TORONTO — During its virtual upfront presentation today, CBC revealed its 2020-21 slate of original programming that features 1,300 new hours of television for its fall schedule, including 22 new and returning series.
New series include: the documentary Enslaved (6 episodes x 60 minutes), executive produced by Samuel L. Jackson and directed by Canadian filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici; the factual series Orangeville Prep (6×30, pictured), which looks at the high-pressure world of basketball’s most successful preparatory program; the Canada/New Zealand co-produced thriller The Sounds (8×60), directed by Peter Stebbings and starring Rachelle Lefevre and Matt Whelan; Indigenous-led drama Trickster (6×60), which has already been renewed for a second season ahead of its fall premiere; and international series War of the Worlds (8×60), starring Gabriel Byrne, Elizabeth McGovern and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Series returning this fall include Baroness Von Sketch Show (for its final season), Battle of the Blades, Dragons’ Den, Family Feud Canada, Ha!ifax Comedy Fest, Just For Laughs: Galas, Marketplace, The Nature of Things, Still Standing, This Hour Has 22 Minutes and You Can’t Ask That.
In addition, CBC’s winter 2021 schedule includes two new series: buddy cop drama Lady Dicks (10×60), starring Meredith MacNeill and Adrienne C. Moore; and factual series Arctic Vets (10×30), which follows the team of veterinarians at Assiniboine Park Arctic Animal Hospital in Manitoba.
Series set to return to CBC this winter include: Coroner, The Fifth Estate, Frankie Drake Mysteries, The Great Canadian Baking Show, Heartland, Kim’s Convenience, Murdoch Mysteries, TallBoyz and Workin’ Moms.
“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, in the news release. “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.”
For the full details of CBC’s lineup of programming for the 2020-21 fall and winter seasons, including new kids programming and CBC podcasts, please click here.
