Mini-networks plan cops and romance

At a sleepy time for the big networks, two mini-nets offer some variety.
For UPtv, there will be cop shows this month: Reruns of “The Rookie” (shown here)now and a new season of “Hudson & Rex,” starting July 17,
And for the CW, it will be this fall. There will be a series (the Canadian version of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) and six movies, based on Harlequin romance novels.
CW was formed when two stronger networks, WB and UPN, merged. It was later sold to the Nexstar group, which has tried a makeshift mix of sports, movies, reality shows and series already made in Canada or England.
UPtv, formerly the Gospel Music Channel, focuses on family-friendly shows, including movies (new ones on Sundays), reruns and occasional imports. The new arrivals are:
— “The Rookie” will start its eighth season sometime in 2026 on ABC. It’s off the air now, though, giving UPtv an opening. It will have reruns of all seven series, starting with Nathan Fillion (shown here) as a guy who becomes a cop in his 40s. That started with a marathon at 9 a.m. ET Sunday (July 6); beginning the next day, there are episodes from 7 to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 3-11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
— “Hudson & Rex” is a Canadian show about a police detective and his dog. Now UPtv airs its seventh season (eight episodes); that starts with two at 8 p.m. ET July 17.
— “Law & Order: Toronto: Criminal Intent” offers a fresh take on an eternal American franchise. Two “Law & Order” shows continue on NBC, but “Criminal Intent” ended its 10-year run in 2011. Now the Toronto version (from the same producers) will reach CW at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, starting Sept. 24; the network has also committed for the second episode.
— Weekends have become movie times for CW, with a mix of past films and show-business documentaries. Now comes a step into originals, adapting some of the Harlequin novels.
he first one, “Montana Mavericks” will be shown in some movie theaters Aug. 26-27, before reaching CW. Katherine McCormick — known from CW’s old days for “Arrow” and the lead role in “Walker: Independence” — plays a novelist. Facing writer’s block, she inherits a Montana ranch. The others are:
“Ordinary Girl in a Tiara.” A fan of vintage fashion reluctantly harbors her
childhood nemesis, who has inherited a fashion company.
“Paws in the City”: When the career of a social-media whiz implodes, she takes the only job she can find, taking care of a pampered dachshund.
“Recipe for Romance”: Given a chance to run her family’s coffee shop in “Little Manilla,” Sari runs into trouble when a guy opens a bakery next door.
“Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell.” Amber Riley of “Glee” plays Savvy, renovating her life and the kitchen she inherited from her grandmother.
“Second Guessing Fate.” Danielle Panabaker” of “The Flash” plays a successful event-planner who has given up on romance. Then a mysterious fortune teller says she’s one horrible date away from true love.