Canadian Series Set for March Launch on ION

WEST PALM BEACH: ION Television has secured the U.S. rights to the Canadian drama The Guard and is set to launch the marine rescue series next month.

The network has acquired the exclusive U.S. rights to the show from Lionsgate, as well as digital media, internet streaming and video-on-demand rights. It premieres with a two-hour block of back-to-back episodes March 13 and will air in that slot every Saturday night. The show focuses on four members of the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Team.

“We are excited to add The Guard to our lineup of original programming,” said Kristine Hunsinger, the senior VP of planning, scheduling and acquisitions at ION Media Networks. “Coming off the critically-acclaimed success of our first original drama Durham County, we are sure viewers will enjoy the sexy, adrenaline-filled search and rescue drama The Guard."

The Guard is produced by Halifax Film and Brightlight Pictures.