CBC today announced the expansion of its free ad-supported streaming portfolio with the launch of two new entertainment channels. CBC’s HEARTLAND and MURDOCH MYSTERIES channels feature 17 seasons each of the popular and long-running Canadian series, available now on CBC Gem and launching on connected TV platforms in the coming months. The channels join CBC COMEDY as part of CBC’s entertainment FAST lineup.
“We are always looking for new ways to connect audiences with our original entertainment, and as more viewers turn to FAST channels as part of their daily lives, we want to make their favourite shows even more accessible,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports, CBC. “These two new channels will offer nonstop streaming of two of Canada’s longest-running and most beloved series for audiences to enjoy whenever and wherever they want.”
HEARTLAND Channel
Available now on CBC Gem
CBC original drama HEARTLAND is a long-running family drama beloved by fans of all ages in Canada and around the world. Set against the stunning backdrop of the foothills of Alberta, the series follows Amy Fleming (Amber Marshall) and her family as they manage the highs and lows of life on the Heartland horse ranch, which has been a part of their family for generations. Produced by Dynamo Films and SEVEN24 Films, HEARTLAND is based on the bestselling series of books by Lauren Brooke.
MURDOCH MYSTERIES Channel
Available now on CBC Gem
CBC’s most-watched show and Canada’s top-rated long-running drama, MURDOCH MYSTERIES is set in Toronto around the turn of the 20th century during the age of invention, where Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) enlists innovative forensic techniques to solve some of the city’s most perplexing murders. Notable guest stars on the series have included William Shatner, Margaret Atwood, Geddy Lee, Chris Hadfield, Ed Asner and Nick Nurse, adding star-studded intrigue to its compelling tales. Produced by Shaftesbury, MURDOCH MYSTERIES was born out of Maureen Jennings’ 1997 novel Except the Dying.
The new seasons of both series will premiere exclusively on CBC TV and CBC Gem as part of CBC’s fall lineup. Season 18 of HEARTLAND premieres Sunday, September 29 on CBC Gem (Sunday, October 6 at 7 p.m. (7:30 NT) on CBC TV) and Season 18 of MURDOCH MYSTERIES premieres Monday, September 30 on CBC Gem (Monday, October 7 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC TV).
As announced in May, CBC’s FAST portfolio will further expand later this year with the launch of 12 new local CBC News FAST channels, joining CBC NEWS BC and CBC NEWS TORONTO: CBC NEWS CALGARY, CBC NEWS EDMONTON, CBC NEWS MANITOBA, CBC NEWS NEW BRUNSWICK, CBC NEWS NL, CBC NEWS NORTH, CBC NEWS NOVA SCOTIA, CBC NEWS OTTAWA, CBC NEWS PEI, CBC NEWS QUEBEC, CBC NEWS SASKATCHEWAN and CBC NEWS WINDSOR. The new local channels will launch later this fall on CBC Gem and the CBC News App, with additional connected TV platforms to follow.
CBC Gem is available free as an app for iOS and Android devices and online at CBCGem.ca, and on TV screens via Roku, Samsung, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG, Google Chromecast, Android TV and Xbox.