Shaftesbury Scores Renewals on Murdoch Mysteries

TORONTO: Season four of the hit series Murdoch Mysteries from Shaftesbury Films has been renewed by Citytv in Canada and UKTV’s Alibi in the U.K.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment will continue its co-production relationship with Shaftesbury Films on the title and will distribute the fourth season. Murdoch Mysteries, based on Maureen Jennings’ detective novels, is set in 1895 Toronto, exploring the life of a handsome young detective who uses radical forensic techniques to solve murders.

Christina Jennings, the chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury Films, said, “Making great television with partners like Citytv, Alibi and ITV Studios is hugely satisfying. Our cast, writers, directors and crew are superb and poised for success with season four."

“Citytv is proud to be a part of this highly successful Canadian production popular with audiences in Canada and around the world,” added Alain Strati, the VP of OMNI Station Group, Specialty TV & Development.

Steve Hornsey, the channel head at Alibi, noted, “As Alibi continues to assert itself as TV’s home of crime drama, we are delighted to confirm that we are co-producing a fourth series of Murdoch Mysteries. The latest season has created real appointment to view opportunities for us, more than doubling Alibi’s slot average rating and bringing a highly desirable ABC1 audience. I am looking forward to building on this success with the fourth season.”

Noel Hedges, the senior VP of sales and acquisitions for the Americas at ITV Studios Global Entertainment, commented, "We are absolutely thrilled to be working with our friends at Shaftesbury on more Murdoch Mysteries. This fourth season is a real testament to the quality and individuality of the show, and we’re confident the new installments will be hugely successful with our millions of international viewers.”