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Foxtel: Summer highlights

Nashville, True Detective, Looking and Girls are all coming to Foxtel in Summer.

2013-11-04_2301Nashville, True Detective, Looking, Shark Week, Girls, Coast Australia, Behind Mansion Walls and Outback Coroner are some of the highlights viewers can expect from Foxtel’s Summer programming 2013-2014.

It will also include previously-announced channel changes including new channels TV HITS and Syfy, a channel refresh for Universal Channel,  audio channels being revamped to become Foxtel Tunes and the arrival of SMOOTH, MTV Dance and MTV Music.

Here is Foxtel’s (very) lengthy press release:

Dramas for Express from the US delivery on showcase are HBO’s new series True Detective, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, and Looking which introduces a group of gay friends in San Francisco.

Also on the premiere list are The Michael J. Fox Show (Universal Channel), the Swedish crime drama Fjallbacka Murders (showcase), Friday Night Lights’ Connie Britton and Heroes’ Hayden Panettiere co-starring in Nashville (SoHo) and returning series include Girls S3 (showcase), Shameless S4 (SoHo), Franklin & Bash S3 (FX) and Murdoch Mysteries S7 (13th Street).

It wouldn’t be summer without Shark Week (Discovery Channel) and this year’s line-up features an array of premiere specials. Other international factual programs include Destination Wild (Nat Geo WILD), new episodes of Oprah’s Next Chapter (Discovery Home & Health) and the US series of Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC Knowledge).

There are local productions launching across the factual and lifestyle genres, with British historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver leading a local team on a journey around our shoreline for Coast Australia (HISTORY), Kerri-Anne Kennerley hosting Behind Mansion Walls (CI Network), the real life dramas of Outback Coroner (CI Network), a season of Celebrity Come Dine With Me Australia (The LifeStyle Channel) and A Donna Hay Christmas (The LifeStyle Channel) sees the leading cookbook author return to Foxtel.

Foxtel has a vast array of first-run festive programming, with the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Nigella Lawson, George Clarke and Sarah Beeny providing inspiration and advice for the best food and decorations ever. Or, you could just sit back and create the holiday and party atmosphere with nostalgic movie and music line-ups.

Back in the general entertainment genre, Foxtel has the local productions Just for Laughs At The Sydney Opera House (The Comedy Channel) and Meet the Frockers (LifeStyle YOU). International programs over summer include The Royal Variety Performance 2013 (UKTV) with Gary Barlow, Olly Murs and Dame Edna Everage amongst the stars already announced, Keeping Up With The Kardashians S9 (E!) – where family always comes first – and it does not get much hotter than the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (FOX8).

Time for some cricket, FOX SPORTS will offer live and exclusive coverage of every match of the South Africa V India and New Zealand V West Indies series. What about the other sports? FOX SPORTS also has Football with continuing coverage of the Hyundai A-League and the Barclays Premiere League. ESPN has the National Basketball Association, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League and there’s more on offer on Eurosport and the pay-per-view action on MAIN EVENT.   

In addition to all the new shows and seasons debuting, there are plenty of ongoing Australian television premiere series all through summer.

Plus, Foxtel has some new channel brands launching soon.

Chill out this summer with a new music channel line-up from December 3.

 Foxtel’s 24/7 audio music service is being revamped to become Foxtel Tunes, which will have 30 ad free audio channels with something to suit everyone’s tastes.

 SMOOTH is a new adult contemporary music channel and will be the ultimate music destination, an easy place to relax to and escape.

 Foxtel has also been working with MTV to refresh the current music channels. As a result MTV Live will be removed and MTV Classic and MTV Hits will be replaced with MTV Music and MTV Dance.

New channel brands and new looks from January 1.

 TV Hits will feature television’s all-time favourites and well-loved series including NCIS, the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation franchise, Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends and How I Met Your Mother.

 The new Syfy will be home to the latest sci-fi and fantasy series like Defiance and Warehouse 13 and the world premiere of Haunting: Australia.

 Universal Channel will be transformed with a new look and a new line-up of shows, including The Michael J. Fox Show and Perception, alongside Law and Order: SVU and Criminal Intent.

Foxtel programming through December 2013 and January 2014 includes:

2013-11-04_2303DRAMA:

New series launching

Fjallbacka Murders showcase

Feature film on Tuesday, December 3 at 8.30pm

Series starts December 10, Tuesdays at 8.30pm

Based on Swedish best-selling crime writer Camilla Läckberg’s proven set of characters, alluring locations and compelling sense of story, The Fjallbacka Murders focuses on Ericka Pack a crime writer and her police inspector husband’s investigations into the many disappearances and criminal cover ups upon her return to live in her remote hometown. Stars Claudia Galli and Richard Ulfsäter.

True Detective showcase

Starts January 13, Mondays at 5.30pm Express from the US

And prime time Tuesdays at 8.30pm

Starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, this drama centres around two Louisiana State PD detectives and examines their personal and professional relationships during a 17-year hunt for a macabre ritual killer. As the mystery weaves through time, changing their lives and straining their partnership, each man must learn the cost of illusions and the price of retribution.

The Michael J. Fox Show Universal

Starts January 15, Wednesdays at 8.30pm Channel

In his returns to a major television series lead role, Fox portrays a caring husband dealing with family, career and the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, all loosely drawn from his real life.

Nashville S1 and S2 SoHo

Starts January 21, Tuesdays at 8.30pm

Music legend Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) reigns as the Queen of Country, but after two decades, her grip on the throne is slipping. In the face of an evolving industry, Rayna is struggling to adapt and reinvent herself, which she must do if she plans to stay relevant. Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) is sexy, sassy, and trails trouble in her wake – she’s also the country’s number one crossover artist. While she is determined to sit on Rayna’s throne, Juliette refuses to deal with her difficult past.

Looking showcase

Starts January 20, Mondays at 7.05pm and 11.10pm Express from the US

The series revolves around three friends in San Francisco who explore the fun and sometimes overwhelming options available to a new generation of gay men. The show stars Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alvarez and Murray Bartlett. Special guest stars include Russell Tovey and Scott Bakula.

2013-11-04_2306End Game FX

Starts December 9, Mondays at 8.30pm

Follow arrogant, brilliant and charismatic Arkady Balagan who uses the skills that made him chess champion of the world to solve the crimes that mystify others. He imagines events, interviews the living and the dead, and runs conflicting scenarios – all in his head. Stars Shawn Doyle, Torrance Coombs, Patrick Gallagher, Katharine Isabelle, Melanie Papalia, Carmen Aguirre.

 

RETURNING:

Treme S4 (Final Season) showcase

Starts December 1, Mondays at 6pm and 10.30pm Express from the US

In Plain Sight S4 13th Street

Starts December 6, weeknights at 6.30pm

Murdoch Mysteries S7 13th Street

Starts December 7, Sundays at 7.30pm

Franklin & Bash S3 FX

Starts December 9, Mondays at 9.30pm

 

Above Suspicion: Silent Scream 13th Street

Friday December 13 at 8.30pm

girls-season-2Girls S3 showcase

Start January 13, Mondays at 6.30pm Express from the US

Shameless S4 SoHo

Starts January 13, Mondays at 9.30pm Express from the US

Banshee S2 FOX8

Starts January 15, Wednesdays at 9.30pm Express from the US

Perception S2 Universal

Starts January 16, Thursdays at 8.30pm Channel

Rookie Blue S4 Universal

Starts January 16, Thursdays at 9.30pm Channel

 

ENTERTAINMENT AND REALITY:

Just For Laughs At The Sydney Opera House Made for Foxtel The Comedy

Starts December 6, Fridays at 8.30pm Channel

Filmed exclusively for The Comedy Channel and hosted by one of Australia’s favourite comedic personalities, the razor sharp funny man Dave Thornton. Witness first-hand a buffet of top notch comedic talent including Australian and international comics including Tom Ballard, Claire Hooper, Randy, Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine, Debra DiGiovanni, Urzila Carlson and Joel Creasey.

Meet the Frockers Made for Foxtel LifeStyle YOU

Starts January 23, Thursdays at 8.30pm

Every bride wants the perfect wedding and that means the perfect dress no matter how tight the bodice or the budget. Meet The Frockers is a Melbourne based half hour reality show or ‘docu-soap’, which follows the roller coaster world of three rival bridal outlets. Competition can be stiff in this game and the stakes are high and highly emotional – as they attempt to deliver on little girls’ dreams. Meet the Frockers tells stories from both sides of the counter – following bride and dressmaker from the initial consultation to construction and fittings right through to the big day.

The Drama Queen E!

Starts December 3, Tuesdays at 8.30pm

This docu-soap follows talent guru Marki Costello who represents actors and performers who are frantically chasing their dreams of Hollywood stardom. A master of juggling celebrity egos, discovering untapped talent and running a drama-filled office of young staffers, Costello’s career ambitions and over-the-top personality let nothing or no one get in the way of her success.

Big Fat Gypsy Weddings: Life On The Run LifeStyle YOU

Wednesday, December 4 at 9.30pm

This episode follows one travelling clan over the course of a tumultuous year, witnessing the clan’s constant game of cat and mouse with the councils, the daring ‘land grabs’ in the dead of night, the battles with the local residents, the hardships of long winters in freezing caravans, and the joys of being free spirits and testing the limits of the law.

The Creators Project Studio

Starts December 4, Wednesdays at 6.30pm

The Creators Project is a cutting-edge new series that aims to mash up art and technology with some of the best and brightest musicians, filmmakers, designers, and visionary artists from across the globe. Featuring an array of ingenious artists including Spike Jonze, Phoenix, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nick Zinner, Diplo, music video great Chris Cunningham, and Mark Ronson.

2013-10-31_1527America’s Got Talent S8 FOX8

Starts December 7, Saturdays at 6.30pm

The smash hit America’s Got Talent comes to Australian screens showcasing the hottest performers; including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to perform on stage and possibly win the $1,000,000 prize! Hosted by Nick Cannon and with celebrity judges Howie Mandel, Howard Stern, Mel B and Heidi Klum this top-rating series is not to be missed.   

 

Party On E!

Starts December 12, Thursdays at 9.30pm

Following on from the successful E! series, Wild On, we visit only the most glamorous of destinations, Party On discovers exactly how the A-list and the jet set like to holiday. Viewers can tag along as host, Jacqui M. Wood uncovers ultimate party holiday destinations where she will taste exotic local cuisine and take part in the most extreme experiences the party destinations have to offer.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show FOX8

Sunday, December 15, at 8.30pm

Just in time for summer, the temperature is set to rise with the 2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This year’s show takes place in New York City and includes the world-famous Victoria’s Secret Angels, musical performances, pink carpet interviews, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the world’s most celebrated fashion show. Models include Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Candice Swanepoel.

The Royal Variety Performance UKTV

December (date and time TBC) Express from the UK

Some of the biggest names in entertainment perform at this annual charity event in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The Royal Variety Performance is hosted by comedian John Bishop.

Gok’s Summer Catwalk LifeStyle YOU

Starts January 16, Thursdays at 9.30pm

In this three-part series, Gok’s Summer Catwalk, Gok will be showcasing summertime trends on a ‘huge catwalk’, while showing women on the spot how to ditch those socks and sandals in favour something altogether more banger boosting.

RETURNING REALITY / ENTERTAINMENT:

UnBard S2 Aurora

Starts December 1, Sundays at 8pm

UnBard showcases drama, music, dance and multimedia projects created through collaborations with artists living with disabilities, independent filmmakers and emerging artists. Hosted by award-winning performance artist Liam Benson, this four-part series is a positive platform for people with disabilities to share their creative voice, showcase their talent and break new creative ground.

Toddlers and Tiaras S6 LifeStyle YOU

Starts December 6, Fridays at 7.30pm

The Only Way Is Essex S9 LifeStyle YOU

Starts January 6, Mondays at 9.30pm

Keeping Up With The Kardashians S9 E!

Starts January 20, Mondays at 8.30pm Express from the US

Back for a brand new season, even though things are changing for the Kardashian family, in ways they never expected, they are determined to remember that family always comes first.

 

FACTUAL:

Coast Australia Made for Foxtel HISTORY

Starts December 2, Mondays at 7.30pm

Coast has arrived in Australia for its biggest expedition ever. After almost a decade exploring the coastline of Britain and Europe, historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver is leading a local team of presenters to discover Australia’s spectacular coastline: its people, their history, and its many natural wonders. For Coast Australia’s inaugural journey Neil travels to the Kimberley, Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Darwin, and the Coral Coast of Western Australia. It’s an epic exploration around a vast continent with fascinating stories to unearth.

Outback Coroner Made for Foxtel CI Network

Starts December 9, Mondays at 8.30pm

With jurisdictions covering nearly one and a half million square kilometres, the Outback Coroner is called to investigate the unexpected, unusual and violent deaths on behalf of the most isolated communities across Australia. This original series takes us beyond the courtroom and delivers unprecedented access   

 

inside the mindset, lifestyle and challenges confronting the fly-in, fly-out coroner as they seek to deliver justice for the dead and bring peace to the living.

Behind Mansion Walls Made for Foxtel CI Network

Starts December 11, Wednesdays at 7.30pm

Hosted by Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Behind Mansion Walls returns to the Crime & Investigation Network for its third thought-provoking season. Behind Mansion Walls investigates what happens when money doesn’t buy happiness. When family dynasties implode, when hi-stakes divorce ends in bloodshed, and when rich decadence turns to death. Dramatic recreations will be used to show the key moments of these crimes and their investigations. These will be backed by powerful interviews with key experts and eyewitnesses in each case. It is murder and mystery on a grand scale.

The Road To Freedom Peak Made for Foxtel Bio

Tuesday, December 10 at 7.30pm

This is the life-affirming story of two of the unlikeliest of friends. Ugandan Jonathan Okwir was abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army when he was 10-years-old and trained as a child soldier. Australian Corrin Varady is a former model, academic and philanthropist. Together they travel through two African countries meeting survivors affected by the brutalities of war.

The Ride Made for Foxtel Bio

Thursday, December 3 at 7.30pm

Four Aussie blokes trade their wheelchairs for quad bikes and ride 5000km across the desolate heart of Australia to visit the crash sites where they were injured as young men. The stakes are high in this story of survival – three of the men are paraplegics and one is a quadriplegic. Exhaustion, mud, deserts and floods won’t stop these blokes from visiting the spots where their lives changed forever. The Ride is an observational adventure set in the picturesque backdrop of outback Australia. With bold Aussie humour, the men take us on the adventure of a lifetime.

Shark Week Discovery

December 1-8 Channel

Discovery Channel’s longest running television stunt returns to our shores again this summer. The shark is one of the ocean’s apex predators. Hosted by Aussie rugby league legend and fishing expert Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen. Shark Week 2013 will feature Australian TV premieres at 7.30pm every night, including Return Of Jaws, Voodoo Sharks, Great White Serial Killer, Sharkzilla, Top Ten Sharkdown, I Escaped Jaws and Great White Highway.

Focus On Ability Aurora

Sunday, December 1 at 8.30pm

View the world from a different angle with the 2013 Focus On Ability Short Film Competition. This year’s competition broke every previous record with 80 entries from all states in Australia and right around the world. This film screening showcases a selection of the best short films in both the documentary and short film genres, all focusing squarely on the abilities of people with a disability. The judging panel, made up of leading industry talents John Orcsik, Bill Hughes and David Cameron, faced the difficult task of divvying up over $50,000 in cash and prizes to the most worthy contestants.

Finding Bigfoot Animal Planet

Starts December 3, Tuesdays at 7.30pm

Finding Bigfoot’s investigative team continues their pursuit of sasquatches in North America’s most notorious bigfoot hot spots. Renowned bigfooters Matt Moneymaker and Bobo Fay join forces with Cliff Barackman and field biologist Ranae Holland as they attempt to authenticate claims of creature sightings across the globe. Their investigations attempt to uncover the truth behind the most riveting bigfoot encounters ever captured on tape using proven search methods, cutting-edge technology and radical new techniques.

Strangest Weather on Earth Discovery

Starts December 3, Tuesdays at 8.30pm Science

Blazing tornadoes of fire spiral into the sky, balls of lightning bounce along the sidewalk, bizarre clouds spark UFO panic, a wall of dust engulfs an entire city, orange goo invades a small town and fish fall as rain … events so bizarre they’re beyond our wildest imagination and they are even beyond easy explanation. Topics covered include: Fire-nadoes; The Loch Ness Monster Wave; Arizona Dust Storm; The Raining of Fish and Worms.   

 

Meet the Sloths Animal Planet

Starts December 4, Wednesdays at 7.30pm

Meet The Sloths goes behind-the-scenes at one of the world’s most peculiar animal sanctuaries revealing a surprising soap opera of dramatic rescues, clandestine romance and deadly rivals. Costa Rica’s only Sloth Sanctuary is home to over 150 orphaned and injured sloths – cared for by a formidable trio of women: Feisty nursery manager, Claire, sloth Scientist, Becky and legendary Sloth Whisperer, Judy. Together, they’re unravelling the secrets of one of the world’s most enigmatic creatures…

Yukon Gold National Geographic

Starts December 4, Wednesdays at 7.30pm Channel

With the price of gold hovering at record-breaking levels, a new gold rush is underway. Risking it all on a modern day treasure hunt are four gold mining crews who have only four short months in Canada’s wild Yukon to earn one big payday. One good strike makes a man rich – one bad season can take him down for good. Battling mechanical breakdowns, the elements and 18-hour days under the midnight sun, these competitive diehards have gold fever – and it keeps them coming back year after year for another chance to wager it all.

Destination Wild Nat Geo WILD

Starts January 5, Sundays at 7.30pm

Mysterious jungles. Majestic shores. Sundrenched splendour. This is your year-long ticket to adventure in the wildest places on Earth. From the remotest mountain ranges to the forbidding depths of the ocean, Nat Geo Wild’s blue-chip specials, including Wild Congo in January and Wild Australia later in the year, will take you on an unforgettable journey into the natural world and the amazing creatures that inhabit it.

Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth showcase

Saturday, December 7 at 7.30pm

In Mike Tyson’s one-man show, the former undisputed heavyweight champion reflects on his boxing career, his personal turmoil, and his current sobriety. The latest HBO documentary only available on showcase.

Oprah-Winfrey-Show-A-14-December-2010_3Oprah’s Next Chapter Discovery

Starts December 8, Sundays at 8.30pm Home & Health

In this new six episode series, Oprah Winfrey steps outside of the studio for some riveting and enlightening in-depth conversations with newsmakers and celebrities. This month’s line-up includes Tina Turner, Gloria Estefan and Stephen Colbert.

Oprah Builds A Network Discovery

December 8 and 15, Sundays at 8.30pm Home & Health

This series takes a candid look into Oprah Winfrey’s pursuit to build a network. In the same way OWN’s popular series “Oprah Behind the Scenes” took viewers inside the making of the final season of Oprah Winfrey’s successful talk show, this series showcases Oprah sharing her innermost thoughts about some of the opportunities and obstacles she faces as she works to create OWN her cable network.

Nazi Megastructures National Geographic

Starts December 10, Tuesdays at 7.30pm Channel

In the quest for world domination, the Nazis built some of the most ambitious and daring pieces of military hardware and malevolent technology in history; creating hi-tech terror machines, huge defensive systems and some of the original weapons of mass destruction to conquer a continent and win the war. National Geographic uncovers the engineering secrets of six iconic Nazi Megastructures, telling the stories of the designers and engineers who helped to create them and revealing how these structures shaped the course of the deadliest conflict in history.

Who Do You Think You Are USA? BBC Knowledge

Starts December 16, Mondays at 8.30pm

Series returns will all new stars going on a journey to trace their family tree. Celebrities include Martin Sheen, Marisa Tomei, Reba McEntire, Helen Hunt and Rob Lowe.

Duck Dynasty S4 A&E

Starts January 28, Tuesdays at 7.30pm   

 

FOOD, HOME AND LIFESTYLE:

Paddock To Plate Summer Special Made for Foxtel The LifeStyle Thursday, January 16 at 8.30pm Channel

Chef and restaurateur Matt Moran heads to Byron Bay to meet the growers, producers and farmers of the idyllic region before he serves up their wares on location. What better place for a summer special episode of his Paddock to Plate series?

Celebrity Come Dine With Me Australia Made for Foxtel The LifeStyle

Starts January 7, Tuesdays at 8.30pm Channel

Following the success of last year’s one-off celebrity special, our favourite Aussie celebrities will be opening their doors and inviting us into their kitchens in every episode of this fifth season of the Australian series. James Valentine is back as the narrator and the celebrities battling it out for the title of the ultimate dinner party host are Anthony Koutoufidis, Lisa Curry, Sam Thiaday, Matt Mitcham, Tiffany Hall, Peter Morrissey, Charlie Albone, Maria Venuti, Carlotta, Luke Jacobz, Sophie Faulkner, Myf Warhurst, Gretel Killeen, Steve Price, James Morrison, Christie Whelan Browne, Red Symons, Mark Holden, Simone Callahan and Kate Waterhouse. Each episode, four celebrities will take it in turns to cook up a storm and entertain their guests at home – pulling out all stops to present the perfect dinner party. The one-hour format covers all four dinner parties, with the winner announced at the end. (Plus, there is a Christmas episode on December 1.)

Jamie_DurieThe Apartment With Jamie Durie LifeStyle HOME

Starts December 3, Tuesdays at 8.30pm

Watch eight teams of amateur aspiring interior designers battle it out for the ultimate prize of their dreams in the high-stakes competition for their own luxury apartment. Each week they will decorate a different room in their given apartment. Jamie Durie acts as host and mentor, and design guru Laurence Llewellyn Bowen is head judge. They will mentor, critique, and push eight pairs of contestants to their tipping point, and discover the hidden designer gems amongst the talented hopefuls.

David Rocco’s Dolce India Nat Geo

Starts December 8, Sundays at 6.30pm Adventure

Italian-obsessed celebrity chef David Rocco is eating his way through India, combining ingredients and techniques from his beloved Italy with those he’s never experienced before. With his reputation at stake in every episode, David is determined to invent fusion dishes that will leave everyone hungry for more.

A Matter of Taste Studio

Monday, December 9 at 9pm

Paul Liebrandt is one of the most talented and controversial chefs in the food world. At the age of 24, he was the youngest chef to have received three stars from the New York Times. This award-winning special from HBO Documentaries follows Paul over a decade and reveals his creative process in the kitchen, as well as the extreme hard work, long hours, and dedication it takes to be a successful culinary artist in the cutthroat world of haute cuisine in New York City. The special features an A-List of culinary luminaries, including Grant Achatz, Heston Blumenthal, Frank Bruni, Mike Colameco, William Grimes, Thomas Keller, Drew Nierporent and Eric Ripert.

Holmes: Behind the Overalls LifeStyle Home

Monday, December 16 at 9.30pm

The 10th anniversary special Behind The Overalls gets personal with Canada’s most trusted contractor. Mike Holmes answers fan questions, reveals a day in his life, revisits his childhood, reflects on his greatest memories from the last 10 years, and also gives a hint to what’s next.

When Patrick Met Kylie TLC

Starts December 26, Thursdays at 7.30pm

Kylie Flavell and Patrick Drake both love food, but he’s the professional. They both love Italy, but she lives there and speaks the language. Join them on an adventure to find out how Italians really live and eat. From big cities to rustic villages, dancing in discotecas to flirting with the locals, these two will do anything to understand the heart of the Italian people and their food. Their challenge in each episode is to prepare a homemade meal for the locals using what they’ve learned – all in a day.

Celebrity Come Dine With Me S2 Made for Foxtel The LifeStyle

Starts January 7, Tuesdays at 8.30pm Channel

Sarah Beeny Double Your House For Half The Money S2 The LifeStyle

Starts December 30, Mondays at 8.30pm Channel   

 

My Dream Home S3 LifeStyle HOME

Starts January 6, Mondays at 8.30pm


CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR SPECIAL PROGRAMMING 
across all genres includes:

Premieres

Celebrity Christmas Come Dine With Me Made for Foxtel The LifeStyle

Sunday, December 1, at 8.30pm Channel

The hugely successful Come Dine With Me Australia is back with a celebrity Christmas special premiere. The knives (and forks) are out as a group of Australian celebrities compete for the title of ultimate Christmas dinner party host. And the prize money on the table adds spice to the proceedings. The celebrities are Simone Callahan, Anthony Koutoufides, Myf Warhurst and Steve Price

Secret Meat Business Christmas Special Made for Foxtel The LifeStyle

Tuesday, December 3, at 8.30pm Channel

Adrian Richardson serves up a feast of show stopping dishes, sure to impress at the Christmas table this year. Galantine of Goose with a festive cranberry stuffing as an entrée. For the main attraction, Adrian dishes up a succulent Roast Suckling Pig and a whole stuffed wrack of ribs. He uses up the leftovers in his Turkey Frittata and washes it all down with a drink with a lot of a kick, his famous Bloody Bull.

Donna_HayA Donna Hay Christmas Made for Foxtel The LifeStyle

Sunday, December 8 at 8.30pm Channel

Leading food editor and best-selling cookbook author, Donna Hay, returns to TV in this new Christmas special. An exclusive local production, Donna’s first Christmas special will reveal her take on a traditional Christmas, sharing her recipes, tricks and tips to create fabulous festive dishes presented in the signature Donna Hay style.

Keeping Up With The Kardashians: A Very Merry Christmas E!

Monday, December 2 at 9.30pm

This Christmas the Kardashian/Jenner family share their holiday traditions. Find out more about the family’s white elephant gift exchange, look back at holiday footage from the family’s pre-fame years, tips from Kris Jenner on how to host a perfect holiday party, and lastly, the debut of the Kardashian/Jenner Family Christmas Card being shot by photographer David LaChapelle this year.

George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces at Christmas The LifeStyle

Monday, December 2 at 8.30pm Channel

George returns for a Christmas special, visiting Christmas-themed builds including a gingerbread house, an underground grotto decorated with over four and a half million shells, and a beach hut advent calendar where every day a festive space opens its doors to the public. George also catches up with expert designer William, to look back on the extraordinary journey to transform George’s 1970s caravan into a spectacular 21st century holiday retreat.

Extreme Makeover: Holiday Edition LifeStyle HOME

December 4, 11 and 18, Wednesdays at 9.30pm

One of the biggest home renovation franchises in the world returns to LifeStyle HOME for three special Christmas episodes to build homes for three extraordinary families. Firstly we meet the Zdroj family whose house and farm burned in a wild fire. Then we meet the Friday family who adopted five siblings so they wouldn’t be separated. Finally, we meet war hero Shilo, who helps wounded warriors find jobs and support when they return to civilian life. The show is hosted by former model, carpenter and veteran television personality Ty Pennington.

Don’t Tell The Bride: Christmas Revenge Special S5 LifeStyle YOU

Wednesday, December 4 at 8.25pm

Brides seek revenge on their clueless grooms – a Christmas “gift” to remind them who’s back wearing the trousers. With Christmas decorations a-plenty, our couples give brand new interviews looking back on their experiences on Don’t Tell the Bride intercut with clips of their best and worst moments and brand new actuality as each Bride delivers her Christmas “gift” to her unsuspecting groom.

master-chef-gordon-ramsayGordon Ramsay’s Christmas Cookalong LifeStyle FOOD

Tuesday, December 10 at 8.30pm

Gordon Ramsay is inviting viewers into his family home, he’ll share tips and expertise showing how to prepare the tastiest Christmas Day menu, step by step. Christmas is a very special time when friends and family come together to celebrate with the very best food, and Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas Cookalong is guaranteed to make this the tastiest and most memorable Christmas ever. And as we know, all the best parties end up in the kitchen. This special is just one element of 25 days of festive programming under the banner of Christmas on FOOD. Other Australian television premiere specials include – Nigel Slater’s Simple Christmas, Nigel Slater’s 12 Days of Christmas, Lorraine Pascale Last Minute Christmas, Fabulous Baker Brothers Christmas Special and Great British Bake Off Christmas Special.

Christmas Craft Wars With Tori Spelling LifeStyle HOME

Thursday, December 12 at 7.30pm

Craft Wars is back for a special Christmas episode. A wreath made from winter clothing and a Christmas tree made from post-office supplies are the challenges for three crafters competing for a $10,000 prize in this Christmas special. Tori Spelling; actress, reality TV star, daughter of Aaron and Candy Spelling, and lifelong craft enthusiast. Crafting is a hugely popular genre especially at Christmas. Tori Spelling is back following on from the success of Craft Wars which launched in September on HOME.

Beeny’s Rise Hall Christmas Special The LifeStyle

Sunday, December 15 at 8.30pm Channel

Property show goddess Sarah Beeny and her husband Graham Swift present a special Christmas show from the beautiful Country House Rise Hall in the heart of Yorkshire. From the splendour of the grand Stately Home they’ve spent 10 years saving from ruin, Sarah, Graham and their children reveal the origins of traditional Christmas customs: How decorating a tree, eating mince pies and exchanging gifts became ‘the done thing’ for the gentry and ordinary people.

Royle Family Christmas UKTV

Monday December 23 at 8.30pm

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as everyone’s favourite family, the Royles, return for a seasonal special. Stars Caroline Aherne (The Fast Show), Craig Cash (Early Doors), Sue Johnston (Waking the Dead), Ricky Tomlinson (Nice Guy Eddie) and Peter Martin (Playing the Field).

For The Love of Dogs at Christmas The LifeStyle

Sunday, December 22 at 9.30pm Channel

Comedian Paul O’Grady helps out at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home during the run-up to Christmas and meets the animals staying there over the festive period. As well as answering phones on reception and giving away some curiously shaped gifts, he prepares a special lunch for the pets, sings carols around the tree and tells the stories of some of his furry friends.

Battle of the Nutcrackers Studio

Monday December 23 and Tuesday December 24, at 6.30pm

Two of the world’s most talented ballet companies go head-to-head as they tackle the most

famous Christmas ballet of our time – The Nutcracker. Over two glorious nights leading up to

Christmas, STUDIO presents Battle of the Nutcrackers, which sees a young girl’s enchanted present lead her on a wonderful adventure, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s glittering score. Featuring the classic ballet staged by Rudolf Nureyev and the more recent production at the Royal Opera House.

EVENT PROGRAMMING:

CMA Country Christmas CMC

Sunday, December 1 at 7pm

Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) hosts some of the most powerful and emotionally moving voices in music, as they come together to celebrate the holidays. Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, and Darius Rucker will be on hand to perform and share their favourite tales of the season. The CMA Country Christmas is in its 4th year in the USA and becoming a cherished TV tradition. This is the first year CMC has been able to license this special for Australia. It will air on CMC more than a fortnight prior to its USA debut.

Countdown to Christmas – movies Universal

Starts December 1 Channel

Christmas is just around the corner, and to get in the festive spirit Universal Channel is playing a Christmas movie every night at 8.30pm, including nine Australian premiere titles. Movies include: Matchmaker Santa, 12 Wishes of Christmas, Keep on Dancing, A Christmas Wedding Tail, The March Sisters at Christmas, On Strike For Christmas, Baby Bonus, Help For The Holidays and All About Christmas Eve.   

Merry Musicals for Christmas Week FOX Classics

December 9-15, weeknights at 8.35pm

Presented by Graeme Blundell, FOX Classics has lined up some of the most popular movie musicals of all time. Monday December 9 – The Producers, Tuesday December 10 – Oliver!, Wednesday, December 11 – All That Jazz, Thursday, December 12 – Funny Girl, Friday, December 13, – The Sound of Music.

12 Days of Christmas Channel [V]

December 14 – 25, daily at 4pm

[V] HITS is getting into the spirit and giving away some hot prizes across the 12 Days of Christmas. Join us from 4pm daily for the biggest hits of the day and the chance to win. Step aside Santa!

‘Tis The Season FOX Classics

December 23 – 27, weeknights at 8.35pm

‘Tis the season to enjoy some Christmas themed and family favourite movies, presented by Graeme Blundell. Monday, December 23 – The Bells of St Mary’s, Tuesday, December 24 – It’s A Wonderful Life, Wednesday, December 25 – Miracle on 34th Street, Thursday, December 26 – Going My Way, Friday, December 27 – By The Light of the Silvery Moon.

TCM Christmas Movies TCM

Tuesday December 24, from 5.30pm

TCM Christmas features fun and heart-warming Christmas stories this Christmas Family is the central theme in this selection of movies. The line-up is A Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes, Her Twelve Men, Christmas in Connecticut, Susan Slept Here and A Night At The Movies: Merry Christmas.

Christmas episodes of Classic Series FOX Classics

Wednesday, December 25

FOX Classics is scheduling Christmas episodes of the channel’s ongoing series throughout the day. Checkout festive episodes of Bonanza, The Golden Girls, M*A*S*H, The Good Life, Murder, She Wrote and yes, there’s one for Walker, Texas Ranger.

The A-Z of CMC CMC

Wednesday, December 25 at 5pm

CMC opens the vault every year around Christmas time and retrieves all of those clips you haven’t seen for ages when we play (almost) every big hit clip in the CMC library, alphabetically by title. Starting with A Better Man from Clint Black to Your Everything by Keith Urban, CMC will play the biggest hits and a few you forgot about in 55 hours of music.

Christmas Day on MAX MAX

Wednesday, December 25 from 6am

Feast your eyes and ears on the Top 40 Christmas Songs (yes, Mariah and Wham! will be in the mix) to get in the mood. Then let one of Australia’s most well-loved band’s keep your festive spirits high with the Australian premiere of Human Nature’s Christmas Morning In Vegas. Recorded at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas where the four-piece currently have a residency, Human Nature take to the stage for an exclusive show for MAX viewers. Performing songs from their new record ‘The Christmas Album’ as well as some of your favourite hits, this is one concert not to be missed. Then at 8pm. MAX kicks off its annual Top 1000 Greatest Songs of All Time Countdown, airing over four massive days.

A Very Ridiculousness Christmas MTV

Wednesday, December 25 from 8am

What better way to spend December 25, than laughing at the misfortune of those that have turned to the internet to embarrass and humiliate themselves. Tune in for 16 hours of MTV’s hugely popular series Ridiculousness.

Bill Collins OAM.low resBill’s Boxing Day Boxed Set FOX Classics

All day December 26, starting at 12am

As part of Bill Collins’ 50 years in television anniversary ,FOX Classics encores 10 of his favourite movies of all time – Western Union, Waterloo Bridge, Brief Encounter, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Razor’s Edge, The Voice Of The Turtle, Vertigo, The Wizard Of Oz, The Band Wagon and Gone With The Wind.

 

Top 50 Hits of the Millennium Channel [V]

From Tuesday, December 17 to Tuesday, December 31

[V] HITS is counting down the Top 50 songs of the millennium from each year! From Britney’s innocent days to the time when we couldn’t stop singing Teenage Dirtbag… It’s all right here on [V] HITS!

New Year’s Eve Top 100 Party Anthems MAX

Tuesday, December 31 from 4pm

Pop the champagne and put on your dancing shoes because MAX has your New Year’s Eve soundtrack sorted. Fancy a little Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Bee Gees? Or maybe Kylie Minogue, P!nk and Jennifer Lopez are more your style? You’ll find them all here in the Top 100 Ultimate Party Anthems.

Channel [V]’s New Year’s Fiesta Channel [V]

Tuesday, December 31 from 9am to midnight

Get feisty for Channel [V]’s New Years Fiesta as we help get you into the party spirit with killer countdowns, concerts and good times! Kicking off the delights on New Years Eve is the Top 100 Oz Countdown, featuring all the hottest songs on the Australian charts right now, followed by Ultimate Party Songs Top 100. Then slip into reco[V]ery mode on New Years Day with concerts from Ed Sheeran and Rihanna, plus all the highlights of Stereosonic and Benicassim 2013. We’ll also be feasting on the viewer voted [V] Music Video Chart Award of 2013: Top 100.

New Year’s With Girls SoHo and showcase

Tuesday, December 31 from 1.30pm 

Wednesday, January 1 from 1.30pm

The award-winning series Girls takes a comic look at the assorted humiliations and rare triumphs of a group of girls in their early 20s living in NYC. Watch every episode of Girls to date, with season one on SoHo on New Year’s Eve and then season two on showcase on New Year’s Day.

Mortal Geordie NYE MTV

Tuesday, December 31 from 6am

This NYE join MTV for an epic back-to-back marathon of three whole seasons of your favourite Geordie Shore.

Jukebox Saturday Night New Year’s Eve Special Aurora

Tuesday, December 31 from 7pm

The countdown to 2014 is on, and there’s no better way to spend it than rocking into the New Year with Ken Sparkes. This Jukebox Saturday Night New Year’s Eve Special features all the classic hits from the 1950s through to the 1980s, as requested by the viewers.

11 Responses

  1. Honestly cannot believe that Channel 7 (or at least Gem) picked up Nashville. It’s a phenomenal series, and fits Ch7 like a glove and could have been a huge success.

    Good luck to SoHo, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Ch7 doing what they did with Smash last year and picking it up from SoHo and airing it as filler.

  2. Looks like a good summer of programming. But in regards to Endgame, what is FX doing airing a series that only had 1 season from 2 years ago (2011)? There are surely more recent and more successful shows that could be picked up (e.g. Necessary Roughness – just finished it’s 3rd season on USA)

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