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Slice (TV channel)
Slice (TV channel)
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Slice is a Canadian English language specialty channel owned by Corus Entertainment. The channel primarily broadcasts programming targeting young adult women, including comedy, reality, lifestyle, and true crime programming.

Key Information

It was launched on January 1, 1995, as Life Network under the ownership of Atlantis Communications. Atlantis was acquired by Alliance Communications in 1998 and Life Network was relaunched as Slice on March 5, 2007. In 2008, Canwest and Goldman Sachs acquired Alliance Atlantis, and the channel's ownership was later sold to Shaw Media in 2010, and ultimately, Corus in April 2016.

History

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As Life Network

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In June 1994, Your Channel Television Inc., a company majority owned by Atlantis Television Ventures Inc. (Atlantis Communications), was granted a television broadcasting licence by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for a channel called YOU: Your Channel, described at the time as broadcasting "programming consisting of documentaries and information programming." The channel proposed programming grouped into five themes, "Habitat" stressing programming for the home and environment; "Bodyworks" covering fitness, health and nutrition; "Food Plus" including programs related to cooking and food; "Explorations" dealing with travel, adventure and nature; and "Relationships" focusing on parenting, childcare, careers and personal relationships."[1]

The channel was launched on January 1, 1995, as Life Network.[2] The channel broadcast programs in themes focusing on such areas as food, gardening, and home design. The success of these strands ultimately enabled Atlantis and its successors to launch dedicated channels focusing on these subjects, HGTV and Food Network, based on the similar American channels owned by Scripps Networks.[3]

In June 1998, Atlantis Communications announced that it planned to merge with Alliance Communications,[4] another television and film producer and broadcaster, owners of History Television and Showcase at the time,[5] to form a new company called Alliance Atlantis Communications. The CRTC approved the merger in May 1999.[5]

As Slice

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Plans to relaunch the channel as Slice were announced on November 2, 2006 by Alliance Atlantis Communications.[6] The new name and programming reflects Life's shift towards a more entertainment-based schedule with what Alliance Atlantis called "addictive" programming. The name was revealed in a 2006 Life Network online survey on future programming strategies. The channel was relaunched on March 5, 2007, although the on-air branding appeared intermittently during a "sneak preview" on March 3 and 4.

On January 18, 2008,[7] a joint venture between Canwest and Goldman Sachs Alternatives known as CW Media,[8] acquired control of Slice through its purchase of Alliance Atlantis' broadcasting assets, which were placed in a trust in August 2007.[9] On October 27, 2010, ownership changed again as Shaw Communications gained control of Slice as a result of its acquisition of Canwest and Goldman Sachs' interest in CW Media.[10][11]

Slice ultimately became the de facto Canadian home to most reality programs from the American cable network Bravo, not to be confused with the Canadian arts-focused channel of the same name (later renamed CTV Drama Channel). On June 10, 2024, rival broadcaster Rogers Sports & Media announced an agreement with NBCUniversal to relaunch the Bravo brand in Canada in September 2024, and that its platforms would carry new seasons of Bravo original programming going forward.[12]

As a result of the Rogers deal, Bravo originals are being phased out from the Slice schedule in early fall 2024 as ongoing seasons end, and being replaced by reality and true crime content from other producers (including new seasons of existing Slice acquisitions from We TV such as Love After Lockup, and new additions such as The Braxtons and Tia Mowry: My Next Act). One notable acquisition was The Daily Show, which had not been aired on linear television in Canada since it was dropped by its long-time home of CTV Comedy Channel in 2023.[13]

Programming

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Alternate logo introduced in 2013

Notable programs

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Logos

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1995–2003 2003–2007 2007–2016 2016–2017 2017–present

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Slice is a Canadian English-language specialty television channel owned by Corus Entertainment, dedicated to reality television, true crime, and lifestyle programming targeted primarily at women. The channel originated as Life Network, launched on January 1, 1995, by Atlantis Communications following a CRTC licence approval in 1994. Initially emphasizing women's lifestyle content such as health, relationships, and home improvement, it evolved under subsequent owners including Alliance Atlantis after a 1998 merger, CanWest Global in 2007, and Shaw Communications in 2010. In 2007, the network underwent a significant to Slice on March 5, positioning itself as a destination for dramatic reality series and entertainment appealing to young adult women. acquired Slice as part of its $2.65 billion purchase of in 2016, integrating it into a portfolio that includes other female-oriented channels like . Since then, Slice has expanded its offerings, announcing in August 2024 a fall schedule with over 173 hours of new premium content, including acquisitions like and enhanced reality franchises. Slice's programming lineup features popular U.S. imports such as Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, Below Deck, and Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, alongside Canadian-produced true crime series and movies, all streamed via platforms like STACKTV. The channel emphasizes relatable, emotionally engaging stories that blend drama, humor, and inspiration.

Overview

Launch and rebranding

Slice (TV channel) was originally launched on January 1, 1995, as Life Network, a national English-language specialty service owned primarily by Atlantis Communications Inc., which held an 80% stake, with the remaining 20% owned by the Interpublic Group of Companies. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved the service in Decision CRTC 94-279 on June 6, 1994, initially under the proposed name YOU: Your Channel, but it debuted as Life Network with a focus on women's lifestyle programming, including documentaries and informational content centered on themes such as health, fitness, relationships, and family life. Atlantis committed to devoting at least 70% of its programming to Canadian content in the first year, rising to 82.5% by the sixth year, and investing significantly in original productions from independent producers. During its initial phase as Life Network, the channel emphasized practical, family-oriented content aimed at informing and empowering women through topics like wellness and home life, aligning with the early 1990s expansion of specialty amid growing cable distribution. , a Toronto-based production and distribution company, positioned the network as one of the first services, capitalizing on the CRTC's 1994 licensing of eight new English-language specialty channels to diversify viewing options. This launch occurred against a backdrop of consumer pushback over rising cable fees, but Life Network quickly established itself as a key player in the genre. In response to evolving viewer preferences and competitive pressures in the media landscape, including fragmentation from digital platforms and a shift toward over informational content, Communications Inc.—which had acquired in 1998—announced a major rebranding on November 2, 2006. The transformation took effect on March 5, 2007, relaunching the channel as Slice with a more -driven identity targeting women aged 18 to 49, emphasizing "" reality and shows to foster addictive viewing. This pivot followed extensive revealing a need to refresh the brand for a younger demographic, moving away from Life Network's tagline of straightforward guidance toward Slice's playful ethos of indulgent, relatable . The rebrand coincided with broader corporate changes, as was in the process of being acquired by CanWest Global Communications and . Today, Slice operates under the ownership of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Target audience and format

Slice primarily targets women aged 18-49, focusing on content that emphasizes , , and themes to resonate with this demographic's interests in personal growth and relatable . This audience alignment was refined through the 2007 rebranding from Life Network, which shifted emphasis toward a younger female viewership while maintaining core appeal. The channel operates as a Category A specialty service under (CRTC) regulations, entitling it to mandatory carriage on basic cable and satellite tiers to ensure broad accessibility. Headquartered at Corus Quay in , , Slice is managed by , which oversees its national distribution and programming operations. Slice broadcasts in both standard definition (SD) at 480i resolution and high definition (HD) at resolution, with the HD feed launched in 2013 to enhance viewing quality for modern televisions; both formats adhere to a 16:9 to accommodate displays. Post-rebrand audience metrics reflect sustained growth, particularly in reality TV time slots, where viewership among adults 25-54 increased by 22% following key acquisitions, contributing to overall channel averages that have risen 3% year-over-year as of 2024.

History

Early development as Life Network

Life Network, originally licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in 1994 as "YOU: Your Channel" and launched on January 1, 1995, focused on programming targeted at women, emphasizing information and entertainment with a commitment to 70% over the broadcast day. Owned by Atlantis Communications at inception, the channel expanded its original content production in the late following the 1998 merger forming , which enabled internal synergies for developing health-focused series and broader fare. These efforts marked key milestones in shifting from imported formats to Canadian-centric productions, aligning with CRTC expectations for cultural reflection and diversity in programming. During the early 2000s, Life Network faced challenges from intensifying competition with U.S. imports in the women's niche, as well as internal pressures to balance rising production costs with regulatory obligations. The channel encountered CRTC during its 2001 licence renewal, where proposals to reduce Canadian programming expenditures from 71% to 60% of gross revenues and increase reliance on affiliated productions were denied due to concerns over diminished support for independent creators and potential impacts on quality. Despite these hurdles, the network maintained strong compliance, achieving 82.5% exhibition during its first term, exceeding initial requirements and demonstrating operational stability under ownership. Audience metrics reflected steady growth, transitioning from niche appeal to broader penetration in the women's market by 2003, with the channel's operating group—including Life Network—reporting very strong increases in both viewership and revenues amid the specialty TV boom. Internal developments supported this trajectory, laying groundwork for expanded distribution amid evolving cable landscapes. Pre-rebrand digital initiatives emerged modestly.

Expansion and ownership shifts

Following the 2007 rebranding from Life Network to Slice, the channel introduced dedicated reality TV programming blocks starting in winter 2008, emphasizing Canadian-produced series to appeal to its core demographic of women aged 18-49. This shift capitalized on the rising popularity of content, with the schedule featuring multiple reality shows in slots that drew significant engagement from young adult viewers. By spring 2009, these reality-focused blocks contributed to a notable viewership surge, with Slice reporting an 18% increase in average-minute audience among adults 25-54 and a 20% rise specifically among women in that group compared to the previous year. The channel's emphasis on relatable, dramatic real-life stories helped solidify its position in the competitive specialty TV landscape, fostering audience loyalty through consistent scheduling of high-appeal formats. Ownership shifted to Global in 2000 following the acquisition of assets, and to in 2010. Throughout the , Slice pursued content diversification in response to accelerating trends in , where traditional pay-TV subscribers declined from about 90% of households in 2010 to roughly 70% by 2019. This adaptation involved broadening beyond core and relationship reality to incorporate varied narratives, ensuring relevance amid shifting viewer habits toward on-demand alternatives. A key strategic expansion occurred in the mid-2010s, when Slice entered the programming genre, aligning with growing demand for investigative storytelling that complemented its existing dramatic fare. This move was supported by international co-productions, such as the 2015 adaptation of the British format Canada, a documentary series produced in collaboration with International Television Production to capture authentic romantic encounters. These partnerships enhanced content depth and global appeal without deviating from the channel's focus on emotionally resonant themes. In 2024, Slice faced a significant challenge with the loss of its Bravo original programming rights to , which launched a dedicated Bravo Canada channel in September, prompting the phase-out of those titles from Slice's schedule by early fall. This transition, influenced by evolving distribution agreements under Corus Entertainment's ownership, accelerated Slice's genre broadening, introducing 173 hours of new unscripted content across reality, , and categories. By late 2024 and into 2025, the refreshed lineup yielded positive results, with Slice achieving a 3% year-over-year viewership growth and reaching broader audiences through diversified offerings like true crime series and international acquisitions. In June 2025, Corus announced Slice's 2025/26 lineup, including new true crime series such as The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets and The Idaho Student Murders, alongside returning favorites like Below Deck Down Under, with the channel ranking as a Top 20 specialty network as of Spring 2025. This evolution positioned the channel to navigate ongoing industry shifts, maintaining its emphasis on engaging, female-skewing narratives while adapting to fragmented viewing patterns.

Ownership and operations

Pre-2016 ownership changes

The Life Network, which would later rebrand as Slice, was founded and launched on January 1, 1995, by , a Toronto-based production and distribution company established in 1978 by Michael MacMillan and partners. Atlantis secured initial funding through private investments and production revenues from prior projects, enabling the channel's development as a and women's interest specialty service. The Canadian Radio-television and Commission (CRTC) approved the licence in Public Notice CRTC 1994-59, which licensed eight new English-language specialty channels, including Life Network, with conditions requiring a minimum of 49% of gross revenues to be allocated to Canadian programming expenditures during the initial licence term to ensure cultural content investment. This foundational ownership under Atlantis prioritized modest budgets for original series, focusing on cost-effective Canadian productions to meet regulatory thresholds while building audience share. In 1998, Atlantis Communications merged with Alliance Communications Corporation in a $129 million stock swap to form Communications Inc., creating one of Canada's largest media companies with combined assets in production, distribution, and . The merger facilitated joint ventures, such as co-productions with international partners like the and U.S. networks, and expanded content licensing deals, including rights to global lifestyle formats for Life Network. CRTC approval for the transaction, detailed in related decisions, maintained the channel's regulatory commitments but enhanced financial stability through 's diversified revenue streams. As a result, budgets for original programming increased, with committing over $12.2 million in system-wide benefits over seven years, part of which supported incremental spending on channels like Life Network, enabling more ambitious original series acquisitions and developments. The ownership shifted again in 2007 when MediaWorks Inc., in partnership with through their CW Media Inc., acquired Alliance Atlantis's broadcasting assets for $2.3 billion in cash, including full control of Life Network. The CRTC approved the deal in Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2007-429 on December 20, 2007, amid 's broader financial restructuring following debt pressures in the media sector. This acquisition introduced U.S. influence, leading to operational efficiencies but also constraints during 's 2009 proceedings under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). Corporate effects included a $151.25 million tangible benefits package over seven years, with $136.615 million directed to programming, including priorities for Canadian scripted content that bolstered Life Network's budget for original lifestyle documentaries and series, representing a 10% increase in overall expenditures tied to the transaction. In 2010, Inc. purchased CW Media's broadcasting operations, including Life Network, for $2.047 billion as part of CanWest's asset liquidation during its restructuring. The CRTC granted approval in Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2010-782 on October 22, 2010, integrating the assets into , Shaw's newly branded television division. This move aligned Life Network with Shaw's extensive cable and satellite distribution network, facilitating cross-promotional synergies and expanded carriage. Pre-spinoff preparations under Shaw involved portfolio consolidation, setting the stage for future divestitures while adhering to existing licence terms. The acquisition triggered a $180.1 million tangible benefits commitment over seven years, with $79.1 million allocated to incremental independently produced Canadian programming, which directly enhanced Life Network's original content budgets by funding new lifestyle series and increasing overall Canadian spending by approximately 15% in the initial years post-integration.

Corus Entertainment era

In 2016, acquired from in a $2.65 billion transaction announced on January 13, which brought Slice into its portfolio as a key lifestyle and entertainment targeting young women. The acquisition closed on April 1, 2016, expanding Corus's television assets to include 19 specialty channels alongside its existing brands. Slice was subsequently integrated into Corus's broader network lineup, operating as a sister channel to W Network and Showcase, with shared production facilities and operational synergies across the company's television division. Headquartered at Corus Quay in , , Slice's day-to-day management falls under Corus's senior executive , led by John Gossling, who oversees strategic and operational functions for the specialty portfolio. To address programming gaps after losing Bravo content rights in 2024, Corus secured licensing extensions with Paramount, , ' , and Lionsgate, adding over 173 hours of new reality, drama, and lifestyle series to Slice's schedule and expanding into genres like . Corus faced mounting financial pressures in 2025, including an 11% year-over-year revenue drop to $1.127 billion and a $277.1 million net loss in the fourth quarter, driven by declining advertising income and non-cash impairments. These challenges were compounded by competitive threats, notably ' launch of a relaunched Bravo channel in September 2024, which eroded Slice's audience share in the women's lifestyle market and prompted carriage disputes. In response, Corus announced a 2025 recapitalization deal, converting $500 million in senior notes to equity and granting lenders 99% ownership to bolster long-term stability.

Programming

Content genres and scheduling

Slice primarily airs programming in the genres of , , , and , with a strong emphasis on female-led narratives that explore themes of relationships, personal growth, and empowerment. This focus aligns with the channel's target demographic of women, featuring content that highlights real-life drama and heartwarming stories. The channel's scheduling patterns emphasize and character-driven content during key viewing windows. Primetime blocks from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT typically feature competition and entertainment series, capitalizing on high-engagement formats to draw evening audiences. Daytime slots, spanning approximately 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., prioritize programming such as and informal educational content, interspersed with sitcoms and light drama to cater to at-home viewers. Weekends often include marathon-style blocks of episodic content, repeating popular or episodes to encourage extended viewing sessions. Slice's programming has evolved significantly since its origins as Life Network, which launched in 1995 with a health- and wellness-oriented focus, drawing 100% of its content from CRTC categories including analysis and interpretation (Category 2), (Category 5(b)), and human interest (Category 11). Following the 2007 rebranding to Slice, the channel shifted toward an entertainment-heavy lineup, incorporating addictive reality formats and reducing emphasis on traditional lifestyle topics like fitness and in favor of broader narratives. This transition reflected competitive pressures from emerging networks like and , allowing Slice to expand into U.S.-acquired reality series while maintaining Canadian production elements. In recent years, Slice has further diversified its offerings, notably in 2024 with expansions into late-night talk and programming to bolster its comedy slate and attract post-primetime viewers. These additions, including series airing at 11:00 p.m., complement the core reality and blocks while adhering to CRTC-mandated levels of at least 35% across the broadcast year and evening period. In June 2025, Corus announced Slice's 2025/26 programming slate, featuring new series such as The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets and The Idaho Student Murders.

Notable series and acquisitions

Slice has featured several flagship series that have become staples of its programming lineup. One prominent example is , a reality series that premiered in on the channel in 2018 and has continued with multiple seasons, including Life After Lockup Season 5B, which debuted on December 10, 2024. In 2024, Slice secured exclusive Canadian broadcast rights to , the long-running program hosted by , which began airing weeknights starting September 9. During its early years as Life Network in the , the channel emphasized women's content, including popular fitness shows that promoted and wellness routines tailored to female audiences. This focus evolved over time, with Slice transitioning to import high-profile reality franchises such as series beginning around 2007, which aired various iterations including until 2024. In 2024, Slice bolstered its slate through significant content deals, acquiring 173 hours of new programming from partners including ' and Lionsgate. Key additions from included Mama June: Family Crisis Season 6A, which premiered on September 5, 2024, following the family's personal challenges and dynamics. These acquisitions helped diversify the channel's offerings amid shifts in the market. However, the fall of 2024 marked the end of Slice's carriage of several Bravo originals, such as Vanderpump Rules, due to Rogers Sports & Media acquiring the Canadian rights and launching a dedicated Bravo channel on September 1. This transition impacted popular unscripted series previously central to Slice's lineup.

Distribution

Traditional broadcast carriage

Slice has been distributed via traditional broadcast methods across Canada since its inception as Life Network on January 1, 1995, under initial ownership by Communications. As one of the original English-language Category A specialty services approved by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), it benefits from status, requiring distribution undertakings (BDUs) such as cable, , and IPTV providers to include it in their basic or popular packages if they carry any Category A services. This status has ensured broad availability on major providers, including , , (acquired by Rogers in 2023), Videotron, Telus, , and Eastlink, from the channel's early years onward. Typical channel positions for Slice place it in the mid-to-high numbered tiers on most systems, often in the 400s to 600s range, reflecting its classification as a . For example, on and Bell Satellite, it occupies channel 601 (standard definition) with the high-definition (HD) feed on 1601; on , it is at 416 (HD); and on Rogers systems, positions vary regionally, such as 256 (HD) in or 45 (HD) in some other areas. These placements can differ by province and provider due to local regulatory requirements and packaging decisions, with HD variants generally following the SD channel by adding 1000 or available in dedicated HD tiers. Historically, Slice expanded its broadcast footprint with the launch of an simulcast feed on May 29, 2013, as part of Shaw Media's investment in high-definition content. This upgrade enhanced accessibility for viewers with HD-capable setups, contributing to the channel's growth amid rising HD adoption rates. By , as a Category A service, Slice's penetration aligned closely with BDU subscription rates of approximately 81% of households, reflecting its mandatory inclusion in most lineups. In 2025, minor carriage adjustments occurred amid ongoing commercial tensions between and , including Rogers' attempts to reposition or limit Slice's inclusion in certain TV packages starting in late 2024, prompting legal challenges and CRTC interventions. Despite these disputes, Slice remains available in approximately 5.5 million Canadian households via traditional BDUs, reflecting ongoing status amid declining overall BDU subscriptions.

Digital and streaming availability

Slice content has been accessible digitally through its official website, slice.ca, since 2007, when the site launched with exclusive online clips and interactive features tied to programming like Project Runway Canada. Today, the website provides show schedules, promotional videos, and short clips, while directing users to partner platforms for full episodes and . In terms of streaming partnerships, Slice integrates with Corus Entertainment's StackTV service, which became available as an add-on channel on Amazon Prime Video in Canada starting June 2019 for $12.99 per month on top of a Prime subscription. StackTV offers live and on-demand access to Slice's full lineup, including reality series and unscripted content, alongside other Corus networks. Mobile viewing is supported via the Global TV App, developed by Corus, which includes Slice programming for users with a participating TV provider subscription; the app provides free access to full episodes and live streams on iOS, Android, and connected devices. Launched initially in 2018 and revamped in 2020, the app features ad-supported on-demand video, enabling authenticated viewers to watch select Slice episodes without additional cost. Slice engages younger demographics through social media clips on YouTube and TikTok, where the official channels post short-form videos, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content from shows like Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. The YouTube channel, active since at least 2013, hosts inspirational clips and episode highlights, while TikTok videos often trend on lifestyle and reality TV topics to drive traffic to streaming platforms. In 2024, following the loss of content rights—including Bravo franchises—to Rogers, Corus expanded Slice's digital availability by securing new licensing deals with partners like Paramount and Lionsgate, adding over 173 hours of premium unscripted programming to and the Global TV App to enhance on-demand options and revenue. This shift emphasized ad-supported video-on-demand tiers within Corus's ecosystem to attract cord-cutters amid evolving distribution dynamics.

Branding

Visual logos and evolution

The visual identity of Slice originated with its launch as Life Network in 1995. This initial design was used during the channel's early years under Communications. In 2003, Life Network introduced an updated logo. This version was in use until the major rebranding. The pivotal evolution occurred in 2007 with the rebrand to Slice, which introduced a new . This was used through 2016. Following Corus Entertainment's acquisition of the channel in 2016, the was updated. It was refined again in 2017, and this version has remained in use as of 2025.

On-air identity and promotions

Slice's on-air identity revolves around empowering and entertaining women through programming that explores relationships, luxury lifestyles, and personal transformations, often presented with a glamorous, aspirational visual style that reflects the channel's core demographic of women aged 18-49. Promotions for Slice content are strategically designed to tease dramatic narratives and celebrity-driven stories from acquired series, such as premieres of and , with on-air spots featuring highlight reels, episode previews, and calls-to-action for viewing on broadcast or streaming, as highlighted in Corus Entertainment's seasonal schedule announcements. These promotions frequently integrate mature content advisories for themes involving sexuality, coarse language, and intense subject matter, ensuring compliance with CRTC guidelines, while cross-promoting availability on the Global TV app and other digital platforms to extend reach beyond traditional broadcast.

References

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