Family Channel Soars to New Heights With the Premiere of Raising Expectations on May 8

Family Channel Soars to New Heights With the Premiere of Raising Expectations on May 8

MOLLY RINGWALD AND JASON PRIESTLEY HEADLINE NEW FAMILY COMEDY

SERIES CREATED AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY TOM SAUNDERS

TORONTO, April 6, 2016 /CNW/ - They're smart, they're funny and this Mother's Day the Wayneys are coming to Family Channel in the premiere of the highly anticipated new series Raising Expectations. Debuting Sunday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT, the live-action family comedy, created by Tom Saunders (Arrested Development) stars Jason Priestley (Call Me Fitz, Beverly Hills: 90210) and Molly Ringwald (The Secret Life of the American Teenager, The Breakfast Club) as seemingly flawless parents Wayne and Paige Wayney. The series follows the misadventures of their less-than-perfect son, Emmett as he celebrates his relatively mediocre status within his overachieving family. Highlighting Sundays on Family as the go-to television destination for family entertainment, the new series is followed by a new episode of the family comedy Dr. Ken.

Ahh, the Wayneys... what an amazing family: good looking, smart, talented, athletic and popular. Child psychologist and bestselling author Paige Wayney (Ringwald) and her architect husband Wayne (Priestley) have worked hard at raising their five children to be "multi-exceptional", and they succeeded...four times! However, their youngest son, Emmett, is a work in progress. But what he lacks academically, athletically and artistically, he is determined to make up with... nothing. Or as he calls it: "street smarts." Bottom line, every day without a visit from rescue workers in hazmat suits is a win for the Wayneys!

In the premiere episode, titled "Wayne's White Lie," Paige shares a tale about Wayne's heroism during an online lecture, but the online community calls "baloney." The Wayney kids rally to defend their dad against the internet trolls, but as the evidence against Wayne starts to mount, the kids begin to suspect that their parents' legendary romance may have been built on lies.

Starring alongside Priestley and Ringwald as the Wayney kids are Luke Bilyk (Degrassi, Lost Girl) as Adam; Katie Douglas (Defiance, Max & Shred) as Conner; Matthew Tissi (Call Me Fitz, Transporter) as Bentley; Jake Sim (The Amazing Gayl Pile, Arthur) as Derek; and introduces newcomer Simon Cadel as Emmett.

The series features notable special guest stars Erin Karpluk (Being Erica), Will Sasso (MADtv), Scott Thompson (Kids in the Hall), Patrick McKenna (Remedy), Ricardo Hoyos (Degrassi), Cristine Prosperi (Degrassi) and Devyn Nekoda (Backstage). In addition to his starring role, Jason Priestley serves as director on multiple episodes, as well as Jim Allodi (Call Me Fitz), Warren Sonoda (Backstage), Melanie Orr (How to Be Indie) and Stefan Brogren (Degrassi).

Also coming to Family this Spring is the laugh-out-loud comedy Dr. Ken, starring doctor-turned-actor/comedian Ken Jeong (Community). A comedic take on his real life experienes, the series chronicles the daily life of a brilliant but caustic physician (Jeong) as he tries to balance his career with the daily challenges of being a dad. The series premieres with two back-to-back episodes on Sunday, April 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and, starting May 8, will air immediately following new episodes of Raising Expectations.

Commissioned by Family Channel, Raising Expectations is produced by Aircraft Pictures (Todd & The Book Of Pure Evil, What's Up, Warthogs!) with producers Anthony Leo and Andrew Rosen, in association with Dolphin Entertainment (Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, Zoey 101, and the upcoming feature film Max Steel, based on the Mattel action-figure franchise) with executive producer Bill O'Dowd. Tom Saunders (Arrested Development, The Larry Sanders Show) is series creator and executive producer. The show is co-executive produced by Steve Skrovan (Everybody Loves Raymond, Hot in Cleveland) and Garry Campbell (MADtv, Kids in the Hall). Tia Ayers, Barbara Haynes, Skander Halim, Max Reid, Josh Gal and Emer Connon round out the writing room.

Family Channel offers the best in family television entertainment in a premium, commercial-free environment. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a daily vacation for children and their families, Family airs a unique mix of top-rated Canadian and acquired series, movies and specials. Family is also home to F2N - an entertainment haven for teens that features high quality programs after 9 p.m. Family Channel subscribers have access to Family OnDemand and Family Online at no additional cost, to see hit movies and series when they want them, where they want them. Visit us at Family.ca.

About DHX Television
DHX Television is comprised of Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr. and Télémagino, and is part of DHX Media Ltd., a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. Dedicated to celebrating family fun, DHX Television delivers best-in-class programming through premium subscriptions and its original production mandate, and creates and produces captivating in-market events that appeal to Canadian families. DHX Television is home to world-renowned series including The Next Step, Degrassi: Next Class and Teletubbies. DHX Media Ltd. has offices globally, and is traded on the NASDAQ and Toronto Stock Exchange.

SOURCE Family Channel

Family Channel

CONTACT: Joanna Landsberg, Publicist - DHX Television, joanna.landsberg@dhxmedia.com, 416.977.7458


-------
Profile: intent