Next week, I'll be posting a list of classic sitcoms from the 50s, 60s, and 70s that will be seen on Canadian TV cable and digital stations in the fall. Since many of you are from the States and may be unfamiliar with what we carry up here, allow me to give you a quick crash course in Canadian TV.

In the US, there are 6 main networks. In Canada, there are 4. They are CBC, CTV, Global, and CITY-TV/Chum Ltd. Each of them control a number of specialty and digital channels. For example, Global has DejaView, Prime, Mystery, Lonestar, and various channels with the Global and CH brand name. CITY-TV/Chum Ltd. owns MuchMusic, Bravo, Star, Space, and TV Land Canada, as well as stations with the CITY-TV name and others known simply as A-Channel.

Here are the stations that I'll be using in finding the shows that I'll be listing next week:

CABLE AND SPECIALTY CHANNELS

PRIME (Global group)

Similar US channel: Nick at Nite

Satellite: Bell Express Vu 518, Star Choice 524

Website (http://www.canada.com/entertainment/tvchannels/prime/index.html)

The Comedy Network (CTV)

Similar US channel: Comedy Central

Satellite: Bell Express Vu 625, Star Choice 548

Website (http://www.comedynetwork.ca/)

CTS (Crossroads Television System - Independent)

Similar US channel: Hallmark

Satellite: Bell Express Vu 651, Star Choice 355

UHF Channel: 36

Website (http://www.ctstv.com/fall/home.shtml)

Sun TV (formerly Toronto1 - also independent)

Similar US channel: Sort of a combination of E! and Nick at Nite

Satellite: Bell Express Vu 213, Star Choice 326

UHF Channel: 52

Website (http://suntv.canoe.ca/)

DIGITAL CHANNELS

TV Land Canada (City/Chum Ltd.)

Similar US channel: TV Land

Satellite: Bell Express Vu 637, Star Choice 535

Website (http://www.tvlandcanada.com/)


DejaView (Global)

Similar US channel: TV Land

Satellite: Bell Express Vu 636, Star Choice 532

Website (http://www.canada.com/entertainment/tvchannels/dejaview/index.html)

I should also mention that if you have one of those large satellites that take up about half of your backyard and on the program guide you see names like Telstar, Satcom, or Galaxy, you can find Canadian channels carried by Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice on the Anik and Nimiq satellite channels. I don't think DISH or DIRECT TV carries them but I could be wrong.

If you have any questions about these channels and their shows feel free to ask me anytime.