"Murdoch Mysteries"
CBC announced the expansion of its free ad-supported streaming (FAST) portfolio with the launch of two new entertainment channels, Heartland and Murdoch Mysteries which feature 17 seasons each of the popular and long-running Canadian series, available now on CBC Gem and launching on connected TV platforms in the coming months. The channels join CBC Comedy as part of CBC’s entertainment FAST lineup.
"We are always looking for new ways to connect audiences with our original entertainment, and as more viewers turn to FAST channels as part of their daily lives, we want to make their favourite shows even more accessible," said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports, CBC. “These two new channels will offer nonstop streaming of two of Canada's longest-running and most beloved series for audiences to enjoy whenever and wherever they want.”
HEARTLAND CHANNEL
CBC original drama "Heartland" is a long-running family drama beloved by fans of all ages in Canada and around the world. Set against the stunning backdrop of the foothills of Alberta, the series follows Amy Fleming (Amber Marshall) and her family as they manage the highs and lows of life on the Heartland horse ranch, which has been a part of their family for generations. Produced by Dynamo Films and SEVEN24 Films, "Heartland" is based on the bestselling series of books by Lauren Brooke.
MURDOCH MYSTERIES CHANNEL
CBC’s most-watched show and Canada’s top-rated long-running drama, "Murdoch Mysteries" is set in Toronto around the turn of the 20th century during the age of invention, where Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) enlists innovative forensic techniques to solve some of the city’s most perplexing murders. Notable guest stars on the series have included William Shatner, Margaret Atwood, Geddy Lee, Chris Hadfield, Ed Asner and Nick Nurse, adding star-studded intrigue to its compelling tales. Produced by Shaftesbury, "Murdoch Mysteries" was born out of Maureen Jennings’ 1997 novel Except the Dying.
The new seasons of both series will premiere exclusively on CBC TV and CBC Gem as part of CBC’s fall lineup.
As announced in May, CBC’s FAST portfolio will further expand later this year with the launch of 12 new local CBC News FAST channels, joining CBC News BC and CBC News Toronto: CBC News Calgary, CBC News Edmonton, CBC News Manitoba, CBC News New Brunswick, CBC News Nl, CBC News North, CBC News Nova Scotia, CBC News Ottawa, CBC News Pei, CBC News Quebec, CBC News Saskatchewan and CBC News Windsor.
NEW ACQUISITION
On a separate news, MIPCOM award-winning documentary series “The Swap” (3x60’), produced for SBS Television by Southern Pictures, has been acquired by CBC in Canada. The series will receive its North American premiere Wednesday, October 2 on CBC Gem. Directed by Jo Siddiqui, the three-part series follows 12 students and families from very different communities as they confront and explore their differences - and similarities - in an experimental school swap.
“’The Swap’ illustrates the power of onscreen storytelling to engage and entertain viewers while breaking down real social and cultural barriers,” says Jenna Bourdeau, Senior Director, Acquisitions, CBC. “We’re excited to share the series with audiences across Canada exclusively on CBC Gem.”
Laurie Critchley, Southern Pictures Chief Executive Officer says, “’The Swap’ tells the story of a trailblazing experiment to confront the cultural stereotypes and stigmas in families from very different backgrounds. As transformative television, it continues to drive change in Australia – and we’re delighted to see it find new audiences in Canada.”
“At Southern Pictures, we’re committed to amplifying Australian stories on the global stage and we value the opportunity to work directly with our international partners. This partnership with CBC has been a long time in the making and we’re so thrilled to see it come to fruition,” says Southern Pictures, General Manager, Georgia Woodward.