Tag Archives: CBC

The Assembly returns for Season 2, November 1 on CBC and CBC Gem

From a media release:

CBC today announced the six celebrities who will be in the hot seat in season two of the groundbreaking, award-winning unscripted series THE ASSEMBLY (6×30): actor Hudson Williams (Heated Rivalry), three-time Olympic gold medalist Marie-Philip Poulin, actor Jay Baruchel (This Is the End), Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull (North of North), singer-songwriter Lights and actor Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover). THE ASSEMBLY premieres on CBC Gem and CBC TV beginning Sunday, November 1 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT). Special extended “Producer’s Cuts” will be available exclusively on CBC Gem the same day starting at 9 a.m. ET.

Season two of THE ASSEMBLY features the cast of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers audiences loved from its first season and welcomes additional new interviewers. Each episode sees a different celebrity take part in an ask-anything interview complete with unpredictable and direct questions. THE ASSEMBLY is a global sensation that delivers profound revelation, authentic conversations, some tears and a lot of laughs.

“The response to The Assembly’s first season was incredible,” says Jennifer Dettman, Executive Director, Unscripted Content, CBC. “Our interviewers bring such a fresh, honest energy to the traditional talk show, and we’re excited to showcase more engaging conversations with some of the most well-known national and international celebrities.”

“This season of The Assembly is full of surprises and promises to deliver even more of the heart, humour and authentic conversations that can only happen on a show like this,” says executive producer Stephen Sawchuk. “It has been such a great journey for Small Army Entertainment, our interviewers, crew and guests,” continues executive producer Sean De Vries. “Being back for a second season shows that the series is resonating with audiences. It’s heartening to have a hit show that thrives on authentic human connection.”

THE ASSEMBLY has won numerous awards since its debut last fall, including a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction, a Golden Sheaf Award at Yorkton Film Festival, three Telly Awards and it was nominated for the prestigious Banff Rockie Award. The show’s format is an adaptation of French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, which launched in 2022 on France 2 with guests including Killing Eve star Camille Cottin and President Emmanuel Macron. Now a global hit, other iterations of THE ASSEMBLY have featured guests including Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, David Tennant, Sir Stephen Fry and Sam Neil, among other major international stars.

THE ASSEMBLY is produced by Small Army Entertainment for CBC, with executive producers Sean De Vries and Stephen Sawchuk.

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Filming underway on Season 3 of CBC original hit drama Saint-Pierre

From a media release:

CBC and Hawco Productions today announced that production is underway in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, France, on the third season of the hit drama SAINT-PIERRE (12 x 60). The series is produced by Hawco Productions for CBC and CBC Gem, with FIFTH SEASON managing global distribution.

CBC’s most-watched drama series*, SAINT-PIERRE follows Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donald Fitzpatrick (Fitz) — exiled to work in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the French Territory nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean — who is partnered with Deputy Chief Geneviève Archambault (Arch), a Parisian transplant there for her own intriguing reason. Although the islands seem like a quaint tourist destination, the idyllic façade conceals the worst kind of criminal activity. As they solve thrilling crimes and share family secrets, their partnership evolves to friendship — Arch and Fitz know they’ll always be there for each other.

Joining the show for season three are French-Moroccan actor Assaad Bouab (Call My Agent!, Bad Sisters) and Caroline Dhavernas (Mary Kills People, Hannibal). Bouab takes on the role of Pascal Lalonde, a highly-decorated Officer from Mainland France sent to Saint-Pierre because of his stellar record in taking down criminal organizations — skills desperately needed in a post-Gallagher crime world. Dhavernas plays well-educated and forward-thinking businesswoman Victoria Peters, who has plans to put Saint-Pierre on the map as a world-class tourist destination, and who forms a strong and instant connection with Fitz.

Bouad and Dhavernas join series stars Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle, Caught, Jack Ryan) and French star Joséphine Jobert (Death in Paradise), who lead the cast as Arch and Fitz, appearing alongside Benz Antoine (Four Brothers, Get Rich or Die Tryin’), Erika Prevost (The Boys, Dare Me), and Jean-Michel Le Gal (Paris Paris, Accused) who round out the ensemble. Fresh off six Canadian Screen Award nominations for the first season, season three of Saint-Pierre will premiere on CBC and CBC Gem in winter 2027.

“We’re thankful to CBC, FIFTH SEASON, and our global audience for supporting us from the very beginning,” says Hawco. “The opportunity to return for Season 3 gives us the chance to make the most of our experienced production team and bring even more to the show’s visuals. With top talent and the islands’ unique setting, we’re creating a season that is both visually compelling and internationally ambitious.”

A CBC original series, Saint-Pierre is produced by Hawco Productions with FIFTH SEASON managing global distribution. Allan Hawco and Robina Lord-Stafford are Executive Producers and Showrunners. Executive Producers are Janine Squires, Erin Sullivan, and John Vatcher. Season three Directors include Winnifred Jong, Sharon Lewis, Vanessa Matsui, TJ Scott, and John Vatcher.

Image courtesy of Derm Carberry.

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Production underway in British Columbia on Season 4 of Allegiance

From a media release:

CBC and Lark Productions today announced that Season 4 of the international hit ALLEGIANCE (10×60) is currently shooting in-studio and on-location throughout BC’s Lower Mainland. This follows the series’ recent award for Best Dramatic Series at the 2026 LEO Awards.

“With compelling new storylines and fresh character dynamics we have much more to cover in season 4 and beyond which is a testament to our writers and the characters our cast expertly brings to life”, said Erin Haskett, President, Lark Productions.

Season 4 opens with a major victory—ACOC is finally gone. The takedown is complete, the dust is settling, and a new chapter begins. But peace doesn’t last long. This season, Sabrina Sohal (Supinder Wraich) fights harder than ever to protect her community from an ongoing crisis, but it pushes her to the edge—professionally, personally and emotionally. Every battle forces her to confront the limits of her own perspective, especially when her family becomes involved. 

Returning cast members include Supinder Wraich, Enrico Colantoni, Stephen Lobo, Adolyn H. Dar, Samer Salem, David Cubitt, Melanie Papalia and Carmen Moore. Adding to ALLEGIANCE’s growing list of accolades, Salem was awarded the 2026 LEO for Best Supporting Performance – Dramatic Series for his portrayal of Zak Kalaini. 

Nikolijne Troubetzkoy (Sight Unseen, Killjoys) joins Penny Gummerson (Cardinal, Trickster) to serve as co-showrunners for ALLEGIANCE Season 4.

A CBC Original series, Allegiance is produced by Lark Productions in association with Universal Global Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution manage global sales. Penny Gummerson, Nikolijne Troubetzkoy, and series creator Anar Ali serve as Executive Producers alongside Lark Productions’ Erin Haskett, Nicole Mendes, David Valleau and Tex Antonucci.

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CBC renews fan-favourite original series Saint-Pierre for a third season

From a media release:

SAINT-PIERRE, the CBC original police procedural drama, has been renewed for a third season, with filming in Newfoundland and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon beginning July. The 12 x 60’ series is produced by Hawco Productions for CBC and CBC Gem, with global film & TV studio FIFTH SEASON handling global distribution. Furthering its global footprint, the series is available on Sky in New Zealand, Disney+ across Eastern Europe and Belgium, ABC in Australia, FreeTV in Israel, BBC Studios in the Netherlands and Poland, on U&Alibi in the United Kingdom, and is set to launch on France Télévisions later this year.

Following a breakout first and second season, SAINT-PIERRE has earned six Canadian Screen Award Nominations (2026) for season one, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Performer (Allan Hawco), and also secured a Top 5 nomination for the 2026 Cogeco Fund Audience Choice Award.

French star Joséphine Jobert (Death in Paradise) and Canadian star Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle, Caught, Jack Ryan) lead the cast playing Arch and Fitz, Benz Antoine (Four Brothers, Get Rich or Die Tryin’), Erika Prevost (The Boys, Dare Me) and Jean-Michel Le Gal (Paris Paris, Accused) rounding out the stellar team.

Exiled to work in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon — the French Territory nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean — Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donald Fitzpatrick (Fitz) is partnered with Deputy Chief Geneviève Archambault (Arch), a Parisian transplant there for her own intriguing reason. Although the islands seem like a quaint tourist destination, the idyllic façade conceals the worst kind of criminal activity.

Through solving the thrilling crimes and sharing family secrets, their partnership evolves to friendship — Arch and Fitz know they’ll be there for each other… always.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from CBC, our incredible partners at FIFTH SEASON, and the worldwide fans who have embraced the show from the very beginning,” say series creators Allan Hawco and Robina Lord-Stafford. “Returning to Newfoundland and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon for Season 3 is especially exciting, as these locations are such an important part of the show’s identity. We’re looking forward to building on the momentum of the first two seasons and bringing audiences even more of the mystery, unexpected twists, and character dynamics that make this world so special.”

Ava Knight, Director, Acquisitions at FIFTH SEASON, said: “Audiences around the world have embraced SAINT-PIERRE for its breathtaking setting, gripping mysteries and the irresistible dynamic between Arch and Fitz. Following the global success of the first two seasons, Season 3 raises the stakes in every sense with bold new investigations, evolving relationships and unexpected twists that expand the world of the series in compelling new ways. We’re thrilled to partner on a new season of SAINT-PIERRE that delivers even more intrigue, escapism and propulsive storytelling.”

SAINT-PIERRE is executive produced by Janine Squires, Erin Sullivan, Robina Lord-Stafford, John Vatcher and Allan Hawco. Lord-Stafford, and Hawco serve as Showrunners. The first two seasons of SAINT-PIERRE are available to stream on CBC Gem.

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CBC and BBC Northern Ireland greenlight new romantic comedy series Committed, starring Dustin Milligan and Diona Doherty

From a media release:

CBC and BBC Northern Ireland today announced the greenlight of new original comedy series Committed (10×30), starring Dustin Milligan (Schitt’s Creek, Hot Frosty) and Diona Doherty (Derry Girls, Blue Lights). The series follows Canadian Peter Hooley (Milligan), a recently divorced accountant, who falls head over heels for Northern Ireland woman Julie Johnston (Doherty) after a whirlwind weekend in Toronto, and crosses the Atlantic to declare his love—only to discover he’s landed in an old-fashioned and eccentric rural Northern Ireland village that’s nothing like he imagined. Produced by Cameron Pictures and Fabel Productions, filming is currently underway in County Down, Northern Ireland, with additional scenes shooting in Hamilton, Ontario. The series is slated to premiere on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service in winter 2027 and is expected to air on BBC Northern Ireland around the same time. 

Joining Milligan and Doherty are Ian McElhinney (Derry Girls, Game of Thrones), Dan Gordon (Blue Lights, Bloodlands), Muki Zubis (This is Going to Hurt), Seamus O’Hara (House of Guinness, Say Nothing), Patrick Buchanan (Blue Lights, Warrior), Chris McCurry (Belfast, Obituary), Athena Karkanis (Manifest, The Handmaid’s Tale) and Georgie Murphy (Stumble, GEN V).

“Committed offers a classic fish-out-of-water comedy intertwined with a unique love story that follows the all too human aftermath of a grand romantic gesture, rather than the build-up to it,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Programming, CBC.  “We know the show will connect with audiences in Canada and around the world thanks to its heart and authenticity, and are excited to be partnering with BBC Northern Ireland alongside the outstanding teams at Cameron Pictures and Fabel Productions.”

“Audiences are going to fall in love with this bold new comedy series. We’ve a brilliant cast that viewers will be familiar with on both sides of the Atlantic – we’re delighted to welcome Dustin to these shores starring alongside our own Diona Doherty,” said Jason Butler, BBC Northern Ireland Commissioning Editor. “And it’s fantastic for BBC Northern Ireland to link up with CBC on this innovative project helping to further develop and support the creative industry here and to bring a flavour of our Northern Ireland humour to comedy fans further afield.”

“Committed brings together so many of the elements we value in great television: sharp writing, memorable characters and a story that bridges cultures in a genuinely entertaining way,” said Amy Cameron, Co-Founder/Executive Producer, Cameron Pictures Inc. “Reuniting with CBC on a series of this scope and collaborating closely with Fabel Productions to bring this cross-Atlantic story to life, has been an energizing creative experience. This is a series rooted in place and perspective, yet universally relatable, and we’re excited for audiences to fall in love with these characters as much as we have.”

“To make a comedy from this part of this Island with all its quirks, huge hearts and ugly-beautiful glory is a career highlight. We’re so excited to share our abrasive but loveable, odd folk and their daft wee community with the world,” said Keith Martin, Executive Producer, Fabel Productions. “Wait until you see our amazingly talented Canadian and beloved homegrown cast. A dream! Thank you to all of our partners for making the leap in the name of love to a place not often seen or celebrated. High hopes, comedy with consequences and lots of animals to follow.”

“Committed exemplifies the kind of distinctive, character-driven storytelling that travels, resonating across borders and cultures,” said Prentiss Fraser, President of FOX Entertainment Global. “We’re proud to partner with CBC and BBC Northern Ireland, alongside the prolific team at Cameron Pictures, whose work consistently delivers both creatively and commercially. With its unique voice and a standout cast led by Dustin Milligan, Committed is well positioned to connect with audiences around the world.”

Committed is a romantic comedy about what happens in a relationship after the grand gesture, when real life barges in. At its core, the series explores what it means to step outside your comfort zone—and how people who are very different from you can make life far more interesting than you planned. 

A CBC original series, Committed is produced in association with BBC Northern Ireland by Cameron Pictures Inc. and Fabel Productions Ltd. under the UK/Canada Co-Production Treaty, and global distribution is handled by FOX. The series was co-created by Keith Martin, Gerry Dee and Tim Loane, who is showrunner, and developed under the Northern Ireland Screen/Canada Media Fund Co-Development Initiative for Audiovisual Projects.

Executive producers are Amy Cameron, Tassie Cameron and Alex Patrick for Cameron Pictures; Keith Martin for Fabel Productions; Tim Loane and Gerry Dee; Jessie Gabe; and Molly McGlynn, who also directs the pilot and four episodes. Peter Huang directs five episodes. Co-executive producers are Dustin Milligan, Karen Tsang, Caledonia Brown and Shebli Zarghami. Chris Martin is producer. Writers include Tim Loane, Jessie Gabe and Shebli Zarghami, with supervising producer Kurt Smeaton and consulting producer Linsey Stewart.

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