PPI Gets ‘Social’ With Half-Hour Talk Strip

PPI Releasing is set to bring the Canadian daytime talk series The Social to U.S. syndication this year in a new, half-hour format. The panel talk show, produced by Bell Media In-House Productions, premiered on CTV in fall 2013.  

“The popularity of panel talk-shows has sky-rocketed as both viewers and stations appreciate their diversity, breadth of subject matter and entertainment”, said PPI principal Ritch Colbert, adding, “in The Social, we have a proven series with nearly two seasons of production under its belt. We know — and our broadcast partners know — exactly what we are getting. And it is a winner.”

Addressing stations’ need for up-to-the-minute news, pop culture and lifestyle content in a flexible format, PPI is offering a daily strip featuring the same hot topics and compelling conversations that drive the highly successful hour-long show.

Airing on CTV, Canada’s most-watched TV network, since September 2013, The Social is delivering 61% gains in viewership in its sophomore season, building on its appeal to young female audiences. The half-hour series will be sold on a cash-plus-barter basis, with more than 200 original episodes per season. 

The Social stars news anchor Melissa Grelo, relationship expert and life coach Cynthia Loyst, gossip blogger Lainey Lui and entertainment reporter Traci Melchor.

The series offers a forum for viewers to debate and discuss topics by interacting with the co-hosts through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, among others. Each show kicks-off with a round-table featuring the buzz-worthy subjects people are talking or tweeting about, including headlines of the day, celebrity news and trending topics.

The roundtable is followed by lifestyle segments inspired by viewers and intimate conversations with celebrity guests who answer questions posed via social media platforms, allowing viewers to join the conversation, while also providing unique opportunities for advertisers.