The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Odd Anomaly: Canadian Series Debuting In U.S. Before It Airs In Canada

**Posted by RadioActive** July 20, 2025 10:02 am

Well, here's something you don't see every day - the latest season of a Canadian-made drama will be debuting in the U.S. before it hits air in this country.

The CW is bowing the fourth year of Canada's "Family Law" on Wednesday, July 23rd, well before it shows up on Global (likely the fall.) It means fans of the show can see it on an American station before it airs here.

I'm sure this has happened before, although I can't think of another instance of something running down there before it debuts in the country that made it. And while I doubt it was ever a factor with the CW, it also means there will be no simsub for the show on cable here.

One of those strange scheduling quirks that has them beating us to the punch for one of our own shows.

**Posted by mace** July 21, 2025 1:11 pm

I can't recall any CW shows being simsubbed. Granted, I rarely watch the network so there might be the odd show that may have been in the past.

**Posted by RadioActive** July 21, 2025 1:27 pm

That's mainly because most of the CW shows aren't seen in Canada - although some ARE from Canada. And those are usually shown a few months or longer after they air here. That's what's so unusual about the early debut of "Family Law" before Global has had a chance to air it.

Even if Buffalo's WNLO isn't on everyone's cable package, there's always the chance they might get WPIX from New York City, which is also a CW affiliate. So it could conceivably be seen in this country by those who like the show.

**Posted by mace** July 21, 2025 2:24 pm

In the digital days, I think WNLO and WNYO were available as ad on channels but were only available in SD. On Ignite, they are included with 2,4,7,17 and 29 for $3/month. all in HD.

**Posted by RadioActive** July 21, 2025 2:27 pm

Not worth the money since they went almost all imports and reality shows and cancelled most of their dramas.

I can get them and can't remember the last time I watched them - although there is one upcoming show I may look at. It airs next Sunday afternoon and I have to admit I'm curious to see the acrobatic baseball clowns of The Savannah Bananas team, which I've heard a lot about.