Citytv cancels long-running show ‘Cityline’ after 40 years

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After four decades on daytime television, Citytv has announced it is ending Cityline, which is hosted by Tracy Moore.

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Moore confirmed the cancellation in an Instagram post telling followers “today is a tough one.”

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“This is one of the most difficult things I’ve had to write. It’s been an honour to be part of Cityline’s 40 years. Like everything in this world – things change and evolve,” she wrote in her post.

“This process has been difficult. Change often is. Do I love Cityline? Always and forever. Am I a little heartbroken? Absolutely,” Moore added in an accompanying video clip.

The lifestyle show will come to an end on Friday with a farewell episode.

“This week’s celebratory episodes are the final sendoff to Cityline and its remarkable 40 years on Canadian television,” Moore said.

In its place, Moore said Citytv is launching a live, national hour-long lifestyle show that will air as part of Breakfast Television. “It will be an expansion of the Breakfast Television brand. It will be a fifth, live hour of this award-winning show from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. starting in September.”

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In her message, Moore acknowledged the changing landscape of television.

“For the last decade, the focus has shifted to new ways viewers consume content with phones in hand and an endless list of streaming providers,” she said. “Our habits have changed. TV is seeing a major evolution.”

Cityline debuted back in 1984 with host Dini Petty and had regular segments that covered interior design, fashion, beauty, health, cooking and relationships. 

Marilyn Denis hosted the show from 1989 to 2008. After Moore took over, Denis fronted CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show, which ended its run last June after roughly 12 years.

Moore said the new show will “include the same groundbreaking conversations” she conducted on Cityline.

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On Instagram, Moore’s 161,000 followers reacted to the news with a mixture of sadness and excitement for the reimagined program.

“Tracy! You are an incredible host who has always been a champion of others. Your passion and relatability shine brightly through our screens. Keep shining … we are cheering you on,” Your Morning co-host Lindsey Deluce wrote.

Former Breakfast Television personality Jennifer Valentyne said Moore “should be so proud.”

“Congratulations on 15 incredible years and so many beautiful memories that will last a lifetime,” she wrote.

Designer Steven Sabados thanked Moore and Cityline for helping jumpstart his career. “If it wasn’t for Cityline, I would have never been introduced to the idea of having a career in television! So thank you Cityline and to you, Tracy, for carrying the torch so magnificently.”

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Former Breakfast Television co-host Dina Pugliese also commented on the post under her Care Principle company’s account writing: “So many amazing memories shared and forever treasured. Sending much love to Tracy and everyone who brought this show together for 40 years. It gave so many of us our start.”

But concluding her message, Moore said she’s “excited for what we can make next.”

“This show has in many ways been a gift to me, to my family and to all of us who have the honour and pleasure of working on it,” she said. “We love you. I love you.”

mdaniell@postmedia.com

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