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CBC announces 2025-26 programming slate

From a media release:

CBC today announced its 2025-26 programming slate, featuring over 50 new and returning original series from Canadian creators, producers and storytellers.

“For generations, CBC has been here for Canada – woven into the very fabric of our lives, our culture and the moments that matter most. And right now, being there for Canada has never been more important,” said Barbara Williams, Executive Vice-President, CBC. “Our new slate of storytelling across news and entertainment showcases an incredible range of people and perspectives from communities across Canada, as we deepen our commitment to connect with audiences who have not always been reflected by traditional media.”

CBC NEWS

From breaking stories to in-depth coverage, CBC News delivers trusted 24-hour news and information on 15 CBC News streaming channels, CBCNews.ca, the CBC News App and the #1 Canadian news channel CBC News Network. 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 available to broadcast and stream, live and on-demand, across multiple CBC platforms.

● THE FIFTH ESTATE (Season 51 premieres Fall 2025, 14×60)
● MARKETPLACE (Season 53 premieres Fall 2025, 15×30)
● THE NATIONAL (Weeknights and Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)
● POWER & POLITICS (Weeknights on CBC News Network)
● HANOMANSING TONIGHT (Weeknights on CBC News Network)
● ABOUT THAT WITH ANDREW CHANG (Weekdays on CBC News streaming channel)
● ROSEMARY BARTON LIVE (Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

Small Achievable Goals

ENTERTAINMENT, FACTUAL AND SPORTS ORIGINAL COMEDY SLATE

This upcoming broadcast and streaming year, CBC offers new seasons of popular original series that have garnered attention and generated conversations in Canada and beyond, including: Nunavut-set NORTH OF NORTH, continuing the journey of Siaja, a young Inuk mother in a small Arctic town where everybody knows your business; SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS, about a workplace odd couple bonded by their personal experiences with menopause and middle age; last season’s most-watched Canadian comedy THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES, offering a satirical take on the week’s news; and #1 Canadian sitcom SON OF A CRITCH, as Mark continues his journey through high school.

Returning Original Comedies & Festivals

● NORTH OF NORTH (Season 2 premieres Winter/Spring 2026, 8×30, Red Marrow Media and Northwood Entertainment)
● SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS (Season 2 premieres Winter 2026, 8×30, Sphere Media)
● SON OF A CRITCH (Season 5 premieres Winter 2026, 12×30, Project 10 Productions and Hawco Productions in association with Lionsgate Television)
● THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES (Season 33 premieres Fall 2025, 21×30, IoM Media)
● HALIFAX COMEDY FEST (Season 28 premieres 2025/26, 6×30, Pilot Light Productions)
● JUST FOR LAUGHS GALAS (2025/26, 4×60, Just For Laughs)
● WINNIPEG COMEDY FESTIVAL (Season 24 premieres 2025/26, 5×60, Frantic Films)
● THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP (Season 6 premieres 2025/26, 4×30, Just For Laughs and Northwest Comedy)

ORIGINAL DRAMA SLATE

CBC’s most-watched new series SAINT-PIERRE returns for a second season investigating unique and exciting crimes in the French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. Season 3 of time-travel anthology series and Radio-Canada adaptation PLAN B stars Carolina Bartczak as the host of a top morning TV show who turns to the Plan B Agency in an effort to alter the past following the tragic death of her daughter. The drama continues with new seasons of Surrey-set character-driven procedural ALLEGIANCE and Vancouver-set blue sky procedural with a comedic twist WILD CARDS, as well as audience favourites HEARTLAND and MURDOCH MYSTERIES.

Returning Original Dramas

● ALLEGIANCE (Season 3 premieres Winter 2026, 10×60, Lark Productions in association with Universal International Studios)
● HEARTLAND (Season 19 premieres Fall 2025, 10×60, Dynamo Films and SEVEN24 Films)
● MURDOCH MYSTERIES (Season 19 premieres Fall 2025, 21×60, Shaftesbury in association with ITV Studios and UKTV and distributed by Shaftesbury Sales Company and ITV Studios)
● PLAN B (Season 3, all episodes premiere Friday, August 8 on CBC Gem, 6×60, KOTV)
● SAINT-PIERRE (Season 2 premieres Winter 2026, 12×60, Hawco Productions and distributed by FIFTH SEASON)
● WILD CARDS (Season 3 premieres Winter 2026, 10×60, Blink49 Studios, Front Street Pictures and Piller/Segan distributed by FIFTH SEASON)

Wild Cards

FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT

CBC’s factual entertainment slate reflects a range of voices and communities from across the country. Hit international format THE ASSEMBLY encourages authentic and surprising conversations between Canadian celebrities and a group of interviewers on the autism spectrum, while MUST LOVE DOGS follows a CFL All-Star and a rescue influencer as they dedicate their time – and hearts – to saving dogs in need across Manitoba. LOCALS WELCOME celebrates the hidden gem food places that make up the fabric of Canada’s rich communities by whisking together a love of people, place and culture. Returning series showcasing Canadians who are striving for personal excellence include FAMILY FEUD CANADA, THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW, STILL STANDING and DRAGONS’ DEN, which celebrates its 20th anniversary season of elevating Canadian entrepreneurs and welcomes Celebrity Guest Dragon, Property Brother and Co-Founder of Scott Brothers Global, Drew Scott.

New Original Factual Series

● THE ASSEMBLY (Fall 2025, 6×30, Small Army Entertainment)
In each episode of this unique entertainment series, 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. THE ASSEMBLY is a global sensation that delivers profound revelation, authentic conversations, and a lot of laughs. 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, THE ASSEMBLY has also featured Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Sam Neil and other major international stars. Executive producers are Sean De Vries and Stephen Sawchuk.
○ Radio-Canada has also greenlit a new French-language adaptation of the format, FACTEUR A, premiering in 2025-26.

● LOCALS WELCOME (Premieres Fall 2025, 10×30, Artifactual Media)
LOCALS WELCOME, hosted and executive produced by OG food writer and expert Suresh Doss, is a celebration of the lesser-known food places that make up the fabric of our rich communities. Exploring the spaces and menu items that you never knew existed, the series marries a love of people, place, and culture, with our love of discovering the hidden gems… right in our own backyard. LOCALS WELCOME is a format created by one of the producers of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

● MUST LOVE DOGS (Premieres 2026, 10×30, Omnifilm Entertainment)
Get ready for a new heartwarming series following the fascinating lives of CFL All-Star and two-time Grey Cup winner Brady Oliveira and realtor-rescue influencer Alex Blumberg. Together with the dedicated volunteers of K9 Advocacy, they rescue and find forever homes for dogs in need across Manitoba. MUST LOVE DOGS offers an intimate look at how this Winnipeg power couple navigates high-stakes rescues, Brady’s drive to win another championship for the Blue Bombers, and their race to rehome as many dogs as possible before a brutal winter sets in. It’s a love story—between two people, their hometown, and every four-legged soul that steals their hearts.

MUST LOVE DOGS is produced by Omnifilm Entertainment, Executive Produced by Brian Hamilton, Gabriela Schonbach, Cathy Schoch, Daniel Wan, John Hall, Kayvon Saremi, and Farzin Toussi, and Series Produced by Cheryl Binning.

Returning Factual Formats & Series:

● DRAGONS’ DEN (Season 20 premieres Fall 2025, 16×60)
● FAMILY FEUD CANADA (Season 7 premieres Fall 2025, 64×30, Zone 3/Fremantle)
● THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW (Season 9 premieres Fall 2025, 8×60, Proper Television)
● STILL STANDING (Season 11 premieres Fall 2025, 8×30, Frantic Films)

DOCUMENTARIES

Last year, CBC commissioned more than 50 documentaries for CBC, CBC Gem and documentary Channel, with CBC Gem offering a library of over 800 documentaries, available to stream for free anytime. The season also features THE OZEMPIC EFFECT: BEYOND THE WAISTLINE (Paul Kemp Productions), about the cultural impact of the meteoric rise in the drug’s popularity and DON’T COME UPSTAIRS (produced by Joe Kicak from Brain Upside Down Films and Alona Metzer from Good Pal Productions), a personal story from Mike Lobel (Degrassi: The Next Generation) about the secrets his family kept for 30 years.

CBC’s flagship science and nature series THE NATURE OF THINGS heads into an awe-inspiring 65th season, as hosts Anthony Morgan and Sarika Cullis-Suzuki continue to spark curiosity and a sense of wonder about the living world. Join Canadian researchers on an annual bat-a-thon in Belize in a special episode timed for Halloween, EMPIRE OF BATS (Primitive Entertainment); cheer for nature’s underdogs, including sloths and snails, in SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST (Megafun Productions Inc.); and partake in a spirited debate over a hot-button health topic in THE DRINKING GAME (Noble Television).

New original doc series this upcoming year include:

● DIAMONDS & PLASTIC (Premieres Fall 2025, 4×60, Pixcom)
DIAMONDS & PLASTIC plunges boldly into the secret sisterhood of Maria Meriano—one of the top Tupperware product sellers on the planet—as she fights to keep her empire alive during the iconic brand’s most uncertain chapter yet: bankruptcy. Commanding thousands of sales consultants, her loyal “Diamonds,” from her homebase in Montreal, Maria has spent over 40 years creating more than just a sales team; she’s cultivated a fiercely ambitious subculture — a glittering universe where status, sales, and survival collide. From nostalgic Tupperware home parties to glamorous Jubilee ceremonies attended by thousands, Maria and her team shatter every stereotype, proudly redefining what it means to succeed in a universe many overlook but few truly understand. The series is directed by Nathalie Bibeau, produced by Alexandra Cliche-Rivard, with Nicola Merola and Charles Lafortune serving as Executive Producers.

● CIRQUE LIFE (Premieres Winter 2026, 5×60, Cineflix Productions)
CIRQUE LIFE is the new docuseries that pulls back the curtain on Cirque du Soleil and reveals an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest shows on Earth. The series follows the cast and crew of the smash hit LUZIA as they return home to Montréal—for the first time since the show’s 2016 premiere—for an unforgettable summer under the big top. Amid roaring crowds and rising expectations, cameras capture every triumph and challenge as they grapple with up to ten performances a week during an epic four-month run.

Continuously fine-tuning their routines, there’s no margin for error as this committed troupe keeps up with jaw-dropping acrobatics, life in the limelight, and a gruelling non-stop pace.

From the hoop diver captain and veteran contortionist to the band leader and pole soloist, it’s an immersive, heartwarming, and exhilarating experience that celebrates the human spirit—and reveals the exceptional talent, commitment, and courage it takes to be part of the team. Cirque Life is produced by Cineflix Productions, with international distribution by Cineflix Rights. The Executive Producers include Tanya Blake and J.C. Mills for Cineflix; and Richard Lowell and Susan Levison for Cirque du Soleil.

● RUNNING SMOKE (Premieres 2026, 3×60, Muse Entertainment in association with Campside Media)

A new three-part docuseries, RUNNING SMOKE is the thrilling true story about a NASCAR driver, the biggest tobacco-smuggling bust in North American history, and quite possibly the future of Indigenous rights.

Derek White, a Mohawk from Kahnawake was the first Indigenous driver to compete in NASCAR’s premier Sprint Cup Series. Less than a year later, Derek’s dream disintegrates after he was arrested in the largest cross border police sting of its kind. He was charged with smuggling and defrauding the government and indefinitely suspended from NASCAR. Derek is faced with an existential choice: take a plea deal or fight the charges and the constitution. Contemplating the rich history of his people and the future of his family, Derek makes a daring decision to risk it all.

RUNNING SMOKE is directed by award-winning filmmaker Alexandra Lazarowich. Producers include Lazarowich, Chad Charlie, Kaniehtiio Horn, Michael Kronish, Jonas Prupas and Joe Tuck. Produced by Muse Entertainment in association with Campside Media.

Returning Documentary Formats & Series:

● FOR THE CULTURE WITH AMANDA PARRIS (Season 2 premieres Fall 2025, 6×60, CBC with OYA Media Group and Noble Television)
● THE PASSIONATE EYE (Premieres Fall 2025, 9×60 + 1×120)
● THE NATURE OF THINGS (Season 65 premieres Fall 2025, 14×60)

Family Feud Canada

AWARD SHOWS AND SPECIALS

Shining a spotlight on Canadian talent and achievement, award shows and specials include:
● INDSPIRE AWARDS (Saturday, June 21 at 7 p.m. (7:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem) – A celebration honouring the remarkable achievements and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada.
● CANADA’S WALK OF FAME (Tuesday, July 1 at 7 pm. (7:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem) – Broadcasting nationwide as part of CBC’s robust Canada Day offering, the 2025 Canada’s Walk of Fame Induction Gala features performances, heartfelt tributes and powerful stories that celebrate and honour Canada’s great achievers.
● CANADA READS – The 25th season of the great Canadian book debate, looking for the one book all of Canada should read.
● THE CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS – Honouring the best in Canadian film, television and digital media.
● THE GILLER PRIZE – A prize dedicated to celebrating the best in Canadian fiction each year and bringing the long-listed books to the attention of Canadians.
● THE JUNO AWARDS – Live from Hamilton, The 55th annual JUNO awards showcase Canada’s biggest night in music, honouring artists across all genres.
● THE LEGACY AWARDS – From The Black Academy, the fourth edition of the awards will honour established and emerging Black Canadian talent.
● POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE – Each year, the prize honours artists who produce Canadian music albums of distinction without regard to musical genre or commercial popularity.

KIDS & TWEENS

Building on the national public broadcaster’s ongoing commitment to inspire, entertain and inform young audiences, CBC will continue to share new programming for kids and tweens across all platforms this upcoming year, including over 700 hours of ad-free programming on CBC Gem. CBC KIDS READS also returns this fall to share the love of books with young audiences across Canada.

● HEY JOOJO! (Fall 2025, CBC Kids Studios)

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. Join Joojo and Gary from wake-up to storytime as they prepare young viewers for learning with music, heart and fun.
● THE ADVENTURES OF TOOPY & BINOO (Fall 2025, 39×7, Echo Media and Huminah Animation)
A reboot of the iconic Canadian preschool buddy comedy 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.

● THE UNSTOPPABLE JENNY GARCIA (Fall 2025, 8×12, Apartment 11 and Avenida Productions)
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.

● DINO RANCH: ISLAND ADVENTURES (Fall 2025, 26×22, Industrial Brothers)
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.

● ANDREW THE BIG BIG UNICORN (Fall 2025, 40×7, Pirate Size Productions, Mainframe Studios and Infinite Studios production for the ABC and CBC/Radio-Canada)
This new animated series 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 (Fall 2025; 36×4, Happy Camper Media)
● JEREMY & JAZZY (Fall 2025, 22×2, Verite Films)
● PLAYING WITH STU (Fall 2025, 11×1, Verite Films)
● GO TOGO Season 2 (Fall 2025, 31×5, Gazelle Automations)

CBC SPORTS AND MILANO CORTINA 2026

More than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries will compete for 195 medals across 16 Olympic disciplines and six Paralympic sports with beautiful Italian landscapes as the backdrop. These Games are considered the most widespread ever with venues located in Anterselva/Antholz, Bormio, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Milano, Predazzo, Tesero and Verona. The Olympic Winter Games run February 6-22, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6 – 15.

CBC Sports brings audiences all the action from the world of high performance sport year round with key competitions and Olympic qualifying events including: the Beach Volleyball World Championships, Vanier Cup and several FIS World Cups in the leadup to the Games. Plus, the public broadcaster will continue to showcase its commitment to women’s sports with coverage of the PWHL regular season and the Northern Super League championship.

PODCASTS

CBC offers a richly diverse collection of award-winning podcasts that engage, enlighten and entertain. CBC is the #1 Canadian podcaster, reaching more Canadians than any other podcast publisher with millions of downloads each month and more than 45 series in genres such as true crime, comedy, human interest and audio fiction.

This fall, two new seasons of UNCOVER, featuring the best in true crime, are set to launch wherever podcasts are available. Tribeca Festival selection DIRTBAG CLIMBER is a five-part murder mystery hosted by Steven Chua and investigating the unsolved 2017 homicide of “Jesse James,” a rock climber and enigmatic con artist found dead in Squamish, British Columbia. UNBRANDED: THE ALLISON MACK STORY returns to the NXIVM cult to tell the story of Allison Mack, former Smallville actress, high-ranking NXIVM member, and convicted felon. With exclusive access to Mack following her release from prison after three years, this six-part series follows her journey from Hollywood stardom to cult complicity, and asks, is she a victim, a villain—or both?

In FORGED, a new six-part series from CBC and ABC Australia, host Adrian Stimson, an artist from the Siksika Nation, tells the unfolding story of legendary Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau and how criminal fraudsters copied his work in a scheme that has become the largest art fraud in the world.

Eight-part CBC News podcast SEE YOU IN COURT dives into the messy and memorable battles that shaped how Canadians live today, one court case at a time. Each week, host Falen Johnson teams up with a journalist to tell the stories of the people who challenged the law, and won — or at least put up one hell of a fight.

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

CBC and CBC Gem will continue to offer audiences a curated selection of acclaimed series from around the world. Premium titles coming to CBC Gem later in 2025 include period drama RISE OF THE RAVEN (WT) (10×60) about the Battle of Belgrade, which put an end to the Ottoman Empire’s invasion and reshaped the history of Europe; Season 2 of COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS (8×30), the romantic comedy following the all-too-relatable chaos of Ashley and Gordon, who return with more relationship mishaps; and the exclusive Canadian premiere of THE GOLD Season 2 (6×60), based on true events and following the conviction of those involved in the theft and handling of the
Brink’s-Mat gold. Realizing that the criminals only had half the gold, the police embark on dramatic manhunts as they desperately try to solve the longest and most expensive investigation in the history of the Metropolitan Police. Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) and Tom Cullen (Knightfall) return for Season 2.

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CBC unveils 2022-23 programming slate

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

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Comments and queries for the week of February 14

Many viewers are turned off by some of the fools that have been chosen as Family Feud Canada contestants. Who wants to see members act like jerks? Are they encouraged to act up and be obnoxious? Just tonight (Feb. 10 episode), the Brown family male members were totally obnoxious and behaved like arrogant fools. Who wants to watch a-holes like those brothers and not get to slap them on the back of their heads!

Some are the families are very normal and do not try to over-act like others. We assume producers are encouraging contestants to be exuberant and perform but some contestants are making Canadians look stupid. The Browns had a hint of karma when they never got to claim the $10,000 when Jerk No. 1 had such a high score that should have easily become a score of 200, but Jerk No. 2, being arrogant and cocky, struck out! Hopefully it knocked them down a few pegs and will act more normal, but the arrogant personalities of the males will probably win out and be jerks again.

Sorry to say that it will lose viewers with such arrogant contestants. Quit encouraging the over-acting! —Ken

Got a question or comment about Canadian TV? Email greg.david@tv-eh.com or via Twitter @tv_eh.Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

Survey says it’s time for Family Feud Canada

The air was immediately electric as I walked into the Studio 40 at CBC headquarters in Toronto. Anyone who’s ever watched an episode of Family Feud knows exactly what the show’s about, whether it was the Richard Dawson era, the more comical years hosted by the late Ray Combs, or the current version with Steve Harvey at the helm. And Family Feud Canada—debuting Monday at 8 p.m. on CBC—doesn’t disappoint; it’s impressive right from the start. From the iconic name tags to those oh-so-familiar sights and sounds, it’s exactly how you remember it—with a Canadian spin.

“We might have a French-Canadian question, you might hear the word ‘hockey’ a bit more, you might get a poutine reference. But it’s not forced,” host Gerry Dee told us during the show’s recent media day. “We had a family from Winnipeg here and they were pumping up the Grey Cup. So there are some very proud Canadians on set because it is our version.”

And because of its Canadian-ness, expect it to be pretty darn nice. “It’s ironic, it’s called Family Feud but there’s no feuding,” laughed Dee. “They really love each other. One team feels bad to beat a team. So far, so Canadian.”

Literally. Nearly 2,000 families across the country applied and the show has received 10,000 emails from those who want to be in the studio audience. All who are surveyed are Canadian, and the questions range from Canadian to more Canadian to super-Canadian. And they’re all vying—albeit, politely—for that $10,000 prize.

Family Feud may be a game show at heart, but because of all the comedy that comes with it, it’s pretty perfect for the actor-comedian. Dee found out that Family Feud Canada was in the works about five months after Mr. D, which ran for eight seasons on the broadcaster, wrapped. “When Mr. D was done, there was nothing. Then this came along and it was perfect.”

Luckily for Dee, he didn’t have to audition as the broadcaster knew what a good thing it had with him. He joked that CBC asked five other people before turning to him but acknowledged, “I think that they probably were looking at all the great choices Canada has and I’m very lucky that they thought of me. It was a pretty cool call to get but it was never on my radar.”

But as far as Dee is concerned, he was never not going to do this. “This is right in my wheelhouse. I’m not saying I’m perfect for it but it’s a perfect fit as far as for me, it is.”

The only difference between Canada’s version and the U.S., Dee points out is, well, him. “Obviously it’s going to be very different with me as the host. Some people will like it, some won’t, and that’s a given. There always is in entertainment.

“The only thing that could be worse is me,” he continued. “That’s the only thing that could be worse. But it might not be. Not sure yet. We’ll find out.”

Family Feud Canada airs Monday to Thursday at 8 p.m. on CBC before moving to its regular timeslot of 7:30 p.m. the following week.

Image courtesy of CBC.Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail

CBC announces winter premiere dates for Coroner, Schitt’s Creek, Workin’ Moms and more

From a media release:

CBC today announced premiere dates for its winter 2020 lineup of new and returning Canadian series, featuring original programming that reflects contemporary Canada. With a new winter schedule launching Sunday, January 5, each series will be available on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service.

New original series premiering this winter include:

Hosted by Gerry Dee, FAMILY FEUD CANADA will introduce audiences to Canadian families from across the country four nights a week, beginning Monday, December 16 at a special time of 8PM (8:30 NT), before moving into its regular time slot at 7:30PM (8 NT) on Monday, December 23

New original factual series HIGH ARCTIC HAULERS, a high-stakes journey at sea that offers a look at Canada’s resilient, vibrant northern communities, premieres Sunday, January 5 at 8PM (8:30 NT)

Starring Kari Matchett (Covert Affairs), Darren Mann (Giant Little Ones) and Stephen Moyer (True Blood) and set in the social and political chaos of 1968, new spy drama FORTUNATE SON premieres Wednesday January 8 at 9PM (9:30 NT)

In a new take on the popular factual entertainment format, BACK IN TIME FOR WINTER follows one modern Canadian family on a winter time-travelling adventure beginning Thursday, January 9 at 8PM (8:30NT)

Epic sci-fi adventure series ENDLINGS produced in partnership with Hulu, follows four foster kids who make a startling discovery that affects the entire universe, and premieres Sunday, January 5 at 6PM (6:30 NT) with weekly back-to-back episodes

New culinary competition series and original Canadian format, FRIDGE WARS, premieres Thursday, February 27 at 8PM (8:30 NT)

New CBC Docs original series THE OLAND MURDER premieres Thursday, March 5 at 9PM (9:30 NT)

Returning titles include:

Last season’s most-watched new Canadian series* CORONER, starring Serinda Swan, returns for Season 2 Monday, January 6 at 9PM (9:30 NT)

CBC’s popular Tuesday night comedy lineup returns with the fourth season of KIM’S CONVENIENCE at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) and the sixth and final season of SCHITT’S CREEK at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) beginning Tuesday, January 7, with WORKIN’ MOMS returning for a fourth season Tuesday, February 18 at 9:30PM (10 NT)

The Kristin Kreuk-led legal drama BURDEN OF TRUTH returns for Season 3 Wednesday, January 8 at 8PM (8:30 NT)

Gripping Canadian true crime series THE DETECTIVES returns for Season 3 Thursday, January 9 at 9PM (9:30 NT)

CBC DOCS POV returns with a new series of documentaries from some of Canada’s most talented documentary filmmakers beginning Sunday, February 9 at 9PM (9:30 NT)

Halifax legal aid drama DIGGSTOWN starring Vinessa Antoine and Natasha Henstridge returns for Season 2 Wednesday, March 4 at 8PM (8:30 NT)Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail