Most here know I'm not a huge fan of the CBC, especially much of their TV output. But I'm increasingly becoming a booster of their Gem Internet site. It brings in a host of shows from out of the country you'd not only never otherwise see, but might not even be aware of. And it's entirely free. 

The list of shows for November is out and some of them sound pretty intriguing. Here are a few of the loglines that caught my eye, some of them making their Canadian debuts. 

Ann Droid

A British comedy. 

"Sue’s husband Dave died two years ago and now her only son, Michael, is moving out – again – to try and fix his marriage – again. But the good news is he’s got Sue a surprise to help her live independently: an Ann Droid Z58/100 humanoid care robot. Sue really doesn’t want a robot in her home, especially one that causes chaos straight away. But is this robot actually the companion she most needs?"

Mr. In-Between

This one's from Australia, where it ran for 3 seasons. One newspaper reviewer called it one of Australia's best TV shows. 

"A half-hour drama series created by and starring Scott Ryan as Ray Shoesmith – a father, ex-husband, boyfriend and best friend. Tough roles to juggle in the modern age. Even harder when you’re a criminal for hire."

I Hate Suzie Parts I & II

Another U.K. import, featuring former Dr. Who companion Billie Piper. 

"Suzie Pickles (Billie Piper), a star on the wane, has her whole life upended when her phone is hacked and a photo of her in an extremely compromising position is released for the whole world to see. This excruciatingly honest show follows the various stages of Suzie's trauma episode by episode, through Shock, Denial, Fear, Shame, Bargaining, Guilt, Anger and Acceptance as Suzie and her best friend and manager Naomi try to hold her life, career, and marriage together in the face of being exposed for who she truly is. But who the hell even is that?"

You can find out when they start streaming here.