AMI-tv series stars Graham Kent and Gaitrie Persaud as anchors Grant Gewürztraminer and Arianna Salara
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Not to be a Debbie Downer, but news headlines in the past few years have been … well, grim. Inflation, climate change, political strife and post-pandemic life weigh heavy on many of us. Sometimes you’ve just gotta laugh at reality. And in the realm of television, the news parody genre can be a sharp observer.
Think of Saturday Night Live and its Weekend Update segment on a good day. Or The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. In Canada, there’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes and the gone-but-not-forgotten Rick Mercer Report.
Each has a specific view on the world and its ills. But none treads anywhere near that of the field’s latest entry. The Squeaky Wheel: Canada is an eight-episode, half-hour news satire from the perspective of people with disabilities. Based on Steven Verdile’s web publication The Squeaky Wheel, it pokes fun at ableism in our society.
Much of the cast and creative team are part of the disability community. Led by series producer Michelle Asgarali, the show stars Graham Kent and Gaitrie Persaud as lead anchors Grant Gewürztraminer and Arianna Salara. Supporting cast members include Margaret Rose, Samantha Wyss, Sivert Das, Wesley Magee-Saxton and Yousef Kadoura.
“The Squeaky Wheel: Canada’s irreverent perspective flips tropes and clichés upside down by showcasing disability in a humorous way,” says a news release. “Its clever blend of social commentary and provocative humour will leave audiences laughing hysterically and feeling pleasurably guilty about it.”
The series debuts Monday on AMI-tv and will stream on AMI+.
THIS WEEK ON TV
I Am Celine Dion (Tuesday, Prime Video)
Celine Dion pulls back the curtain on her struggle with stiff person syndrome, a rare, progressive neurological disorder. Directed by Irene Taylor, this documentary is intended as a love letter to the singer’s fans and it’s packed with revelations and rare footage. In one impactful moment, cameras capture a spasm in her left foot that progresses into a full-body attack. “Every time something like this happens, it makes you feel so embarrassed,” she says after it passes.
CMA Fest (Tuesday, ABC)
Calling all country music fans! Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde are hosing this year’s three-hour prime-time concert special. Filmed during the recent CMA Fest in Nashville, Tenn., it will feature never-before-seen performances and surprise collaborations. Among those taking the stage are Kelsea Ballerini, Clint Black, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town and Lynyrd Skynyrd.