CraveTV adds J.K. Simmons to its roster

CraveTV will become the exclusive Canadian streamer of the 10-episode sci-fi drama Counterpart starring Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons. The espionage-themed series will make its official debut on the Bell Media-owned platform Jan. 21, but subscribers can now watch the first episode as part of CraveTV’s “first look” offering. Counterpart airs on Starz in the U.S.

Classical music hits a high note in Toronto

The latest Numeris PPM ratings saw a surprise boost for The New Classical FM. The Zoomer Media-owned station increased its average minute audience by 44% compared to the same time last year. More than one million combined listeners tune in to The New Classical FM, which includes stations in Cobourg/Port Hope and Collingwood/South Georgian Bay, every week. For adults 25 to 54, audiences are up 88% year-over-year, while adults 35 to 64 are up 57%.

Britbox to launch in Canada

Britbox, the SVOD from BBC Worldwide and ITV, will launch in Canada early next year. Britbox, which launched in the U.S. earlier in 2017, includes classic and new series including The Moorside and Cold Feet, as well as new-to-Canada series Five by Five. The ad-free service will be available on desktop, mobile and some connected TV devices, although pricing and official launch dates have yet to be announced.

Read the full story on Britbox’s potential impact on Playback

Freedom Mobile makes data play with TTC

It will soon be a little easier to reach mobile customers on the subway. The Toronto Transit Commission has officially begun to open cellular service to travellers on the underground subway network, with Freedom Mobile customers being the first to get the LTE service. Freedom customers will now have access at all of the service’s subway stations, including the soon-to-open Line 1 extension. Cell connectivity infrastructure was provided by BAI Canada.