From a media release:

Shaftesbury Films is thrilled to announce its one-hour drama series Murdoch Mysteries has been renewed for a second season by Citytv. Starring Yannick Bisson as Detective William Murdoch, this Victorian era crime investigation series increased its audience by 70 per cent* throughout the first season; a testament to its growing popularity with viewers.
 
“The audience for the first season of Murdoch Mysteries just kept growing week by week. It is hugely gratifying to reach such a large audience for Citytv,” said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO, Shaftesbury Films.  “The success in Canada has been mirrored both in the UK and internationally through the sales efforts of Granada International.  We are delighted to have the series renewed by Citytv and the rest of our partners.”
 
Based on Maureen Jennings’s critically acclaimed Detective Murdoch Mystery novels, Murdoch Mysteries is set in 1895 Toronto, and explores the intriguing world of William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), a handsome young detective using radical forensic techniques to solve some of the city’s most gruesome murders. Murdoch’s small circle of confidantes includes pathologist Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy), a staunch ally who shares the detective’s fascination with forensic science, and Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), Murdoch’s eager but inexperienced right-hand man. Though his unconventional approach elicits skepticism from his boss, Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig), Murdoch is often the only one who can crack the case.