Corus Entertainment’s Jennifer Abrams on Global’s Programming Strategy

Global’s fall 2024 schedule is chock full of star-studded new series alongside 12 of spring’s top 20 programs and more. The season kicked off with Survivor, back for season 47 on September 18. Canada’s number one drama, 9-1-1, returns for an eighth season tonight at 8 p.m. Jennifer Abrams, senior VP of programming and multiplatform at Corus Entertainment, tells World Screen Weekly about the strengths of Global’s strategically selected acquisitions and U.S. content as well as its Canadian originals.

WS: What’s guiding the programming strategy at Global?
ABRAMS: Global’s programming strategy aims to strike a balance—the perfect combination of the familiar with the fresh. We have a proven track record at leveraging hits to successfully launch new shows and bring in new viewers, and this fall will be no exception. I believe it’s our strongest Global schedule in years.

Our programming strategy is guided by several key drivers, including tapping into the power of simulcast. Canada is the only country in the world that allows foreign (U.S.) over-the-air networks to be redistributed on cable. To protect our program rights, Global is able to substitute its signal over the American networks when shows air at the same time. So, to maximize audiences, we work very hard to schedule our acquired programs on the same day and date, and this fall, Global will have an impressive 18.5 hours of simulcast in prime time.

Also, we are maximizing streaming rights. We want to meet our audiences where they are and where they want to watch. So, we ensure all of our Global shows are also available on the free Global TV app and stacked for bingeing on our subscription streaming service STACKTV.

We’re also about attracting audiences with star power, featuring big Hollywood stars like Kathy Bates, Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., Drew Barrymore, Rob Lowe, Quinta Brunson, Cedric the Entertainer, Angela Bassett, Felicity Huffman, Shemar Moore and more.

Global is capitalizing on powerful IP by launching spin-offs with established IP that hit the ground running (i.e., NCIS: Origins).

WS: What’s the programming that works best for the Global audience?
ABRAMS: The Global brand is synonymous with mass-appeal television, and we strategically seek out series that can be distinctly recognized and embraced as Global shows. Our 2024-25 broadcast season schedule is anchored by strong proven hits, including Canada’s number one show, 9-1-1; the number one reality show, Survivor; and the enduring popular NCIS and FBI franchises. These staples are strategically complemented by exciting new series, such as the comedy Poppa’s House, as well as dramas Matlock and NCIS: Origins, all of which are poised to become instant hits.

WS: How much of the slate is acquisitions, and of that, how much is U.S. content?
ABRAMS: The vast majority of our 2024-25 slate consists of strategically selected acquisitions and U.S. content, with the fall season typically being where we lean heavily into these new series and returning hits from our studio partners south of the border. However, we are equally enthusiastic about our brand-new Canadian scripted series Murder in a Small Town, starring Canadians Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk and produced by Sepia Films. Shot in beautiful British Columbia, and also airing on FOX this fall, it’s the story of a big-city detective who moves to a quiet coastal town only to find a new string of murders that only he can solve. Additionally, audiences can also look forward to seeing more of Abby Bianchi and the Svensson family when the Global original Family Law returns for season three mid-season.

WS: Are you still impacted by a knock-on effect from the Hollywood strikes?
ABRAMS: Last fall presented substantial challenges due to the Hollywood strikes. However, Global demonstrated resilience as it came roaring back this past spring with standout audiences. Since mid-February, Global rose to the number one position in core prime time, delivering 11 of the top 20 programs—more than any other broadcaster! Additionally, many of the scripted series that were delayed due to last fall’s strikes, such as Matlock and Poppa’s House, will premiere in the 2024-25 broadcast season. We are excited to deliver some of the most-talked-about shows to Global this coming year.

WS: What have been some of your acquired breakout successes over the last year?
ABRAMS: This past spring, the new drama Elsbeth, starring Carrie Preston and based on the beloved character from The Good Wife, was a breakout success on Global. The show launched as a top 20 show in its first season, winning its time slot, and will return for season two in the fall.

WS: Has your level of acquisitions—or content budget—changed in the last year or so? What changes do you expect for next year?
ABRAMS: Global, much like the broader television landscape and media industry, is navigating significant challenges. Our acquisitions and content budget for the 2024-25 broadcast season reflects these realities. Despite these constraints, we remain strategically focused on securing broad-appeal series featuring the top-tier stars and compelling stories that our audiences expect from Global.