Blink49 Studios and CBC today announced they have joined forces to produce an untitled feature special that explores the intersection of hockey, culture, politics, and Canadian national identity, through the lens of the historic 4 Nations Face-Off. The feature, with the cooperation of the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), is currently in production and is set to premiere on CBC and CBC Gem early next year, on the eve of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
“The 4 Nations Face-Off became a cultural flashpoint as much as a sporting event, and we knew there was a bigger story to tell,” said Tara Long, Global President of Unscripted Television, Blink49 Studios. “We’re excited to partner with Yon, P.K., and CBC to go behind the scenes and explore the definitive story of the athletes, national pride, and the forces shaping the rivalry both on and off the ice.”
“The 4 Nations Face-Off special will offer an in-depth look at this year's powerful communal moment, extending well beyond the action on the ice,” said Jennifer Dettman, Executive Director, Unscripted Content, CBC. “In collaboration with Blink49 Studios, and with expectations of a Canada-U.S.A. rematch at the Olympic Winter Games, we look forward to sharing this broader story with audiences across the country.”
On February 20, 2025, Canada’s thrilling victory over the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game, sealed by superstar Connor McDavid’s instantly iconic OT goal, was an unforgettable moment that capped some of the best hockey ever played. But it was also a galvanizing moment of national pride that transcended sports. The feature special draws on unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, unique archive, and intimate personal conversations with NHL stars, prominent Canadian and American voices, and a range of superfans. It will weave together the high-stakes drama of the on-ice competition with the cultural surge surrounding the games — including cross-border trash talk, and the re-ignited rivalry between Canada and the U.S., both on and off the ice.
The feature is directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Yon Motskin, executive produced by P.K. Subban and Motskin and produced by Blink49 Studios. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager of Entertainment, Factual, & Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content; Sandra Kleinfeld is Senior Director, Documentary; and Michelle McCree is Executive in Charge of Production, CBC Docs.
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic network.
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About Blink49 Studios
Blink49 Studios is a full-service independent studio that develops, produces, and monetizes premium scripted, unscripted, and original content including with brand partnerships for global audiences. Headquartered in Toronto with offices in Los Angeles, Vancouver, and New York, the company was launched in partnership with anchor investor and strategic partner FIFTH SEASON. Bell Media made a strategic investment in Blink49 Studios, further strengthening its position in the North American media landscape.
With investments in Front Street Pictures and digital comedy studio Stapleview, along with the acquisition of Pier21 Films, Blink49 Studios has significantly expanded its vertically integrated operations across Canada and the U.S. The studio’s content-first approach is fuelled by strong creative partnerships and a commitment to championing new and diverse voices across both traditional and digital-first platforms, including supporting those working in the ever-evolving creator economy. Named Playback’s Producer of the Year (2024) and Dealmaker of the Year (2022), Blink49’s slate includes scripted hits like Wild Cards (CBC/The CW), The Trades (Crave), and Late Bloomer (Crave), as well as unscripted titles such as Queen of the Castle (CTV Life), Beast Games (Prime Video), Romcon: Who The F**k is Jason Porter? (Prime Video), The Braxtons, and Toya & Reginae (We TV) as well as new series Yaga (Crave), Blue Collar (Crave), Come Dine With Me (Rogers) and the untitled docuseries featuring prominent, multi-hyphenate female CEOs (Prime Video). Library titles include Sight Unseen (CTV/The CW), Ride (Hallmark), Don’t Even (Crave/APTN), Run the Burbs (CBC, The CW, Hulu), and The Beaverton (CTV).
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: Dehcho Dene Yati, Dënesųłıné (Chipewyan), Eastern Cree, Gwich’in, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, Sahtu Got'ine Godi, and Tłı̨chǫ (Tlicho). We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
