Six-part reboot of the iconic legal drama reunites original cast members and introduces the next generation of Street Legal lawyers
More than 20 years after the original series came to an end, production is now underway on the highly anticipated revival of CBC’s STREET LEGAL (6x60). The reboot of the Canadian series sees Cynthia Dale reprise her role as Olivia Novak, with Cara Ricketts (The Book of Negroes), Steve Lund (Bitten) and Yvonne Chapman (The Crossing) joining the series as the next generation of Toronto lawyers fighting the good fight. Original cast members Eric Peterson (“Leon Robinovitch”) and Anthony Sherwood (“Dillon Beck”) are also confirmed to return for special guest appearances. The series starts production this week for a winter 2019 premiere on CBC, the CBC TV streaming app and cbc.ca/watch.
Like the original, the rebooted series will combine cutting-edge storylines with ongoing serialized character development, focused on the people who practice law and the lives they lead both on and off the job.
"Street Legal struck a major chord with Canadians during its original run, and bringing back the series was an easy decision for CBC,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Programming, CBC “With the strong creative team and talented cast we've assembled to re-imagine the series for an entirely new generation, our goal is to target fans of the original series as well as new audiences."
“We have assembled an outstanding cast and crew, one that will be up to the challenge of creating a modern version of an iconic Canadian show that we can all be proud of,” said Bernie Zukerman, Executive Producer, IGP Productions Ltd.
Showrunner Bruce Smith calls STREET LEGAL “a cultural touchstone for Canadians. We are so excited to build a new show on such a great foundation.”
The award-winning character-driven legal drama picks up 25 years after the original series with Olivia now a partner at a major Bay Street law firm. Beaten to the punch on filing a massive class-action lawsuit by an upstart firm of young social-activist lawyers, Olivia pursues them as an acquisition target. But when her own firm goes down in a flame of egos and departing partners, Olivia finds herself starting over at the boutique firm with new younger colleagues.
A CBC original series, STREET LEGAL is co-produced by IGP and Broken Clown Productions. Bernie Zukerman (Remedy, King) is Executive Producer. Bruce Smith (19-2) is Executive Producer and Showrunner. Cynthia Dale and Rayne Zukerman are Producers. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Programming; Helen Asimakis is Senior Director, Drama, Scripted Content; and Deborah Nathan is Executive in Charge of Production.
Cast on Twitter: @cynthiadale, @cara_ricketts, @leven_stund, @yvonne_chapman
Cast on Instagram: @cynthiamdale, @cara.ricketts, @leven_stund, @ypchapman
IGP Productions: Facebook: IGP Productions, Twitter: @IGPproductions
IGP Productions: A boutique family-run company, IGP is renowned for its high-quality content. IGP produces for all platforms, leans into relevant and insightful content that inspires viewers to think differently. We’ve had success with our interprovincial and international co-productions. We’ve produced the scripted medical series Remedy for Global; the top international export King a police procedural for Showcase, and the CBC legal classic This is Wonderland. IGP has also produced a number of features, movies, and mini-series celebrating Canada’s history and its diversity with classics such as John A: The Birth of a Country; Niagara Motel; Victor: The Victor Davis Story; Million Dollar Babies; Conspiracy of Silence and The Many Trials of One Jane Doe. For more information, visit: www.igpproductions.com.
Broken Clown Productions: Great television starts with great talent and a passion to create. This is the driving principal behind the new Montreal-based independent production company, The Broken Clown Company Inc. / La Compagnie Broken Clown Inc. owned by acclaimed Canadian showrunner, Bruce M. Smith. After years of driving the creative vision of numerous television series, including the award-winning internationally distributed 19-2, Bruce is broadening his vision to produce more internationally marketable television in Quebec. His strong relationships with writers, directors and actors puts him in an enviable position to attract the talent international drama requires. Supported with a leading Quebec-based business team knowledgeable in rights management and financing, The Broken Clown Company is well positioned for success. The company’s first series, Street Legal Reboot for CBC is slated for production in Montreal in the summer of 2018 (in co-production with Indian Grove Productions).
About CBC/Radio-Canada:
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
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For more information, please contact:
Adrienne Kakoullis, Unit Publicist, Rise PR Inc., 416-450-6637, akakoullis@risepr.ca
Elizabeth Reid, CBC Public Relations, 416.205.2665, elizabeth.reid@cbc.ca
