CBC cancels Trickster

From a media release:

We have had many conversations over the last few weeks with a view to continuing production on a second season of Trickster. Those conversations included producers, writers, actors, and the author of the books on which Trickster is based.

Fully respecting everyone’s perspective, season two will not move forward as planned, unfortunately.

CBC is extremely proud we were able to bring this compelling story to the screen and are grateful to the many talented individuals who made it possible.

We are as committed as ever to telling other important Indigenous stories, of which there are many. In fact, CBC currently has eight such scripted projects in development and we look forward to sharing more details about what’s next in the coming months.

Statement from author Eden Robinson:

“One of the best parts of 2020 was watching the young, Indigenous cast soar. The outpouring of support for the first season was magical. I’m deeply grateful that CBC and Sienna respect this situation. It gives me hope that future collaborations with Indigenous creatives can be done with care and integrity.” 

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7 thoughts on “CBC cancels Trickster”

  1. Michelle Latimer already quit the show, so I’m really struggling to understand why they can’t just give it to a new writer and director. I can easily think of numerous indigenous writers and filmmakers who’d do an excellent job taking the helm, so why kill the show instead of just restaffing it?

    1. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re using the controversy as a cover to get out of a show that wasn’t doing well. It would explain why they waited until after its U.S. launch (which was a dud) to make this decision public. I imagine if it did well, money would find a way to fix things.

      According to Bill Brioux, the first season averaged 180,000 live viewers on CBC. Those are weak numbers for a drama and worse off, it was losing half of the audience from the series aired in the time slot before it. Even adding 7 days of DVR viewership (which is worthless to advertisers as most fast forward through the commercials), the show was only pulling in around 300,000 total. Those are cancelation numbers. Diggstown has skated by on a similarly small audience, but that show likely has the budget to match.

  2. Exactly… the CBC can claim otherwise but i think it absolutely has to do with the controversy. I agree with Craig S…why not just give it to another showrunner? Unless the existing team was so upset by the issue they didn’t want to continue a project that was started by that director…who knows. Too bad, it was an interesting, trippy series

    1. I think Ms. Robinson wanted the show cancelled, after feeling tricked by Latimer.

      Check out the “unfortunately” and such in the CBC’s statement vs. Robinson being “deeply greatful.”

  3. The show is truly unique and fascinating. Thanks to all for your extraordinary work. Looking forward to catching it again on the CW in L.A.!

  4. Latimer would continue to partially own the rights and would continue to make royalties and profit from international sales and be credited on the series. I think that’s a big reason why those involved wouldn’t have felt comfortable for it to continue. I wouldn’t if I was in their place.

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