CTV Gears Up for Listener Launch

TORONTO: Shaftesbury Films’ The Listener is set for its North American premiere on June 4 on CTV, Space and NBC, following its March rollout on the Fox International Channels.

Following the North American premiere, encore episodes of the series will air Saturdays at 8 p.m. on Space and on demand on spacecast.com and on CTV.ca. The show chronicles the experiences of paramedic Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik) as he learns to master his telepathic gift to help people in need, while discovering the truth about his past. The cast also includes Colm Feore as Dr. Ray Mercer, Toby’s mentor; Ennis Esmer as his paramedic partner Oz; and Lisa Marcos as tough detective Charlie Marks. Set in Toronto, the 13×1-hour production premiered on Fox International Channels in 180 countries around the world in March.

"The Listener is yet another example of how Canadian creative is making an impact not just in North America, but around the world," said Susanne Boyce, the president of creative, content and channels at CTV Inc. "With the rise in popularity of genre programming in the mainstream, The Listener has presented a terrific opportunity for both Space and CTV to work together on a series that will uniquely appeal to both audiences."

Christina Jennings, the chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury Films, added: "The support and enthusiasm we received from Space and CTV since the beginning has allowed us to create this internationally successful series. With a strong partnership that also includes NBC and Fox International Channels, The Listener is an excellent example of how broadcasters and producers can work together to create first-rate drama. We’re extremely proud that the momentum for the series has been building and anticipate the show will resonate with Space/CTV audiences."

Ahead of the launch, on May 21, CTV will unveil The Listener Online Experience, which was created by Shaftesbury’s digital division, Smokebomb Entertainment, in conjunction with Space and CTV.