Celebrations are everything. But sometimes, life throws a curveball and those big moments are impacted. In the new heartwarming CTV Original one-hour special THE TAKE BACK, two deserving Canadians are given a second chance at their milestone celebration, featuring surprise twists, reveals, and celebrity drop-ins that turn their former letdowns into legendary moments. Hosted by ETALK Anchor Tyrone Edwards, THE TAKE BACK airs Friday, Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.
In the inspirational special, a team of experts create a surprise event for two worthy Canadians, giving them an experience that changes their ordinary day into an extraordinary lifetime memory.
Nominated for their remarkable stories of resilience and hope, THE TAKE BACK shines a spotlight on 14-year-old Hartley, a dedicated fundraiser and ambassador for SickKids Hospital and budding voice actor (Rex on PAW PATROL), providing him with a celebrity-filled Dungeons & Dragons themed birthday bash at Canada’s Wonderland – marking the first time Hartley, who is immunocompromised, and his family enjoy a large social gathering with all of their family and friends. The surprise celebration includes special guest appearances by award-winning actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (NEVER HAVE I EVER), actor Robbie Amell (THE FLASH), and Forbes 30 Under 30 actor/writer Anthony Burch.
Then, HoopQueens founder Keesa K. is given a second chance after a pivotal fundraising and launch event was lost due to the pandemic. Giving HoopQueens the spotlight it deserves, special guests at the fundraising event include supporters and basketball luminaries such as four-time WNBA champion, three-time league MVP, and three-time Olympic gold medallist Sheryl Swoopes, Canadian Women’s National Basketball alum and two-time Olympian Tamara Tatham, Commissioner and CEO of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Mike Morreale, WNBA All-star Cheyenne Parker, TSN anchor Kayla Grey (THE SHIFT), The Toronto Raptors’ official mascot The Raptor, along with a surprise performance by Juno Award-winning rapper TOBi, and special video messages from professional wrestler and actress Trish Stratus, and former NBA player and coach of the Canadian men’s national basketball team, and Raptors announcer, Leo Rautins.
