CTV and PPI Releasing announced today that CTV’s original talk series The Social is being shopped across the border. The series, which premiered Sept. 2 on CTV, is now being marketed for U.S. syndication to begin in 2024. Co-hosted by news anchor Melissa Grelo, relationship expert Cynthia Loyst, Canada’s foremost gossip blogger Lainey Lui and entertainment reporter Traci Melchor.
“The Social has been a strong addition to CTV’s successful daytime lineup since its premiere in early September,” said Phil King, President, CTV Programming and Sports. “There is clearly enormous appeal for American audiences as well.”
“By 2024, we’ll have produced well over 200 episodes,” said Rick Brace, President, Specialty Channels and CTV Production. “We’ve created an engaging series that is resonating with Canadian viewers, and can launch in the U.S. next year with a solid foundation.”
PPI is offering the day-and-date series as a Monday-Friday strip to debut in broadcast syndication in Fall 2024, although discussions are also underway on a potential mid-season launch as early as January 2024. The series is sold on a cash plus barter basis, with over 200 original episodes, a first for any first-run talk show launched in the last decade.
The Social delivers an innovative forum for viewers to debate and discuss the topics of the day by interacting with the co-hosts through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, among others. Each show kicks-off with a round-table chat featuring the buzz-worthy subjects people are talking or Tweeting about, including headlines of the day, celebrity news, and trending topics. The round-table is followed by lifestyle segments inspired by viewers. Celebrity guests will also stop by to chat with the co-hosts, with Michael Bublé, Jessica Alba, Ryan Kwanten, Sarah Rafferty, Elisha Cuthbert, and Jay Baruchel already appearing on the series.