THE 2024 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS, hosted by comedian Mae Martin and celebrating the best in Canadian film and television, streams Friday, May 31 at 8 PM (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC Gem
The Asian History Month collection features lifestyle series NADIYA’S SIMPLE SPICES (May 1) with New York Times best-selling author Nadiya Hussain; documentary NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV (May 1) about the Korean avant-garde artist; season 2 of UK comedy AVOIDANCE (May 8) starring co-creator Romesh Ranganathan; and Palme d’Or and multiple Oscar-winning film PARASITE from Bong Joon-ho (May 15)
The Disability Awareness Week collection includes documentary NAME ME LAWAND (May 17) following the journey of a young Deaf Kurdish boy; docuseries BETTER DATE THAN NEVER (May 24) from the creators of Love on the Spectrum; comedy DINOSAUR (May 24) about an autistic woman grappling with her sister’s sudden engagement; and docuseries NESS MURBY: TRANSCENDING (May 24) about the groundbreaking Paralympian
Acclaimed international series include the exclusive Canadian premieres of UK drama BOAT STORY (May 17) about two strangers who embark on a life of crime and its dangerous consequences, and UK lifestyle series SORT OUT YOUR LIFE (May 29) as families tackle a life-changing decluttering, plus new seasons of PENNY DREADFUL (May 3), ANIMAL CONTROL with Joel McHale (May 10) and THE BORGIAS (May 12)
Richard Linklater’s groundbreaking Oscar-winning film BOYHOOD (May 17) follows a boy’s coming-of-age over the course of 12 years, with Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke
New CBC Kids original preschool series HOP (May 31), from the creator of Arthur, follows an enthusiastic frog and his quirky friends
ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH COLLECTION
NADIYA’S SIMPLE SPICES (6×30, Lifestyle, Wall to Wall Media, UK)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Begins streaming Wednesday, May 1
In this latest series, New York Times best-selling author Nadiya Hussain sets out to demystify cooking with spices, showing just how versatile, inexpensive and easy it can be to elevate ordinary dishes to extraordinary. Focusing on just eight spices – cumin, turmeric, chilli, curry powder, cardamom, fennel, cinnamon and bay – Nadiya creates mouth-watering meals for every occasion, from the delicious Bangladeshi dishes of her childhood, to British classics with a spicy twist and of course, her trademark tasty mash-ups. Showcasing spice for not just flavour, but fragrance and colour too, and whether used singly or in cunning combinations, she’ll show us how to make scrummy spiced breakfasts, speedy one pan lunches, warming dinners and delicious desserts for every event. Each episode will see Nadiya cook up four brilliantly simple recipes and also explore other spices on offer around the globe through the chefs and cooks who bring them to life.
NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV (107min, Documentary, directed by Amanda Kim, USA)
Begins streaming Wednesday, May 1
“The George Washington of Video Art” … “Cultural Terrorist” … “Citizen Zero of the Electronic Superhighway” … But who really was Nam June Paik, pillar of the American avant-garde in the 20th century and arguably the most famous Korean artist in modern history? Director Amanda Kim tells, for the first time, the story of Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his Nostradamus-like visions of a future in which “everybody will have his own TV channel.” Thanks to social media, Paik’s future is now our present, and NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV shows us how we got here. Narrated by Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Steven Yeun (Minari, Beef).
AVOIDANCE Season 2 (6×30, Comedy, Ranga Bee, BBC UK)
*Canadian Premiere*
Begins streaming Wednesday, May 8
Life has changed since Jonathan’s marriage broke down and he absconded with his son to live with his sister. Life has changed a lot.One year ago, Jonathan’s ex-partner Claire asked him to leave. And life with his sister Dan and her wife Courtney and his son Spencer could best be described as…dysfunctional. But now things are about to get a whole lot more stressful. Dan and Courtney have a baby on the way, Claire’s got a hot new man, and most importantly, Jonathan’s wearing lycra. He tries everything to impress Claire, from taking up cycling, to practising affirmations and even an ill-fated stage performance. But will Jonathan win her back? And will Dan and Courtney be ready when the baby comes? Created by Benjamin Green (Romantic Getaway, The Other Half) and star Romesh Ranganathan (The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, Cinderella).
PARASITE (132min, Thriller/Comedy, directed by Bong Joon-ho, South Korea)
Begins streaming Wednesday, May 15
Ki-taek’s family of four is close, but fully unemployed, with a bleak future ahead of them. The son Ki-woo is recommended by his friend, a student at a prestigious university, for a well-paid tutoring job, spawning hopes of a regular income. Carrying the expectations of all his family, Ki-woo heads to the Park family home for an interview. Arriving at the house of Mr. Park, the owner of a global IT firm, Ki-woo meets Yeon-kyo, the beautiful young lady of the house. But following this first meeting between the two families, an unstoppable string of mishaps lies in wait. Winner of Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature Film at the 2020 Academy Awards, and the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
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DISABILITY AWARENESS WEEK COLLECTION
NAME ME LAWAND (86min, Documentary, directed by Edward Lovelace, UK)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Begins streaming Friday, May 17
Five-year-old Lawand is on a quest to find a world where there are people like him – people who will understand him. Since birth, Lawand has been profoundly Deaf and unable to communicate with those around him. He undertakes a treacherous journey with his family from Iraq to Derby, home of the Royal School for the Deaf. But this new life soon comes under threat when the family faces deportation. Along with members of the Derby community, they begin a new quest – a fight to stay in the place they now call home.
Employing a striking visual style that frames Lawand’s development, from being voiceless to a voice representing others in the Deaf Community, Edward Lovelace’s (The Possibilities Are Endless) documentary is an inspirational and touching coming-of-age story. The film received the Special Jury Prize at Hot Docs 2023 and won Best Human Rights Documentary at the 2023 Bergen International Film Festival.
BETTER DATE THAN NEVER Season 1 (6×30, Documentary Series, Northern Pictures, Australia)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Begins streaming Friday, May 24
BETTER DATE THAN NEVER is a character-led six-part docuseries following a diverse group of single love seekers as they take a huge step into the dating world. Each participant has a unique story, and a different reason for a later start to their dating journey. They all share a common goal – to step out on their first date. With a little help from the producers, the participants launch themselves into a world they’ve always wanted to explore. They are matched with a potential suitor, and ready themselves to meet them on a blind date. We are with them as they experience the most important moment of their dating lives: the beginning. Participants’ stories are interwoven across the series as they set out on the sometimes rocky road to finding love. As their stories develop – connections will be made, hearts will break, love will blossom. Refreshingly real, honest and diverse, BETTER DATE THAN NEVER is a warm-hearted series exploring the world of dating and relationships, from the creators of LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM.
DINOSAUR (6×30, Comedy, Two Brothers Pictures, UK)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Begins streaming Friday, May 24
Dinosaur follows Nina, an autistic woman in her 30s, who adores her life living with her sister and best friend Evie. However, when Evie rushes into an engagement after only six weeks and makes Nina her maid of honour, Nina is floored. Forced to reconcile with her sister’s impulsive decision, Nina grapples with what this new challenge means, leading to a surprising journey of self-discovery.
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ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL SERIES
PENNY DREADFUL Season 3 (9×60, Horror/Drama, Desert Wolf Productions and Neal Street Productions, USA and UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 3
Feeling abandoned and alienated by her faith, a shattered and despondent Vanessa (Eva Green, Casino Royale) seeks the help of Dr. Seward (Patti LuPone, American Horror Story), an American therapist who has an unconventional way of treatment. Meanwhile, now a prisoner under the watchful eye of Scotland Yard Inspector Rusk, Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett, Oppenheimer) is on a train speeding through the desert of the American West. Halfway around the world, in Zanzibar, Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton, Licence to Kill) is confronted by a mysterious Native American man named Kaetenay who shares a deep connection with Ethan. Back in London, Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway, Star Trek: Picard) seeks out his old friend Dr. Jekyll. With all of her friends scattered around the world facing their own demons, Vanessa is left alone to battle a new evil that has emerged from the shadows.
ANIMAL CONTROL Season 2 (9×30, Comedy, Fox Entertainment, USA)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Begins streaming Friday, May 10
A group of local animal control workers’ lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple, but humans are not. Leading the crew is Frank, an opinionated, eccentric animal control officer who may not have gone to college but is still the most well-read person in the room. In his past life as a cop, Frank tried to expose corruption in his department, but his efforts got him fired, leaving him cynical and curmudgeonly. Despite his rough exterior, he is blessed with an almost superhuman ability to understand animals. Starring Joel McHale (Community, The Bear), Ravi Patel (Meet the Patels, Transformers) and Gerry Dee (Family Feud Canada, Mr. D).
THE BORGIAS Season 2 (10×60, Period Drama, Showtime Networks, Take 5 Productions and Octagon Films, USA, Canada, Hungary and Ireland)
Begins streaming Sunday, May 12
Pope Alexander solidifies his power and influence with the help of two loyal allies: Cesare secures the family fortunes and defends the papacy and Rome itself from its enemies, and Giulia Farnese helps Alexander achieve the good works that will ensure his legacy. Lucrezia strives to establish control over her own destiny; Juan drives a permanent wedge between the Borgia siblings that leads Cesare to commit the ultimate crime; and Della Rovere schemes to bring down the Pope by any means necessary. Created by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Greta) and starring Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons (Dead Ringers, House of Gucci), François Arnaud (Blindspot, I Killed My Mother), and Holliday Grainger (Cinderella, Great Expectations).
BOAT STORY (6×30, Drama, Two Brothers Pictures, UK)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Begins streaming Friday, May 17
When two hard up strangers, Janet & Samuel, stumble across a haul of cocaine on a shipwrecked boat, they can’t believe their luck. But it soon proves a poisoned chalice when they find themselves entangled with the police, masked hitmen, and a sharply-suited French mobster known only as ‘The Tailor’.
BOAT STORY twists and turns with character-driven, surprising storytelling, hilarious and moving in equal turns. Off-beat humour juxtaposes with high-octane action sequences, on the beautiful but bleak Yorkshire coastline. It’s a series driven by unexpected storytelling and enigmatic characters, but at its heart, BOAT STORY is about two very ordinary people whom the world has turned its back on. It’s about whether they’re willing, or desperate enough, to do something crazy, to get what they want in life.
Pushed to the very edge, will they be able to play this very dangerous game and come out alive on the other side? Created by Harry Williams (The Tourist, The Missing) and Jack Williams (Liar, The Tourist) and starring Daisy Haggard (Back to Life, I Give it a Year) and Paterson Joseph (Wonka, The Beach).
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DOCUMENTARIES
IRIS (1×79, Documentary, directed by Albert Maysles, USA)
Begins streaming Wednesday, May 1 as part of the Jewish Heritage Month collection
The latest film from legendary documentarian Albert Maysles (GREY GARDENS, GIMME SHELTER), IRIS pairs the late 88-year-old filmmaker (who passed away on March 5) with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment. Despite the abundance of glamour in her current life, she continues to embrace the values and work ethic established during a middle-class Queens upbringing during the Great Depression. “I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.”
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FEATURE FILMS
BOYHOOD (163min, Drama, written and directed by Richard Linklater (Before Midnight, A Scanner Darkly), USA)
Begins streaming Friday, May 17
Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Oscar nominee Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason’s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, BOYHOOD charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor, and winner of Best Supporting Actress for Patricia Arquette, at the 2015 Academy Awards, and winner of Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 2015 Golden Globes.
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LIFESTYLE
ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY Season 30 (B1) (14×60, Unscripted, Naked TV, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 3
When homeowners are reviewing their quality of life and questioning the need to live in expensive and polluted urban spaces, ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY’s satisfying journeys of rural property searches and lifestyle changes have never felt more relevant. Having been on screen for twenty years, this heritage brand now focuses on escaping to the countryside in its broadest sense, presenting practical lifestyle content and constructive suggestions for the viewer, all the while capturing the seasonal beauty of the British landscape. A warm and knowledgeable cast of presenters helps a broad range of property hunters with differing budgets and wish lists.
SORT OUT YOUR LIFE Season 1 (7×60, Unscripted, Optomen Television, UK)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Begins streaming Wednesday, May 29
The average family home contains thousands of items that are not really needed, and living in all the clutter is making us miserable. But imagine if every single item in your home were laid out before you, so you could decide what to keep and what to lose. Tidying guru extraordinaire Stacey Solomon has put together a crack team of organising fanatics who will help a family transform their messy home through a life-changing declutter and a budget-friendly makeover. After spending far too long in our houses, it’s time for a supersized spring clean!
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KIDS
HOP (52×11, Kids Animation, Epic Story Media and Loomi Animation, Canada)
Begins streaming Friday, May 31
A new CBC Kids original series from Marc Brown, the creator of Arthur, HOP is a character-driven comedy that follows the adventures of Hop, a little frog with one leg shorter than the other, and his lovable, quirky friends. Together they show us the powers of friendship and kindness as they navigate the mud puddles of life.
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THE BEST OF CBC
The Canadian streaming home of hit CBC original series including THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW, HEARTLAND, KIM’S CONVENIENCE, MURDOCH MYSTERIES, SCHITT’S CREEK and WORKIN’ MOMS, plus BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW, BLACKBERRY, BONES OF CROWS, MR. D, PRETTY HARD CASES, THE PORTER, RUN THE BURBS, SKYMED, SON OF A CRITCH, SORT OF, STILL STANDING and TALLBOYZ, and classic CBC hits like BEING ERICA.
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COMING IN JUNE
BEAR’S LAIR
JUNIOR BAKING SHOW Season 9
PLEASE LIKE ME