From a media release:

SHOWCASE AMPS UP THE DRAMA THIS FALL

• Air dates set for extraordinary new Canadian productions Copper, World Without End and Beauty and the Beast
• Fall schedule launches on August 26

Showcase unveils its strongest schedule ever with eight new and returning exclusive series. The home of the best original content, the channel debuts three brand-new Canadian scripted dramas this fall and welcomes a critically acclaimed series back for a third season. Showcase offers Canadians the biggest variety in homegrown programming, from 1860s rebel cop drama, Copper to the television adaptation of World Without End, with Cynthia Nixon leading an all-star cast. The classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast gets revamped and sci-fi series Haven returns for an action-packed third season.

It’s time to break out the brass knuckles for the highly anticipated series premiere of gritty cop drama, Copper. The gripping crime series set in 1860s New York City focuses on Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones; MI-5), an intense, rugged Irish-immigrant cop working the city’s notorious Five Points neighbourhood. Struggling to maintain his moral compass in a turbulent world, Corcoran forms a bond with two Civil War compatriots with whom he shares a secret from their experience on the battlefield. Created by the multiple award-winning team of Barry Levinson (Good Morning Vietnam, Oz) and Tom Fontana, (Oz, Homicide: Life on the Street, The Borgias), Copper premieres Sunday, August 26 at 9 p.m. ET.

From producer Ridley Scott, the television adaptation of Ken Follett’s bestselling novel World Without End has its world broadcast premiere exclusively on Showcase. Starring Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City), Tom Weston-Jones (Copper), Miranda Richardson (Merlin), Carlo Rota (Little Mosque on the Prairie) and Sarah Gadon (Cosmopolis) the sweeping epic drama follows Caris (Charlotte Riley), a visionary young woman struggling to rise above the suffering and oppression of the 14th century. Together with her lover Merthin (Weston-Jones), Caris unearths a dangerous secret that could ultimately crumble The Crown and The Church forever. Rounding out the cast are Ben Chaplin, Peter Firth and Megan Follows. World Without End premieres Tuesday, September 4 at 10 p.m. ET.

From the classic fairytale comes a riveting, fresh take on Beauty and the Beast, starring Kristin Kreuk (Smallville). After witnessing her mother’s murder 10 years ago, Catherine (Kreuk) knows her life would have been taken too if it wasn’t for someone – or something – that saved her. Now a smart, no-nonsense homicide detective, Catherine discovers Dr. Vincent Keller (Jay Ryan; Terra Nova), the man who saved her life, but has been in hiding due to his beastly instincts. In exchange for information on her mother’s murder, Catherine agrees to protect Dr. Keller’s true identity, forging the beginning of a complex relationship. Beauty and the Beast premieres Thursday, October 11 at 9 p.m. ET. New seasons of returning hit series explode with all new episodes.

From a media release:

THE INTERNATIONAL HIT PRESCHOOL FRANCHISE “THIS IS…” GETS THE GREENLIGHT FOR SERIES THREE

Sinking Ship Entertainment and marblemedia are pleased to announce that the hit pre-school franchise “This Is…” (“This is Daniel Cook,” “This is Emily Yeung”) returns to Treehouse for a third series with two soon-to-be announced new hosts. Production begins this summer on “This is…” series three (52 x 7 minutes) with an anticipated launch in Fall 2013 on Treehouse. Series one and two of this popular live-action franchise have been sold to broadcasters in over 100 countries to date.

“There’s nothing more special than seeing a kid experience something for the very first time. ‘This is…’ is all about childhood firsts; first adventures, first tastes, first tries,” said J.J. Johnson, Co-Creator, Director and Co-Executive producer of “This Is…” at Sinking Ship Entertainment. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have another chance to capture these heart warming moments for a new generation of kids. Here we are! (Again!)”

“We are very proud to once again collaborate with Sinking Ship and Treehouse on this beloved series that celebrates every child’s firsts,” said Mark Bishop, Co-CEO and Executive Producer, marblemedia. “Together with their parents, fans will also be invited to interact online through the show’s exploratory interactive environment.”

“‘This is Daniel Cook’ was a legacy hit for Treehouse and a huge success charming audiences around the world,” said Jocelyn Hamilton, Vice President, Original Programming, Kids, Comedy, Drama, Corus Entertainment. “The ‘This is…” franchise was enjoyed by kids and their parents. We look forward to seeing the next chapter.”

Each installment of “This Is…,” features one of the pre-school hosts exploring, having adventures, learning, and sharing newfound knowledge with other kids. In every episode, six minutes will be spent with one of the hosts learning about an activity, and one minute will be spent with them teaching it to another child. The show has an avid following among children and parents alike, as both are drawn to the charm of the children hosts, as well as the seamlessly integrated educational elements.

marblemedia’s partner company Distribution360 (www.distribution360.com) will be handling all international television, interactive and format sales for the series.