CBC, Canada’s go-to network for home-grown hits, has announced its plans for the 2014-2015 TV programming schedule – in addition to a number of returning faves, there are also 12 new prime-time titles on the line-up.
Some of Canada’s brightest talent is behind the slate of new dramas, comedies and factual entertainment, including: “Strange Empire,” an incredible frontier story from Laurie Finstad, the creator of “Durham County”; a World War II spy series, “Camp X,” from the creators of “Flashpoint”; “Pirate’s Passage,” an animated tale starring Donald Sutherland, who is also on board as writer and producer; and “The Book of Negroes,” an international co-production based on the Giller Award-winning novel by Lawrence Hill.
“Murdoch Mysteries’” Jonny Harris takes audiences across Canada in “Of All Places.” Also new to the schedule is the character-driven, half-hour, single-camera comedy “Schitt’s Creek,” co-created by and starring Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, and also starring comedy legend Catherine O’Hara.
CBC’s tradition of sports broadcasting continues in 2014-2015 with comprehensive coverage of amateur sports and big events, including 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
“I’m really impressed with the level of creativity brought to the new shows we’re rolling out next season – we’re trying different ideas in all of our content areas,” said Heather Conway, executive vice-president of CBC English Services, in a press release. “I’m also optimistic about where CBC is headed, and excited about our prospects of what I believe can make for a compelling future.”
