, "but it is important to show that and then propel back in to adventure."

And that is exactly what this Christmas special does. Smith reveals that this Christmas, the Doctor will embark on a dangerous adventure – a quest that leads him to Darkover House where something sinister is lurking. As well as guest star Tom Ward (Silent Witness), Richard E Grant features as this year’s villain, Doctor Simeon.  "He was a delight and brilliant at being villainous. Some actors are just made for the show and he was one of them.  And he looked wonderful in Victorian garb," enthuses Smith. 

Now a family tradition, the actor is chuffed to be part of the Christmas special, "I love being part of them.  Family TV on Christmas Day is a great tradition and Doctor Who is at the heart of that."

So will Smith be making an appointment to watch on Christmas day?  "Absolutely, I can’t wait," he says.

As noted above, photo copyright of the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

Merlin's Fifth and Final Season Coming to Syfy US in January 2013

Colin Morgan (as Merlin) and Bradley James (as King Arthur). Photo copyright of the BBC.

Syfy will say good-bye to Camelot when the fifth and final season of Merlin returns Friday, January 4 at 10PM (ET/PT) with 13 all-new episodes. As season five opens, Camelot is at the height of its golden age. With Queen Guinevere and the Knights of the Round Table at his side, Arthur has never felt stronger. But even as Camelot flowers, the seeds of its destruction are being sown. As the forces of darkness gather, only Merlin stands between Arthur and a fate that has been written since the dawn of time.

Merlin returns with its core cast of Colin Morgan (Merlin), Bradley James (Arthur), Katie McGrath (Morgana), Angel Coulby (Gwen), Richard Wilson (Gaius) and John Hurt (Voice of the Dragon), along with newest cast member Alexander Vlahos as Mordred.

Special guest stars in season five include Lindsay Duncan (Alice in Wonderland), Janet Montgomery (Entourage), Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones), Josette Simon (Cry Freedom), Sophie Rundle (Episodes) and the return of Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as Uther Pendragon.

Merlin is produced by Shine TV Ltd and BBC Wales, and distributed by FremantleMedia Enterprises. Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy are co-creators and executive producers.

Syfy Ventures, in partnership with Bossa Studios, also announced the U.S. launch of the official Merlin game under the Syfy Games label.  Merlin: The Game -- syfy.merlingame.com -- is an exciting role-playing game that enables viewers to aid Merlin and Arthur in completing quests, defending the realm and exploring the exciting world of Albion. Gamers can become engrossed in the Arthurian legend as Merlin commands them and six of their best friends to embark on a magical adventure to become the Heroes of Camelot.

As noted above, photo copyright of the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 - Coming in January 2013

Batman must battle old friends and foes on two fronts in the epic animated conclusion to Frank Miller’s masterpiece in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives January 29, 2013 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP), On Demand and for Digital Download. The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack will include UltraViolet™*.

With Gotham City back under his watchful eye, and accompanied by able sidekick Robin, Batman continues to battle crime – but his resurgence awakens a far worse evil at Arkham Asylum: The Joker. In the meantime, Superman has been dispatched by the President to halt Batman’s unsanctioned reign by whatever means necessary. Between the Joker’s diabolical scheme to drag Batman to the darkest levels of insanity, and the Man of Steel’s seemingly invincible physical presence, the Dark Knight must confront adversaries and allies simultaneously while maintaining the peace in Gotham City.

Primetime television stars Michael Emerson (Person of Interest, Lost) and Mark Valley (Human Target, Fringe) join the voice cast as The Joker and Superman, respectively;and popular talk show host Conan O’Brien gives voice to animated talk show host Dave Endochrine. Fanboy favorite Peter Weller (RoboCop, Dexter) continues as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and he is once again accompanied by David Selby (The Social Network, Dark Shadows) as Commissioner Gordon, Ariel Winter (Modern Family) as Carrie/Robin, and Michael McKean (This is Spinal Tap) as Dr. Bartholomew Wolper. Also featured in the voice cast is Maria Canals-Barrrera (Wizards of Waverly Place) as new Commissioner Yindel, Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds) as Lana Lang, and Radio Hall of Fame member Michael Jackson as Alfred.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is directed by Jay Oliva (Man of Steel, Green Lantern: Emerald Knights) from a screenplay by Bob Goodman (Warehouse 13). Sam Register (Young Justice, Teen Titans, Ben 10), Bruce Timm (Justice League: Doom), Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight Rises) and Benjamin Melnicker (The Dark Knight Rises) are executive producers.

"Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is epic animated filmmaking at its finest Crafted by an impressive team of filmmakers and voice talent alike it’s the perfect complement to the initial installment,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Home Video Vice President, Family & Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. “Just when you thought the story couldn’t become any more intense, the Joker and Superman arrive to up the ante – and Michael Emerson’s approach to the Joker is particularly chilling. This is a film no fan can do without.”

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 Blu-ray™ Combo Pack has more than 2 hours of exciting content, including:

• Standard and high definition versions of the feature film
• UltraViolet™*
• Sneak Peek at Superman: Unbound, the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie
• Featurette – “The Joker: Laughing in the Face of Death”– An all-new featurette.  A fitting tribute to the Joker, giving perspective as to why this engrossing character is the true arch nemesis of Batman.
• Documentary – “Superman vs. Batman: When Heroes Collide” – An all-new documentary. Batman and Superman have a long history of friendship and conflict. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns brought an end to that conflict. This is the story behind that battle.
• Featurette – “From Sketch to Screen”– An all-new featurette.  Director Jay Oliva gives a fascinating animatic breakdown of five of his favorite moments from Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.
• Look Back – Sneak Peek at Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
• Two bonus episodes from Batman: The Animated Series (“The Last Laugh” and “The Man Who Killed Batman”) and an episode from The New Batman Adventures (“Legends of the Dark Knight”), all handpicked by producer Alan Burnett.

• Digital Comic – Excerpt from the graphic novel The Dark Knight Falls by Frank Miller.
• Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 Ultraviolet offer is a limited time offer. Restrictions and limitations apply. Go to ultraviolet.flixster.com/info for details.

Lost Girl Season Three Sneak Peek (Syfy US)

Lost Girl goes wild in 2013. The show's third season premieres in January on Syfy! Get a jump on what you can look forward to in the clip below.

 

Getting to Know Being Human's Anna Fricke

Syfy sat down with Being Human’s Executive Producer Anna Fricke in the clip below.

Getting to Know Being Human's Sam Huntington

In the clip below, Being Human's Sam Huntington provides insight into his character and how he would steer the plot of the show.

Getting to Know Being Human's Meaghan Rath

Which Sam - Witwer or Huntington - knows their Being Human co-star Meaghan Rath better? The guys duke it out over a game of "This or That" in the clip below.

  

Being Human Season Three Sneak Peek (Syfy US)

This January, be careful what you wish for. Being Human returns in the New Year. Take a look at the sneak peek below to see what's ahead.