Sphere Media Sells First 13 Episodes of Comedy-Drama Sophie to ABC Family

From a media release:

Sphere Media Plus has sold the first 13 episodes of Sophie, its Montreal-produced comedy-drama – broadcast by CBC since January 9 – to ABC Family. The network, a member of the Disney-ABC Television Group, also took an option on the series’ second season.

“I am particularly proud of this production, especially since Sophie is the product of a rewarding partnership between Canadian actors and Quebec creative talent,” said producer Jocelyn Deschenes, founding president of Sphere Media Plus. “The purchase of this series by ABC Family shows us that new possibilities are now opening up in the Canadian television industry.”

Adapted from the popular Francophone series Les hauts et les bas de Sophie Paquin, which Radio-Canada has been carrying for two years, Sophie attracted the American broadcaster’s notice during CBC’s winter programming launch last fall.

The series was then described as a comedy-drama in which a pregnant businesswoman is having a particularly tough year. As she looks for a break, Sophie, played by actor Natalie Brown of Timmins, Ontario, has no choice but to reach out to friends and relatives who – unfortunately for her – are a largely dysfunctional and neurotic group of people.

“Sophie is a wonderful show for ABC Family,” said Tom Zappala, ABC Family’s senior vice president, acquisitions and scheduling. “It’s fresh, and funny but with real heart and warmth. And Natalie Brown is such a wonderful star – beautiful but so relatable. She and Sophie show the level of talent that’s currently coming out of Canada.” ABC has not yet indicated a broadcast date.

“As much as Natalie Brown’s work charmed them, the people at ABC Family told us they were equally taken in by the attention to detail, pacing and ensemble cast,” said Jocelyn Deschenes. “According to them, Sophie appeals to their target audience of women 18 to 49 years of age.”

A creation of Richard Blaimert, Sophie is directed by Eric Tessier with support from executive producer Howard Busgang. In addition to Natalie Brown as Sophie Parker, the series also stars Sebastian Spence (Rick Ryder), Jeff Geddis (Matthew Scott), Amy Lalonde (Melissa Bryant), Mimi Kuzyk (Judith Parker), Sara Botsford (Estelle Burroughs), Chantelle Chung (Ophelia Burroughs) and Catherine Berube (Bridget). It is currently broadcast Wednesdays at 8:30 PM on CBC.