How to watch Queen Elizabeth II's funeral 👑

Hey All,

I have had a whirlwind two weeks and I feel like I’m just catching up on all things pop culture. I was in Algonquin this time last week and then spent all of this week running around TIFF and getting back into school.

It was so nice to be back in person for TIFF this year — there are so many wonderful people who work in the media biz in Toronto and getting to see so many of them was such a joy! It feels a bit ridiculous to say, but I actually didn’t see any movies. I was too busy going to industry chats and events. The Women in Film and TV party was everything I wanted it to be and more — it felt like a massive reunion in such a wonderful way. Everywhere I turned there were mentors, colleagues, and friends. I saw a few of you all out at that party and it was just such a joy to see you in real life!

Another highlight for me was attending a panel with the incomparable Sarah Polley, Clement Virgo, and Tobias Lindholm, moderated by Warren P. Sonoda. I am a massive fan of Lindholm's work (The Investigation, Borgen, among others) and getting to meet him after was a thrill. I've been feeling out of touch with the industry after taking the summer off, and this week really relit my fire.

The other big thing that has been on my mind this week is Queen Elizabeth II’s death. I met her in 2010 on her last tour of Canada and have since felt a special connection with her. There was a photo taken that day that somehow was chosen as one of the 12 photos selected to showcase the Queen and the people of Canada.

I was * shocked *... and honoured. They could have picked any photo, and they chose the photo of her asking ME a question.

This moment is an end of an era. It truly feels historic in a way that I'm sure we as a society don't fully understand yet. Anyways lots of other smart people have smarter takes on this. I'm going to link this fabulous article by Elizabeth Holmes in The Cut about how Elizabeth II will be the last Queen of England. It’s brilliant.

I've hosted many a viewing party for royal events and my earliest memory of the royal family was watching Diana's funeral, so you know I will be waking up at 5:00 a.m. for the coverage and funeral on Monday. I'm half here for the historic, royal moment — I'm also half here to see the production.

No one does pageantry like the Brits and this production will be wild. You'll be able to watch it on all major networks and stream the UK coverage on YouTube. This is the mecca of live events — I'd expect record viewership, but I'll be curious if the (valid) criticism of her reign will impact how many people will tune in. 12 million Canadians watched William marry Kate. I'm expecting the UK numbers to match if not exceed the 36.7 million wedding viewers, but here in Canada for the funeral… I think the number will be lower. Folks are willing to wake up at 5:00 a.m. if they have the rest of the day off to sleep (like we did on a Saturday for the wedding). Here in Ontario, none of us are getting the day off and we’re the most populous province… so let's just say I'm deeply curious about how this is all going to play out. I want to know which Canadian network will "win" the coverage. It's often a question of CBC vs CTV, but I'm wondering if Citytv's gamble on Lisa Laflamme will pay off.

Anyways I could go on and on about this, but I think we should move on. If you do want to talk about this more, send me an email.

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Things to watch this week:

Here’s my pitch for the perfect night tonight: it’s Friday, you’ve worked a long week, it’s a bit chilly but not cold, you get home and order a HOT pizza with your fam and settle in with the newest reality show — Best in Dough, aka Disney+’s pizza competition show. Perfect. Watch the trailer here.

If you are gluten-free or lactose intolerant or just don’t want to spend your evening with hot cheesy-doughy pizza, head over to Netflix for another ridiculous, option: Love is Blind: After the Altar, Season 2. This show is ridiculous and I will be watching the Chicago crew. Check out the teaser here.

Okay, let’s get serious. Also on Netflix is a new drama called Santo. “Two cops must learn to work together to catch the world's most-wanted drug dealer, whose face has never been revealed.” I’m in. The trailer looks great.

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (the director/writer of Someone Great) has a new movie today on Netflix out called Do Revenge starring Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke. Reviews are coming in strong and I have a strong feeling this will be my Saturday afternoon movie. Watch the trailer here.

My other option for a low-key weekend movie on Netflix is I Used to be Famous. I don’t want to say it’s the Louis Tomlinson story… but basically, it’s about a British guy who was in a world-famous boy band and struggles to launch his solo career. I’m drawn to this as a boy-band fan and I think it looks like an easy movie to enjoy, but I’ll admit it might not be for everyone. Directioners and boy band fans, watch the trailer here.

That should keep you going until Monday.

Monday is obviously the Queen’s funeral. It formally starts at 6:00 a.m. ET, but I think if you are waking up to watch this, start at 5. The procession and “preshow” (for lack of a better word) will be worth it.

If you want to watch British coverage, both BBC and SkyNews will be streaming the service on YouTube. However, I’d recommend watching and supporting Canadian broadcasters for this one, so if you want to watch Canadian coverage:

Live coverage will start on CBC TV, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBCNews.ca and the CBC News app at 5:00 a.m. ET on Monday. CBC Radio One's coverage will start around 5:30 a.m. ET, which will also be available on the CBC Listen app. Adrienne Arsenault leads that team.

CTV's Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina will lead CTV News' coverage of the Queen's state funeral on Sept. 19 from 4:00 a.m. to noon ET. Live coverage of the funeral will stream online at CTVNews.ca and the CTV News app, as well as on CTV and CTV News Channel.

CityNews has announced plans for a six-hour live news special anchored by Lisa LaFlamme starting at 5:00 a.m. ET. This is a massive coup (and incredibly smart move) for CityTV, and I will be flipping back and forth between Lisa and Adrienne.

Moving on.

On Monday evening, the Polaris Music Prize Gala streams on CBC Gem at 8:00 p.m. ET. Canadian music fans can learn more about the shortlist here.

Also on Monday, Dancing with the Stars Season 31 streams LIVE on Disney+. It really shows a move away from Network TV and to streamers. I’m fascinated by how they’ll do in numbers. If you care… here’s the cast.

On Wednesday, we’ve got two Netflix documentaries. First, based on The Bling Ring, is The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist. Cannot wait. It’s missing Emma Watson but still looks great. Then, Fortune Seller: A TV Scam about an Italian scam. I don’t know much about Wanna Marchi but it seems very scandalous.

I’m also excited to check out some mindless viewing aka Designing Miami. I eat these shows up and they are so great as background shows. This one looks very pretty.

On Disney+, the first three episodes of Star Wars: Andor are being released. Enjoy nerds :) The trailer looks cool.

On Thursday the only show I’m noting is season 2 of The Kardashians. I feel like a lot of people are watching the reboot because… it’s good. If you’ve never given this family your time, you might want to check it out. I’m hooked. Watch the trailer here.

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Other things to check out:

Normally I have a lot of other things to check out but I really haven’t been on the internet much these past few weeks — I’ve been away, busy with TIFF and focused on getting back into school. So I’ll be back next week with other stuff to check out.

Until then…

Have a great weekend,

-Paula

📝📝📝 This newsletter was graciously edited by Emma Sakamoto 📝📝📝

Editor’s Pick: 

Today, I’m listening to Expert in a Dying Field, the new album by New Zealand band the Beths. I’ve only heard a few songs so far, but I recommend checking out the title track, which is the catchiest breakup song ever.

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This newsletter was written by me — Paula Sanderson — a freelance Television Producer and current MBA student based in Toronto. After years of recommending the best shows to my friends, I decided to start a newsletter so everyone could get the recommendations. If you want to learn more about what I do professionally or follow me on the various social channels click here.