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Catwalk (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Catwalk is a Canadian musical drama series
that ran for 49 episodes on the YTV network from 1992 until 1994. The series' first season aired in syndication in the United States, while the second season aired on MTV
.
s. Their main gathering place was a downtown loft
.
Singer Johnny (Keram Malicki-Sanchez
) was at the focus of the show; it was in his loft where the band gathered to rehearse. Relationships were also a major part of the show; there were two couples within the cast, as Daisy (Neve Campbell
) dated the group's manager Billy K., and Mary (Kelli Taylor) dated the drummer Jesse (Paul Popowich
). Their relationship was somewhat groundbreaking, as Mary was biracial and Jesse was white. The relationship was tumultuous and the couple broke up before the end of the first season.
The show had a somewhat post-apocalyptic flavour, with Blade Runner
-style burning oil barrels, dark and ambient lighting, flashing white lights that pass through blinds, giving the show a futuristic look.
The second season featured a new character, Maggi (Nicole de Boer
), who in the first season (in the episode "Toxic Love") became briefly involved with lead guitarist Johnny Camden causing tension between the band.
Dramatic programming
Dramatic programming in the UK, or television drama and television drama series in the US, is television program content that is scripted and fictional along the lines of √a traditional drama. This excludes, for example, sports television, television news, reality show and game shows, stand-up...
that ran for 49 episodes on the YTV network from 1992 until 1994. The series' first season aired in syndication in the United States, while the second season aired on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
.
Synopsis
The series was based around six twenty-something adults who formed a band named Catwalk. The episodes centered around the band's personal relationships and struggles to land a record deal, while also featuring their musical performances in nightclubNightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
s. Their main gathering place was a downtown loft
Loft
A loft can be an upper story or attic in a building, directly under the roof. Alternatively, a loft apartment refers to large adaptable open space, often converted for residential use from some other use, often light industrial...
.
Singer Johnny (Keram Malicki-Sanchez
Keram Malicki-Sanchez
Keram Malicki-Sánchez is a Canadian actor, singer, writer, new media guru, and music and film producer.-Early life & acting career:...
) was at the focus of the show; it was in his loft where the band gathered to rehearse. Relationships were also a major part of the show; there were two couples within the cast, as Daisy (Neve Campbell
Neve Campbell
Neve Adrianne Campbell is a Canadian actress. After beginning her career on stage, and on numerous commercials, she starred on the Canadian television series Catwalk. She then rose to international fame on the Golden Globe-winning 1990s television series Party of Five, playing the role of teenager...
) dated the group's manager Billy K., and Mary (Kelli Taylor) dated the drummer Jesse (Paul Popowich
Paul Popowich
-Biography:Popowich was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and was raised in Stoney Creek, Ontario. In high school, he studied dramatic art and played classical piano...
). Their relationship was somewhat groundbreaking, as Mary was biracial and Jesse was white. The relationship was tumultuous and the couple broke up before the end of the first season.
The show had a somewhat post-apocalyptic flavour, with Blade Runner
Blade Runner
Blade Runner is a 1982 American science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young. The screenplay, written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples, is loosely based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K...
-style burning oil barrels, dark and ambient lighting, flashing white lights that pass through blinds, giving the show a futuristic look.
The second season featured a new character, Maggi (Nicole de Boer
Nicole de Boer
Nicole de Boer is a Canadian actress, perhaps best known for her roles as Ezri Dax on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine from 1998 to 1999 and as Sarah Bannerman on The Dead Zone from 2002 to 2007.-Career:...
), who in the first season (in the episode "Toxic Love") became briefly involved with lead guitarist Johnny Camden causing tension between the band.
Cast and characters
- Lisa Butler as Sierra Williams, the strong-willed lead singer
- Neve CampbellNeve CampbellNeve Adrianne Campbell is a Canadian actress. After beginning her career on stage, and on numerous commercials, she starred on the Canadian television series Catwalk. She then rose to international fame on the Golden Globe-winning 1990s television series Party of Five, playing the role of teenager...
as Daisy McKenzie, the naive keyboard player - Christopher Lee Clements as Addie "Atlas" Robinson, the tough-guy rapper
- Paul PopowichPaul Popowich-Biography:Popowich was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and was raised in Stoney Creek, Ontario. In high school, he studied dramatic art and played classical piano...
as Jesse Carlson, the band's drummer who has rebelled against his wealthy family - Keram Malicki-SanchezKeram Malicki-SanchezKeram Malicki-Sánchez is a Canadian actor, singer, writer, new media guru, and music and film producer.-Early life & acting career:...
as Johnny Camden, the fiercely driven leader and guitarist - Kelli Taylor as Mary Owens, the sensitive but tough bassist and background singer
- J. H. Wyman as Billy K, the band's manager, a nightclub owner with shady dealings
Cancellation
The first season of Catwalk was rerun on YTV in Canada for four consecutive years. Season one comprised 24 episodes. The majority of the second season episodes were never aired due to a licensing conflict between MTV Networks and the original creator of the show, Adam Kidron, and remain unseen.In popular culture
- In 1992, a Connecticut-based band also named Catwalk sued over the right to use the name.
Award and nominations
| Year | Award | Result | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Gemini Awards | Nominated | Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role | Jackie Richardson |
| Best Direction in a Dramatic or Comedy Series | Jorge Montesi | |||
| Won | Best Direction in a Dramatic or Comedy Series | Jerry Ciccoritti Jerry Ciccoritti Jerry Ciccoritti is a Canadian film, television and theatre director. His ability to work in a number of genres and for many mediums has made him one of the most successful directors in the country.- Biography :... |