Space: The Imagination Station
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Template:Infobox Network Space, alternatively Space: The Imagination Station, is a Canadian cable television specialty channel owned by CHUM Limited. It features sci-fi and fantasy movies, documentaries and television series programming. Licensed by the CRTC in 1996, it debuted on October 17, 1997 at 6:00 PM EST.
As with Teletoon and MuchMusic, Space was created specifically to prevent the import of a similar American television network, thereby maintaining Canadian content whenever possible. In this case, Space was introduced in lieu of Canadians receiving the Sci Fi channel; it has been criticized for not carrying the same type of programming as its US counterpart, although most (but not all) original Sci Fi programming eventually finds its way onto Space. There are some delays, however. For example, the popular Sci Fi series The Invisible Man didn't begin airing on Space until after it had finished its run on Sci Fi. It does currently run Stargate SG-1 delayed from its initial airing on Sci Fi, and as of 2006 January 22 begun airing the companion/spin-off series Stargate Atlantis. There are some shows that air on Space that do not air on Sci Fi, though, such as Charlie Jade. Conversely, there are many people in the US who feel Space more accurately reflects the look, feel, and basic tenets of what a network devoted to science fiction should be and that the American Sci Fi Channel does not.
Annual Events
- The Spacey Awards
- Space presents its own awards called the Spacey Awards to the best in sci-fi, fantasy and horror films, television series and video games. Some of the awards are voted on by viewers and the others by Space.
- Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
- Every Christmas, Space airs Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, a "so bad it's good"-category film, as a salute to bad sci-fi.
Original Shows
- Behind The Scenes - A look at the creation and bringing to life of various sci-fi series and specials, features interviews with writers, editors, stars and others
- HypaSpace - News and information as well as the latest gossip from the entertainment industry, specifically science fiction and fantasy genres
- It Came From The Basement! - A look at people's eclectic collections of sci fi related material
- Shadow Hunter - A series that focuses on the paranormal as seen by a ghost hunter (hosted by Darryll Walsh)
- Shelf Space - A look at and interviews with authors of science fiction, fantasy, comic books, and science fact
- SpaceBar - Late night movie "host segments" reminiscent of Mystery Science Theater 3000
- Space Interstitials
- SpaceNews - News tibits relating to space, NASA, CSA and Earth-based satellites