Rogers and VICE today announced six additions to the 2016 summer/fall schedule for Canadian specialty channel VICELAND, including the network’s first-ever scripted series, Nirvanna The Band The Show. Commissioned by Rogers, the newly announced original programming slate will all be produced by VICE through VICE Studio Canada.
From the creative team behind the critically acclaimed and internationally celebrated films The Dirties (2013) and Operation Avalanche (2016), Nirvanna The Band The Show is a 10-part, 30-minute comedy series following two lifelong best friends and roommates as they plan the greatest musical act in the history of the modern world. Without ever playing a note, Nirvanna the Band will take Toronto by storm, one scheme at time.
Canadian content and culture take a front seat as VICELAND brings a fresh approach to linear programming for viewers at home and abroad with a diverse programming lineup spanning a vast array of themes, including culinary adventure program Dead Set on Life, starring celebrity chef Matty Matheson, and tech docu-series Cyberwar, hosted by VICE journalist Ben Makuch.
“The quality of the creative talent in Canada rivals any country in the world and we are fiercely committed to homegrown content,” said Colette Watson, Vice President, Broadcast and TV Operations, Rogers. “We’re so proud of the content being produced by VICE through this joint venture, and we can’t wait to share it with viewers not only here in Canada, but also around the globe.”
“We are thrilled to introduce the next generation of VICE talent with our upcoming slate of original programming.” Said Michael Kronish, EVP Television and Online, VICE Canada. “Each host brings a unique set of experiences and expertise that further diversifies VICELAND’s already robust programming.”
Please see below for additional programming descriptions and broadcast details. VICELAND is available on an extended free-preview period until September 30, 2016.
Cyberwar: Tuesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings), beginning July 5
**Series Premiere**
A 16-part, 30-minute doc series tapping into the geopolitics of hacking and government surveillance. Ben Makuch travels around the world to meet with hackers, government officials, and social dissidents to investigate the world’s cyber warfare mysteries.
Abandoned: Wednesdays at 11 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings), beginning July 6
**Series Premiere**
In this 10-part, 60-minute series, legendary skateboarder Rick McCrank embarks on a journey exploring abandoned landmarks and architectural remains with the people who lived, breathed and held these places dear.
Dead Set on Life: Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings), beginning July 7
**Series Premiere**
An eight-part, 30-minute doc series, Dead Set on Life takes viewers on a culinary adventure from the mind of Matty Matheson – a boisterously warm Canadian chef. From $6 subs at gas stations to the most sought-after ingredients on the planet, Matty eats it all and meets amazing people on the way.
RISE: ***Broadcast details to be announced at a later date; special sneak peek of the pilot episode to air June 19 at 11 p.m. ET/PT
**Series Premiere**
RISE brings viewers to the frontlines of Indigenous resistance in this eight-part, one-hour documentary series. Sarain Carson-Fox and Gitz Crazyboy travel to Indigenous communities to meet people engaged in protecting their homelands and rising up against threats to their survival.
Payday: ***Broadcast details to be announced at a later date
**Series Premiere**
This eight-part, one-hour documentary series follows millennials as they navigate the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression. Each episode’s distinct city serves as the backbone of the narrative analyzing each character’s economic situations.Payday is ultimately a critical examination of a disillusioned generation who are highly educated and streetwise yet facing mounting debt, struggling to find decent jobs, and working to survive post-economic collapse.
Nirvanna The Band The Show: ***Broadcast details to be announced at a later date
**Series Premiere**
Matt and Jay can’t catch a break. Jay is a savant, a talented musician who can play any song on piano by listening to just a few bars. Matt is less musically inclined, but is somehow the brains of the operation. Together, they are Nirvanna the Band and are trying to make it big in the Toronto music scene. From the creative team behind the independent films The Dirties (2013) and Operation Avalanche (2016), this scripted series is created by and stars childhood friends Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol.
