CTV Comedy Channel and Just For Laughs are stepping into the ring together to bring Canadians the all-new original series, ROAST BATTLE CANADA. Based on the format from ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution, the eight, half-hour episode series builds on the success of Bell Media’s French-language version, ROAST BATTLE: LE GRAND DUEL, which is consistently a top-ranking series for Z. The English-language adaption, ROAST BATTLE CANADA, is produced in partnership with Just For Laughs and Counterfeit Pictures and will film later this year.
ROAST BATTLE CANADA sees two pairs of Canadian comics faceoff in each episode, hurling ruthless jokes at each other in hopes of coming out unscathed and crowned the victor by a distinguished panel of judges. Presiding over each episode are megastar comedian Russell Peters; writer, producer, actor, and all-around funny person, Sabrina Jalees (CAROL’S SECOND ACT); and Season 1 ROAST BATTLE semi-finalist, LETTERKENNY’s own K. Trevor Wilson. Actor and comedian Ennis Esmer, slated to appear in the upcoming CTV original series, CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, serves as host.
“We had great success with ROAST BATTLE: LE GRAND DUEL in Quebec, and are happy to be expanding the ROAST BATTLE format with our long-time partners at Just For Laughs and Counterfeit Pictures,” said Karine Moses is Senior Vice-President, Content Development & News, Bell Media. “With Russell, K.Trevor, Sabrina, and Ennis at the helm, ROAST BATTLE CANADA will have audiences laughing and highly entertained when it debuts on CTV Comedy Channel later this year.”
“The Just For Laughs Festival proudly launched Roast Battle at Just For Laughs Montreal years ago and could not be more thrilled to partner with Bell Media in bringing this internationally-recognized comedy series to screens across the country, featuring some of the most quick-witted and hilarious comics as roasters, judges, and hosts,” said Bruce Hills, President of Just For Laughs.
“Counterfeit Pictures is delighted to be partnering with Bell Media, Viacom International Studios Distribution, and Just For Laughs on the production of Roast Battle Canada, an iconic comedy franchise that will help dispel the myth that Canadians are nice,” said Anton Leo, Partner at Counterfeit Pictures.
Based on ROAST BATTLE, the U.S. television series created by comedians Jeff Ross and Brian Moses, the original format has also been adapted in Germany, Spain, Mexico, South Africa, and the UK. Each original airing of Bell Media’s successful French-language adaptation, ROAST BATTLE: LE GRAND DUEL has been the most-watched series of the broadcast season for Z.
Click here for Judges and Host Bios
ROAST BATTLE CANADA is produced by CTV Comedy, in association with Just For Laughs Television and Counterfeit Pictures. Bruce Hills is Executive Producer and also President, Just For Laughs. Anton Leo serves as Executive Producer, along with Dan Bennett and Shane Corkery of Counterfeit Pictures. Comedian Russell Peters also executive produces. The series was directed by Shelagh O’Brien. For Bell Media, Chris Kelley is Production Executive; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production, Original Programming; Carlyn Klebuc is General Manager, Original Programming; Sarah Weaver is Director of Programming; Pat DiVittorio is Vice-President, CTV and Specialty Programming. Justin Stockman is Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. Karine Moses is Senior Vice-President, Content Development & News, Bell Media.
Source : Numeris, French Québec, Winter-Spring 2019 (Jan 7th-May 12th), Winter-Spring 2020 (Jan 6th-May 10th), Winter 2021 (Jan 4th-March 28th), Mo-Su 2a-2a, AMM (000), P2+, Z.
