Starting Oct. 22, there will be a lot more smile and a little less snarl in Glassbox Television’s formerly male-focused Bite TV.

The Category 2 channel has rejigged its programming lineup – following CRTC approval in June – and retooled its logo to focus almost exclusively on comedy.

Whereas previously the channel featured edgy young-male-focused content such as HoTTT TopiXXX, Film Riot and Hardcore Kitchen, the channel will now have a 90% focus on comedy programming and a 10% focus on “light entertainment,” a spokesperson for Bite confirmed yesterday.

The new format officially debuts Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. in approximately 4.5 million households across the country. The new target demographic for the channel is equally male-female, 18 to 49.

One of the main differences viewers might notice is a focus on up-and-coming comedy talent, Glassbox Television co-CEO Jeffrey Elliott said in a release.

“Our commitment to budding homegrown talent is a priority because it is part of the very fabric of who we are,” said Elliott. “Canada has such a rich pool of comedic talent, and our new programming mix highlights the rising stars alongside world-renowned comedy legends.”

Primetime programming will include It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Arrested Development, Mumbai Calling and Rick Mercer’s Made in Canada.

From Media in Canada.