Debbie Travis
When on earth does Debbie Travis find time to watch television? The British-born design doyenne has maintained a constant presence on Canadian television in recent years - on popular programs such as Debbie Travis' Painted House, Debbie Travis' Facelift and From the Ground Up with Debbie Travis - and also runs her own line of paint and home products.
She has also appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, which prompted the host to note, "She can do things with paint that you've never seen before."
Beyond penning her syndicated newspaper column, Debbie Travis House to Home, she still regularly turns out how-to books and magazine columns and recently launched yet another TV show, All for One with Debbie Travis (CBC, Sundays at 9 p.m.), in which she visits a different Canadian city each week to undertake a home construction project for an unsuspecting local hero.
Making things look better has become a life mission for this design dynamo, who very rarely manages to take a night off for relaxed TV viewing. When she does, here's what she watches.
Mad Men
I'm beyond addicted to this show. I've watched some episodes at least 10 times. It's one of those shows you get something different from each time you watch. It's such great storytelling and an amazing era. Each episode is like a history lesson. And as a designer, I'm fascinated by the sets. Even how it's changed. When the series started, it was 1959, and things were darker, and the sets were darker, with browns and oranges. Now it's 1965, and everything is white leather and brighter and sleek looking. It's not always completely accurate, but it's always fascinating.
Breaking Bad
It's become one of my favourites, and it has some of the best writing I've ever seen on a TV show. All the main characters are so fully drawn out and interesting. When you see really good writing on a show, you just know it. And I love shows that just draw you in.
Coronation Street
I'm from Manchester, where the show takes place, so CBC asked me to host this one-hour special that will air in December for the 50th anniversary. I have to say, the Canadian Coronation Street fans are absolutely crazy about the show, and very devoted. And, of course, you can't fool the Corrie fans, so I figured I had better start watching again. It's fascinating to me how they've kept the show so fresh. Some of the stars are so young now, but they still pay tribute to the past. It's a brilliant show.