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TV,eh? What's up in Canadian television
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Banff World Media Festival and Netflix announce 2026 Diversity of Voices: Elevate participants

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From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF), in partnership with Netflix, is pleased to announce the 10 selected participants for the 2026 Diversity of Voices: Elevate, who will be attending the 47th edition of the Festival on June 14-17, 2026, at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

Originally launched in 2018, Diversity of Voices has helped to take down barriers at scale, providing 800 opportunities to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour Canadian producers and creatives.  The program has played a vital role in supporting mainly emerging and early-career Canadian writers, directors and producers from racialized communities, helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable industry. As the program and its alumni have matured, BANFF and DOV partners identified a critical next gap: ensuring diverse producers and creators at established levels have the promotion, marketing and strategic access opportunities to advance their companies and projects on a national and global scale.

For 2026, the program has now been reimagined as Diversity of Voices: Elevate, designed to deepen career momentum, prestige and industry visibility for participants. This next evolution focuses on amplifying recognition at a pivotal stage in the participants’ professional trajectory, when meaningful global exposure, access to high-level decision-makers, and strategic industry connectivity can have the greatest impact. As one of the world’s leading media marketplaces, BANFF provides a unique platform for the industry to connect directly with domestic and international buyers, partners, and financiers, making it an ideal environment to scale careers and secure financing and partnerships for new projects. Following consultation with stakeholders, partners, and past DOV Initiative alumni, this year’s cohort will serve 10 mid-career and established industry participants, providing a tailored experience that will promote and shine a global light on some of Canada’s most exciting producers, directors and writers. Supporting partners of the program include: Reelworld, the Black Screen Office (BSO), the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), and the Disability Screen Office (DSO).

The 2026 Diversity of Voices: Elevate participants are (listed alphabetically):

Brishkay Ahmed, Digital Warriors Productions Inc.

Jamie Bourque-Blyan, Infinity Studio 8

Karen Chapman, Smallaxx Motion Pictures

Sean Devlin, Beb Bingo Entertainment

Damon D’Oliveira, Conquering Lion Pictures

JP Larocque, JP Larocque Productions

Jessica Tatum Meya, Gut Punch Productions

Kaveh Mohebbi, d’scribe Pictures

Arnold Pinnock

Ann Shin, Fathom Films

A key new component of the 2026 program is the launch of the DOV: Elevate Podcast, spotlighting the participants and their current projects while exploring the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s screen industry.

“Over the past eight years, Diversity of Voices has helped cultivate an extraordinary pipeline of talent, and I know firsthand the difference that nuanced and tangible support makes,” said Vanessa Mitchell (featured image above), Producer, Fellowship Programs at the Banff World Media Festival. “With Elevate, we’ve poured that insight into a new direction, ensuring producers and creatives of colour don’t just enter the industry, but have sustainable careers within it. We are building in togetherness and ensuring there are always seats ready at the highest levels. This format allows us to champion our participants via a concerted marketing campaign, strategic visibility, and celebrating the recognition they’ve earned, helping them reach the next defining milestone in their careers.”

Diversity of Voices supports established Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour professionals who are Canadian residents and working on Canadian film and TV projects with third-party development funding already attached. In response to direct feedback from past participants and industry stakeholders, the 2026 program significantly increases financial support, including an enhanced travel stipend designed to help remove economic barriers and ensure participants can fully access the opportunities the Festival provides. The program also provides participants with a robust marketing and promotional campaign, complimentary full-access Festival pass as well as advance access to BANFF’s networking programs enabling meaningful engagement with Canadian and global buyers, partners and decision-makers.

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Featured, The Trades

The Crave original comedy, The Trades, returns for Season 3, March 20

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From a media release:

The Crave Original comedy series THE TRADES returns for its eight-episode third season, and continues to follow pipefitter Todd Stool (Robb Wells, TRAILER PARK BOYS) as he navigates his blue-collar life at a refinery with a little “help” from his family and friends. The first two episodes of THE TRADES Season 3 drop on Friday, March 20, followed by new episodes on subsequent Fridays.

Created by Ryan J. Lindsay, THE TRADES blends workplace satire with sharp character-driven comedy while celebrating the camaraderie, and absurdity of life on the tools. In Season 3, the stakes at Imperial Valley refinery are heightened as power shifts, and loyalties are tested, and management proves messier than the job site. The new season finds Todd “Goldenarm” Stool newly promoted to General Foreman, walking the fine line between friend and boss, after successfully unionizing Conch Industries. Meanwhile, his sister Audrey (Anastasia Phillips, MOONSHINE), is secretly dating Todd’s best friend Backwoods  (Dan Petronijevic, LETTERKENNY), a relationship everyone knows about, except Todd. Site manager Chelsea  (Jennifer Spence, YOU ME HER), struggles with the return of  (Jennifer Irwin, SUPERSTORE), whose “nepo babysitting” and unhinged policies once again shake up Imperial Valley refinery life.

Additional returning cast includes Raoul Bhaneja, Jesse Camacho, Brandon Oakes, Jason Daley, Susan Kent, Patrick McKenna, Aaron Poole, Tara Spencer-Nairn and Dave Lawrence. Notable guest appearances this season include Canadian rock  legend Alex Lifeson as Fernie, bartender at The Leaky Pipe; comedy icon Mary Walsh as Chelsea’s neighbour Gladys; and SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE  alum Jon Lovitz who appears as Cam, Homer’s addiction sponsor.

Filmed in Nova Scotia and Ontario, THE TRADES is co-produced by TPBI and Kontent House Inc. in association with Bell Media’s Crave. Gary Howsam is executive producer; Ryan J. Lindsay is creator, writer, and executive producer; Robb Wells is producer and writer, and Jonathan A. Walker is producer. Jennifer Irwin and Warren P. Sonoda are executive producers; Neha Kohli is co-executive producer and writer. Irwin and Susan Kent are also writers this season. Lindsay directed one episode and Sonoda directed seven.

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Featured, Sullivan's Crossing

Season 4 of CTV original drama Sullivan’s Crossing premieres March 22

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From a media release:

The past has found its way back to the Crossing. CTV Original drama series SULLIVAN’S CROSSING returns for a highly anticipated fourth season Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, beginning March 22, and streaming next day on Crave. Based on the New York Times best-selling novels by author Robyn Carr, the hit series stars Morgan Kohan (WHEN HOPE CALLS) and Chad Michael Murray (ONE TREE HILL). Set and filmed in Nova Scotia in the communities of Halifax, Hubbards, Sackville, Mount Uniake, and Mi’kmaq First Nations territories, among others, Season 4 consists of 10, one-hour episodes.

Fans of the series have come to expect an emotional rollercoaster, but nothing could have prepared them for the shocking arrival of Maggie’s ex, Liam (Marcus Rosner), at the end of Season 3. In Season 4, Maggie (Morgan Kohan) sets her sights on a new vision for her career, and a renewed commitment to Cal (Chad Michael Murray), only to be blindsided by Liam’s sudden reappearance, which threatens to disrupt Maggie’s plans. Returning alongside Morgan Kohan as Dr. Maggie Sullivan and Chad Michael Murray as Cal Jones, are singer and companion of the Order of Canada, Tom Jackson (CARDINAL) as Frank Cranebear; actor, singer, songwriter, Andrea Menard (VELVET DEVIL) as Edna Cranebear; Marcus Rosner (ROMANCE TO THE RESCUE) as Maggie’s ex Liam Davies; Amalia Williamson (YOU’RE KILLING ME) as Lola Gunderson; Lindura (GHOSTS) as Sydney Shandon; Dakota Taylor (FEAR STREET: PROM) as Rafe; and Reid Price (THE SINNER) as Rob Shandon.

As previously announced, joining the ensemble cast in guest-starring roles this season are Glen Gould (CARDINAL) as Frank’s friend Danny; Fuad Ahmed (LATE BLOOMER) as Rob’s mentor, friend and Michelin star chef Amir Malik; Colby Frost (THE VENERY OF SAMANTHA BIRD) and Emerson MacNeil (WE WERE LIARS) as brother and sister Ben and Tracy Nelson; and Jonathan Silverman (GOOD GIRLS) in the role of Quincy Carlson, a disgruntled guest at the Crossing. Also, back for Season 4 are returning guest stars Cindy Sampson (PRIVATE EYES) as Jane; Steve Lund (LITTLE LORRAINE) as Fire Chief Cooper; Jayne Eastwood (WORKIN’ MOMS) as Mrs. Bailey; and Meghan Ory (ONCE UPON A TIME) as Sedona.

On the Season 4 premiere of SULLIVAN’S CROSSING, “Curveballs” (Sunday, March 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and streaming next day on Crave), having decided on a new direction for her career and with a renewed commitment to Cal, Maggie Sullivan’s life at the Crossing is finally taking shape until Maggie’s ex-husband, Liam, arrives with a shocking revelation which only upends Maggie’s life once again and causes Cal to question whether Maggie will ever truly be able to leave her past behind. Shaken by Liam’s arrival, Maggie looks into getting him the paperwork he needs, while Cal finds himself wondering why Liam is really there. Meanwhile, Edna tries to convince an overprotective Frank that she’s ready to return to work as he focuses on figuring out how to turn the land Glenn gave them into a conservation area. Sydney and Rafe’s relationship issues come to a head as Rob receives confusing news from Toronto.

Exclusive videos are available throughout the season on @SullivansCrossingCTV’s social channels, providing viewers with an extension of the series with bonus digital content. Viewers can also catch up on all past seasons of SULLIVAN’S CROSSING on Crave. Audiences worldwide have also fallen in love with the characters and stories of CTV’s most-watched Canadian drama, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING. Captivating fans internationally, the series has been sold by Fremantle into more than 180 territories. It debuted at #3 on the Netflix Global English TV Top 10 list, remaining in the Top 10 for three weeks. The series also airs in the U.S. on The CW and in Australia on Stan.

Adapted by Roma Roth from author Robyn Carr’s best-selling book series of the same name, SULLIVAN’S CROSSING is executive produced by Reel World Management’s Roma Roth and Christopher E. Perry along with Muse Entertainment’s Aren Prupas in association with commissioning broadcaster CTV and Crave, The CW, and Fremantle. Author Robyn Carr is also an executive producer alongside Michela Di Mondo (Fremantle), Hilary Martin (Fremantle), Justin Stockman (CTV/Crave), and Bruce M. Smith. Co-executive producers are John Callaghan, Rosana Roth, Karen Kicak, and Rachel Langer. Producers are Alex Jordan, Jason Levangie, and Marc Tetreault. Directors for the season are Chris Grismer (QUANTUM LEAP), Zoe Hopkins (NORTH OF NORTH), Michael McGowan (ALL MY PUNY SORROWS), and April Mullen (SIMULANT).

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Featured

Legendary sketch show SCTV makes Canadian comeback on Prime Video

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From a media release:

Today, Prime Video and The Second City announced that the complete catalog of SCTV (Second City Television) will be available exclusively on Prime Video in Canada beginning March 3. One of Canada’s most influential and groundbreaking sketch comedy series will be available to stream in its entirety for the first time, with six seasons and 135 episodes available to Prime members nationwide.

Created by Toronto’s renowned comedy institution The Second City, SCTV originally aired from 1976 to 1984 and became a cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of Canadian comedy icons Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, John Candy, Martin Short, Rick Moranis, Andrea Martin, and Dave Thomas. The series’ sharp satire and distinctly Canadian point of view earned it multiple awards and a permanent place in television history.

Additionally, on March 24, The Second City Toronto will open its 91st Mainstage Revue where the City of Toronto will honour The Second City with a heritage plaque, with an official unveiling ahead of the performance, recognizing the theatre’s historic contribution to Canadian comedy.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Corus’ original series Life is Messy premieres alongside a new season of Renovation Resort this spring on Home Network

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From a media release:

Corus unveils a star-studded ensemble lineup this spring with two highly anticipated original series led by longstanding powerhouse talent. Legendary duos Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler return with Season 3 of Renovation Resort (8×60 – MEM), and Kortney Wilson and Kenny Brain are back with the all-new series Life is Messy (8×60 – Scott Brothers Entertainment). Both series offer inspiring stories, practical ideas, and memorable renovations that Canadians from all walks of life can appreciate. Rounding out the programming lineup are new and returning international acquisition series, including Rachael Ray’s Rebuild, and George Clarke’s Flipping Fast. All series will be available to stream on STACKTV.

Home Network kicks off the return of its high-stakes renovation competition series just in time for cottage season. McGillivray and Baeumler are back with Season 3 of Renovation Resort—and this time, they’re headed to the lake! Premiering Sunday, April 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, four teams of talented builder-designers from across North America go head-to-head in the premier real estate renovation battle, transforming a long-neglected lakeside resort into the ultimate vacation destination. Over eight weeks, these duos battle to create breathtaking, one-of-a-kind vacation homes in the Kawarthas. The competing teams include:

  • Tatianna and Thomas, Vancouver, B.C.
  • Marcy and Melissa, Niagara, Ont.
  • Chalon and Liz, Texas, U.S.A.
  • Taylor and Mehrdad, Vancouver, B.C.

Each team must push their creativity and skills to the limit, navigating unexpected twists and bigger, bolder challenges than ever before. With a lineup of special guest judges who will critique every daring design choice, the last team standing will take home a game-changing $100,000 prize and the coveted title of Renovation Resort champions. Viewers can catch up on previous seasons of Renovation Resort on STACKTV.

Helping families regain control from clutter and disorganization, design expert Wilson and builder Brain are ready to step in with the series premiere of Life Is Messy on Thursday, April 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. When homes get buried under excessive mess and spaces shrink from too much stuff, life can feel overwhelming. The unstoppable pair utilize small budgets to create big ideas and greater spaces, guiding families through the physical and emotional evolution that comes with letting go.

Each week, audiences will watch Wilson and Brain save families from their chaos, including homes taken over by active toddlers, tired parents playing musical bedrooms with dogs and children, and a single mother feeling boxed-in back in her childhood home. These hijacked spaces will be reimagined with smart designs and clever storage solutions, turning dysfunction into comfort, and helping families reclaim their space so they can breathe again.

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