From a media release:
DHX Media Ltd., a leading independent international producer and distributor of television programming and interactive content is pleased to announce that Global Television, a Canwest Broadcasting network has commissioned a second season of the primetime original drama series, The Guard, which begins production in Vancouver, BC in June and is slated for broadcast in the 2008-09 season. The series is a co-production between DHX Media’s subsidiary, Halifax Film and Vancouver based Brightlight Pictures Inc, for Global Television.
The Guard is a one-hour character-driven, ensemble drama series that focuses on the lives of four imperfect, offbeat and sometimes difficult, but heroic Coast Guard rescue specialists looking for meaning in their own lives while enduring the daily dangers of life out on the Pacific Ocean. Audiences were captivated by these west coast heroes, as Season I of the series launched with over 800,000 viewers and The Guard was the #1 new Canadian Original in the key demo Adults 18-49.
Charles Bishop, President, Halifax Film said, “We are thrilled to partner once again with Global Television to produce a second season of The Guard. The additional season will continue to help us secure significant international sales.”
Notice that they didn’t mention the number of episodes being produced? Technically “next season” is just the remainder of Season 1 which they decided to chop in half and call two seasons.
I liked The Guard. Time will tell if it gets REAL network support.
Yeah, I’m a little confused by the messaging they’ve put out on its production, but I have to say, especially for Global, they’ve given it more support than most of their homegrown shows. It had the same timeslot throughout its run, airing after House, and decent promotion. Ratings went down throughout the run, so I suspect it will be yet another of Global’s red headed stepchildren soon enough.
I’d still like to know why they are replacing the lead woman. I’d bet its because of DJE, who is a dick.
The have picked the show up for nine episodes, and attached to the final five, that will mean that they will air a full fourteen, not just the remaining five.