CBC’s winter premieres continue in February including new CBC original series ALLEGIANCE (Feb. 7), a character-driven police procedural set in Surrey, BC and starring Supinder Wraich and Enrico Colantoni; THE GREAT CANADIAN POTTERY THROW DOWN (Feb. 8), a warm-hearted competition to find Canada’s Top Potter hosted by Jennifer Robertson with guest judge Seth Rogen; and exclusively on CBC Gem, Season 22 of the WINNIPEG COMEDY FESTIVAL (Feb. 16), featuring some of the most dynamic performers on today's standup circuit
CBC Gem’s Black History Month collections showcase Black voices and experiences including documentary ON THE LINE: THE RICHARD WILLIAMS STORY (Feb. 1) featuring the father of Venus and Serena Williams as he retraces his family’s meteoric journey; LE MYTHE DE LA FEMME NOIRE (THE MYTH OF THE BLACK WOMAN) (Feb. 1), an award-winning documentary that investigates the images of Black women in Western societies; and feature film MARSHALL (Feb. 2) starring the late Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) as Thurgood Marshall, America’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice
The Focus on Ukraine collection, launching Feb. 23, honours the history, culture and resilience of the Ukrainian people two years after the Russian invasion, and includes the exclusive Canadian premieres of drama anthology series THOSE WHO STAYED, about Ukrainians who chose to remain in Kyiv when war broke out, and documentary UKRAINE’S STOLEN CHILDREN, exploring the journey of children taken to Russia at the beginning of the war and the parents trying to bring them home
International series include the exclusive Canadian premiere of period drama BELGRAVIA: THE NEXT CHAPTER (Feb. 7); Season 1 of PENNY DREADFUL (Feb. 16), starring Josh Hartnett, Eva Green and Timothy Dalton in a dark thriller featuring some of literature’s most famously terrifying characters; and mystery series POKER FACE (Feb. 28) from Rian Johnson (Knives Out, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), starring Emmy™-nominee Natasha Lyonne
In time for Valentine’s Day, the Love is in the Air collection explores the idea of romance with titles including the exclusive Canadian premiere of reality show MY MUM YOUR DAD (Feb. 9) about single parents finding a second chance at love; Emmy™-nominated drama series MASTERS OF SEX (Season 1 on Feb. 1, Season 2 on Feb. 14), starring Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan; and Oscar™-nominated film BLUE VALENTINE (Feb. 9) starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as a couple finding, and losing, love
Documentary FIDDLER’S JOURNEY TO THE BIG SCREEN, an intimate portrait of the late Norman Jewison and the making of one of his most iconic films, is streaming now
You think you know CBC? Streaming now, the Get Curious collection encourages audiences to experience something unexpected by highlighting fascinating and entertaining series, films and documentaries on CBC Gem
CBC Gem is Canada’s streaming service, offering more than 6500 hours of live and on-demand Canadian programming and a curated selection of acclaimed, best-in-class content from around the world, including more than 800 documentaries, 500 hours of ad-free content for kids and tweens, and a collection of over 200 Canadian feature films. CBC Gem is available free as an app for iOS and Android devices and online at CBCGem.ca, and on TV screens via Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Google/Android TV and Xbox.
For screening links or more information about any of the titles, please contact Tanya Koivusalo at tanya.koivusalo@cbc.ca. Note: This schedule is subject to change.
For images from CBC Gem titles, click here. Please credit Courtesy of CBC Gem.
CBC GEM’s BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLECTIONS
ON THE LINE: THE RICHARD WILLIAMS STORY (120 min, Documentary, directed by Stuart McClave, USA)
Begins streaming Thursday, February 1
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
In this powerful new film, the father of Venus and Serena Williams retraces his family’s meteoric journey – in his own words. With never-before-seen archive material and in-depth, intimate interviews, this is the real story of one man’s fight – against racism, suppression and violence – to raise two of the greatest champions in history. Richard Williams takes us from his childhood as the son of a cotton picker in poverty-stricken Louisiana during the Jim Crow era to the tennis courts of Compton. This is the first time Williams has told his story so candidly, with moving insights into family life but also shining a light on unconscious bias and the oppression of Black people. As dramatic and celebratory as any Grand Slam final, his journey is an exhilarating story about race in America, family, courage and determination.
LE MYTHE DE LA FEMME NOIRE (THE MYTH OF THE BLACK WOMAN) (93 min, Documentary, directed by Ayana O’Shun, Canada)
Begins streaming Thursday, February 1
*Exclusive English-language Canadian Premiere*
THE MYTH OF THE BLACK WOMAN is an award-winning feature-length documentary that investigates the images of Black women in Western societies, from the hypersexual Jezebel to the lovable Nurse to the sassy “Bitch.” The film works to break down the myth by featuring a diverse group of women and a wealth of realities rarely seen on screen and supported by engrossing archival footage from the 1800s to the present day.
MARSHALL (118 min, Drama, directed by Reginald Hudlin, USA)
Begins streaming Friday, February 2
In the year 1941, as the nation teeters on the brink of entering WWII, a nearly bankrupt NAACP sends its only lawyer, 32-year-old Thurgood Marshall (the late Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther, Get On Up), to conservative Connecticut to defend a black chauffeur against charges of rape and attempted murder brought by his wealthy socialite employer. It was a trial that quickly became tabloid fodder. In need of a high-profile victory, but muzzled by the trial court, Marshall is joined by Samuel Friedman (Josh Gad, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast), a young Jewish lawyer who has never before tried a criminal case. Marshall and Friedman struggle against a hostile storm of fear and prejudice, driven to discover the truth in the sensationalized trial which helped set the groundwork for a career that ultimately made Thurgood Marshall America’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice. MARSHALL is based on a true story and also stars Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) and Sterling K. Brown (This is Us, Waves).
“The Black Panther star is outstanding as the real-life hotshot lawyer"
EXTRAORDINARY EXTENSIONS Season 2 (6x60, Factual, Avalon Factual, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, February 23
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Multi award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter (Step Up All In, Shank) and property developer Tinie Tempah follows brave homeowners as they build extraordinary extensions onto their homes.
FOCUS ON UKRAINE COLLECTION
Begins streaming Friday, February 23
THOSE WHO STAYED (6x30, Drama, Film U.A., Ukraine)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, every second person left the city of Kyiv. This anthology series explores the stories of those who remained, with each episode written by a different creator.
UKRAINE’S STOLEN CHILDREN (64 min, Documentary, directed by Shahida Tulaganova, Ukraine)
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Thousands of Ukrainian children, some of them orphans, were taken to Russia after the war started. Many were sent to recreational camps in Russia by their parents to escape the shelling; they were then stuck there, sometimes for months, waiting for their mothers to bring them back. Others were fostered into Russian families, led to believe that Russia had saved them after their parents had abandoned them. This remarkable doc explores the journey of these children, and the parents trying to bring them home.
**** “calm, vivid documentary”
Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian
LOVE IS IN THE AIR COLLECTION
MASTERS OF SEX Seasons 1 and 2 (24x60, Drama, Round Two Productions, Sony Pictures Television and Timberman-Beverly Productions, USA)
Season 1 begins streaming Thursday, February 1
Season 2 begins streaming Wednesday, February 14
The year is 1956 and renowned obstetrician Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen, The Queen, Midnight in Paris) seeks to expand his pioneering research on human sexuality. However, he must first overcome resistance from his colleagues at Washington University and find an assistant who won’t balk at helping document his controversial work. As he presses for the university’s support, Masters hires Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan, Fleishman is in Trouble, Party Down), a divorced mother of two whose career ambitions and liberated sexual attitudes make her an ideal partner for their study. While moving from the hospital to a brothel and back again to conduct their research, they cope with their complicated personal lives and their own increasingly complex and intimate relationship. Yet as Masters faces backlash from his work at nearly every turn, he and Johnson produce groundbreaking research that blazes a trail for the coming sexual revolution. The Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated series also stars Beau Bridges and Allison Janney, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.
BLUE VALENTINE (120 min, Drama, directed by Derek Cianfrance, USA)
Begins streaming Friday, February 9
BLUE VALENTINE is the story of love found and love lost told in moments past and present. This honest and moving portrait follows Dean (three-time Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling, La La Land, Barbie) and Cindy (Michelle Williams, The Fabelmans, Manchester by the Sea - a five-time Oscar nominee, including for this role), a married couple who spend a night away from their daughter in an attempt to save their failing marriage. Juxtaposed with playful scenes that trace their romantic courtship six years prior, Gosling and Williams journey through the brutal heartbreak that comes with fading love and broken promises.
MY MUM YOUR DAD (10x60, Reality, Lifted Entertainment, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, February 9
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Hosted by Davina McCall (Doctor Who, Dead Set), this dating show with a difference is packed with heart, humour and surprises! Single parents, all nominated by their grown-up kids for a second chance at love, live together at a country house retreat, where they have one objective: to find true love. But there’s a twist… What they don’t know is that their kids will be in a secret location nearby, watching their every move and playing matchmaker to decide their dating fate. Created by Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation) and Haley Daniels (The Office).
**** “full of genuinely poignant (and genuinely funny) moments.”
ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL SERIES
BELGRAVIA: THE NEXT CHAPTER (8x60, Period Drama, Carnival Film, UK)
Begins streaming Wednesday, February 7
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
The series picks up in 1871, 30 years after the events depicted in the first season. Written by Helen Edmundson (Dalgliesh, Mary Magdalene) and executive produced by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, Gosford Park), THE NEXT CHAPTER tells the love story of Frederick Trenchard (Ben Wainwright, The Split, Gangs of London), who has grown up as the third Lord Glanville, and his new love interest, Clara Dunn (Harriet Slater, Pennyworth, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), a newcomer to London society.
CALL THE MIDWIFE Season 12 (8x60, Period Drama, Neal Street, UK)
Begins streaming Wednesday, February 7
It’s 1968 and Enoch Powell’s infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech creates serious tension in Poplar, especially when a group of dockers march in support of Powell. The midwives welcome a new nun, Sister Veronica, who’s an instant hit with everyone – except Nurse Crane. Meanwhile, Trixie’s relationship with Matthew goes from strength to strength, while Nurse Crane helps Nancy with her financial woes. Sister Julienne enjoys helping out the district, Shelagh and Dr. Turner split their time between the busy maternity home and their lively young family, and Reggie continues to bring joy into Violet and Fred’s lives.
PENNY DREADFUL Season 1 (8x60, Drama, Desert Wolf Productions and Neal Street Productions, USA/UK)
Begins streaming Friday, February 16
PENNY DREADFUL is a frightening psychological thriller created, written and executive produced by three-time Oscar nominee John Logan (Hugo, The Aviator, Gladiator) and executive produced by Oscar winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Skyfall) and Pippa Harris (Revolutionary Road, Call The Midwife). The cast includes Josh Hartnett (Lucky Number Slevin, The Faculty), Eva Green (Casino Royale, The Dreamers) and Timothy Dalton (The Living Daylights, Licence to Kill). In PENNY DREADFUL, some of literature’s most famously terrifying characters – including Dr. Frankenstein and his creature, Dorian Gray and iconic figures from the novel Dracula – become embroiled in Victorian London. The series weaves together these classic horror origin stories as the characters grapple with their monstrous alienation.
YOUNGER Season 5 (12x30, Comedy/Drama, Hudson Street Productions, USA)
Begins streaming Friday, February 16
Liza Miller (Sutton Foster, Bunheads), the 40-something posing as a millennial, is back at Empirical Publishing after a whirlwind trip across the globe to witness her ex, Josh (Nico Tortorella, The Walking Dead: World Beyond), make his green-card marriage official. Determined to move on, Liza draws closer to her boss, Charles (Peter Hermann, Blue Bloods), but their connection is disastrously thwarted by unexpected circumstances. As Millennial Print flourishes in the publishing world, Liza’s personal life threatens to unravel, the consequences of her secret finally coming to a head in an irreversible way.
POKER FACE Season 1 (10x60, Comedy/Drama, T-Street and MRC Television, USA)
Begins streaming Wednesday, February 28
Created by Rian Johnson (Knives Out, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), POKER FACE is a 10-episode mystery-of-the-week series following Charlie (Natasha Lyonne, American Pie, Orange is the New Black), who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. She hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and with every stop encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve. Guest stars include Adrien Brody, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Benjamin Bratt, Ellen Barkin, Chloë Sevigny, Jameela Jamil, Tim Meadows and Judith Light, who recently won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series for her role in POKER FACE.
CBC ORIGINALS
WINNIPEG COMEDY FESTIVAL Season 22 (5x60, Comedy, Frantic Films, Canada)
Begins streaming Friday, February 16
The WINNIPEG COMEDY FESTIVAL showcases the best Canadian stand-ups in five hilarious one-hour specials recorded at the Burton Cummings Theatre. Featuring hosts Andrew Phung (Run the Burbs), Amanda Cordner (Sort Of), Jully Black, Aisha Brown and Pete Zedlacher, these episodes delve into the lighter side of topics on everyone's minds. "All The Feels" (hosted by Amanda Cordner) explores wellness and mental health; "The Root of All Evil" (hosted by Pete Zedlacher) tackles money and our relationship to it; "Thank You, Next!" (hosted by Aisha Brown) is about the bittersweet humour in romantic breakups; "Spill It" (hosted by Andrew Phung) reveals the comedy to be found in oversharing; and "Squad Goals" (hosted by Jully Black) surveys how we try to fit in with larger social groups.
FEATURE FILMS
VAGRANT (83 min, Drama, directed by Caleb Ryan, Canada)
Begins streaming Friday, February 16
Frank - a homeless alcoholic - lives a fruitless existence. All that begins to change when he finds a puppy that was left to die in a garbage bin.
DOCUMENTARIES
WITHOUT PRECEDENT: THE SUPREME LIFE OF ROSALIE ABELLA (84 min, directed by Barry Avrich, Canada)
Begins streaming Sunday, February 4
Supreme Court Justice. Icon. Rosalie Silberman Abella — “Rosie” to almost everyone who knows her — has built a breathtaking and pathbreaking legal legacy while becoming a human rights hero and icon. This is the story of an exceptional person who spent her entire life reminding us that we must never forget how the world looks to those who are vulnerable.
Considered by many to be the “Canadian RBG,” she was at the forefront of major decisions on employment equity, same sex marriage, constitutional law, and many more landmark cases, representing many marginalized communities during her years on the bench.
This is a loving and informative documentary portrait of Justice Abella in the final days before leaving the bench, with full evidence of what inspired her and what continues to drive her resolute commitment to make a difference, as well as a chronicle of her family beginnings, her meteoric career, and her enduring marriage.
MY NEW MOON SUIT (20 min, Short Docs, directed by Jeff Thrasher)
Begins streaming Tuesday, February 13
When NASA asked Jeff Thrasher to test out their new spacesuit, he had to travel to one of the harshest places on Earth — Canada’s far North.
LIFESTYLE
GRAND DESIGNS NEW ZEALAND Season 8 (8x60, Lifestyle, Fremantle Australia, New Zealand)
Begins streaming Wednesday, February 28
GRAND DESIGNS NZ is returning with another series featuring creative and innovative New Zealanders who are brave enough to challenge the norms of architecture in their quest to build their perfect home. Returning for his second series, Tom Webster uncovers New Zealanders from all over Aotearoa who show resilience, resourcefulness and an unwavering commitment - often flying in the face of convention - in order to create extraordinary living spaces.
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.
COMING IN MARCH
BEHIND EVERY MAN
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON
COCO CHANEL: UNBUTTONED
JUICE
