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New buddy-cop series Wild Cards isn't too old for this sh*t

If you love odd-couple cop shows with high stakes and big laughter, this is the new series for you. And even if you've never tuned into a procedural series, a cast that includes the superlative Vanessa Morgan, Giacomo Gianniotti and Jason Priestly is worth your time.

Vanessa Morgan and Giacomo Gianniotti are an unlikely buddy cop duo in the new CBC series

CBC Gem ·

Get ready for a wild ride with Wild Cards, a new crime-solving series that pairs a process-loving cop with a charismatic con woman and sets them up for excellent adventures.

Max Mitchell, Played by Vanessa Morgan (Riverdale) is a spirited con woman who has been living life on the edge, scamming her way through her day-to-day when she finally gets caught and is detained. Here she meets Cole Ellis, played by Giacomo Gianniotti (Grey's Anatomy), a detective with a knack for playing it by the book (sometimes to his own detriment) who's been demoted to the local maritime unit. 

What happens when Cole, who lives by the rules of his police manual, and Max, who loves nothing better than improvising schemes and disguises are partnered up? These two are a buddy-cop match made in heaven. 

Wild Cards is the buddy cop adventure series we didn't know we needed. If you love odd-couple cop shows like Cagney and Lacey, Lethal Weapon, Tango and Cash, The Heat, and 21 Jump Street, this is the new series for you. 

Who is in Wild Cards?

Vanessa Morgan is Max Mitchell

Actor Vanessa Morgan wearing a read turtle-neck dress.
Vanessa Morgan in Wild Cards (Ed Araquel)

Max is a master of manipulation – a primo, Grade-A con woman. At the drop of a hat, she'll adopt a new accent, a disguise, and mannerisms to become a different person to suit her current con. She's intuitive, funny and ridiculously likable. She can fit in with a history professor, a backroom bookie, a stay-at-home mom, or a construction worker because Max truly likes people and wants to see the best in everyone. Her optimism could be mistaken for naiveté, but it never is. Her dad, George, taught her everything he knows, and their bond is unbreakable. 

Giacomo Gianniotti is Cole Ellis

Actor Giacomo Giannotti smiling for a portrait.
Giacomo Giannotti as Cole Ellis in Wild Cards. (Ed Araquel)

Ellis is a great detective. He picks up on every detail and he leaves no stone unturned. He follows the rules, goes by the book, and takes the straight and narrow. He's also been demoted to the marine unit. But beneath the curmudgeonly exterior, Ellis is someone who always tries to do what's right. 

Terry Chen is Chief Li

Actor Terry Chen wearing a blue suit, clearly in a police role and wearing a badge.
Terry Chen as Chief Li on Wild Cards (Ed Araquel)

Chief Li leads the Metro Police Force. He's firm, fair, and just a little frustrated with the competitive banter between his detectives. It was Li who demoted Ellis and he knows Ellis holds it against him. But that doesn't bother Li. What he really cares about is the safety of his detectives. 

Jason Priestly is George

Jason Priestly wearing a red prison outfit talking on a phone while sitting in a prison room.
Jason Priestly as Max's father, George on Wild Cards (Ed Araquel)

Yes, it's that Jason Priestly. George is Max's father and a master con man. He's the OG who taught her everything she knows. Once you meet George, you understand where Max comes from. She got his enthusiasm for fun, his charisma, and cool head.

Michael Xavier and Amy Goodmurphy are Detectives Simmons and Yates

Michael Xavier and Amy Goodmurphy as police detectives in Wild Cards.
Simmons and Goodmurphy. (Ed Araquel)

Simmons and Yates are detectives at the precinct and Ellis' colleagues. They're quick to get in their digs about his demotion but there's respect there... like, deep, deep down. Just don't expect them to admit it. 

Fletcher Donovan is Ricky

Fletcher Donovan sitting on a patio chair, wearing an unbuttoned tropical shirt.
Fletcher Donovan is Ricky in Wild Cards (Ed Araquel)

Ricky is Max's butler/best friend/tech guru. He's the Q to her Bond. Cool under pressure, quick with a quip, and appreciative of a good tropical drink poolside, Ricky is Max's right-hand hunk. And while they share a mansion (or two) together, their relationship is strictly platonic. 

Jonesy is Marc the Cat

A slender tabby cat sitting on a cat bed.
Marc the cat. (Ed Araquel)

Marc is the strong silent type...among cats, that is. Although Ellis is reluctant to admit it, Marc is his trusty companion, his sounding board, his confidant. Without saying a word...er...meow...he offers advice and maybe a little judgment. He is a cat after all.

Wild Cards premieres Wednesday, January 10 on CBC Gem, and CBC TV at 8 p.m.

Watch Wild Cards for free on CBC Gem

CBC Gem is Canada's streaming service, offering more than 6500 hours of live and on-demand Canadian programming and a curated selection of acclaimed, best-in-class content from around the world, including more than 800 documentaries, 500 hours of ad-free content for kids and tweens, and a collection of over 200 Canadian feature films. CBC Gem is available for free as an App for iOS, tvOS, Fire TV, Android TV, Android phones and tablets, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, and Xbox One/S/X.

Gem is also accessible online at gem.cbc.ca

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