‘Essex County,’ ‘Plan B’ among new shows in CBC’s 2022/2023 lineup

TORONTO – An adaptation of a popular graphic novel, a time-travel romance and a reality show about an Indian bridal shop are among the new Canadian series joining CBC’s lineup.

The public broadcaster announced its programming slate for CBC TV and CBC Gem on Wednesday, noting the upcoming season will include more than 40 new and returning original series and specials from Canadian creators.

Among them is “Essex County,” a five-part limited series based on a trilogy of graphic novels by Jeff Lemire, which tells the story of four very different people linked through bloodlines who must find a way to come together. Premiering next winter, it comes on the heels of Disney Plus’ “Moon Knight,” which is based on the comics co-written by Lemire.

Joining the CBC drama slate in 2023 is “Plan B,” which has been adapted from the Radio-Canada French-language series created by Jean-François Asselin and Jacques Drolet and set in Montreal. It stars “Coroner”’s Karine Vanasse and Toronto actor Patrick J. Adams of “Suits” as a man desperate to save his relationship — and the world along the way, while hopping through time.

On the reality television front comes “Bollywed,” which revolves around a family who have been running the beloved bridal shop “Chandan Fashion” in Toronto’s Little India for nearly four decades, premiering in winter 2023.

Also coming next winter is competition show “Canada’s Ultimate Challenge,” in which coaches including Olympic athletes Donovan Bailey, Waneek Horn-Miller and Clara Hughes guide participants on a series of obstacle courses at iconic Canadian locations.

In comedy, CBC is adding Netflix co-production “Fakes,” which follows two best friends who accidentally create one of the largest fake ID empires in North America, and soon find themselves with more cash than they know what to do with. “Fakes” premieres this fall on CBC Gem.

Bringing the laughs, too, is this fall’s “Comedy Night with Rick Mercer.” The CBC favourite will be hosting eight one-hour specials and performing himself, alongside a slate of new and notable Canadian comedians.

Previously announced “SkyMed” has also received a premiere date of July 10. Created by “Transplant” producer Julie Puckrin, it features a diverse ensemble cast who play young first responders in the remote North saving lives while finding love.

Also previously announced is Marie Clements’ “Bones of Crows,” a five-part story led by an Indigenous woman as she survives Canada’s residential school system. Spanning generations, and commissioned by CBC/Radio-Canada in association with APTN, CBC says the project will first be released as a film version theatrically.

New original documentaries include “Summit ‘72,” which chronicles the legendary Canada-USSR Summit hockey series on its 50th anniversary, and “Stay Tooned,” which examines how popular cartoons influenced culture.

Returning series include “Sort Of,” “Strays,” “Run the Burbs,” “Son of a Critch,” “Diggstown,” “Moonshine,” and longtime mainstays “Heartland” and “Murdoch Mysteries,” among others.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2022.

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