The Listener Returns to the U.S. as Season Three Heads into Production

TORONTO: ION Television has secured the rights to seasons one and two of The Listener, produced by Shaftesbury in association with CTV and Fox International Channels, as production begins on season three of the drama.

The series is broadcast on CTV and Bravo! in Canada, and internationally by Fox International Channels in 120 countries and 33 languages. It stars Craig Olejnik as a mind-reading paramedic. Season three of the 13-episode, one-hour series will feature guest stars, including Kristin Lehman (The Killing), Rossif Sutherland (I’m Yours), Ian Tracey (Hell on Wheels) and Canadian rapper, record producer and actor Wes Williams (Cra$h & Burn). ION Television picked up the first two seasons from Shaftesbury Sales Company in a deal that was finalized by Shine International, which distributes the series internationally. The U.S. broadcaster will air the show in 2012. The ION deal includes an option on future seasons.

“The Listener’s audience keeps growing season-over-season as strong characters mix an element of drama with comedic banter,” said Corrie Coe, the senior VP of independent productions at Bell Media. “It’s great television of which we’re incredibly proud.”

“With its unique blend of drama, investigation, action and humor, The Listener is an internationally successful franchise that offers a fresh take on the one-hour procedural,” said Christina Jennings, the chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury. “We’re looking forward to bringing new episodes of the series to Canadian and international viewers in partnership with CTV and Fox International Channels, and to introducing the series to new audiences in the U.S. with ION Television.”