whatever happened to sweet marilyn denis?by brett |

One of the most frequently-asked questions I field from my friends is, “Where is Marilyn Denis?!?”
It’s undeniable that there remains a Marilyn-shaped hole in our lives ever since she left her epic 19-year gig as host of CityLine in May 2008. The lady had style, wit and a flair for rapid-fire improv that made her a household name for nearly two decades. (And she’s lovely in person, too boot!) Broadcast live-to-air, there were always mad antics unfolding during CityLine tapings that would’ve made a lesser host completely lose her cool — does anyone remember the time that my colleague Samantha was demo-ing the electric juicer and forgot to put a glass under the spout, showering the studio floor with O.J.? Absolutely hilarious, and Marilyn took it all in stride. Good memories…
I still get to wake up to Marilyn every morning, as she remains a host on 104.5 CHUM FM, Toronto’s most popular morning radio show. In fact, Marilyn’s launching a new segment every Thursday morning at 8:20 called “All About Style”. Her guest this morning was none other than our own Contributing Style Editor Karl Lohnes, who introduced her to the the rather scandalous-sounding “Seven Deadly Decorating Sins“. Even if you don’t live in the GTA, you can still get your fix of Marilyn on-air at the CHUM FM website! Yay!
An even bigger “YAY!” is warranted by the news that production is soon to begin on Marilyn’s new venture… The much-anticipated Marilyn Denis Show on CTV! Coming to your small screens before the year’s end… I’ll keep you posted!
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Tags: chum fm, contibuting style editor, ctv, darren and marilyn, decorating sins, host, hostess, karl lohnes, marilyn denis, marilyn denis show, radio, roger, seven deadly decorating sins, television




Check out Karl’s 25 decorating mistakes and how to avoid them!
http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/styling-secrets/25-decorating-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/a/451
Well it’s a darn good thing that some of us follow your blog so we can stay up to date on this stuff! Thanks for the update
ooooh can’t wait!
Ditto about Marilyn,s new CTV gig.
This is great news! Home Decor days and Fashion Fridays haven’t been the same without Marilyn!
UPDATE… Karl will return as Marilyn’s guest on the “All About Style” segment on Thursday, May 21. Same time, same channel!
Hi Marilyn:
Can’t wait for your new show!!!. Miss you sooooooooooo much.I am now working
3 days a week and look forward to enjoying your new show on my days off.
Good luck getting it for it.
Rita Dockeray
I still watch city line, but it is not the same, these guys were nuts to let you go. Can’t wait for your new show to start….
FINALLY…..the wait is over—Marilyn is back!
I have checked the internet for any news and today
was my lucky day.
I also look forward to your new show. I know it
will be a hit…I will be tuning in to watch on 21 May!
Marilyn’s May 21st segment with Karl Lohnes is actually part of her radio show on CHUM FM, not on TV… We’re going to have to wait a bit longer to see her on the small screen again!
l never watch Cityline since Marilyn left — she made the show; l realize that without her quick wit and presence and intelligence, none of that stuff interests me. After 19 years, maybe she has had enough of TV; who could blame her? lt must be horrendously stressful, but she never made it seem that way; she was a very gifted natural. Marilyn, please come back in some other incarnation…and yes, by all means,let the show be named for you: you deserve it!
I moved to the west 10 years ago, I am from Toronto and watched Marilyn Denis everyday on city line. I don’t watch city Line anymore as it is not the same with out her. I am looking forward to your new show and will watch everyday! What were they thinking when they let you go. I think the TV people should listen to the consumers a little more as you are great.
Can’t wait for your new show!
Where is SHE already? We want Denis.
Can’t wait for Marilyn’s new show….CTV is getting a winner!! I never watch Cityline anymore…..my favorite guests are hardly ever on and I loved the humorous interaction between Brian Gluckstein and Marilyn who are obviously very good friends. Marilyn brought out the best in her guests which the new host doesn’t seem to do. Best of luck Marilyn and hopefully she’ll bring the same gang with her.
CTV is very fortunate to add the greatly accomplished Marilyn Denis to their broadcast. I can’t wait.
Here we are in Sept & I still have not heard anything about Marilyn returning to TV. I miss her so much. City Line is the pits since she left. Marilyn had it all & no one can ever replace her. I hope she appears on the big screen soon - on any channel!
I too can’t wait to see the new show. I hope it’s still in the works. I try watching the new cityline, but like most people, it’s just not the same. My mom thinks so too. Here’s hoping the new show comes on soon!!
I’m in total aggreement about Cityline without Marilyn. After watching a few shows, it’s just not the same. Here’s to seeing Marilyn again SOON!!
I see they’ve changed Marilyn’s bio on the CHUM radio website and taken out the bit that mentions the Marilyn Denis show launching this fall… It now says it will launch in the “near future”…
Will keep you posted on new developments as I hear…
She is one special individual.
It is a real privilege to have the opportunity to experience her intelligence, comedic timing, genuine empathy and creative genius, all while throwing some humble into the mix.
She is returning, isn’t she?
Oh please, please, hurry back Marilyn!
Bring our morning girl back, please! CityLine could never be revived since Marilyn’s departure. It is rather painful to watch these days. A shame, really. A unique show that was loved not only by a national audience, but an international one! I am anxiously awaiting news of her new beginning with CTV. We miss you Marilyn!
Ditto to all the comments about MD and her new show. She was a HUGE LOSS to Cityline…more thiers than hers. I’m big fan and cant wait to see her on TV again. She has way too much talent to not be…she made me laugh and cry. BTW I think Tracy is good and brings a new energy to Cityline but lacks a certain natural talent MD has…give her time maybe?
I hate Cityline and will not watch. Bring back Marilyn to TV already!!
I used to be a regular Cityline follower! Not anymore without Marilyn!!! Doesn’t it make you wonder who makes these stupid decisions??? She made the show what it was!!! Bring her back….and the ratings will go way up!!
I was so impressed with Marilyn when she attended the convention center London On this past spring, she is truly a lovely person; what you see is what you get; very sincere… Marilyn WAS Cityline not the same without her.I am so looking forward to her upcoming show can’t wait
I don’t watch Cityline much anymore, just not the same. I had been a faithful watcher for years. Marilyn appeared on the TV screen a few days ago, asking for support for our local TV broadcasts and the problems they are having with cable etc. It was like meeting an old friend…….
Cityline needs Marilyn Dennis! I so looked forward to seeing Marilyn each weekday. She has such a comfortable relaxing manner–she made us feel like we were friends sitting in the same room. I have tried to watch Cityline several times since Marilyn’s departure; however, I no longer watch at all. It is truly missing its main attraction. I know many women share my view–bring Marilyn back!!!!!!
I work @ CTV & there are cut-backs “left-right-and-centre” so it doesn’t surprise me that the production of Marilyn’s new show has been put on hold. Let’s hope this economy get’s better soon!!!
Thanks for the update, Anita - I’ve been wondering what’s been going on, as it’s mid-autumn, and still no sign of the show…
I also hope CTV will put Marilyn back on ASAP and utilize her natural talents. We love outside the GTA so when we drive in to T.O. it’s a great treat to listen to her on CHUM FM. I agree it was great to see her on the latest plug for local TV. Maybe this is the start of her comeback…fingers crossed!
BTW I would understand if Marilyn has moved on from CL onto a new chapter. I would love to see her do a show using more of her interviewing skills with more emphasis on Canadian talent.
I’ve seen those commercials too - I’m so proud of her for taking a stance on such a contentious issue!
They should have axed City Line instead of trying to keep it going. It will never ever be as good without Marilyn.
Her talent is unique in that she came across as a friend and so down to earth.
My wish would be for her to develop a similar concept but aimed at age 40+ women (and men) who love clothes and want to be fashionable but get absolutely no direction from magazines or tv as it is all focused towards 20 somethings.
I was wondering where she had gone. I thought maybe the U.S. snatched her. Please CTV bring Marilyn back soon.
She was great on cityline. Its not the same there.
Marilyn won the 2006 Gemini for Viewers Choice Award and yet CTV can’t take advantage of her popularity and talent, I find that strange. I too miss her on Cityline, still watch as the guests are so great but not a fan of the new host.
Really miss Marilyn and her humour and knowledge - Please
bring her back really soon!!!!!!!!!!!
Cityline is still a great show and the host is doing a super job, you go girl! I really think alot of people are being to hard on Tracey she is trying to fill some 19 years of Marilyn’s shoes. Be kind I miss Marilyn too but there is enough hours in the day to have 2 shows like Cityline and I will watch Tracy on Cityline even if Marilyn does get her own show. Great job Tracey!!! And see you again Marilyn I’m sure of it!!!
Thanks so much for your comment, Linda - beautifully put, and I couldn’t agree more!
Cityline is still a great show largely because of the excellent guests. Tracey does have big shoes to fill replacing Marilyn who was awesome at it however, Tracey’s fill in chatter is very weak. Hopefully in time she will improve and become endearing rather than annoying. I will still watch Cityline and I hope Marilyn will get a show too.Tracey needs to create her own person- not cooking or doing crafts/working with her hands was marilyn’s “schtick”, Tracey needs to create her own bank of strengths and use them in her banter etc.
I’ve been watching Cityline since before Marilyn arrived. I tend to be a rather loyal person (have finally given up on the Maple Leafs) and I thought I would have trouble getting used to her, but I did. It was like spending an hour with a good friend. I learned a lot of great tips and skills along the way. I had a lot of laughs as well. To this day I can’t understand why she has gone and miss her terribly. I’ve watched the show several times but it just doesn’t do it for me any more. Sometimes new isn’t necessarily better.
It all has to do with big business. City TV is owned by Rogers and CHUM by CTV so it was a conflict of interest for her to be working for both companies. She had to make a choice and she decided to stay with CHUM. I really loved her on Cityline too but I think Tracy is doing a good job, she just has a different style.
Marilyn had talent from day one,Miss her on city line-please get her back on. Forget the politics/Tracey Moore needs to get off the show, Tracey is just full of her self,She should stay home,
Marion on December 6th, 2009 at 10:32 pm: “Hopefully in time she will improve”? She had more than enough time, a year to improve yet she is the same annoying, inept host that she started out as. In any other job in the world, someone showing the same lack of improvement would be kicked to the curb within a month, nevermind a year!
I urge viewers who are unhappy with the current host to go to the Cityline forum to speak out and send email to Cityline staff.
I consider myself a loyal fan of Cityline TV (I’ve watched the show since Dini Petty used to host it) but Tracy has turned me off of the show completely. Even on the Cityline forum the majority of posts that commented on the current host called for a change. I am very disappointed with the way Cityline have handled this issue and sad to say that I will probably never watch the show again.
I really miss Marilyn. I rushed home everyday to see Cityline. Sorry to say that there is no anticipation to watch Cityline.I hope Marilyn gets her new show soon.
Don’t forget… Everybody harped on Marilyn when she took over from Dini Petty back in the day. Stay strong, Tracey. We love you!
OMG Marilyn is coming back yahooooooooo Love Her , Loved Her on CityLine , Waiting , Waiting , Waiting `, For The Airing of Her New Show , LOVE YOU MARILYN
Really! When? I had just decided never to watch Cityline again after this morning’s show; the new host is just too annoying! She lacks life experience and frankly is just too ignorant and immature!
Will follow Marilyn! I hope her show is on the same time as Cityline - as I am sure all of the old viewers would rather watch her!
Delighted to read that you’ll be returning soon with a new MARILYN DENIS SHOW!!!!!
CAN’T COME SOON ENOUGH….I’VE MISSED YOU!!!
I too miss Marilyn and hope her new show comes soon! Has anyone heard when yet? I have emailed CTV a couple of times but have not had a response. I do not enjoy Cityline anymore.
I have been a loyal viewer of Cityline for many, many years. I was sorry to see Marilyn go but do think it was time for a change. Unfortunately, I cannot stand Tracy Moore…and I have really tried. The show has great experts but Tracy makes watching unbearable. Tracy: Please stop interrupting guests. Please stop wandering off topic. Please stop pulling babies out of the audience. Please stop making inane comments and then cackling loudly at your own feeble attempt at humour. It is embarassing to watch her dig her way into what I have come to think of as the daily hole. Tracy is an educated professional but you sure wouldn’t know it from watching the show. Her behaviour makes me cringe. She is particularly rude to Lynn Spence. Fortunately, Lynn handles it with style. Kimberely Seldon seems to have found the best way to deal with Tracy is to treat her like a developmentally delayed child who might be trained with patience and kindness. I wish they would find another host. I don’t think I will be able to continue watching much longer.
I like Tracy Moore. She’s drop dead gorgeous and talented. Finally I feel like I’m watching the show itself, not some inner circle of friends having their own fun. As a viewer, I felt like an outsider. I’ve always liked Sandra Pittana, though. She’s a cool lady.
I watch cityline periodically now. It doesn’t feel the same for me anymore. A generation thing maybe. I miss Marolyn ,her humour and her connection with her guests at home and in the audience. Am looking forward to welcoming Marolyn into my home again. Hope the show starts soon. It will be wonderful to see Marolyn again.
Have been missing Marilyn since she left CityLine. It feels like losing an old friend. I will be extremely happy to see her on TV again. Can’t wait. There is still good information on CityLine but there is no joy in watching it anymore. I take it quite personally that as a longtime viewer I was not listened to, so I try to boycott all products that are advertised.
CTV Screwed Marilyn!!!! I think people have missed this.
CTV made her choose between CTV and Rogers (the new owners of CITY and thus Cityline)due to the 80’s style big business “Buy and Sell” and the subsequent conflict of her working for competetors in the same industry.
CTV “Enticed” her with the promise of her very own NEW Show in order to get her to pick them. Now that they got what they wanted….
Do the math or keep dreaming… your choice.
Get your facts straight before you pull the know it all routine, Dave. It was ROGERS that made Marilyn make the choice - NOT Ctv. if she was to stay on at Chum (not a Rogers radio station), she could no longer remain as host of Cityline (which is now a Rogers program).
…I don’t know how many times I ask myself that question: What happened to Marilyn Denis ? …. That sister cannot feel your shoes… Hope to see you soon!!!
I JUST CAN’T WAIT: Marilyn Denis on TV again? Soon?
I have not watched City TV since she was let go: So, bring
her on and I know people will watch her and love her just
like before: All my friends miss her!!!!!
Can’t be soon enough!
I too do not like Tracy . She is too full of herself , interupts the guest. and seems to think she is the expert when we know she just puts herself in a bad light
I miss MD too. The show is a great format but tracey moore is a terrible host. She just does not have a good way with people and is so annoying with her silly comments and ‘jokes’, fake manner. She does not come across as genuine. Why it is so hard (in Canada it seems) to find talented, genuine hosts? There is a similar situation on So you think you can Dance Canada, poor host, poor and very annoying judges. What is it with our networks? Hosting, esp a show like CityLine, is a tough job and not for everyone.
Hello everyone,
CTV has just announced this morning that Marilyn will be joining their fall TV lineup in… The long-awaited Marilyn Denis Show! More details to come…
Brett
I’m soooooo happy Marilyn is coming back. I was so diappointed in City Line since she left
Finally …I’ve miss watching her on CityLine. It hasn’t been the same with her gone.
I hope ctv keeps the format the same as cityline.
Welcome back to TV Marilyn….can’t wait
Amazing news, I hear she is going to have a lot of HGTV talent as part of her new show. That would be a nice break from her days at city. Hint Divine Design crew!
So happy to hear of Marilyns’ new show in September. I feel that I have lost touch with and old and dear friend. Yahoo!!
I am sure many of her faithful watchers will be there on the special day, I know that I will……..she has such of way of drawing her audience in and making them part of her circle of very interesting friends…….thanks for whomever is making this possible and all the best …….
I am so glad Marilyn is coming back she has been missed terribly by myself and I know thousands of other people! I really did give the “new” Cityline a chance but they chose the wrong host Tracey Moore should have remained on BT and I am not sure the name of the mom on the Mom Show but she guest hosted Cityline a couple of times when they were looking for a replacement host and if Marilyn wasn’t going to be there and they had to chose a new host it should have been her in my eyes. In fact I would rather watch Steven and Chris at least Steven was part of the old gang. But now I don’t have to worry about any of that thank goodness MD will be back! I hope Brian, Lynn and Sandra will also be part of the new show.
The news of Marylin’s return to TV had better not be a joke! What was CTV thinking not putting her back on air right away and capitalizing on her huge fan base and natural talent? She has a way engaging her audience both at home and live to let you think she’s old friend. She comes across as the real deal…down to earth and no pretense. I will be tuning in and let the rating wars begin!
I hope she nabs Sarah Richarson as a guest. Im not a fan of Divine Design. I prefer Sarah’s style and personality better. Canadian airwaves will be better for bringing the former Queen of Cdn talk show back.
I agree with the comments posted here. No one interacted with the guests the way Marilyn did. Her quick wit and banter with the panel was always extremely entertaining. Furthermore, she really listened to people and understood that not everyone had zillions of dollars to renovate, etc. CityLine has not been the same since Marilyn left. I’m sorry to say I don’t watch it faithfully any more because I find Tracey very annoying and uncaring.
I’ll be pvr’ing Marilyn’s new show every day and can’t wait to see her back on the air in September!!!
If Marilyn or her new producers read these comments (and I think they will because Kimberly and Marilyn seemed like good friends), I hope the new show is aimed more at the baby boomer or at least late 30’s and over crowd and take on subjects other than babies, kids and cooking. It seems Cityline has become a combination cooking parenting show which is great for that demographic but everyone. When Marilyn was on CL she was covering subjects and clothes that were aimed at an older more professional viewer. Oh, and please do men’s fashions that are are also more appropriate for the same age of men…not ones running on shows like Steven and Chris and CL that are more for the 20-something age of men. PLEASE!
Yeah! I hope it is true this time. Yes, I hope Marilyn’s show is more for boomers. Teeny bopper clothes, baby stories and cooking are not what the majority are about. Travel, lifestyle stories are more suitable for more people. Marilyn was funny and witty. No offence,but Tracey Moore is not witty or able to draw in an audience. I have tried to watch but even the show’s audience look bored and bewildered. So, if Marilyn’s show is in competition with Cityline….they will win! Yes if normal jobs that are based on ratings or competition would fire a poorly performing employee, then what is with CTV? Let the news on the new Marilyn show be true. I will be travelling in September but will set my PVR.
Its about time CTV got Marily back on TV!!!! I have been anxiously awaiting this long promised show. Will it be broadcast live? If so, how can we get tickets? Marilyn is a national treasure. The whole country should be able to enjoy her unique style.
Marilyn Dennis’s Cityline was the BEST talk show on T.V. Now semi-retired, I have time to watch worthwhile day-time T.V. So far’ I havn’t found anything worth watching. Cityline, unfortuneatly, has a host that does not know how to listen-to anyone. Hopefully her maternity leave becomes permanent.