The highly anticipated return of the popular talent show Star Académie is set for January 19, airing on TVA at 7 PM, with Garou as the director and jean-Philippe Dion hosting. This season marks a new chapter as contestants will reside in the heart of Montreal, receiving guidance from renowned mentors including Véronic DiCaire for singing, Pierre Lapointe for music, and Émily Bégin for sports and dance, with Lara Fabian serving as the honorary godmother. Additionally, viewers can catch a glimpse of the contestants in the pre-show En route vers Star Académie, premiering on January 13 at 7:30 PM. Simultaneously occurring, Épique, hosted by Eve Côté, kicks off on January 10 at 8 PM on Télé-Québec, featuring six duos competing in challenging physical and intellectual tasks across six regions of Quebec, with a grand prize of $60,000 awaiting the winners.A new drama series titled Mea Culpa is set to premiere on ICI Télé on January 7 at 8 PM, featuring Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin as Bérénice, a mediator specializing in restorative justice. Created by chantal Cadieux, the show explores the complexities of healing and forgiveness as Bérénice confronts her past when the man who murdered her friend 25 years ago, portrayed by Maxim Gaudette, is released from prison. this gripping narrative promises to delve into the emotional turmoil surrounding justice and personal loss, making it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking television.A new comedy series titled Passez au salon is set to premiere on TVA on January 8 at 9 PM, bringing a fresh outlook to the often-taboo subject of funeral homes. Created by jean-Michel Anctil and Louis-Philippe Dandenault, the show follows two contrasting brothers who must collaborate to keep their family business afloat. With Chantal Baril portraying their mother and Emi Chicoine as an eager intern, the series promises a humorous yet poignant exploration of family dynamics in the face of mortality. While it may not be the comedic masterpiece of the year,Passez au salon offers a light-hearted take on life and death,making it a noteworthy addition to the television landscape.A thrilling new series titled Who Pushed Melody? is set to premiere on Monday, January 6, at 7:30 PM on Télé-Québec. This dark comedy unfolds in a daycare called L’académie des ratons, where the absence of children adds an eerie twist to the narrative. The story follows Chantal Fontaine, the strict director, as she investigates a mysterious incident involving an educator who was pushed down the stairs. Drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie’s classic whodunits, this series promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its blend of humor and suspense. Don’t miss the chance to unravel the mystery!Get ready for a night of laughter as the popular show Incroyables! returns to ICI Télé on Friday, January 10, at 8 PM.Hosted by the charismatic Alexandre Barrette, this unique program features comedians reenacting the most bizarre and entertaining anecdotes, promising to keep viewers engaged and amused. With a fresh lineup of stories and humor, Incroyables! is set to captivate audiences once again, making it a must-watch for fans of comedy and storytelling alike. Don’t miss the chance to experience the hilarity that unfolds as parents navigate the challenges of defending their children’s reputations in the most outrageous ways.In a heartwarming yet challenging moment, four-year-old Malik is preparing to undergo a life-saving kidney transplant at Sainte-Justine Hospital, where he will receive a kidney from his mother. This poignant story highlights the unbelievable bond between parent and child,showcasing the lengths to wich families go to ensure the health and well-being of their loved ones. As Malik enters the operating room, the emotional weight of the situation underscores the importance of organ donation and the hope it brings to families facing similar medical challenges. This touching narrative not only sheds light on Malik’s journey but also serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.A new documentary miniseries titled La prison de l’Esprit-Saint will premiere on January 7 at 10 PM on Inquiry, exploring the complex dynamics of the Esprit-Saint Mission, a religious movement with controversial sect-like tendencies. the series delves into the emotional struggles faced by individuals who leave the mission, highlighting the difficult choice between regaining personal freedom and sacrificing familial and social ties. This thought-provoking investigation raises questions about state funding for religious organizations in a supposedly secular society, making it a must-watch for those interested in the intersection of faith and personal autonomy.Renowned Quebec journalist claude Poirier shares his professional legacy in an upcoming special titled Poirier le testament, airing on January 10 at 9 PM on Témoin. This intimate portrayal, crafted by his long-time friend Paul Arcand, aims to shed light on Poirier’s unique contributions to journalism, a figure who has sparked diverse opinions throughout his career. Additionally, viewers can look forward to the gripping mini-series Veille sur moi, premiering on January 7 at 9 PM on ICI Télé, which follows a mother’s fierce battle to regain custody of her son from his grandmother, promising a compelling narrative that explores family dynamics and resilience.Get ready for an exciting television lineup starting january 8, featuring two gripping series that promise to captivate audiences. First up is In Memoriam,airing on Noovo at 9 PM,where the wealthy Paul-Émile de Léry,played by Bruno Marcil,subjects his children to a perilous game before passing on his fortune. The cast includes notable actors such as Évelyne Brochu and Éric Bruneau.following that,Détective surprenant premieres on TVA at 8 PM,showcasing a thrilling investigation set in the picturesque Îles-de-la-Madeleine. starring Patrick Hivon, the series revolves around the mysterious death of the mayor’s daughter, complex by the arrival of his nemesis, Inspector Sébastien Gingras, portrayed by Patrice Godin.Don’t miss these compelling stories that blend family drama and suspenseful crime investigation!As winter approaches,television enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting season of new programming. This winter, viewers can look forward to a diverse lineup of 12 must-watch shows that promise to captivate audiences across various genres. From gripping dramas to light-hearted comedies, the upcoming slate features something for everyone, ensuring that families can gather around the screen for quality entertainment. With the rise of streaming platforms, the competition for viewer attention is fiercer than ever, making it essential for networks to deliver compelling content that resonates with audiences. Stay tuned as we explore the highlights of this winter’s television offerings, which are set to redefine home entertainment.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re discussing the exciting lineup of shows set to premiere this January in Quebec. with the return of popular talent shows and gripping dramas, there’s a lot to unpack. To help us navigate through these offerings, I’m joined by Dr. Clara Dubois, a media expert and professor of television studies.Clara, thanks for being here!
Dr.Clara Dubois: Thank you for having me! It’s always a joy to discuss the vibrant world of television.
Editor: Let’s dive right in.The much-anticipated talent show Star Académie returns on January 19, featuring Garou as the director and Jean-Philippe Dion hosting. With such a strong lineup of mentors, what impact do you think this will have on audience engagement?
Dr. Dubois: Star Académie has a rich history and resonates deeply with viewers, partly due to its format that emphasizes mentorship and personal growth. The addition of recognized personalities like Véronic DiCaire and Pierre Lapointe can enhance the contestants’ journeys, making the show not just about competition, but also about sharing experiences and wisdom. This can considerably boost viewer engagement, creating a more invested audience.
Editor: absolutely! It seems the stakes are high with contenders residing in Montreal, adding a unique urban twist. Now, alongside Star Académie, we have Épique, which pits duos against intense physical and intellectual challenges. How do you see reality competition shows like these evolving in the current television landscape?
Dr.Dubois: Reality competition shows have evolved to incorporate not just physical challenges but emotional narratives as well. Épique appears to be tapping into local pride by showcasing various regions of Quebec, which could enhance regional viewership. The integration of storytelling through these challenges offers a more compelling reason for audiences to tune in and invest in the contestants’ journeys.
Editor: That’s a great point! Shifting gears to scripted dramas, the series Mea Culpa, centering on restorative justice, seems quite sensitive and timely. Do you think its themes will resonate with modern audiences?
Dr. Dubois: Definitely! Mea Culpa tackles complex issues of justice and forgiveness, something universally relatable yet intricately personal. Series like these can spark notable conversations about healing and societal challenges. Its layered narrative will likely attract viewers who appreciate depth in storytelling, especially in a time when social justice topics are prevalent in public discourse.
Editor: Speaking of intriguing narratives,Who Pushed Melody? offers a unique spin on the mystery genre,set in a daycare. With its dark humor and whodunit elements, how important do you think genre-blending will be in attracting viewers today?
Dr. Dubois: Genre-blending is becoming increasingly essential in capturing audience attention.Shows that mix humor with suspense, like Who Pushed Melody?, can appeal to a wider demographic. They provide an exciting thrill while still inviting laughter, which is particularly attractive in today’s content-hungry environment.
Editor: Lastly, we can’t overlook the comedic offerings like Passez au salon. Can humor around sensitive topics, such as funerals, effectively connect with audiences?
Dr.Dubois: Humor can adeptly navigate sensitive subjects when executed thoughtfully. Passez au salon seems to approach the topic with a light touch,allowing for exploration of family dynamics in the face of mortality. If done well, it can resonate with viewers by creating relatable moments that balance humor with poignancy, making light of the inevitable in a respectful way.
editor: This january certainly promises a rich tapestry of narratives across various genres. Thank you, Clara, for sharing your insights!
Dr. Dubois: Thank you for having me! It’s always enlightening to discuss the evolving landscape of television.I look forward to seeing how these shows resonate with audiences!
Editor: And to our viewers, make sure to mark your calendars for these premieres. There’s something for everyone this January!