The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has just released its new 2011 fall schedule. What’s on deck? Two new comedies, two dramas and an original reality TV series you don’t want to miss.
The executive vice-president of CBC’s English services, Kirstine Stewart, announced the new schedule late Wednesday morning in Toronto and it’s jam-packed with must-see programs, including a brand-new comedy series from Canadian director Don McKellar called Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays. This half-hour comedy, starring Bob Martin and Matt Watt, is about an ambitious therapist and his most challenging patient.
Also on the docket is another sitcom from funnyman Gerry Dee called Mr. D. Based on his own experiences as a teacher, this half-hour series stars Dee as an under-qualified prof faking his way through life.
Rounding out the funny are two exciting new dramas. From the same creative team as The Tudors comes Camelot, a one-hour fantasy legend starring Joseph Fiennes and based on the story of King Arthur. Arctic Air is the other new one-hour drama about a group of renegade pilots who fly small bush plans in the Canadian North.
Sundays will be dedicated to all things reality with the return of Battle of the Blades, which is back for its third season. Following that is a new Canadian talent competition series called Cover Me Canada, hosted by former All Saints member Nicole Appleton. This reality show seeks emerging Canadian musicians and bands with a format that focuses on Canadian music and original songs.
Also on-board is The Debaters. Based on the radio show of the same name, this hilarious program features comedians debating on controversial subjects.
Meanwhile, tried and true favourites such as Heartland, InSecurity, Republic of Doyle, Being Erica, Rick Mercer Report, The Nature of Things and Doc Zone are among the coming season’s renewals.
See below for the full schedule (all times ET):
FALL
SUNDAYS
7 p.m. Heartland
8 p.m. Battle of the Blades performance
9 p.m. Cover Me Canada
10 p.m. The National
MONDAYS
8 p.m. Battle of the Blades results
8:30 p.m. InSecurity
9 p.m. Being Erica
10 p.m. The National
TUESDAYS
8 p.m. Rick Mercer Report
8:30 p.m. This Hour Has 22 Minutes
9 p.m. Camelot
10 p.m. The National
WEDNESDAYS
8 p.m. Dragons’ Den
9 p.m. Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:30 p.m. The Debaters
10 p.m. The National
THURSDAYS
8 p.m. The Nature of Things
9 p.m. Doc Zone
10 p.m. The National
FRIDAYS
8 p.m. Ron James
8 p.m. Rick Mercer Report (repeat)
9 p.m. Fifth Estate
10 p.m. The National
Thoughts? Comment below.
Follow TV Guide Canada on Facebook