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CBC unveils 2022-23 programming slate

June 1, 2022 Greg David 10 Comments

From a media release:

CBC today announced its 2022-23 programming slate for CBC TV and CBC Gem, featuring over 40 new and returning original series and specials from Canadian creators, producers and storytellers across all genres.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Coroner and Tallboyz have not been renewed.]

ENTERTAINMENT, FACTUAL AND SPORTS

ORIGINAL COMEDY SLATE

CBC and CBC Gem will continue to offer the best original comedy in Canada, including the second seasons of authentic comedies SORT OF, STRAYS, RUN THE BURBS, and SON OF A CRITCH – alongside returning favourite WORKIN’ MOMS and the 30th anniversary of THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES. New shows include COMEDY NIGHT WITH RICK MERCER and CBC Gem original FAKES, offering an unconventional rollercoaster ride of teen drama.

New Original Comedy Series

COMEDY NIGHT WITH RICK MERCER (Premieres Fall 2022; 8×60; Just For Laughs TV and Counterfeit Pictures) is a Canadian comedy event to remember, composed of eight unforgettable one-hour specials presented by legendary comedy icon and TV personality, Rick Mercer. Featuring an incredible lineup of the country’s new and notable comedians, including stand-up performances from Mercer himself, the series will also feature never-before-seen conversations between Mercer and some of today’s most impressive Canadian comedy talent, including Sophie Buddle, D.J. Demers, Dakota Ray Hebert and Dave Merheje, among others.

FAKES (Premieres Fall 2022 on CBC Gem; 10×30; Reality Distortion Field), created by David Turko and a co-production with Netflix, follows two best friends who accidentally build one of the largest fake ID empires in North America. Before they even graduate high school, Zoe and Rebecca move into a sick penthouse, earn more cash than they know what to do with, and then get raided by the feds. This is the story of their ultimate betrayal, told from each of their unreliable POVs as they compete for the last word. Starring Emilija Baranac (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before), Jennifer Tong (Grand Army), and Richard Harmon (The 100).

Returning Original Comedies & Festivals

SORT OF (Season 2 premieres Fall 2022; 8×30; Sphere Media’s Sienna Films)

STRAYS (Season 2 premieres Fall 2022; 10×30; Thunderbird Entertainment)

THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES (Season 30 premieres Fall 2022; 24×30; IoM Media) celebrating its 30th anniversary season.

THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP (Season 2 premieres Winter 2023; 4×30; Just For Laughs TV)

RUN THE BURBS (Season 2 premieres Winter 2023; 13×30; Pier 21 Films)

SON OF A CRITCH (Season 2 premieres Winter 2023; 13×30; Project 10 Productions)

WORKIN’ MOMS (Season 7 premieres Winter 2023; 13×30; Wolf + Rabbit Entertainment)

ORIGINAL DRAMA SLATE

This summer brings the adventure of new medical drama SKYMED, while the fall sees the return of audience favourites HEARTLAND and MURDOCH MYSTERIES, and east coast tales MOONSHINE and DIGGSTOWN, as well as a treacherous journey to the Arctic in THE NORTH WATER. New family drama ESSEX COUNTY joins the winter lineup alongside a new English-language adaptation of Radio-Canada series PLAN B; and critically acclaimed female-driven procedural PRETTY HARD CASES returns for a third season.

New Original Drama Series

SKYMED (Premieres in Canada beginning Sunday, July 10 at 9 p.m. [9:30 NT] on CBC and CBC Gem; 9×60; Piazza Entertainment) Life, death, and drama at 20,000 feet, SKYMED is a drama wrapped in high-stakes medical adventure. The series weaves compelling stories around a diverse ensemble of young First Responders in the remote North, where help – and survival – are literally thousands of miles away. Over the course of the season, the trials, triumphs, hookups and heartbreaks of a perilous job in an unforgiving setting will challenge each of them to face their fears and grow up. Created by Julie Puckrin (X Company, Transplant, Nurses, Killjoys, Mad Men), the one-hour drama features an ensemble cast of young Canadian talent including Natasha Calis (Nurses), Morgan Holmstrom (Siberia), Ace (Aason) Nadjiwon (Batwoman), Praneet Akilla (Nancy Drew), Mercedes Morris (Between), Thomas Elms (The Order), Kheon Clarke (Riverdale), and Rebecca Kwan (Taken).

THE NORTH WATER (Premieres Fall 2022; 6×60; Rhombus Media and See-Saw Films) In 1859, Patrick Sumner (BAFTA winner Jack O’Connell, Seberg, Godless) joins The Volunteer as a ship’s surgeon, hoping to lose himself in the tough physicality of an Arctic whaling trip. But the ferocity of the elements is matched by the violence of his crew mates, with harpooner Drax (Golden Globe™ winner Colin Farrell, In Bruges, The Batman) a distinctly brutal force of nature. As the true purpose of the expedition becomes clear, confrontation between the two men erupts, taking them on a journey far from solid ground and way beyond the safe moorings of civilization.

ESSEX COUNTY (Premieres Winter 2023; 5×60; First Generation Films) is a five-part limited series based on the brilliant graphic novel trilogy by Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, Moon Knight). A redemptive tale of family, ESSEX COUNTY tells the story of four disparate characters linked together through bloodlines. From old Uncle Lou, to young Lester, to Anne the country nurse and Ken, the stoic farmer, the four lead characters ebb and flow into each other’s lives, slowly weaving connections between them that ultimately save and redeem them.

PLAN B (Premieres Winter 2023; 6×60; KOTV) Adapted from the Radio-Canada French-language drama created by Jean-François Asselin and Jacques Drolet and set in Montreal, this high-concept, gripping and intimate psychological drama from Asselin, Drolet and Lynne Kamm follows a man on a desperate and relentless quest to save his relationship – and by extension, his whole world. Who has not at one time wanted to go back and change the course of events? And what if you were given a second chance, a Plan B? The day when Philip (Patrick J. Adams, Suits) discovers the possibility of going back in time, he does not hesitate. Since Evelyn (Karine Vanasse, Cardinal), the love of his life and companion for the past six years, has left him, his life has lost its meaning. With the tremendous power he wields thanks to Plan B, he attempts to save his relationship, his law firm and his dysfunctional family. But Philip soon realizes that even the smallest choice has repercussions – as uncontrollable as they are unexpected – on his life and the lives of others. And even though he can stop tragic events before they happen, Philip cannot erase the memories and the emotions associated with them. Nothing will ever be without consequence again.

BONES OF CROWS (Premieres 2023-24; 5×60; Marie Clements Media, Screen Siren Pictures and Grana Productions) is a five-part hour-long drama told through the eyes of Cree Matriarch, Aline Spears (played throughout her life by Summer Testawich; Grace Dove, Monkey Beach; and Carla Rae, Rutherford Falls), as she survives Canada’s residential school system to continue her family’s generational fight in the face of systemic starvation, racism, and sexual abuse. The series is an expanded story from the feature film version; a truly epic tale that spans over a hundred years and multiple generations of the Spears family, the series connects and deepens the events of the past with a cumulative force that propels us into the future with power. Commissioned by CBC/Radio-Canada in association with APTN and created by Marie Clements (Red Snow), BONES OF CROWS the series will debut on CBC and Radio-Canada in 2023-24. BONES OF CROWS the feature film, which focuses specifically on Aline Spears as she confronts her traumatic past, will be released theatrically in 2022-23.

Returning Original Dramas

DIGGSTOWN (Season 4 premieres Fall 2022; 6×60; Circle Blue Entertainment, Freddie Films Inc. and Waterstar Entertainment Inc.)

HEARTLAND (Season 16 premieres Fall 2022; 15×60; Dynamo Films and SEVEN24 Films)

MOONSHINE (Season 2 premieres Fall 2022; 8×60, Six Eleven Media and eOne)

MURDOCH MYSTERIES (Season 16 premieres Fall 2022; 24×60; Shaftesbury)

PRETTY HARD CASES (Season 3 premieres Winter 2023; 10×60; Cameron Pictures)

FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT

CBC’s factual entertainment slate features even more people and places across the country this year including Canadians and communities in pursuit of their personal best, with RACE AGAINST THE TIDE with host Maestro Fresh Wes making waves this summer, favourites DRAGONS’ DEN, FAMILY FEUD CANADA and THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW returning this fall, and BEST IN MINIATURE and STILL STANDING with Jonny Harris warming up the winter schedule. Joining the lineup is BOLLYWED featuring the Singh family of Toronto’s Little India, thrilling competition series CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE; and podcast adaptation STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE. The fall also brings the inaugural edition of THE LEGACY AWARDS from The Black Academy, as well as a variety show like no other – CBC Gem original LIDO TV hosted by Colombian-Canadian musician and artist Lido Pimienta.

New Original Factual Series & Specials

THE LEGACY AWARDS (September 25, 2022 at 8 p.m. (9 AT/9:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem; Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker Company) and Bay Mills Studios)

The inaugural edition of The Black Academy’s award show, The Legacy Awards, is the first major Canadian award show to celebrate and showcase Black talent and will be broadcast from Live Nation Canada’s newest entertainment venue HISTORY, in Toronto’s east end. The live 90-minute telecast will feature performances, award presentations, and tributes honouring both established and emerging Black Canadian talent. The Black Academy is co-founded by Scarborough natives Shamier Anderson (John Wick: Chapter 4) and Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk).

LIDO TV (Premieres Fall 2022 on CBC Gem; 6×20; Lido Pimienta TV/Visitor Media) is a variety show with a mission: to help people cope with life in a world that sometimes feels like it’s falling apart, filled with hilarious sketches, inspiring interviews, immersive documentaries, surreal animations, and puppets. At the centre of it all is host Lido Pimienta, the award-winning Colombian-Canadian musician, artist and mother whose hilarious, curious, and tender personality drives the action. The series tackles themes ranging from feminism and privilege to colonialism and success, and features appearances by Nelly Furtado; musicians Shad and Kittie; writer Sarah Hagi; NorBlack NorWhite co-founder Mriga Kapadiya; and artists jes sachse and Jessica Karuhanga.

BOLLYWED (Premieres Winter 2023; 10×30; HeartHat Entertainment) is a heartwarming factual series centred around the Singh family, who have been operating the iconic bridal shop, Chandan Fashion, in Toronto’s Little India for the last 37 years. The series shines a fascinating light on the booming and glamorous world of Bollywood culture and fashion, and offers an authentic glimpse into an intergenerationally run business lead by patriarch Cookie Singh, his wife Sarah, and their two children Chandan and Chandni. There’s plenty of old-school-meets-new-school drama and laughs as two generations take on the ever-changing and extravagant world of Indian weddings.

CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE (Premieres Winter 2023; 8×60; Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker Company) and The Gurin Company) is a competition reality format that turns the entire country into a giant obstacle course. Six extraordinary coaches will guide and mentor teams of everyday Canadians at site-specific physical and mental challenges in a unique competition structure. The coaches include: sprinting legend and two-time Olympic champion, Donovan Bailey; Mohawk Olympian in water polo and advocate for Indigenous sport, Waneek Horn-Miller; six-time Olympic medallist in cycling and speed skating, Clara Hughes; three-time Olympic speed skater Gilmore Junio; former captain of Canada’s Olympic bronze medal-winning rugby sevens team, Jen Kish; and NFL Super Bowl Champion and competitive cyclist, Luke Willson.

Each episode will take place at an iconic Canadian location where the teams will compete in spectacular Solo, Tandem or Team challenges that test them physically and mentally. Throughout the eight-episode series, the superstar Canadian coaches will make strategic decisions and motivate their players to victory. In the end, only one team will win CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE.

STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE (Premieres Winter 2023; 6×30; Wooden Horse, WildBear Entertainment and Cream Productions) is a new six-part series for the ABC and CBC based on award-winning journalist Marc Fennell’s acclaimed, chart-topping ABC Podcast, also launched by CBC Podcasts in fall 2021. Throughout its reign, the British Empire stole a lot of stuff. Today those objects are housed in genteel institutions across the U.K. and the world. They usually come with polite plaques. This is a series about the not-so-polite history behind those objects.

Returning Factual Formats & Series:

RACE AGAINST THE TIDE (Season 2 premieres Sunday, July 10 at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem; 10×30; marblemedia) with new host Maestro Fresh Wes

DRAGONS’ DEN (Season 17 premieres Fall 2022; 10×60) featuring returning Dragon Robert Herjavec after a decade away from The Den.

FAMILY FEUD CANADA (Season 4 premieres Fall 2022; 104×30; Zone 3/Fremantle)

THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW (Season 6 premieres Fall 2022; 9×60; Proper Television/Love Productions)

BEST IN MINIATURE (Season 2 premieres Winter 2023; 8×60; marblemedia)

STILL STANDING (Season 8 premieres Winter 2023; 10×30; Frantic Films)

DOCUMENTARIES

CBC commissions an average of 80 documentaries each year for CBC, CBC Gem and documentary Channel, with CBC Gem now offering a library of over 800 documentaries, available to stream for free anytime. THE PASSIONATE EYE returns this fall with a new slate of original documentaries that drop audiences into a broad range of cultural conversations, from our fascination with word puzzles, to what it means to be Indigenous, and to a new generation of stock market disruptors.

THE PASSIONATE EYE’s two-hour season premiere will feature Hot Docs 2022 Opening Night selection, INTO THE WEEDS, telling the powerful story of Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, a former Bay Area groundskeeper who takes on a multinational agrochemical corporation after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Directed by celebrated filmmaker Jennifer Baichwal (Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, Long Time Running), the film follows Johnson through his battle, setting his personal journey against a global environmental crisis.

New original doc series this upcoming year include:

SUMMIT ‘72 (Premieres Fall 2022; 4×60; Mercury Films and Impossible Objects) This timely documentary series will tell the definitive story of the legendary 1972 Canada-USSR Summit Series of Hockey upon its 50th anniversary, and through a modern lens explore its legacy and lasting influence on Canadian national identity, framing it against the political and cultural climate of the times in both countries, and around the world. With never-before-seen 16mm archival footage restored in stunning 4k, and exclusive interviews with key players, SUMMIT ‘72 will bring an unforgettable moment in Canadian history to life on screen as never seen before. Audiences will relive—or experience for the first time—the adrenaline-fuelled, edge-of-your-seat drama of one of the most monumental cultural proxy battles of the Cold War, and trace its many reverberations in the zeitgeist right up to the present day.

STAY TOONED (Premieres Winter 2023 on CBC Gem; 6×22; Fathom Film Group) Eric Bauza – the Canadian who voices legendary characters from Bugs Bunny to Luke Skywalker – takes us on a deep dive through our favourite cartoons to see how they shaped us into who we are today. In each episode, he meets with friends and experts to explore villains, race, sexuality, and so much more. Featuring Ben Schwartz, Lake Bell, Ken Jeong, Bobby Moynihan, Tara Strong, Lamorne Morris, Cree Summer, and James Adomian, among others.

Returning Documentary Formats & Series:

THE PASSIONATE EYE (Premieres Fall 2022; 9×60 (+1×120 premiere))

THE NATURE OF THINGS (Season 62 premieres Winter 2023; 13×60)

CBC KIDS

Building on CBC’s ongoing commitment to inspire, entertain and inform young audiences, CBC Kids will continue to share new programming for kids and tweens across all platforms this upcoming year, including over 500 hours of ad-free programming on CBC Gem. New titles for preschoolers include JEREMY AND JAZZY (Fall 2022; 27×2 and 1×11; Vérité Films Inc.), an animated musical adventure series about song and story creation, starring award-winning musicians Jeremy Fisher (as Jeremy) and Aiza Ntibarikure (as Jazzy), plus celebrity musical guests. MITTENS AND PANTS (Fall 2022; 39×7, Windy Isle Productions and Thunderbird Entertainment) is cuteness overload for preschoolers, featuring the town of Kibble Corners with real puppies, kittens, chicks, piglets and more, voiced by kids.

CBC SPORTS

Coming off of an unprecedented year featuring two Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022, CBC SPORTS will continue to keep Canadians connected to the world of high-performance sport through coverage on CBC TV and CBC Gem, as well as live streams of key competitions on cbcsports.ca and the CBC Sports app. Upcoming featured events include: 2022 World Athletics Championships (USA, July 15 – 24); Commonwealth Games (England, July 28 – Aug. 8); FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship (Location TBC, Aug. 26 – Sept. 11); Rugby Sevens World Cup (South Africa, Sept. 9-11); FIG Rhythmic World Championship (Bulgaria, Sept. 14 – 18); and FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship (Poland and The Netherlands, Sept. 23 – Oct. 15). As Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic Network for the next decade, CBC will continue to offer high-quality storytelling that allows audiences to follow the journey of the athletes between Games, all the way to the podium.

CBC NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

From breaking stories to in-depth coverage, CBC News delivers trusted 24-hour news and information on CBC News Network, CBCNews.ca and the CBC News App. CBC News continues to bring audiences the latest news from across Canada and around the world, in addition to an award-winning slate of current affairs, investigative and primetime and weekend news programs, including the 50th anniversary of MARKETPLACE, celebrating five decades as Canada’s investigative consumer watchdog.

THE FIFTH ESTATE (Season 48 premieres Fall 2022; 16×60)

MARKETPLACE (Season 50 premieres Fall 2022; 23×30) celebrating its 50th anniversary season

THE NATIONAL (Weeknights and Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

POWER & POLITICS WITH VASSY KAPELOS (Weeknights on CBC News Network)

CBC RUNDOWN (Weeknights on CBC News Network)

CANADA TONIGHT WITH GINELLA MASSA (Weeknights on CBC News Network)

ROSEMARY BARTON LIVE (Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

FALL 2022 SCHEDULE – CBC TV and CBC GEM

For Newfoundland and Labrador, please add a half hour for all times

MONDAYS

7 PM – CORONATION STREET (weekdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 7:30 p.m.)

7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA Season 4

8 PM – MURDOCH MYSTERIES Season 16

9 PM – THE NORTH WATER New Series / RIDLEY ROAD New Series

10 PM – THE NATIONAL

TUESDAYS

7 PM – CORONATION STREET

7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA

8 PM – THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES Season 30

8:30 PM – STRAYS Season 2

9 PM – COMEDY NIGHT WITH RICK MERCER New Series / SORT OF Season 2

9:30 PM – SORT OF Season 2

10 PM – THE NATIONAL

WEDNESDAYS

7 PM – CORONATION STREET

7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA

8 PM – SUMMIT ‘72 New Series / DIGGSTOWN Season 4

9 PM – WAR OF THE WORLDS Season 3

10 PM – THE NATIONAL

THURSDAYS

7 PM – CORONATION STREET

7:30 PM – FAMILY FEUD CANADA

8 PM – DRAGONS’ DEN Season 17

9 PM – THE FIFTH ESTATE Season 48

10 PM – THE NATIONAL

FRIDAYS

7:30 PM – CORONATION STREET (weekdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 7:30 p.m.)

8 PM – MARKETPLACE Season 50

8:30 PM – TRAVEL MAN

9 PM – THE PASSIONATE EYE

10 PM – THE NATIONAL

SATURDAYS

Afternoon – CBC SPORTS

SUNDAYS

Afternoon – CBC SPORTS

7 PM – HEARTLAND Season 16

8 PM – THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW Season 6

9 PM – MOONSHINE Season 2

10 PM – THE NATIONAL

Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Race Against the Tide returns for a second season with host Maestro Fresh Wes

May 10, 2022 Greg David

From a media release:

CBC today announced the return of original competition series RACE AGAINST THE TIDE (10×30) for a second season, produced by marblemedia and premiering Sunday, July 10 at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem. New Brunswick-based, award-winning Hip Hop artist Maestro Fresh Wes hosts the new season, featuring a new group of sand sculptors who will compete head-to-head at the Bay of Fundy to create extraordinary sand art before the world’s highest tide comes in while attempting to avoid elimination.

Each week, the artists have six hours to create their sand sculptures before the tide washes them away. In the end, the two judges – five-time World Champion Karen Fralich (Burlington, ON) and Master Sculptor Rusty Croft (Carmel Valley, CA) – will decide which duo will walk away with the grand prize of $10,000.

RACE AGAINST THE TIDE season two host Wes Williams, otherwise known as “Maestro Fresh Wes,” was born in Toronto and is considered to be the godfather of Canadian Hip Hop. Maestro Fresh Wes recently became the first Hip Hop artist inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame for his 1989 signature song “Let Your Backbone Slide,” and is also the first Black Canadian artist to have a recording reach platinum status in Canada. He now resides in Saint John, New Brunswick.

This season’s 10 highly-skilled sand sculpting duos are:

Agnese Rudzīte-Kirillova and Sanita Ravina (Latvia) – Agnese is an accomplished mixed media artist who learned about sand sculpting over a decade ago and has been doing it professionally ever since. Sanita discovered sand sculpting when she was a young girl, but has only been doing it full-time for the past four years.

Bouké Atema and Jeroen Advocaat (Germany and The Netherlands) – Originally from Kenya, Bouké has been sand sculpting since 2002 and is well-versed in several different art forms. He is known for sculptures depicting nature, while his partner, Jeroen, prefers structural design. Jeroen, a professional sculptor of over 18 years, studied architecture and 3D design.

Carlos Pereyra and Francisco Valdez (Mexico) – Carlos and Francisco have a combined total of 23 years experience in sand sculpting. The friends met before a competition in Mexico, when Carlos’ original partner backed out at the last minute. He had heard about Francisco and his talent, but didn’t personally know him. Francisco filled in for that competition, and the rest is history.

Craig Mutch and Daeyoung Ji (Vancouver, BC and South Korea) – Craig and Daeyoung want to bring their East-meets-West sculpture style to the world’s toughest beach battle. Craig has been a professional sculptor for 35 years working in ice, sand and snow, whereas Daeyoung has been sculpting for seven years and was catapulted to international success after completing an apprenticeship in Australia.

Fred Dobbs and Guy-Olivier Deveau (Sidney, BC and Quebec, QC) – Fred, who has been sculpting for over 35 years and is considered a Canadian carving legend, is recognized around the world as a professional sand sculptor. Guy-Olivier, who has been sculpting for more than 15 years, is one of Canada’s premier sand sculptors and is known for his dark Gothic creations.

Jo (Stefanie) Hollick and Manuel Campos (Vancouver, BC and Columbia) – Jo began sand sculpting on the beaches of White Rock, BC over two decades ago. With many career achievements under her belt, her biggest personal feat was placing fifth in the Parksville Beach Festival. Manuel has been a professional sand sculptor for over 12 years and has been awarded many different awards at various competitions.

JT (Joseph) Estrela and Amanda Gafford (USA) – Originally a math teacher, JT switched careers and now owns and operates his own company called San Diego Sand Castles. He has been professionally sculpting for seven years while his partner, Amanda, is a registered nurse by day, and an artist by night.

Peter Vogelaar and Alex Avelino (Winlaw, BC and Nelson, BC) – Peter and Alex are a mentor/mentee team from Canada who have sculpted together all over the world in both sand and snow. Peter, a professional artist, has been sculpting for almost two decades while Alex, a graphic designer, has been sculpting for nearly eight years.

Walter McDonald and Christy Atkinson (USA) – Walter and Christy are a father/daughter duo from the United States. Walter is the world’s oldest, still working sand sculptor, who discovered sand sculpting in the early 80s. Christy has been sand sculpting since 2003 and was taught everything she knows by her father.

Wilfred Stijger and Edith van de Wetering (The Netherlands) – This husband and wife duo are professional sand sculptors who have over 25 years of experience and have competed in hundreds of festivals around the globe. Their mind-blown surrealist sculptures are recognized across the world.

In the inaugural season of the show, PEI’s Abe Waterman and Seattle’s Sue McGrew took the top spot. Catch up on episodes on CBC Gem.

RACE AGAINST THE TIDE is executive produced by Matt Hornburg and Mark Bishop of marblemedia; series producer and writer is Carly Spencer and Donna Luke of marblemedia serves as co-executive producer. Co-produced with Hemmings House. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; Alexandra Lane is Senior Director of Production; and Ann-Marie Redmond is Executive in Charge of Production. RACE AGAINST THE TIDE is presented with support from Tourism New Brunswick.

Awards

The Black Academy and CBC set The Legacy Awards for September 25 at History in Toronto

March 24, 2022 Greg David

From a media release:

Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, Scarborough natives and co-founders of The Black Academy, alongside CBC, Insight Productions, and Bay Mills Studios today announced that the inaugural edition of The Black Academy’s award show, The Legacy Awards, will air on CBC and CBC Gem on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT). The live 90-minute telecast is the first major Canadian award show to celebrate and showcase Black talent and will be broadcast from Live Nation Canada’s newest entertainment venue HISTORY, in Toronto’s east end. The telecast will feature performances, award presentations, and tributes honouring both established and emerging Black Canadian talent. Information about the award categories, membership, the submission process, and additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“When Stephan and I were thinking about a name for the award show, we really wanted it to convey something big and lasting – it’s about creating a legacy for this and future generations of Black Canadians,” said Shamier Anderson, Co-Founder, The Black Academy. “We want viewers to recognize and appreciate how much Black talent there is in this country and to be inspired by all the nominees and award recipients for years to come.”

“When we walked into HISTORY for the first time we were totally blown away and after months of discussions, everything immediately started to feel real,” said Stephan James, Co-Founder, The Black Academy. “It’s a very cool, very state-of-the-art venue, but also really intimate. HISTORY is the perfect home for The Legacy Awards and we can’t wait to work with our partners at Insight on the look of the show.”

“We are excited to offer a nationwide platform for The Legacy Awards, as The Black Academy makes history this September,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC. “All of Canada is invited to participate in this celebration of Black talent and achievement, and we look forward to collaborating with the Black Academy and Insight to produce an inspiring and dynamic award show.”

The Black Academy, Insight Productions, and CBC are committed to hiring Black senior staff and crew members for The Legacy Awards. Insight Productions continues to accept résumés from those who have a passion for live events and award shows at BlackAwardShowResumes@insighttv.com.

“In addition to The Legacy Awards, we have other incredibly important initiatives and we’re very grateful to everyone who has come on board early to support the organization on a year-round basis, helping us to empower Black talent,” said Martha Hagos, Executive Director of The Black Academy. “The Black Academy is at the forefront of a cultural shift in Canada and we continue to call on other forward-looking organizations to aid us in this challenge.”

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James of The Black Academy and Bay Mills Studios. John Brunton, Lindsay Cox, and Shannon Farr are the executive producers for Insight Productions (A Boat Rocker Company). For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports and Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content. Daniel Abrams and Norbert Abrams

also serve as executive producers. The 2022 edition of The Legacy Awards marks the first of an exclusive three-year partnership with CBC.

The Black Academy gratefully acknowledges the financial support of eOne Canada and Bell Media which support The Black Academy’s year-round operations.

Photo Credit: NICOLE DE KHORS

Run the Burbs, Son of a Critch, Strays

CBC renews new original comedies Run the Burbs, Son of a Critch and Strays

February 28, 2022 Greg David 1 Comment

From a media release:

Continuing its commitment to nurturing world-class Canadian comedic talent, CBC today announced the renewal of new original series RUN THE BURBS, SON OF A CRITCH and STRAYS for their second seasons on CBC and CBC Gem. The series join CBC’s 2022-23 comedy slate alongside acclaimed comedy SORT OF from Sienna Films/Sphere Media, also recently announced by CBC and HBO Max as returning for its sophomore season. Additional CBC renewals across all genres and content areas to be announced in the spring.

Created by comedian, writer and actor Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience) and his best friend and collaborator, filmmaker Scott Townend (The Secret Marathon), RUN THE BURBS follows the Phams, a young, bold Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family taking a different approach to living life to the fullest, while changing the way we think about contemporary family values and life in the burbs. The series is produced by Pier 21 Films, with Endeavor Content holding international distribution rights. RUN THE BURBS premiered on January 5, 2022, and airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m (9 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.

Based on Mark Critch’s award-winning, best-selling memoir, SON OF A CRITCH is the hilarious and very real story of 11-year-old Mark coming of age in St. John’s, Newfoundland in the 80s. Created by Critch (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) and Tim McAuliffe (The Office, Last Man on Earth and MacGruber) and produced by Andrew Barnsley (Schitt’s Creek), the series is an inter-provincial co-production between Barnsley’s Project 10 Productions Inc. and Newfoundland-based Take the Shot Productions in association with CBC and Lionsgate Television. SON OF A CRITCH premiered on January 4, 2022, ranking as the #1 scripted program on CBC in the 25-54, 18-49 and 18-34 audience demographics,* and garnering CBC’s highest rating for a comedy premiere since Kim’s Convenience debuted in October 2016.** The series airs Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.

STRAYS follows Shannon Ross (Nicole Power) as the new executive director of the Hamilton East Animal Shelter, where she is boss to an eclectic staff. Developed for television by Kevin White (Kim’s Convenience, Schitt’s Creek), Anita Kapila (Kim’s Convenience, Son of a Critch) and Clara Altimas (Kim’s Convenience), STRAYS is produced by Thunderbird Entertainment and premiered on CBC and CBC Gem in September 2021.

Sort Of

CBC and HBO Max renew Sort Of for a second season

February 25, 2022 Greg David

From a media release:

CBC and HBO Max have renewed SORT OF for a second season, it was announced today. Created by Bilal Baig (Acha Bacha) and Fab Filippo (Save Me), the critically acclaimed CBC and Max Original comedy debuted on HBO Max in November 2021 following its Canadian premiere on CBC Gem in October 2021. The series was an official selection of the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival and made The Hollywood Reporter, The Globe and Mail and Vanity Fair’s Best TV Shows of 2021 lists. SORT OF also leads this year’s Canadian Screen Award nominations with 13 nods, including Best Comedy Series.

“We are so thrilled that we are able to dive back into the worlds of SORT OF, and to keep exploring the evolution of all our characters (including some new ones!) as they continue to investigate who they are in the world as friends, family members, lovers and human beings,” said Bilal Baig, co-creator, showrunner, executive producer and lead actor.

“SORT OF speaks to the complexity of being human in the world with wit, warmth and an authentic sense of inclusivity, thanks to the distinct voices of Bilal and Fab,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports, CBC. “SORT OF has struck such a powerful chord with audiences, and we are thrilled to work with HBO Max and Sienna Films on the next chapter of Sabi’s story.”

“Baig and Filippo’s honest and insightful storytelling is a lesson in unraveling conventional views of identity,” said Jeniffer Kim, SVP, International Originals, HBO Max. “We could not be more excited to partner with CBC and Sienna Films on another season of this very special show.”

“It’s been a wonderful experience to develop this show from the ground up with Bilal and Fab, and now to have the opportunity in Season 2 to dig even deeper,” said Jennifer Kawaja, executive producer, Sienna Films.

Called “funny, tender, and humane” by NPR, “the kind of representation everyone deserves” by Mashable, and “a small masterpiece of contemporary urban storytelling” by The Globe and Mail, SORT OF follows the journey of “Sabi Mehboob” (Baig), a gender fluid millennial who straddles various identities from sexy bartender at an LGBTQ bookstore/bar, to the youngest child in a large Pakistani family, to the de facto parent of a downtown hipster family. Sabi feels like they’re in transition in every aspect of their life, from gender to love to sexuality to family to career. A coming-of-age story, SORT OF exposes the labels we once poured ourselves into as no longer applicable…to anyone.

The series is created by Bilal Baig and Fab Filippo, who also serve as showrunners and executive producers, and produced with the participation of the Canada Media Fund. Sienna Films’ Jennifer Kawaja is also an executive producer on the series. SORT OF is distributed worldwide by Sphere Media. Abacus Media Rights handles sales outside of the United States and Latin America.