Everything about Murdoch Mysteries, eh?

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries offers up pitch-perfect musical episode

“After 20 years, 17 seasons and 290 episodes, Murdoch Mysteries has finally done it… A musical episode!”

So said the email sent by CBC earlier this week, trumpeting the show’s musical interlude coming up on March 25. Murdoch Mysteries is certainly not the first TV series to do it; the popularity of the musical episode is largely attributed to Buffy the Vampire Slayer instalment, “Once More, With Feeling,” on November 6, 2001. Since then, many shows have done them, with mixed results. Grey’s Anatomy, Supernatural, Fringe, Ally McBeal, The Flash, Scrubs and fellow CBC hit Schitt’s Creek have all dipped into the trope.

Now it’s Murdoch Mysteries‘ turn with “Why Is Everybody Singing?” Written by Paul Aitken and directed by Laurie Lynd, here is the synopsis for the March 25 episode:

While pursuing a missing man now presumed dead, Murdoch takes a call that alters his perception of the world. After heading into a lively alley, he’s shot in the head and left for dead. Crabtree and Higgins find him with the faintest pulse clinging to life. As Brackenreid, Ogden, Watts and Hart rush to the scene and the constables question a newsboy, beggar, vendors and other witnesses, Murdoch hears their inquiries in song. The musical accounts swoop and soar, confounding the detective who can’t understand why everyone around him is singing instead of focusing on who shot him.

According to writer and executive producer Aitken, the seed for a musical mystery was planted by Buffy and has been gestating ever since.

“The challenge was to do it as a genuine mystery,” Aitken says in media materials provided by CBC. “The essential concept: A comatose Murdoch needs to determine who tried to kill him was strong and allowed for all manner of philosophical hijinks, but it was insufficient. The music itself needed to be a clue. Having the singing be his injured brain’s way of processing what was actually being said over his bed solved two problems. It made the music an integral feature of the plot and allowed for the introduction of new information—always handy when telling a mystery.”

The fun begins right out of the gate, with the Murdoch Mysteries theme with a phalanx of voices performing Robert Carli’s unmistakable composition set against a movie screen in a vintage theatre. Then it’s on the case that puts Murdoch into the dire straits he finds himself in: that of a missing man. I should say that eagle-eyed viewers will catch a familiar name in the opening credits that ruins a surprise later in the story, but that’s a minor quibble.

It doesn’t take long for the singing to start—prefaced by a vibrant soundtrack—and director Lynd’s wonderful work lights up the streets of Toronto.

“The script that Paul Aitken wrote is so clever because it is still at heart a classic Murdoch episode, a puzzling case to be solved that is not at all what it first appears to be,” Lynd says. “The great joy of the episode, of course, is seeing—and hearing!—our favourite Murdoch characters sing. All of the cast did their own singing, beautifully elevating the emotions of what their characters were expressing.

It certainly is fun to hear the main cast belting out lyrics by Aitken (Higgins’ and Margaret’s in particular, are hilarious) and produced and arranged by Jono Grant. Highlighted by guest cast in Sharron Matthews (Frankie Drake Mysteries), Hélène Joy, Arwen Humphreys and Thomas Craig, the performances make sense and add a unique way of storytelling.

But, at its heart is the mystery, which is always going to be the core of the veteran drama that shows no signs of slowing down.

“Preserving the integrity of the show has always been super important to me, so when there was talk of doing a musical episode, it was no secret that I had reservations,” Bisson says. “Having Paul Aitken, our writer, as an ally for so many years and having been in the musical trenches before with Laurie as a director, I felt confident to proceed. All my worrying was for nothing though—the end result is nothing short of spectacular!”

We agree.

Murdoch Mysteries airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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CBC sets fall 2023 streaming and broadcast premiere dates for new and returning original series on CBC Gem and CBC Television

From a media release:

CBC today announced streaming and broadcast premiere dates for its fall 2023 slate of new and returning programming on CBC Gem and CBC TV, including more than 20 original series and specials from Canadian creators, producers, and storytellers reflecting people, places and perspectives from across the country. The first episode of all series will be available to stream on CBC Gem starting at 9 a.m. ET on their premiere dates noted below with a new episode available weekly at the same time, unless otherwise specified. CBC TV local broadcast times are noted in parentheses (for Newfoundland and Labrador, please add half an hour to all times).

New Canadian Original Series

TELLING OUR STORY New Documentary Series (4×60) – All episodes available Sunday, September 17 on CBC Gem
This TIFF 2023 Primetime selection shares the perspectives of the 11 First Peoples in Quebec.

BONES OF CROWS New Limited Drama Series (5×60) – Premieres Wednesday, September 20 (9 p.m.)
Limited series BONES OF CROWS brings to life a moving multi-generational epic of Indigenous resilience, survival and the pursuit of justice.

BLACK LIFE: UNTOLD STORIES New Documentary Series (8×60) – First four episodes available Wednesday, October 18 on CBC Gem, with remaining four available on Wednesday, October 25 (CBC TV debut on Wednesday, October 25 at 9 p.m.)
Highly anticipated documentary series and TIFF 2023 Primetime selection BLACK LIFE: UNTOLD STORIES reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada.

BLACKBERRY New Limited Drama Series (3×60) – All episodes available Thursday, November 9 on CBC Gem (CBC TV debut on Thursday, November 9 at 9 p.m.)
The extended series version of BLACKBERRY, featuring never-before-seen footage, charts the rise and fall of the world’s first smartphone.

SWAN SONG New Documentary Series (4×60) – All episodes available Wednesday, November 22 on CBC Gem (CBC TV debut on Wednesday, November 22 at 8 p.m.)
SWAN SONG offers a backstage look at first-time director Karen Kain’s monumental new production of Swan Lake for the National Ballet of Canada on the eve of her retirement from the company.

Bones of Crows; images courtesy of Farah Nosh

Returning Series

CORONATION STREET – ongoing (weekdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 7:30 p.m.)

THE PASSIONATE EYE (10×60) – Premieres Wednesday, September 13 (8 p.m.)
THE PASSIONATE EYE returns with a new season of thought-provoking original documentaries, beginning with Lin Alluna’s TWICE COLONIZED, following the personal journey of renowned Inuit lawyer Aaju Peter.

FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 5 (102×30, Monday – Thursday) – Premieres Monday, September 18 (7:30 p.m.)
The new season kicks off with a Teachers’ Week that sees teams of high school teachers competing for funds to support their schools’ programs. The season continues with host Gerry Dee welcoming families from across Canada, with all-new episodes Monday to Thursday.

THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES Season 31 (24×30) – Premieres Tuesday, September 19 (8 p.m.)

THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP (9×30) – All episodes of Season 4 (13×10) available Monday, August 28 on CBC Gem (Seasons 2 and 3 (9×30) premiere Tuesday, September 19 at 9:30 p.m. on CBC TV)

DRAGONS’ DEN Season 18 (16×60) – Premieres Thursday, September 21 (8 p.m.)

STILL STANDING Season 9 (10×30) – Premieres Tuesday, September 26 (8:30 p.m.)
Host Jonny Harris embarks on more adventures in small towns across the country, from Dawson City, Yukon to Gander, Newfoundland and everywhere in between.

HEARTLAND Season 17 (10×60) – Premieres Sunday, October 1 (7 p.m.)

THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW Season 7 (9×60) – Premieres Sunday, October 1 (8 p.m.)

SKYMED Season 2 (9×60) – Premieres Sunday, October 1 (9 p.m.)

MURDOCH MYSTERIES Season 17 (24×60) – Premieres Monday, October 2 (8 p.m.)

SORT OF Season 3 (8×30) – Two episodes available weekly on CBC Gem beginning Friday, November 17

Murdoch Mysteries

CBC Gem Originals

ZARQA Season 2 (6×11) – All episodes available to stream on Friday, October 6
Zarqa Nawaz returns for more comic hijinx.

HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR (8×15) – All episodes available to stream on Friday, October 13
The adaptation of Vivek Shraya’s hit play and book.

THE BANNOCKING (6×10) – All episodes available to stream on Friday, October 20
A new Indigenous horror series, available in time for Halloween.

FARM CRIME Season 3 (6×20) – All episodes available to stream on Friday, November 3
Exploring the largely unseen dark side of Canada’s agriculture industry.

I HATE PEOPLE, PEOPLE HATE ME (6×15) – All episodes available to stream in late fall (date to be confirmed)
This offbeat comedy and 2023 Tribeca Festival selection created by Bobbi Summers explores queer identity in a time when queerness has not only been mainstreamed, but commodified.

CBC News

BIG: CBC News Original Documentary series (4×60) – Premieres Friday, September 22 at 9 p.m. on CBC TV (Available to stream now on CBC Gem)

CBC NEWS EXPLORE’s PLANET WONDER (9×30) – Premieres Friday, October 6 at 8:30 p.m. on CBC TV (Available to stream now on CBC Gem)

MARKETPLACE Season 51 (17×30) – Premieres Friday, October 13 (8 p.m.)

THE FIFTH ESTATE Season 49 (15×60) – Premieres Friday, October 20 (9 p.m.)

THE NATIONAL – ongoing (live at 10 p.m. weekdays and Sundays on CBC TV and CBC Gem)
CBC’s flagship national newscast with Chief Correspondent Adrienne Arsenault (Monday – Thursday) and Ian Hanomansing (Friday and Sunday)

CBC MORNING LIVE WITH HEATHER HISCOX (Weekday mornings on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

ABOUT THAT WITH ANDREW CHANG (Weekday mornings on CBC News Explore)

CANADA TONIGHT (Weeknights on CBC News Network)

POWER & POLITICS (Weeknights on CBC News Network)

ROSEMARY BARTON LIVE (Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

CBC Sports

CBC SPORTS PRESENTS – ongoing (live on Saturday and Sunday afternoons on CBC TV and CBC Gem)
CBC SPORTS brings audiences all the action from the world of high-performance sport with competitions including Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (Antwerp, Belgium, Oct. 1 – 8); Beach Volleyball World Championships (Tlaxcala, Mexico, Oct. 6 – 15); and World Trampoline Championships (Nov. 9 – 19, Birmingham, UK), as international athletes prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic (July 26 – Aug. 11, 2024) and Paralympic (Aug. 28 – Sept. 8, 2024) Games. Showcasing Canada’s top university and college athletes, the USports Championships (Nov. 1 – 25), including the Vanier Cup (Nov. 25 in Kingston, Ont.), return and the winter season kicks off with Grand Prix of Figure Skating (multiple weekends and locations from Oct. 20 to Dec. 10), Four Continents Short Track Championships (Laval, Que., Nov. 3 – 5) and FIS Women’s Alpine World Cup (Tremblant, Que., Dec. 2 – 3).

Canadian Awards

CBC will feature the following award celebrations this fall, honouring diverse Canadian creators, artists and storytellers:

THE LEGACY AWARDS, The Black Academy’s award show celebrating Black Canadian achievement, will air live on CBC TV and CBC Gem on Sunday, September 24

SCOTIABANK GILLER PRIZE will air live on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio and CBC.ca/books on Monday, November 13

CBC Kids

SPELLBOUND New Series (26×30) – All episodes available to stream Friday, September 1 on CBC Gem
A Canadian premiere and CBC Gem exclusive from the creators of Find Me in Paris, tween drama SPELLBOUND follows the adventures of a teen dance student, CeCe Parker-Jones (played by Canadian Hailey Romain), at the Paris Opera Ballet School who discovers that she is a witch.

AUNTY B’S HOUSE New Series (20×7) – All episodes available to stream Monday, September 4 on CBC Gem (CBC TV debut on Monday, September 11 with new episodes airing Monday – Saturday)
A groundbreaking live action CBC Kids original sitcom for kids about a foster home full of heart, humour, music and unconditional love.

HELLO KITTY: SUPER STYLE! New Series (52×11) – Premieres Monday, September 4 on CBC Gem and CBC TV, with a new episode airing daily, Monday – Saturday
The iconic Hello Kitty helps her friends find happiness while putting on the most appropriate (and cutest) outfits to face each situation in this animated series for kids.

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CBC unveils 2023-24 programming slate featuring over 40 original series from Canadian storytellers

From a media release:

CBC today announced its 2023-24 programming slate for CBC TV and CBC Gem, featuring over 40 new and returning original series from Canadian creators, producers and storytellers and more than 4000 hours of new programming spanning all genres.

“As we announce our new slate of remarkable storytelling, we remain focused on serving Canadians on the platform of their choice and offering what no other media company in this country can: the essential information audiences rely on each and every day, and authentic entertainment that reflects the changing face of Canada,” said Barbara Williams, Executive Vice-President, CBC. “We’re different. We stand apart from others, just as strong and just as significant. We want all Canadians to see CBC as their thing – as a Canada thing that makes everyone feel they belong, regardless of their age, background or location.”

NEW STREAMING CHANNELS

Building on the launch of CBC NEWS EXPLORE, CBC will launch new free 24/7 ad-supported streaming (FAST) channels this fall including CBC COMEDY and local news channels starting with CBC NEWS BC, offering even more content to digital and streaming audiences on connected TVs and CBC Gem. CBC COMEDY will feature hit CBC comedy series and the best in Canadian sketch comedy and stand up specials. Building on CBC’s strength in the genre, the channel will include current CBC shows including RUN THE BURBS, SON OF A CRITCH and SORT OF, as well as recent favourites like KIM’S CONVENIENCE and SCHITT’S CREEK, sketch comedy classics such as BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW and TALLBOYZ, as well as extensive standup specials featuring favourite comedians. CBC NEWS BC will offer local news on the biggest stories of the day from the west coast of the country, and kicks off additional local CBC News streaming channels that will be available on connected TVs, the CBC News App and CBC Gem.

CBC NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

From breaking stories to in-depth coverage, CBC News delivers trusted 24-hour news and information on CBC News Network, CBCNews.ca and the CBC News App. CBC News continues to bring audiences the latest news from across Canada and around the world, in addition to an award-winning slate of current affairs, investigative and primetime and weekend news programs.

Beginning this fall, the best of free streaming channel CBC NEWS EXPLORE will broadcast on CBC including ABOUT THAT, ADRIENNE ARSENAULT REPORTS, PLANET WONDER, and THIS WEEK IN CANADA, as well as BIG: CBC News Explore Original Documentary series. Also this fall, CANADA TONIGHT sees the return of host Ginella Massa in October, as she continues to highlight the stories beyond the headlines.

  • THE FIFTH ESTATE (Season 49 premieres Fall 2023; 15×60)
  • MARKETPLACE (Season 51 premieres Fall 2023; 17×30)
  • THE NATIONAL (Weeknights and Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)
  • POWER & POLITICS (Weeknights on CBC News Network)
  • CANADA TONIGHT WITH DWIGHT DRUMMOND (Weeknights on CBC News Network)
  • ROSEMARY BARTON LIVE (Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

ENTERTAINMENT, FACTUAL AND SPORTS

ORIGINAL COMEDY SLATE

This upcoming broadcast and streaming year, CBC and CBC Gem will continue to be the home for fresh original Canadian comedy, with new workplace series ONE MORE TIME from comedian D.J. Demers joining the lineup alongside authentic comedies SORT OF, RUN THE BURBS and SON OF A CRITCH, and the best in Canadian sketch and standup comedy with THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES and THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP.

New Original Comedy Series

  • ONE MORE TIME (Premieres Winter 2024; 13×30; Counterfeit Pictures)

From creator and standup comedian D.J. Demers (The Tonight Show, Conan) and showrunner Jessie Gabe (Workin’ Moms, Mr. D), ONE MORE TIME is a workplace comedy about a fictionalized and heightened version of D.J. (played by Demers) as the hearing-impaired manager of a second-hand sporting goods store, and the team of “hard-working” employees he leads. D.J.’s optimistic, community-oriented outlook on life is challenged at every turn, as he and his team struggle to keep the small independent shop alive.

Returning Original Comedies & Festivals

  • THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP (Seasons 2 and 3 premiere Fall 2023; 8×30; Just For Laughs TV)
  • SORT OF (Season 3 premieres Fall 2023; 8×30; Sphere Media’s Sienna Films)
  • THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES (Season 31 premieres Fall 2023; 24×30; IoM Media)
  • RUN THE BURBS (Season 3 premieres Winter 2024; 13×30; Pier 21 Films)
  • SON OF A CRITCH (Season 3 premieres Winter 2024; 13×30; Project 10 Productions)

ORIGINAL DRAMA SLATE

The east coast family drama continues this summer with a new season of MOONSHINE, while the fall sees the debut of Marie Clements’ multi-generational epic of Indigenous resilience, BONES OF CROWS, and an extended version of Matt Johnson’s slice of Canadian tech history, BLACKBERRY, as well as the return of audience favourites HEARTLAND, MURDOCH MYSTERIES and SKYMED. This winter, new thoughtful drama ALLEGIANCE explores the Canadian justice system from multiple perspectives, while the odd couple of a grizzled cop and a spirited con woman are forced to work together in new comedic procedural WILD CARDS.

New Original Drama Series

  • BLACKBERRY (Premieres Fall 2023, 3×60, Rhombus Media and Zapruder Films)

Directed by Matt Johnson (Nirvanna the Band the Show), BLACKBERRY follows the story of Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the two men who charted the course of the spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone. Seemingly overnight, the duo revolutionized the way people work, communicate and connect, with millions of people around the world addicted to their BlackBerrys and the company completely dominating the market. That is, until some shady business dealings, personal grievances, and, perhaps most dangerously, the iPhone, devastated the company’s incredible success. Co-written by Matt Johnson and Matthew Miller and adapted from the book Losing the Signal by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff. BLACKBERRY originated at CBC, where Losing the Signal was optioned and developed over the course of four years as a feature film and extended three-part series that includes exclusive never-before-seen footage. The series stars Jay Baruchel (This Is The End, Knocked Up) as Mike, Glenn Howerton (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, A.P. Bio) as Jim, and Johnson as Mike’s friend and business partner Doug.

  • BONES OF CROWS (Premieres Fall 2023, 5×60, Marie Clements Media, Screen Siren Pictures and Grana Productions)

Removed from their family home and forced into Canada’s residential school system, Cree musical prodigy Aline Spears (played throughout her life by Summer Testawich; Grace Dove, Monkey Beach; and Carla Rae, Rutherford Falls) and her siblings are plunged into a struggle for survival. Written, directed and produced by Marie Clements (Red Snow), BONES OF CROWS is Aline’s journey from child to matriarch, a moving multi-generational epic of resilience, survival and the pursuit of justice.

  • ALLEGIANCE (Premieres Winter 2024, 10×60, Lark Productions)

Star rookie cop Sabrina Singh is proud to uphold her family’s tradition of serving in the police and military. But when her father, the Minister of Public Safety, is arrested on terror charges, Sabrina finds herself caught between her loyalties to her job, her family and her country. Gripping and smart, ALLEGIANCE is a character-driven police procedural about identity and belonging, policing and politics, and finding new paths to truth and justice. From creator Anar Ali (Transplant), showrunners Mark Ellis & Stephanie Morgenstern (Flashpoint, X Company), and Lark Productions (Family Law, Motive) and international distributor Universal International Studios.

  • WILD CARDS (Premieres Winter 2024, 10×60, piller/segan, Blink 49 and Front Street Pictures) is a crime-solving procedural with a comedic twist that follows the unlikely duo of a gruff, sardonic cop and a bubbly, clever con woman. Ellis, a demoted detective, has unfortunately spent the last year on Vancouver’s marine unit (i.e., he’s now a “water cop”), while Toni has been living a transient life elaborately scamming everyone she meets. But when Toni gets arrested and ends up helping Ellis solve a local crime, the two are offered the opportunity to redeem themselves, with Ellis going back to detective and Toni staying out of jail. The catch? They have to work together, with each using their unique skills to solve crimes. For Ellis, that means hard-boiled shoe leather police work; for Toni, it means accents, schemes, and generally befriending everyone in sight (while driving Ellis absolutely nuts). Against the backdrop of beautiful Vancouver — with all its unique, charming, and even contradictory neighbourhoods and subcultures — the two will have to learn what it means to trust another person and maybe actually become partners. The creative team includes Michael Konyves (Creator/Executive Producer), Shawn Piller (Executive Producer), Noelle Carbone (Head Writer/Executive Producer) and James Genn (Pilot Director/Executive Producer).

Returning Original Dramas

  • MOONSHINE (Season 3 premieres Sunday, July 16 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem; 8×60, Six Eleven Media and eOne)
  • HEARTLAND (Season 17 premieres Fall 2023; 10×60; Dynamo Films and SEVEN24 Films)
  • MURDOCH MYSTERIES (Season 17 premieres Fall 2023; 24×60; Shaftesbury)
  • SKYMED (Season 2 premieres Fall 2023; 9×60, Piazza Entertainment)

FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT

CBC’s factual entertainment slate reflects people and communities from all regions of Canada with unique skills and interests who are in pursuit of their personal best, led by new series THE GREAT CANADIAN POTTERY THROW DOWN featuring ten of Canada’s top potters competing to be crowned best at the wheel. Returning series showcasing Canadians striving for excellence from coast to coast to coast include summer favourite RACE AGAINST THE TIDE. BEST IN MINIATURE, DRAGONS’ DEN, FAMILY FEUD CANADA, THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW and STILL STANDING continue to bring the positive vibes this fall, while the winter brings the return of BOLLYWED and the Singh family in a celebration of the South Asian community, and PUSH’s Wheelie Peeps take on new personal challenges and successes. Later next year, STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE unearths more impolite history, and CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE brings more thrills at Canada’s most picturesque locations.

New Original Factual Series

  • THE GREAT CANADIAN POTTERY THROW DOWN (Premieres Winter 2024; 8×60; Frantic Films)

Ten of Canada’s most talented potters compete to be crowned best at the wheel. THE GREAT CANADIAN POTTERY THROW DOWN is a naturally upbeat, open-hearted competition series that revels in the remarkable creativity of Canada’s top potters, featuring clever challenges, beautiful creations and personal stories between layers of humour and discovery. The Great Pottery Throw Down is an original British format created and owned by Love Productions, who also devised and produce the global smash-hit The Great British Baking Show. Five seasons of The Great Pottery Throw Down have aired in the UK on BBC and Channel 4, consistently performing above the timeslot average.

Returning Factual Formats & Series:

  • RACE AGAINST THE TIDE (Season 3 premieres Sunday, July 16 at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem; 10×30; marblemedia)
  • DRAGONS’ DEN (Season 18 premieres Fall 2023; 16×60)
  • FAMILY FEUD CANADA (Season 5 premieres Fall 2023; 102×30; Zone 3/Fremantle)
  • THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW (Season 7 premieres Fall 2023; 9×60; Proper Television/Love Productions)
  • STILL STANDING (Season 9 premieres Fall 2023; 10×30; Frantic Films)
  • BEST IN MINIATURE (Season 3 premieres Fall 2023; 8×60; marblemedia)
  • BOLLYWED (Season 2 premieres Winter 2024; 10×30; HeartHat Entertainment)
  • PUSH (Season 2 premieres Winter 2024, 8×30, Fenix Film & Television and Small Army Entertainment)
  • CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE (Season 2 premieres 2024; 7×60; Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker Company) and The Gurin Company)
  • STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE (Season 2 premieres 2024; 8×30; Wooden Horse, WildBear Entertainment and Cream Productions)

DOCUMENTARIES

CBC commissions an average of 80 documentaries each year for CBC, CBC Gem and documentary Channel, with CBC Gem now offering a library of over 800 documentaries, available to stream for free anytime. THE PASSIONATE EYE returns this fall with a new slate of original documentaries that drop audiences into a broad range of cultural conversations, from the nationwide battle being waged over our public statues and symbols, to a double take on the doppelgänger phenomenon, to an Inuit lawyer’s highly personal journey to bring her colonizers to justice.

New original doc series this upcoming year include:

  • BLACK LIFE: UNTOLD STORIES (Premieres Fall 2023, 8×60, Studio 112 in association with Northwood Entertainment, and Ugly Duck Productions) is an eight-part documentary series that reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada, dispelling commonly accepted myths and celebrating the many contributions of Black Canadians. The executive producers are the Emmy Award-winning Leslie Norville, P.K. Subban, Miranda de Pencier, and Nelson George; Sandy Hudson serves as co-executive producer. Consulting producers are the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Shadrach Kabango, Dr. Rinaldo Walcott, and Ravyn Wngz.
  • SWAN SONG (Premieres Fall 2023, 4×60, Visitor Media, Mercury Films Inc. and Quiet Ghost)

SWAN SONG is an immersive, character-driven series following Karen Kain’s final year with the National Ballet of Canada, as she steps into the role of director for the first time with a monumental new production of Swan Lake. Following Kain and a diverse group of dancers from the rehearsal room to intimate moments at home to the backstage chaos of the highest-stakes opening night in the company’s 70-year history, SWAN SONG cuts through the pristine images projected by the world of ballet to reveal the human stories, sacrifices, conflicts and triumphs that drive the dazzling artistry.

  • TELLING OUR STORY (Premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 4×60; Terre Innue)

The 11 First Peoples in Quebec, Canada—Abenaki, Anishnabe, Atikamekw, Cree of Eeyou Istchee, Innu, Inuit, Mi’gmaq, Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk), Naskapi, Wendat, and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet)—are telling us who they are, in their own way and from their point of view: their worldview, their connection to the Territory, their spirituality, their values, their history going back thousands of years, their wounds, their struggles, their victories, and their hopes. Their stories give depth to our great collective narrative, decolonize history and minds, and honour the Ancestors and Mother Earth. Commissioned by CBC/Radio-Canada, TELLING OUR STORY is a celebration of our resistance, resilience, and revival. From award-winning Abenaki director Kim O’Bomsawin (Call Me Human, Quiet Killing) and a production team primarily made up of members of the First Peoples in all key positions, and offering on-set mentorship opportunities for Indigenous individuals.

  • FOR THE CULTURE WITH AMANDA PARRIS (Premieres Winter 2024 on CBC Gem, 6×60)

In this documentary series, award-winning writer, executive producer and host Amanda Parris leaves the wars raging on social media to create space for urgent and provocative conversations that centre Blackness and Black folks. Travelling to where the stories are, she’ll talk with cultural leaders, activists, scholars and everyday people – including writer and producer Larry Wilmore, best-selling author Bolu Babalola, comedian Gina Yashere and the “Robin Hood of Restitution” Mwazulu Diyabanza – about topics such as reparations, Black maternal health, the business of Black hair and more. Each episode will make transnational connections and push the conversation beyond the hashtags. Mixing travel, in-depth interviews and abbreviated history lessons, For the Culture will bring the conversations that have been taking place in the margins, and centre them in an insightful and entertaining way.

Returning Documentary Formats & Series:

  • THE PASSIONATE EYE (Premieres Fall 2023; 9×60 (+1×120 premiere))
  • THE NATURE OF THINGS (Season 63 premieres Winter 2024; 14×60)

CBC GEM ORIGINALS

  • THE BANNOCKING (Premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 6×10, Bad Bannock Productions)

A journalism student, Ellen Bear, returns home to uncover the truth about the abandoned residential school, but chaos ensues when residents of Bent Creek First Nations begin to show bizarre and violent behaviour, leaving everyone to ask: “What’s in the bannock?”

  • HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR (Premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 8×15, Sphere Media)

What happens when a star isn’t born? An adaptation of Vivek Shraya’s hit play and subsequent book, How To Fail as a Popstar answers this question with hilarity, vulnerability, a healthy dose of imagination, and of course, music. The series tracks the journey of Vivek, a young queer brown boy, growing up in Edmonton trying to achieve pop stardom and what went right and wrong along the way – from the perspective of the now 40-something trans feminine multidisciplinary artist that boy became. Starring Shraya, Adrian Pavone (Star Trek: Discovery), and Chris D’Silva (The Handmaid’s Tale). Written by Shraya and directed by Vanessa Matsui (Son of a Critch) with Shraya co-directing one episode.

  • I HATE PEOPLE, PEOPLE HATE ME (Premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 6×15, LoCo Motion Pictures)

Perpetually disturbed by the world around them, two friends navigate their lives as outliers in Toronto’s queer community. This offbeat comedy explores queer identity in a time when queerness has not only been mainstreamed, but commodified. Creator and writer Bobbi Summers poses the question – who wants to fit in with society anyway? The series stars Bobbi Summers and Lily Kazimiera.

  • ZARQA (Season 2 premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 6×11, FUNdamentalist Films)
  • FARM CRIME (Season 3 premieres 2024 on CBC Gem; 6×20; Big Cedar Films)

CBC KIDS

Building on CBC’s ongoing commitment to inspire, entertain and inform young audiences, CBC Kids will continue to share new programming for kids and tweens across all platforms this upcoming year, including over 500 hours of ad-free programming on CBC Gem. New live-action series for preschoolers include BESTEST DAY EVER WITH MY BEST FRIEND! (Monday, July 31 on CBC and CBC Gem; 20×7; Lopii Productions), celebrating the cherished relationships children have with their pets, and AUNTY B’S HOUSE (Fall 2023; 20×7; Headspinner Productions), about a foster home full of heart, humour, music and unconditional love. Cuteness overload MITTENS & PANTS (Monday, July 3 on CBC and CBC Gem; 42×7; Windy Isle Entertainment) returns for a second season this summer, continuing the adventures of the Mittens, the kitten, and Pants, the puppy, and their friends in Kibble Corners.

New animated series for preschoolers include CBC/Radio-Canada original MINI-JON AND MINI-MAPLE (Monday, July 31 on CBC and CBC Gem; 24×3.5; Happy Camper Media), based on the books by popular author and cartoonist Alex A. and a sibling series to Super Agent Jon Le Bon!, featuring a mini-clone of Jon Le Bon living in a top-secret spy agency and embarking on adventures with his best friend Mini-Maple, and DYLAN’S PLAYTIME ADVENTURES (Spring 2024; 52×11; 9 Story Media Group/Brown Bag Films), about a stripey dog who takes on a new pretend career in each episode and invites his friends and viewers to play along with him.

CBC SPORTS

Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic (July 26 – Aug. 11, 2024) and Paralympic (Aug. 28 – Sept. 8, 2024) Games, CBC SPORTS will continue to keep Canadians connected to the world of high-performance sport through coverage on CBC TV and CBC Gem, as well as live streams of key competitions and supporting digital content on cbcsports.ca and the CBC Sports app. Upcoming featured events include: World Aquatic Championships – Fukuoka 2023 (Japan, July 14 – 30); World Athletic Championships Budapest 2023 (Hungary, Aug. 19 – 27); 2023 Rugby Americas North Sevens – Olympic qualifier (Langford, B.C., Aug. 19 – 20); Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (Antwerp, Belgium, Oct. 1 – 8); and the Pan American Games (Santiago, Chile, Oct. 20 – Nov. 5). As Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic Network for the next decade, CBC will continue to offer high-quality storytelling that allows audiences to follow the journey of the athletes between Games, all the way to the podium.

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Production begins on new tween Murdoch Mysteries spinoff Macy Murdoch for CBC Gem

From a media release:

Shaftesbury announced today that production is now underway on Macy Murdoch (8×11), a new CBC Gem original tween series that follows the adventures of Detective William Murdoch’s time-travelling great-great-great-granddaughter. A spinoff of Shaftesbury and CBC’s hit long-running drama Murdoch Mysteries based on novels written by Maureen Jennings, the series is currently shooting in Toronto and will debut on CBC Gem in spring 2023.

Sixteen-year-old Macy is a forensic wunderkind who unravels a century-old mystery with the help of her two friends Zane and Billie. When a villain uses a time machine to frame famous Edwardian-era Detective William Murdoch for murder, Macy and her friends travel back in time to find the real perpetrator of the crime. Not only are the teens trying to crack a difficult case, but the trio are undercover, trying to solve a mystery in 1910 without the help of modern technology.

Macy Murdoch captures the playful, mystery-loving spirit of Murdoch Mysteries with Canadian Screen Award-winner Shailyn Pierre-Dixon (Pretty Hard Cases, The Book of Negroes) co-leading the series with Beau Han Bridge who plays Zane, and Raffa Virago as Billie. The series will have a special guest appearance by Spencer West, while Shanice Banton (“Mrs. Violet Hart”) and Lachlan Murdoch (“Constable Henry Higgins-Newsome”) from the beloved CBC series will appear in the series as guides to help the young detectives absolve Murdoch of a crime he did not commit.

The digital series is directed by Laurie Lynd with showrunner Jennifer Kassabian and Co-EP Robina Lord Stafford.  The series was initially developed by JP Larocque and Jessica Meya. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports; Marie McCann is Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC Kids; and Lisa Cinelli is Executive in Charge of Production, Children’s and Youth Programming.

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CBC announces fall 2022 premiere dates for new and returning series

From a media release:

CBC today announced broadcast and streaming premiere dates for its fall 2022 slate of new and returning programming, including 26 original series and specials from Canadian creators, producers, and storytellers reflecting people, places and perspectives from across the country. The new fall primetime schedule launches Monday, September 12 on CBC TV and CBC Gem.

CBC and CBC Gem Fall 2022 Primetime Schedule launching Monday, September 12:
All following times are local. For Newfoundland and Labrador, please add half an hour to all times.

MONDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4 (104×30) Mondays to Thursdays; premieres the week of September 12
8 PM – MURDOCH MYSTERIES Season 16 (24×60) premieres September 12
9 PM – THE NORTH WATER (6×60) premieres September 12
9 PM – RIDLEY ROAD (4×60) premieres October 24
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

TUESDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4 (104×30) Mondays to Thursdays; premieres the week of September 12
8 PM – THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES Season 30 (24×30) premieres September 13
8:30 PM – STRAYS Season 2 (10×30) premieres September 13
9 PM – COMEDY NIGHT WITH RICK MERCER (8×60) premieres September 13
9 PM – SORT OF Season 2 (8×30) premieres November 15 with back-to-back episodes
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

WEDNESDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4 (104×30) Mondays to Thursdays; premieres the week of September 12
8 PM – SUMMIT ‘72 (4×60) premieres September 14
8 PM – DIGGSTOWN Season 4 (6×60) premieres October 12
9 PM – WAR OF THE WORLDS Season 3 (8×60) premieres September 14
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

THURSDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4 (104×30) Mondays to Thursdays; premieres the week of September 12
8 PM – DRAGONS’ DEN Season 17 (10×60) premieres September 15
9 PM – THE FIFTH ESTATE Season 48 (16×60) premieres September 29
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

FRIDAYS
7 PM – CORONATION STREET (continuing weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 16)
7:30 PM – CORONATION STREET (weekdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m.)
8 PM – THE PASSIONATE EYE (9×60, 1×120) premieres September 16 with Jennifer Baichwal’s INTO THE WEEDS before moving to its regular 9 PM timeslot
8 PM – MARKETPLACE Season 50 (16×30, 1×60) premieres October 7 with a one-hour 50th anniversary special
8:30 PM – TRAVEL MAN: 48 HOURS IN… (8×30) premieres October 14
9 PM – THE PASSIONATE EYE (9×60, 1×120) continues September 23 in its regular 9 PM timeslot
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

SATURDAYS
Afternoons – CBC SPORTS
Evenings – Canadian feature films continue
Evenings – HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA beginning in October

SUNDAYS
7 PM – HEARTLAND Season 16 (15×60) premieres October 2
8 PM – THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW Season 6 (9×60) premieres October 2
9 PM – MOONSHINE Season 2 (8×60) premieres October 2
10 PM – THE NATIONAL

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