Here we are again. It’s the first week of June, another upfront season has arrived, and on Monday afternoon CTV unveiled its fall 2007 schedule at Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. As president of programming Susanne Boyce told the crowd, ‘If it’s big, it’s on CTV.’

However, being the number one network in Canada brings programming challenges, particularly in simulcasts. It is clear that CTV did not want to jeopardize the sacred 9-11 p.m. window, ensuring that proven performers like Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy and CSI: NY are in simulcast.

This resulted in some new entries arriving in a pre-release position, while others were pushed back to the 8 p.m. timeslot, including the much talked-about and very quirky Pushing Daisies (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on CTV; Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC) and the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Private Practice (Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on CTV; 9 p.m. on ABC).

ER, most likely in its final year, has been pushed back to 7 p.m. on Thursday to make room for Big Shots at 10 p.m., which looks hot and should be a crowd pleaser, especially among women in my (mature) demographic. A drama about four male CEOs and their personal lives, Big Shots stars Dylan McDermott, Michael Vartan, Joshua Malina and Christopher Titus. But if the series is not big enough, ER will simply slip back into its place.

In total, CTV has seven new programs, six dramas and one comedy. From the producer of Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory – a comedy about two computer geek pals – will make its debut this fall. One drama that could become the winner among young adults/teens is CW’s Gossip Girls, from the producer of The O.C. , scheduled to air Tuesdays at 7 p.m. This drama is set in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where gossip rules and money flows, and is based on the best-selling novels by Cecily von Ziegesar.

Other than Big Shots, the only other new program in the 9-11 p.m. territory is Dirty Sexy Money on Sunday night, following Desperate Housewives. Unfortunately, this intriguing drama starring Donald Sutherland and Peter Krause (Six Feet Under) is not in simulcast and is most likely going to be up against Brothers and Sisters on Global. Perhaps it’s strong enough to survive and thrive – and certainly many true and loyal Canadian fans will be rooting for you, Donald.

Valerie McMorran is SVP/investment director of Starcom MediaVest Group and took part in the So You Think You Can Dance?… With a Media Star performance during the CTV upfront.

From Media in Canada