Front Page, Industry News

CTV sells shows to major American broadcasters

The prolonged Hollywood screenwriters strike is resulting in a bonanza of deals for Canadian broadcasters as big American networks are snapping up Canuck shows in an effort to keep their programming schedules filled with fresh fare.

CTV sold 13 episodes of a second show to a major American broadcaster on Friday.

"The Listener," an upcoming drama about a telepathic paramedic, will air on NBC later this year.

Earlier this week, CTV sold 13 episodes of a new police drama, "Flashpoint," to CBS.

"Flashpoint" and "The Listener" are going into production soon and will be the first shows since CTV’s "Due South" to air in prime time in the U.S. and Canada.

Unlike straight acquisitions of existing shows, the CTV deals are significant because they involve American broadcasters partnering with a Canadian counterpart to produce new content.

"It’s been an incredible week," CTV’s Susanne Boyce said Friday. "Canadian television stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best content in the world."

American broadcasters are also eyeing shows that are already airing in Canada.

CBC’s "Sophie" was close to inking a deal Friday with the cable network ABC Family. The Quebec producers of the show weren’t immediately available for comment but a source indicated the deal was imminent.

The producers of CBC’s "The Border," already well into its first season on the public broadcaster, are also in talks with some of the biggest networks in the U.S., including CBS and ABC.

<font size=1>The Canadian Press</font>