Producers Bruce Hills Entertainment, Counterfeit Pictures, and Hemmings Films are pleased to announce that they will go into production on Stand Up For Canada Starring Rick Mercer, a new one-hour comedy special set to premiere on CBC and CBC Gem. Timing for the premiere will be confirmed at a later date.
Set to film in front of a live audience in Saint John, New Brunswick on October 17, the special will capture a night on Rick Mercer’s wildly successful coast-to-coast comedy tour, which continues through October 2025, and is presented by MRG Live and Bruce Hills Entertainment. Mercer is joined by Canadian comedians Sophie Buddle, Mayce Galoni and Julie Kim, and performed 28 shows across 20 cities, with 24 sold-out venues and more than 40,000 tickets sold.
The Stand Up For Canada Starring Rick Mercer special promises to deliver a funny, insightful and heartfelt celebration of Canada through the comedy of one of the country’s most beloved voices, as well as a new generation of rising stand-up stars. Together, Mercer, Buddle, Galoni and Kim will shine a light on the diverse perspectives, stories and humour that make Canada’s comedy scene one of the richest in the world.
Stand Up For Canada Starring Rick Mercer is produced by Bruce Hills Entertainment, Counterfeit Pictures, and Hemmings Films, in association with CBC.
Cineflix unveils a first look at Cirque Life, the highly anticipated new docuseries premiering winter 2026 on CBC and CBC Gem in Canada. The five one-hour episodes offer an unprecedented behind-the-scenes journey into the vibrant world of LUZIA, one of Cirque du Soleil’s most celebrated shows.
Cirque Life follows the extraordinary cast and crew as they return to Montréal—home to Cirque du Soleil—for the first time since the show’s 2016 debut. Over one unforgettable summer under the big top, cameras capture the exhilarating highs and relentless demands of up to ten shows a week during a spectacular four-month run.
From the hoop diver captain and veteran contortionist to the band leader and pole soloist, the series spotlights the remarkable individuals who bring Cirque du Soleil’s artistry to life. Balancing jaw-dropping acrobatics, the pressures of performance, and the realities of life in the limelight, Cirque Life is an immersive, heartwarming, and inspiring celebration of the human spirit—and the commitment it takes to be part of this iconic troupe.
“With Cirque Life, we want to give audiences an authentic window into the extraordinary world of Cirque du Soleil—beyond the spotlight and into the heart of the people who make the magic happen. These are incredible artists, but they’re also people facing real-life choices that come from making a life on the road. Their dedication, self-discipline, and resilience are awe-inspiring, and we’re thrilled to share their stories in a way that celebrates the human spirit as much as the spectacle,” said Tanya Blake, Executive Producer, Cineflix.
Cirque Life is produced by Cineflix for CBC in Canada. Cineflix Rights is the worldwide distribution partner for the series. The Executive Producers include Tanya Blake and J.C. Mills for Cineflix; with Susan Levison and Richard Lowell for Cirque du Soleil.
CBC and Sphere Media today announced that production is underway on the second season of menopause comedy SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS (8×30). Created by and starring Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen and produced by Sphere Media, the new season will continue to follow Julie (Whalen) and Kris (MacNeill) as they redefine menopause and friendship — finding strength and humour in a bond they didn’t initially want, but now depend on, to survive the gauntlet of symptoms and life changes challenging them. Filmed in Hamilton and Toronto, season two will premiere on CBC and CBC Gem in winter 2026. Audiences can watch season one of SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS on the free CBC Gem streaming service.
“It’s been incredible to see such an engaged and positive response to Small Achievable Goals,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content, CBC. “Jennifer, Meredith and the team at Sphere have created something uniquely hilarious and equally moving. There is a lot to explore in the menopause experience, and season two isn’t afraid to go there.”
“We’re very excited to explore the further adventures of odd couple Julie and Kris, as they experience the roller coaster ride that is menopause,” shared Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen, creators, stars and executive producers of the series.
“We’re thrilled to be underway on production of season two, and to be working again with Small Achievable Goals’ amazing cast, crew, and partners at CBC,” said Elise Cousineau, VP Content, English Scripted, for Sphere Media. “We’re excited for audiences to reconnect with Kris, Julie, and the entire cast of characters.”
In addition to MacNeill and Whalen, cast returning for season two of SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS are Alexander Nunez (Moonshine), Paul Braunstein (Hudson & Rex), Jon Dore (The Jon Dore Television Show), Tricia Black (Pretty Hard Cases), Georgie Murphy (Safehaven), Leslie Adlam (Slumberland), Kevin Whalen (Baroness von Sketch Show), Tamara Podemski (Murderbot), Kiori Mirza Waldman and Evan Mok. Billy MacLellan (Nobody) and Jackie Richardson (Pretty Hard Cases) will guest star this season.
A CBC Original Series, SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS is produced by Sphere Media. The series is created by Jennifer Whalen and Meredith MacNeill (Baroness von Sketch Show), who also serve as Executive Producers alongside Sphere Media’s Jennifer Kawaja, Bruno Dubé and Elise Cousineau. The series is produced with the participation of the Bell Fund and Canada Media Fund (CMF).
Lark Productions today announced that the highly anticipated third season of CBC original drama ALLEGIANCE (10×60) is currently shooting in-studio and on-location in and around the Lower Mainland through November 6, 2025.
Uniquely set in Surrey, BC, the high-octane police drama has quickly become a fan favourite since its debut in February 2024 on CBC, and continues to garner high praise. Among the accolades to date include 2025 Canadian Screen Awards for the series’ two leads, Supinder Wraich (Sort Of) who received Best Lead Performer in a Drama Series and Enrico Colantoni (English Teacher) who received Best Supporting Performer in a Drama Series. Known for its powerful and relevant storytelling, shared through a diverse and complex roster of characters, ALLEGIANCEhas generated a noteworthy buzz among the television industry and viewing audiences alike. Wraich and Colantoni reprise their starring roles as Sabrina Sohal and Vince Brambilla, respectively, and Samer Salem (The Expanse, The Boys) returns as Detective Corporal Zak Kalaini alongside series regulars Stephen Lobo, Adolyn H. Dar, David Cubitt, Toby Levins, Melanie Papalia, Andres Joseph and Carmen Moore.
Penny Gummerson(Cardinal, Trickster), who received the 2025 LEO Award for Best Screenwriting for theALLEGIANCE episode titled “The Legacy”, and Ley Lukins (Coroner, Saving Hope, Lost Girl) together serve as the Season 3 showrunners.
Still reeling from an investigation gone awry, Sabrina’s feelings about her career at CFPC are up in the air in season 3. In the season opener, she has put her badge on the table and is reluctant to get back at it, but Superintendent Bolton calls her to task which leads Sabrina on a propulsive border security case. With the support of her mentor, Vince, she faces the consequences of having gone rogue in a high-stakes situation which continues to linger within her department especially with her partner, Detective Kalaini.
“Building upon the momentum of our first two seasons, we hit the ground running on Allegianceseason 3. It’s great to be back, and we are excited for the creative opportunity to further develop our characters, the dynamics and explore more compelling storylines alongside our audiences on CBC and CBC Gem,” said Erin Haskett, President, Lark Productions.
A CBC Original series, ALLEGIANCE is produced by Lark Productions in association with Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, with NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution managing global sales. Penny Gummerson, Ley Lukins, and series creator Anar Ali serve as Executive Producers alongside Lark Productions’ Erin Haskett, Nicole Mendes, David Valleau, Tex Antonucci, and season 3 director Nimisha Mukerji. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports; Trish Williams is Executive Director, Scripted Content; Sarah Adams is Director of Current Production, Drama; and Gosia Kamela is Executive in Charge of Production.
CBC today announced streaming and broadcast premiere dates for its fall 2025 slate of new and returning programming on CBC Gem and CBC TV, including more than 30 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
LOCALS WELCOMENew Factual Series (10×30) – Premieres Sunday, October 5 (9 p.m.)
LOCALS WELCOME is a celebration of the lesser-known food places that make up the fabric of Canada’s rich and diverse communities. Hosted by food writer Suresh Doss, the series puts food back where it belongs: in a take-out container. Outside a strip mall. On the hood of a parked car. From his home base of Scarborough, Suresh will zig zag across Toronto, explore Montreal and even journey to Richmond, BC – all in service of helping Canadians understand the fascinating and transformative power of the foods that connect us all. Featured special guests include Matty Matheson, Ann Pornel and David Schwartz.
THE ASSEMBLYNew Factual Series (6×30 on CBC Gem, 3×60 on CBC TV) – Premieres Thursday, November 6 (9 p.m.)
In each episode of this unique entertainment series based on the hit international format, one of Canada’s most popular celebrities and public figures faces a group of 30 atypical interviewers, all on the autism spectrum. Featured celebrity guests include Jann Arden, Allan Hawco, Howie Mandel, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, with more to be announced.
Returning Series
CORONATION STREET – ongoing (weekdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 7:30 p.m.)
THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES (21×30) Season 33 – Premieres Tuesday, September 16 (8 p.m.)
JUST FOR LAUGHS GAGS (11×30) – Premieres Tuesday, September 16 (8:30 p.m.)
THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUPSeason 6 (4×30) – Premieres Tuesday, September 16 at 9:30 p.m. on CBC TV (all episodes available beginning Friday, August 29 on CBC Gem)
THE PASSIONATE EYE (9×60 + 1×120) – Premieres Wednesday, September 17 (8 p.m., 9 p.m. beginning September 24)
THE PASSIONATE EYE returns with a new season of thought-provoking original documentaries, beginning with LILITH FAIR: BUILDING A MYSTERY, telling the story of and challenges faced by the groundbreaking music festival started by iconic Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan and her team in the late 1990s.
DRAGONS’ DEN Season 20 (12×60) – Premieres Thursday, September 25 (8 p.m.)
In this milestone 20th anniversary season, DRAGONS’ DEN welcomes Celebrity Guest Dragon, Drew Scott, Property Brother and Co-Founder of Scott Brothers Global, and revisits some of the most memorable deals from the past two decades, spotlighting exciting new innovations and sharing stories from entrepreneurs that represent the best of Canada.
PLAN BSeason 3 (6×60) – Premieres Thursday, September 25 at 9 p.m. on CBC TV (streaming now on CBC Gem)
HEARTLAND Season 19 (10×60) – Premieres Sunday, October 5 (7 p.m.)
THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOWSeason 9 (8×60) – Premieres Sunday, October 5 (8 p.m.)
FAMILY FEUD CANADA – (64×30) Season 7 – Premieres Monday, October 6 (7:30 p.m.), airing four nights a week, Monday to Thursday
THE NATURE OF THINGSSeason 65 (14×60) – Premieres Wednesday, October 29 (8 p.m.)
FOR THE CULTURE WITH AMANDA PARRIS Season 2 (6×60) – All episodes available beginning November 28 on CBC Gem
Heartland
CBC News
ABOUT THAT WITH ANDREW CHANG (11×30) – Premieres Friday, September 19 at 8:30 p.m. on CBC TV (Available weekday mornings on CBC Gem and the CBC News streaming channel)
MARKETPLACESeason 53 (15×30) – Premieres Friday, September 26 (8 p.m.)
THE FIFTH ESTATESeason 51 (14×60) – Premieres Friday, October 10 (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), guest hosts on Friday and Ian Hanomansing on Sunday.
CBC MORNING LIVE WITH HEATHER HISCOX (Weekday mornings on CBC News Network)
After 20 years of bringing Canadians the news they need as they start their day, on November 6 Heather Hiscox bids farewell in front of a live audience at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto. More details to be announced soon.
POWER & POLITICS WITH DAVID COCHRANE (Weeknights on CBC News Network)
HANOMANSING TONIGHT (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)
Looking ahead to Team Canada’s participation at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, CBC SPORTS will continue to follow high-performance winter sport athletes including at Skate Canada International (Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 in Saskatoon) and IBSF Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Cups (Nov. 21 – Jan. 18 across various European venues). The fall season also includes the World Boxing Championships (Sept. 4-14 in Liverpool), 2025 World Athletics Championships (Sept. 12-21 in Tokyo), World Rowing Championships (Sept. 20-28 in Shanghai) and the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup (Oct. 23-25 in Toronto). CBC SPORTS will once again offer coverage of the U Sports Championships (Oct. 29 – Nov 22 and March 5-22), including the Vanier Cup (Nov. 22 in Regina), showcasing Canada’s top university and college athletes, as well as the remaining games of the Northern Super League inaugural season, including the first-ever NSL championship game (Nov. 15 in Toronto).
The Assembly
CBC Kids Originals
HEY JOOJO!New Live-Action Series – Premieres Monday, September 1 on CBC TV
A brand new live-action short-format series for kids aged 4-6 that peeks into the everyday adventures of Joojo (Joojo Paintsil), his cousin Gary the Unicorn, and their friendly neighbours in their funky apartment home, with guest stars including Canadian icon Mike Myers, and kids TV veteran Patty Sullivan.
THE UNSTOPPABLE JENNY GARCIA New Tween Series (8×12) – All episodes available beginning Friday, September 5 on CBC Gem
Written by Catherine Hernandez (novel Scarborough and its film adaptation) for a tween audience, THE UNSTOPPABLE JENNY GARCIA follows a 13-year-old hip-hop dancer as her life is disrupted by the news that she has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and she must navigate a new path full of treatments and hospital stays while trying to make room for friends and fun.
TOOPY & BINOO – FABULOUS ADVENTURESAnimated Series Reboot (39×7) – Premieres Saturday, October 25 on CBC TV and CBC Gem
A reboot of the iconic Canadian preschool buddy comedy for CBC/Radio-Canada brings back the delightful duo of Toopy, the clumsy mouse, and Binoo, the quiet cat. This 2D-animated series will introduce new imaginative stories and whimsical adventures to a fresh generation of viewers, continuing the legacy of the original.
DINO RANCH: ISLAND EXPLORERSNew Animated Series (26×22) – Premieres Saturday, November 8 on CBC TV and CBC Gem
This DINO RANCH spinoff sees the Cassidy Kids, also known as The Dino Ranchers, embark on the adventure of a lifetime on legendary Dino Island, a lost world teeming with undiscovered dinosaurs and mysterious locations.
IT’S ANDREW! (formerly known as ANDREW THE BIG BIG UNICORN) New Animated Series (40×7) – Premieres Friday, December 5 on CBC Gem and Wednesday, December 10 on CBC TV
This new animated series for CBC/Radio-Canada and ABC Australia follows Andrew, a wide-eyed, joyful young rhino bursting with creativity as he navigates life as a big BIG unicorn in the ever-surprising world of Hornsby Downs.
Returning Kids Series
MINI-JON AND MINI-MAPLE Season 3 (36×4) – Premieres Monday, September 1 on CBC Gem and Monday, September 8 on CBC TV
JEREMY & JAZZYSeason 3 (22×2) – Premieres Monday, September 1 on CBC Gem and Monday, September 8 on CBC TV
PLAYING WITH STU Season 2 (11×1) – Premieres Monday, September 1 on CBC Gem and Monday, September 8 on CBC TV
GO TOGOSeason 2 (31×5) – Premieres Monday, December 1 on CBC Gem and CBC TV
