Corus Entertainment has announced its 2024-25 programming lineup across networks ahead of its Upfront presentation Wednesday afternoon.

The programming slate is full of familiar faces and characters, in both the new and returning shows. Although familiar doesn’t mean it’s not fresh. For instance, on Global, there is the return of the procedural drama Matlock, only with Oscar-winner Kathy Bates in the titular role.

“For us the theme is really big stars to make some noise, to bring people into our schedule and into our services,” says Troy Reeb, executive vice president, networks and content, Corus Entertainment. “And we balance that with some really good IP.”

But it’s not just the stars that are familiar: people are watching in familiar ways, too.

“The conventional wisdom of the last couple of years was that schedule wasn’t important. But if you look at StackTV, our streaming service, 60% [of viewers] use it to watch linear television.” he says. “Yes, people have the choice to watch the same way they would a typical streamer service, but we also have TV channels, just as they would be on cable. And we find it very, very sticky. Many people who don’t have cable are using it as their cable.  Just turning on a channel can be a very compelling environment.”

Here are some highlights of all the new and returning, scripted and unscripted shows, on Global and across Corus’ specialty channels and streaming platforms.

Global

Continuing with the Old is New theme, Global is adding the newest installment of the successful NCIS franchise with NCIS: Origins, starring Austin Stowell and narrated by Mark Harmon, How I Met Your Mother-style. And speaking of familiar faces, added to Global’s comedy lineup is Poppa’s House, starring Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans, Jr.

Also new this season is one of the few Canadian-produced scripted shows, Murder in a Small Town, starring Kristen Kreuk and Rossif Sutherland. It follows Sutherland’s character, who moves to a quiet coastal town, filmed in beautiful British Columbia, to escape the stress of big-city police work, but soon discovers that the seemingly idyllic town harbours dark secrets, and he must use his detective skills to solve a series of murders.

Survivor is back for its 47th season, joining other returning shows Elsbeth, The Neighborhood, Ghosts, FBI, 911, The Equalizer, Fire Country, S.W.A.T and Abbot Elementary.

More acquisitions join Global’s schedule midseason. In addition to Watson comes Doc, starring Canadian actress Molly Parker as a brilliant doctor who suffers a brain injury that erases the last eight years of her life. Then, Hollywood Squares returns, this time with Drew Barrymore as the centre square, surrounded by other celebrities and comedians.

“This spring, Global experienced a reawakening and emerged with an incredibly successful season. Since mid-February, Global rose to No. 1 in core primetime, delivering 11 of the top 20 programs, more than any other network,” says Reeb. “As we look ahead to Global’s 2024/25 broadcast season, our lineup is the best we’ve seen in years, and one that strikes the perfect balance of the familiar with the fresh.”

Specialty Channels, Original Programming

Corus’s complete slate of Canadian original content across its specialty networks includes 34 new and returning titles. “Corus maintains its leadership position within the Canadian original lifestyle and factual space with our schedule of new and returning titles,” said Rachel Nelson, vice president of original programming and head of Corus Studios. “As our industry landscape evolves, it’s more important than ever to share Canadian stories as told by Canadian voices, and we believe that this lineup delivers just that.”

Reeb added that because of the CRTC’s recent decision to reduce Corus’ PNI requirements, it will have the ability to reallocate funds to make more Canadian-produced reality television. Though that will come at the expense of some scripted children’s programming, he said.

The balance of fresh and familiar is evident here, too. In Building Baeumler, viewers will catch up with Bryan and Sarah as they navigate life and work following the successful launch of their Bahamas resort.

HGTV Canada introduces audiences to DIY designer, Kristen Coutts, in the new series Beer Budget Reno (working title). Filming this summer and casting now, Kristen delivers life-changing renos for people on a budget using money-saving hacks that rehabilitate outdated spaces into something fresh and functional.

Also in production for HGTV Canada, Rentovation helps long-term leasers upgrade and personalize their space. The new series shares innovative solutions and clever designs that provide forever-home vibes and stunning transformations. This fall, luxury designer Ali Budd delivers high-end reveals and big-budget renovations in House of Ali.

Launching today, HGTV Canada Hotline is here to help. The weekly digital series, available through HGTV Canada’s social media platforms and hgtv.ca, offers how-to advice from Canada’s home authority. The brand’s creators – experts in a diverse range of fields – answer viewer on topics big and small – from DIY projects, to organizational hacks, to financial real estate advice.

On the Food Network, Pamela Anderson is joined in the kitchen by renowned chefs as she explores her passion for plant-based food and sets the table for intimate dinner parties with her friends and family in Pamela’s Cooking with Love, premiering next year. Before that, Top Chef Canada returns for Season 11 this fall with host Eden Grinshpan and judges Chef Mark McEwan, Mijune Pak, David Zilber and Janet Zuccarini.

The History Channel will premiere five new Canadian original titles. Brand-new series Yukon Rescue follows an emergency response team in Canada’s rugged north. The four-part documentary, Sounds Black, traces the origins and impact of Black music in Canada. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Cazhhmere, with contributions from luminaries such as Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black, Fefe Dobson, Maestro Fresh Wes, Deborah Cox, Keisha Chante and more, the series explores Black Canadian music from its tangled diasporic roots to its international dominance.

Kru Williams and Adam Palmer’s hunt for gold and Taylor Starr and father Don Froese’s search for truth continue in season two of Deadman’s Curse, premiering this fall, along with season five of Rust Valley Restorers. The network delves into the paranormal with season one of Repossessed, featuring a team dedicated to finding and authenticating haunted objects and intervening when the spirit won’t let go.

Embodying the theme of big stars, Barney’s World will premiere this fall on Treehouse. In it, every millennials favourite purple dinosaur has got a CGI makeover. Throughout silly and imaginative adventures, Barney helps kids explore big preschool emotions and shows them how to love themselves, others, and their community.

Coming later this year to Treehouse is Millie Magnificent from Nelvana, inspired by the best-selling books by Ashley Spires and Nelvana’s award-winning short film The Most Magnificent Thing. Millie Magnificent follows avid creator, problem-solver, and innovator Millie Sparks.

Specialty channels, acquisitions

Debuting across Corus’ roster of specialty networks and streaming platforms is the newly acquired content as well. Showcase will premiere the mockumentary comedy series Untitled Steph Curry/Adam Pally Project (working title). The series tells the story of a down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer (Adam Pally) who seeks redemption by reuniting with his childhood teammate, none other than NBA legend Stephen Curry.

Also landing on Showcase soon are dramas such as Hysteria!,a coming-of-age thriller starring Julie depicting a shocking tale of teenage outcasts, heavy metal bands and rising “Satanic Panic” in 1980s America. Then, Teacup, the horror thriller from James Wan and created and executive produced by Ian McCulloch series starring Yvonne Strahovski and Canada’s own Scott Speedman.

Also coming to showcase: The Million Dollar Heist With Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard; Laid, starring Stephanie Hsu, Zosia Mamet, Michael Angarano and Tommy Martinez; plus the Sky and Peacock original series Lockerbie, starring Colin Firth; and The Day of the Jackal , starring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.

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