CBC & Lionsgate Reunite with Schitt’s Creek Producer for New Series

Lionsgate and Canada’s CBC are working with Schitt’s Creek producer Andrew Barnsley and comedian, actor and writer Mark Critch on the new comedy Son of a Critch.

Son of a Critch tells the story of 11-year-old Mark coming of age in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the ’80s. It promises to provide a heartfelt window into the life of a child, much older inside than his 11 years, using comedy and self-deprecation to win friends and connect with the small collection of people in his limited world.

The comedy stars Mark Critch as his father and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Pinocchio) as young Mark. Claire Rankin (Molly’s Game) has been cast as Mark’s mother, alongside newcomers Sophia Powers and Mark Rivera. Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) has been tapped to star as Pop.

Created by Critch and Tim McAuliffe (The Office, Last Man on Earth, MacGruber), the series is based on Critch’s award-winning, best-selling memoir, Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir.

The CBC original series will premiere on CBC TV and CBC Gem in Canada in January 2022. Lionsgate will be handling the U.S. and international distribution rights.

Son of a Critch is an inter-provincial co-production between Barnsley’s Project 10 Productions and Take the Shot Productions in association with CBC and Lionsgate Television. It is executive produced by Critch, McAuliffe, Barnsley, Ben Murray and Allan Hawco. Renuka Jeyapalan and Anita Kapila serve as co-executive producers, with Jeyapalan directing the first four episodes of the series.

“I’ve been listening to the hilarious stories of Mark’s youth in Newfoundland for years, and it’s amazing to now be a part of bringing them to life on screen,” said McAuliffe.

“I’m thrilled to kick off production on Son of a Critch with such a talented young actor like Benjamin playing my kid self,” said Critch. “Everyone working on the project is incredibly supportive of my vision and, with world-class partners like Lionsgate and CBC, I know my story is in the best hands.”

“We’re excited to reunite with Andrew and his incredible team at Project 10, led by President Ben Murray, and to be working with Tim and comedy genius Mark Critch in bringing his hilarious and heartfelt life story to television screens,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs and President of Lionsgate Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. “Son of a Critch is clever and entertaining with all the elements of a premium comedy series that will resonate with audiences in the U.S. and abroad.”

“Son of a Critch shares the same warm-hearted values and celebration of family and friendship that hit CBC comedies including Schitt’s Creek have become known for worldwide,” said Sally Catto, general manager of entertainment, factual and sports for CBC. “We are delighted to partner with Mark, Tim, Andrew, Project 10 and Lionsgate on this new, authentic coming-of-age story that will charm audiences in Canada and around the world.”

“If you’ve read Mark’s memoir, you’ll find watching the series just as enjoyable and if you haven’t, you’ll discover how captivating and out-of-this-world funny he is,” said Barnsley.

“We have a stellar creative team, amazing IP and great partners in Lionsgate and CBC, and we can’t wait to make Son of a Critch another Canadian original comedy with international reach,” added Murray from Project 10.