On the first day of Prime Time on Wednesday, Blue Ant Media announced its upcoming slate of new and returning Canadian series for its specialty TV and international free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms in 2024 and into 2025.
The slate includes a new co-production with APTN, Wild Rose Vets (13 x 30 minutes), a spin-off of the original series Dr. Savannah: Wild Rose Vet. The series is described in a press release as “A heartwarming and culturally-unique docuseries following the behind-the-scenes adventures of three Indigenous veterinarians in the prairies as they rescue and rehabilitate a wide range of household pets and exotic wildlife.”
Wild Rose Vets is scheduled to air in spring 2025 on Blue Ant Media’s Cottage Life in Canada during the channel’s nationwide free preview, and will be available subsequently on the company’s free streaming channel Love Pets in multiple territories worldwide, the press release says. The series will also broadcast and stream on APTN’s channels and platform in Canada, with the date still to be confirmed. The series is being produced by Wapanatahk Media in partnership with Great Pacific Media.
Blue Ant also announced a new season of the hit franchise Hope for Wildlife (working title Hope for Wildlife: The Next Generation) is scheduled to have its world broadcast premiere on Cottage Life in early 2025, followed by its availability to stream on Love Pets in several territories worldwide at a later date.
Produced by Arcadia Entertainment, the new season (8 x 60’) follows the team at a world-class rehabilitation centre in Nova Scotia, led by compassionate and trailblazing Hope Swinimer, as they rescue, treat and release injured and orphaned wildlife. “As Hope grows the operation and prepares for her eventual passing of the torch, the series introduces us to a new generation of caregivers, trained to continue her lifelong mission of compassion toward animals,” the release says.
Cottage Life is also getting a new season of Mysteries from Above (10 x 60’), with Blue Ant Media having ordered two additional episodes of the previously-announced eight-part series from Blue Ant Studios. Season three of Mysteries from Above is scheduled to have its world broadcast debut in spring 2024 on Cottage Life in Canada during the channel’s nationwide free preview.
“The popular series takes to the skies to unlock Earth’s greatest mysteries and dramatically change how we see the world,” reads a description in the release. “From the vantage points of drones, satellites and aerial photography, the series explores unique buildings and structures — both natural and man-made, curious creatures and lost ancient civilizations, revealing fascinating insights and never-before-seen footage to the viewers.”
Finally, Blue Ant announced a new paranormal series, My Haunted Hometown (8 x 60’), which follows first-hand accounts of paranormal encounters in haunted small towns across North America. “Each episode showcases true stories of individuals, families, and friends who built their lives in the community but now feel trapped, haunted and unable to escape,” the release says. The series is produced by Blue Ant Studios.
My Haunted Hometown is set to have its world broadcast premiere in October 2024 on Blue Ant’s paranormal channel T+E during its nationwide free preview and Creep Week programming event, with a subsequent window on the free streaming channel Haunt TV in multiple territories worldwide.
Blue Ant’s latest originals slate is overseen by Sam Linton, vice-president of production and development for global media, and Julie Chang, executive vice-president of business strategy and co-productions. The Blue Ant Studios rights division is handling pre-sales and licensing opportunities worldwide for all of the series and new seasons announced Wednesday.
“Blue Ant Media is returning to Prime Time with a diverse range of genre-based Canadian series that reflect our programming strategy and what our audiences crave — real-life stories of the paranormal, mystery, and wildlife that surprise and captivate us,” Carlyn Staudt, head of commissioning for global media at Blue Ant Media, said in a statement. “We’re incredibly proud to work with our production partners to create premium content that has global appeal.”
Photo of Wild Rose Vets courtesy of Blue Ant Media.
