CBC Unveils Ambitious Fall 2025 Slate: A Blend of Enduring Canadian Hits and Innovative New Storytelling Amidst Digital Shift

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is preparing for an extensive fall 2025 season, rolling out over 30 new and returning original Canadian series. This ambitious lineup reflects the public broadcaster’s ongoing commitment to its mandate of informing, enlightening, and entertaining Canadians, while also strategically adapting to a rapidly evolving digital media landscape. The schedule balances the comfort of long-standing audience favorites with fresh, innovative factual programming designed to capture new viewers across diverse platforms. [13, 17, 20, 21]

The Enduring Appeal of Flagship Series

At the heart of CBC’s fall schedule are its venerable returning dramas and factual series, many of which have become staples in Canadian households. HEARTLAND, entering its 19th season on Sunday, October 5, stands as Canada’s longest-running one-hour scripted drama. [13, 38, 44] The family drama, celebrated for its wholesome content and scenic Alberta backdrop, has garnered a devoted following not just in Canada but also internationally, notably becoming one of the most-streamed series in the United States. [26, 29, 44] Its enduring popularity highlights a demand for intergenerational programming that resonates deeply with viewers. [29, 44]

Similarly, MURDOCH MYSTERIES returns for its 19th season on Monday, October 6. The turn-of-the-century detective series consistently ranks as one of CBC’s top-rated Canadian series, attracting an average audience of 812,000 in 2023. [1, 11, 13] Licensed in over 110 countries, its blend of compelling mysteries and historical details has fostered a highly engaged global fan community. [4, 12]

Science and nature enthusiasts can look forward to THE NATURE OF THINGS‘ 65th season on Wednesday, October 29. As television’s longest-running science series, it debuted in 1960 and has been instrumental in bringing scientific findings on critical issues like HIV/AIDS and climate change to a mainstream audience, particularly under the long tenure of host David Suzuki. [3, 5, 13, 15, 16, 19] Other returning mainstays include investigative journalism powerhouses MARKETPLACE (Season 53) on September 26 and THE FIFTH ESTATE (Season 51) on October 10, alongside satirical favorite THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES (Season 33) on September 16, and the landmark 20th season of DRAGONS’ DEN on September 25. [13, 21]

Embracing New Voices and Factual Storytelling

Beyond its established hits, CBC is introducing new factual series that reflect a commitment to diverse Canadian storytelling. LOCALS WELCOME, a new 10-episode factual series premiering Sunday, October 5, promises to explore Canada’s hidden food scenes. Hosted by food writer Suresh Doss, the show celebrates the rich and diverse culinary cultures found in local communities, from Scarborough to Montreal and Richmond, BC. [8, 13, 21, 37]

Another highly anticipated new offering is THE ASSEMBLY, a six-episode factual series (also presented as three longer episodes on CBC TV) debuting Thursday, November 6. Based on a successful international format, this unique program features prominent Canadian celebrities and public figures, including Jann Arden, Allan Hawco, Howie Mandel, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, engaging in authentic conversations with a group of 30 interviewers who are all on the autism spectrum. This format aims to foster surprising and genuine interactions, highlighting the CBC’s role in inclusive storytelling. [8, 13, 21, 27, 37]

The Digital Imperative: CBC Gem at the Forefront

CBC’s programming strategy is increasingly intertwined with its streaming platform, CBC Gem. All new episodes of the fall slate will be available to stream on CBC Gem at 9 a.m. ET on their respective premiere dates, often ahead of linear broadcast. [13, 21] This digital-first approach aligns with broader trends in Canadian viewing habits, where audiences are increasingly shifting towards paid streaming platforms and Connected TV (CTV). [34, 43] CBC Gem aims to be a cornerstone of Canadian content, offering over 6,500 hours of live and on-demand Canadian programming, including an extensive library of documentaries and ad-free content for children and tweens. [2, 35]

However, this digital shift presents significant challenges for the public broadcaster. While CBC’s mandate requires it to be predominantly and distinctively Canadian and to reflect the country’s diverse identity, it operates in a highly competitive environment dominated by global streaming giants with massive budgets. [14, 17, 25, 33] Studies indicate that a significant portion of Canadians are “Online First” viewers, consuming media primarily through digital platforms and over-the-top (OTT) services. [32] This necessitates a strategic balance between maintaining traditional viewership and aggressively pursuing digital engagement, including through initiatives like new free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channels for local news. [46]

Navigating a Challenging Media Landscape

As a public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada plays a vital role in strengthening Canadian culture and national identity. [14, 20, 45] It faces the dual challenge of fulfilling its public service mandate and securing financial stability in a fragmented media market where digital advertising is heavily concentrated with international platforms. [14, 25, 28, 36, 45] While public support for the CBC remains high, there’s also a recognized need for the corporation to adapt and innovate to remain relevant to all Canadians. [14, 36]

By investing in both beloved long-running series and bold new factual programming, and by prioritizing its digital presence through CBC Gem, the CBC is striving to navigate these complexities. Its fall 2025 schedule underscores a strategic commitment to delivering diverse, high-quality Canadian stories, ensuring that the national broadcaster continues to play a central role in the country’s cultural conversation for generations to come. [22, 27, 28]