CBC renews ‘Murdoch Mysteries,’ ‘Dragons’ Den,’ ‘Republic of Doyle’

TORONTO – A dark Western-themed serial and a full season of the game show “Canada’s Smartest Person” are among the additions to CBC-TV’s upcoming fall and winter lineup.

CBC made the announcement Friday while touting returning staples including “Murdoch Mysteries,” “Dragons’ Den,” “Republic of Doyle,” “The Fifth Estate” and “Heartland.”

Other shows coming back include “Mr. D,” “This Hour Has 22 Minutes,” “The Rick Mercer Report,” “Steven and Chris,” “Marketplace,” and “The Nature of Things.”

Fresh material comes by way of the edgy 13-part drama “Strange Empire” — a Western set in the 1860s that centres on a group of women who are forced to fend for themselves in a frontier town.

The serial comes from “Durham County” screenwriter Laurie Finstad. There was no word on who will star.

Also new is the series “Of All Places” and the previously announced comedy “Schitt’s Creek,” co-created by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, who will star alongside Catherine O’Hara.

The rejigged lineup follows CBC’s loss of lucrative NHL broadcast rights to Rogers, announced last November.

A sub-licensing deal will allow “Hockey Night in Canada” to continue airing on CBC, but under Rogers control beginning this fall.

Hockey revenue has traditionally subsidized CBC’s scripted programs and provided a high-profile platform to promote homegrown fare.

The public broadcaster axed several of its established programs in the wake of losing hockey rights.

Cancelled shows included northern drama “Arctic Air,” mental health crime series “Cracked,” the cooking shows “Best Recipes Ever” and “In the Kitchen with Stefano Faita” and as well as “George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight” and “The Ron James Show.”