1 of 1- RadioActive
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CBC-TV Departs From Its "No U.S. Programming" Role
Before anyone jumps on the outrage machine and thinks this is another jab at the CBC, it isn't. It's just a question about something unusual that I'm honestly not sure about: didn't the CBC announce a few years ago that it would no longer be showing any American programming on its main TV network? The idea was, that outside of a few imports from the U.K. and maybe the occasional Hollywood movie, all of its shows would be made in Canada. Am I wrong about that?
I ask because I noticed something I don't think I've seen on the network in years - two regularly scheduled weekly imports, both from the U.S. Beginning Tuesday at 9PM, the network has scheduled the comedy "Animal Control." Two days later, on Thursday, it happens again, when "Crime Scene Kitchen" comes to CBC's primetime line-up.
Both originally aired on Fox and oddly, both star actor/comic Joel McHale. A strange coincidence.
Does anyone here know if these are the first two U.S. series to get onto the CBC schedule in years? I frankly can't recall this happening since they changed their policy on American imports. Maybe it's strike related, and they just need something to plug into those time slots, with actors still off the job - although whether that would affect production on Canadian shows seems unlikely.
When most of us were younger, the CBC had its fair share of U.S. programming, just like most Canadian channels still do. In fact, this ad for the Corp.'s new fall season that ran exactly 52 years ago Tuesday, on Sept. 19, 1971, proves the point, with an odd mix of shows from down south and the Great White North.
- paterson1
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Re: CBC-TV Departs From Its "No U.S. Programming" Role
According to wiki, CBC dropped US programming in 1998 with the exception of the odd movie (often Disney), and Christmas movies. I know the network ran the Simpsons for years in the afternoon, but I don't remember when it was dropped. They also ran Disney movies I thought into the 2000's on Sunday evening but even that has not happened for years.
Originally a big reason for CBC dropping US programming was because of complaints from private broadcasters who felt that the public broadcaster shouldn't be bidding on US programming, especially programs in prime time. As we see in the ad above, CBC had lots of US programming back in the 70's and 80's and competed directly with CTV and Global.
Back in the day CBC even had NFL football including The Super Bowl and specials like the Academy Awards.
If CBC was going to import a few US shows, you would think they would buy something stronger. Should have picked up a couple of series from one of the streamers that don't run here. Fox doesn't exactly have a strong prime time line up.
- RadioActive
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Re: CBC-TV Departs From Its "No U.S. Programming" Role
We don't often agree on things CBC-related, but I do concur with the odd choice of Animal Control as one of their rare American shows. I watched a few episodes and found it anything but funny.
So why that show? Could the reason be it has Gerry Dee as one of its co-stars? The presence of the lead in "Mr. D". and the host of "Family Feud Canada" might explain why they picked it up, since he's one of the network's recognizable stars.
As for Crime Scene Kitchen, your guess is as good as mine. And frankly, I don't even have one.
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Re: CBC-TV Departs From Its "No U.S. Programming" Role
paterson1 wrote:
According to wiki, CBC dropped US programming in 1998 with the exception of the odd movie (often Disney), and Christmas movies. I know the network ran the Simpsons for years in the afternoon, but I don't remember when it was dropped. They also ran Disney movies I thought into the 2000's on Sunday evening but even that has not happened for years.
Originally a big reason for CBC dropping US programming was because of complaints from private broadcasters who felt that the public broadcaster shouldn't be bidding on US programming, especially programs in prime time. As we see in the ad above, CBC had lots of US programming back in the 70's and 80's and competed directly with CTV and Global.
Back in the day CBC even had NFL football including The Super Bowl and specials like the Academy Awards.
If CBC was going to import a few US shows, you would think they would buy something stronger. Should have picked up a couple of series from one of the streamers that don't run here. Fox doesn't exactly have a strong prime time line up.
I believe The Simpsons was dropped from CBC's lineup around the fall of 2009 when regional news was expanded to 5 PM.
- Radiowiz
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Re: CBC-TV Departs From Its "No U.S. Programming" Role
We don't often agree on things CBC-related, but I do concur with the odd choice of Animal Control as one of their rare American shows.
So why that show? Could the reason be it has Gerry Dee as one of its co-stars?
Sounds right enough to me. A nice loophole. Instead of being 100% Canadian content, airing shows from the States that have Canadian talent starring in it.
Even better, Canadian talent that also hosts a Canadian version of a game show. (Family Feud Canada)
Now wouldn't it be something if there could be a Crime Scene Kitchen Canada?
The audience would already be there, simply from already being fans of the American version.
(ratings pending)
Last edited by Radiowiz (September 19, 2023 12:41 am)
RadioWiz & RadioQuiz are NOT the same person.
RadioWiz & THE Wiz are NOT the same person.