Independent production company Shaftesbury’s long-running TV series Murdoch Mysteries has generated more than $1 billion in total economic output in Ontario and contributed $766 million to Canada’s GDP over 18 seasons of production, according to a new report commissioned by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and Shaftesbury.
Released last week during Prime Time in Ottawa, the study conducted by economic research firm MNP LLP also found the hit Canadian TV series generated 9,590 full-time Canadian jobs during Seasons 1 to 18.
Now in its 19th season and currently airing on CBC, Murdoch Mysteries is based on the “Detective Murdoch” novels by Canadian author Maureen Jennings and stars Montreal-born Yannick Bisson as Detective William Murdoch. Set in Toronto during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the show follows the detective as he solves complex crimes using innovative forensic techniques.
“The success of Murdoch Mysteries shows that investing in Canadian culture and Canadian-owned IP helps build strong Canadian production companies, like Shaftesbury, which in turn deliver meaningful economic benefits for the country, create skilled jobs for Canadians, and help bring our stories and values to screens at home and around the world,” Reynolds Mastin, CMPA president and CEO, said in a Jan. 29 press release highlighting the report’s findings.
With 333 episodes to date, the first 18 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries generated more than $202 million in tax revenue for federal, provincial and local governments, equivalent to the government revenue generated from 2.2 million visitors to Ontario, according to the CMPA’s press release.
“The most remarkable aspect of this report is that the economic impact outlined is attributed to just one single show,” said Christina Jennings, chairman and president of Shaftesbury, in a statement. “Many Canadians don’t understand the value Canadian content delivers beyond entertainment. This report is a reminder of the financial returns that can be generated by investing in Canadian IP. Bottom line, it’s a booming sector, just like oil and gas.”
MNP’s report highlights significant return on public investment through federal and provincial production incentives. For every dollar of the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC), production of Season 17 of Murdoch Mysteries generated $15.97 in economic output, $11.81 in GDP, and $9.02 in labour income, according to the report. With every $100,000 of the CPTC, 13 full-time jobs were created.
In Ontario, where the series is produced, for every dollar of the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit (OFTTC), Season 17 production generated $5.58 in economic output, $4.13 in GDP, and $3.15 in labour income, according to the report. With every $100,000 of the OFTTC, 4.6 full-time jobs were created.
In addition to its domestic success, Murdoch Mysteries has become a global phenomenon, reaching audiences in more than 120 countries and territories and contributing to the strong international reputation of Canadian content.
Shaftesbury’s ownership of the Murdoch Mysteries intellectual property has enabled the company to build an ecosystem of immersive branded experiences, known as the “Murdoch-verse”, including a symphony orchestra concert series that has travelled across Canada, escape rooms, luxury behind-the-scenes tour packages, branded merchandise, and tween spin-off series Macy Murdoch with CBC. The economic impact of these IP extensions extends beyond the scope captured in the report, the CMPA said.
Photo of actor and executive producer Yannick Bisson filming Murdoch Mysteries courtesy of Shaftesbury and the CMPA
