CBC's fall television and streaming schedule and 2021-22 programming slate for CBC TV and CBC Gem features over 35 new and returning original series from Canadian creators, producers and storytellers across all genres - and there's plenty of East Coast content.
Family dramedy Moonshine and sand sculpting competition Race Against the Tide make debut
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CBC's fall television and streaming schedule and 2021-22 programming slate for CBC TV and CBC Gem features over 35 new and returning original series from Canadian creators, producers and storytellers across all genres - and there's plenty of East Coast content.
Here's what you can expect:
Shaun Majumder hosts an original competition series Race Against the Tide featuring 10 teams of two world-class, highly skilled sand sculptors competing to create extraordinary works of art made entirely out of sand on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. (CBC)RACE AGAINST THE TIDE Premieres Thurs. Sept. 9 with back-to-back episodes, beginning 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem RACE AGAINST THE TIDEis an original competition series hosted by comedian Shaun Majumder, featuring 10 teams of two world-class, highly skilled sand sculptors competing to create extraordinary works of art made entirely out of sand while avoiding elimination. Not only are these best-in-show duos competing against each other, they are competing against Mother Nature's unstoppable ticking clock and the world's highest tide at New Brunswick's iconic and beautiful Bay of Fundy. The stakes have never been higher in the world of sand sculpting as the competitors' creations - no matter how impressive - are all destined to be washed away the same day by the tide. In the end, only one team whose skill, creativity and tenacity leaves a lasting impression will be crowned the RACE AGAINST THE TIDE "Champions."
Among the MOONSHINE cast featuring (from left to right): Anastasia Phillips (playing Rhian Finley-Cullen), Alexander Nunez (playing Sammy Finley-Cullen), Emma Hunter (playing Nora Finley-Cullen), Tom Stevens (playing Ryan Finley-Cullen), Jennifer Finnigan (playing Lidia Bennett) (CBC) MOONSHINE Premieres Tues. Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem From creator, showrunner and executive producer Sheri Elwood (Call Me Fitz), MOONSHINE is a one-hour dramedy that tells the story of the Finley-Cullens, a dysfunctional clan of adult half-siblings battling for control of the ancestral business, The Moonshine, a ramshackle summer resort on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, two stars on a good day -- and that day was in 1979. It's an epic tale of lust, legacy and lobster, set against the backdrop of financial hardship, insane tourists, small-town intrigue and a long-buried secret that threatens to annihilate the Finley-Cullens once and for all. Featuring an ensemble cast including Jennifer Finnigan (Salvation), Anastasia Phillips (Reign), Emma Hunter (Mr. D), Tom Stevens (Wayward Pines), Alexander Nunez (Avocado Toast), Corrine Koslo (Anne with an E), Peter MacNeill (This Life), Erin Darke (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Farid Yazdani (Suits), Allegra Fulton (The Shape of Water) and Jonathan Silverman (Weekend at Bernie's).
THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES Season 29 premieres Tues. Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem An iconic comedy show armed with sardonic sketches, biting parodies, and an unrelenting skewering of the weekly news, THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES has been at the forefront of provocative satire for nearly three full decades, targeting politics, culture, and world events. Comedian Aba Amuquandoh joins Mark Critch, Trent McClellan and other cast members this season.
STRAYS cast includes, from L to R, Nikki played by Nikki Duval, Joy played by Tina Jung, Lara played by Emily Piggford, Shannon played by Nicole Power, Kristan played by Frank Cox O’Connell, Liam played by Kevin Vidal, Paul played by Tony Nappo, Aunt Peggy played by Paula Boudreau. The series previews on Sept. 14. (CBC) STRAYS Premieres Tues. Sept. 14 at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem STRAYS is new original series that follows the upbeat and enthusiastic Kim's Convenience character, Shannon Ross (Nicole Power, native of Middle Cove, N.L.) as the new executive director of the Hamilton East Animal Shelter, where she is boss to an eclectic staff. Now in her 30s, Shannon is ready for a change and new challenges. She's putting Toronto in the rearview to focus on her new job, new relationships, reuniting with family and learning more about herself. Shannon's trademark positivity is put to the test as she manages an oddball team, including her apathetic cousin Nikki (Nikki Duval), her over-eager animal care manager Kristian (Frank Cox O'Connell), her overly sheltered office manager Joy (Tina Jung) and the building's maintenance guy Paul (Tony Nappo), whose straight-faced prison humour keeps everyone on their toes.
Vinessa Antoine, as legal aid lawyer Marcie Diggs, leads the cast of Diggstown into its third season, premiering on Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem. The series is produced in Nova Scotia. (CBC) DIGGSTOWN Season 3 premieres Wed. Oct. 6, at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on CBC Gem Created by Floyd Kane (Across the Line) and starring Vinessa Antoine, CBC original drama DIGGSTOWN follows legal aid lawyer Marcie Diggs, who continues her exploration of a system fraying at the edges as she and her band of tireless colleagues fight to protect society's most vulnerable from systemic corruption, injustice and discrimination in the legal system. In Season 3, the world has changed. In this post-COVID society, our heroes' lives have transformed, and perspectives and priorities have changed. Relationships have formed while others have fallen apart. As Marcie tackles some of her most complex and personal cases to date, she finds herself bucking up against a system that refuses to change. Colleen (Natasha Henstridge) struggles to manage Halifax Legal Aid amidst increasing interference from the board of directors.
Joining the cast of DIGGSTOWN this season are Antoinette Robertson (Dear White People), Crystle Lightning (Trickster) and Nicole Muñoz (Van Helsing). Robertson stars as Vivian, a young tech mogul with the deep pockets to make Marcie's dreams a reality; Lightning is Doug's fiercely independent ex-wife Michelle; while Muñoz plays Ellery, a sharp Crown attorney who plays for keeps. More on DIGGSTOWN.
HA!IFAX COMEDY FEST - 25th Season (Watch for times on CBC TV and CBC Gem) HA!IFAX COMEDY FEST returns this year, marking its 25th anniversary with special episodes that showcase the absolute best in Canadian stand-up comedians. Each episode contains fresh material, combined with classic hits from past seasons. Hosted by 22 Minutes' funnyman Mark Critch and featuring a star-studded lineup including Shaun Majumder, Caroline Rhea, Gavin Crawford, Debra DiGiovanni, Greg Proops, Bette MacDonald, and Trent McLellan.
Coming this winter
Son of a Critch, based on actor-comedian-writer Mark Critch’s award-winning, best-selling memoir Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir will premiere in winter 2022. (Courtesy of CBC)SON OF A CRITCH (Winter 2022) is based on the award-winning, best-selling memoir from Mark Critch (This Hour Has 22 Minutes), created by Critch and Tim McAuliffe (The Office (U.S.), Last Man on Earth) and produced by Andrew Barnsley (Schitt's Creek). This new original comedy is the hilarious and very real story of 11-year-old Mark coming of age in St. John's, Newfoundland in the '80s. It's a heartfelt window into the life of a child - much older inside than his 11 years - using comedy and self-deprecation to win friends and connect with the small collection of people in his limited world.
The comedy, produced in St. John's, stars Critch as his father and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Pinocchio) as young Mark. Claire Rankin (Molly's Game) has been cast as Mark's mother, Mary, alongside newcomers Sophia Powers and Mark Rivera, who are cast as classmates of young Mark. Golden Globe nominee Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) to star as Pop.
Newfoundland and Labrador's Jonny Harris is on a mission to find humour in, well, the funniest of places as he heads into Season 7 of Still Standing this winter on CBC TV and CBC Gem. (CBC)STILL STANDING(Winter 2022) - SEASON 7 Award-winning CBC original series STILL STANDING follows Canadian comedian Jonny Harris (Murdoch Mysteries) as he sets off across the country to discover the hidden comedy in Canada's far-flung small towns. Each week, Jonny, who hails from Newfoundland and Labrador, takes a hilarious and heart-warming journey to find humour in the unlikeliest of places — small towns on the ropes. After immersing himself in the lives of local characters and unearthing the tall tales in these tiny towns, Jonny delivers a rousing original stand-up comedy routine — a toast, not a roast — for the whole community. From coast to coast to coast, Still Standing showcases Canada's vast beauty and highlights the country's unique and diverse characters. Viewers ride shotgun with Jonny on the ultimate cross-country road trip.
