TORONTO – Despite revealing much of its fall lineup last month, CBC made it official Thursday at an event in Toronto.
As Cartt.ca reported, the national broadcaster is bringing back 14 shows to its primetime schedule next season, including popular series Arctic Air, Republic of Doyle and Mr. D. What’s new, however, is that George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight is adding an early airing at 7 p.m. (7:30 NT) weeknights starting in September, in addition to its regular 11:05 p.m. (11:35 NT) slot, taking the place of U.S. game show Jeopardy! which will not return.
Also axed from the schedule is original reality series Battle of the Blades, which CBC confirmed is on hiatus due to high production costs.
Kirstine Stewart, EVP of CBC English Services, said that the ‘Corp is staying true to its vision “regardless of our recent financial challenges”.
“As we enter a challenging new reality, we are moving forward with great pride in the outstanding successes we have built, combined with the excitement of new offerings which reflect our mission of bringing Canadians the finest programs, journalism and live event coverage that their public broadcaster can provide,” she said in a press release.
New programming joining the schedule includes Murdoch Mysteries; crime drama Cracked; historical drama Titanic: Blood And Steel; and Over The Rainbow, the live competition search for theatre’s newest 'Dorothy' for the Canadian premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new Wizard of Oz musical.
CBC’s full list of returning shows includes:
– 22 Minutes
– Arctic Air
– Doc Zone
– Dragons' Den
– George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight
– Heartland
– Marketplace
– Mr. D
– Republic of Doyle
– The Big Decision
– the fifth estate
– The Nature of Things
– The Rick Mercer Report
– The Ron James Show
