Upcoming CBC Season

This Fall, the CBC will apparently contain up to 175 fewer hours of original programming... at least according to an article in today's Toronto Star. It's set against the backdrop of the network having its funding cut over the next few years, and an ongoing debate over the network's role in Canadian culture.

There is definitely a role for the CBC as it comes to Canadian culture, and news.  They cover international news better than the other networks, and go into more depth on the national news than the  other networks.  On the fictional side I'm a huge fan of Republic of Doyle, and also the move to bring Murdoch Mysteries over from CityTV... in fact it's my dream lineup to have those shows on back-to-back on say Wednesday nights?? I wouldn't change the channel if that were to happen.  And based on that cliff-hanger ending I'm pleased Adam Beach is returning with Arctic Air as well.

I think like every other television network on the planet the CBC fell into the trap of too much Reality TV, because it was easy, and got lots of ratings.  I'm not surprised at the cancellations-I never watched Battle of the Blades or the Debaters.  Judging from the bits I've seen of Michael Tuesdays and Thursdays it seemed to be a very niche, very smart show and that doesn't always appeal to the mainstream.  I might have added This Hour has 22 Minutes to the cancellation pile; it was very hit and miss funny for me- sometimes I'd tune in and I'd spend the whole time laughing.  Other times I'd scratch my head wondering "how is that funny?"

There's plenty of decent homegrown shows out there.  Global's found them in Rookie Blue, CTV's found them in The Listener, and Flashpoint.  Space has found it in Sanctuary (shot in British Columbia), and Being Human (U.S.) shot in Montreal featuring mostly Canadian cast.  Showcase has found it in the Toronto-shot Lost Girl, and Bravo has found it in its co-production of The Borgias featuring Francois Arnaud (Cesare Borgia), and Colm Feore (Del La Rovere)

I know most of those shows have some hefty price-tags that come with them so given its cost-cutting mood that buying homegrown television shows isn't option.  But that still leaves developing its own talent- and perhaps that's where the network could excel and become a true voice in Canadian culture.  You could even make it a reality show- call it "Pitch Me, get people pitching their ideas for the next CBC hit.