By Connie Thiessen
CBC has expanded its free ad-supported streaming portfolio with the launch of CBC Heartland and CBC Murdoch Mysteries FAST channels featuring 17 seasons each of the long-running series.
Available now on CBC Gem and launching on connected TV platforms in the coming months, the channels join CBC Comedy, CBC News Explore, CBC News BC, and CBC News Toronto.
“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, CBC’s general manager of entertainment, factual and sports. “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.”
The new seasons of both series premiere on CBC Gem next week as part of CBC’s fall lineup. Season 18 of Heartland debuts Sunday, Sept. 29 on CBC Gem (Sunday, Oct. 6 on CBC TV), with Season 18 of Murdoch Mysteries premiering Monday, Sept. 30 on CBC Gem (Monday, Oct. 7 on CBC TV).
As previously announced, the public broadcaster is planning to aggressively expand its FAST portfolio later this fall with the launch of 12 new local CBC News FAST channels focused on providing on-demand news for Calgary, Edmonton, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ottawa, P.E.I., Quebec, Saskatchewan, Windsor, and the North.
They’ll launch on CBC Gem and the CBC News App, with other connected TV platforms to follow.
