“Enslaved”
Canada’s public broadcaster CBC has revealed its 2020-21 slate of original programming in a virtual upfront presentation. The new releases are led by a strong fall schedule featuring 1300 new hours for television spanning 22 new and returning series across all genres.
"These remarkable times have strengthened the truly unique role CBC serves as Canada's most-trusted media brand, with record audiences turning to us for news and entertainment on all platforms in recent months," said Barbara Williams, Executive Vice-President, CBC. "Looking ahead to fall and beyond, CBC is committed to serving Canadians across the country as no other broadcaster can by delivering distinct new programming and perspectives audiences won't find anywhere else. This includes both new and returning series and a confirmed fall schedule that responds to emerging trends for more entertainment and escapism, along with storytelling that offers inspiration, comfort, and connection to others."
NEW SERIES
Between the new titles are “Enslaved” (6x60 Documentary, Associated Producers/A CBC Gem and documentary channel co-production with Epix in the United States) is a blue-chip documentary series led by Samuel L. Jackson and directed by Canadian filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici (The Naked Archaeologist) that charts the history of slavery through underwater archaeology. International distribution by Fremantle.
“Orangeville Prep” (6x30 Factual, Orangeville Hoops Inc.) is a character-driven factual series that offers an inside look at the competitive, high-pressure world of basketball’s most successful preparatory program.
“The Sounds” (8x60 Drama, Canada/New Zealand co-production, Shaftesbury, and South Pacific Pictures) is a striking take on the relationship-driven thriller. Welcome to Pelorus Sounds, New Zealand – the sleepy settlement where nothing, including the visiting Cabbotts, is quite what it seems.
“Trickster” (6x60 Drama, Streel Films, and Sienna Films) is based on the best-selling novel Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson, with CBC confirming that it has been renewed for a second season. Starring newcomer Joel Oulette, this unique series is created by award-winning filmmaker Michelle Latimer ("RISE", "Nuuca") and Tony Elliott ("Orphan Black"), and directed by Latimer. Oulette plays Jared, an Indigenous teen struggling to keep his dysfunctional family above water, holding down an after-school job and selling ecstasy to support his partying mom, Maggie (Crystle Lightning), who self-medicates an undiagnosed mental illness, and his unemployable dad, Phil (Craig Lauzon), and his new girlfriend.
“War Of The Worlds” (8x60 Drama, UK/France, Urban Myth Films in association with StudioCanal and Fox Networks Group), CBC will offer the exclusive Canadian premiere of this new series written and created by BAFTA award-winner Howard Overman ("Misfits", "Crazyhead", "Merlin"), based on the timeless story by H.G. Wells and starring Gabriel Byrne ("In Treatment"), Elizabeth McGovern ("Downton Abbey"), and Daisy Edgar-Jones ("Normal People"). When astronomers detect a transmission from another galaxy, it is definitive proof of intelligent extraterrestrial life. Further contact comes quickly, and within days, mankind is all but wiped out by a devastating attack; pockets of humanity are left in an eerily deserted world.