CBC Gives Go-Ahead to Original Period Drama

CBC has greenlit Frankie Drake, a tentatively titled original detective series starring Lauren Lee Smith (This Life, The Listener).

Set in the 1920s, Frankie Drake tells the story of Toronto’s only female private detective. The 11×60-minute show was created by Murdoch Mysteries writers Carol Hay and Michelle Ricci, who are also executive producing. It is slated to begin production this summer for a premiere on CBC in the fall.

Frankie Drake is developed and produced by Shaftesbury with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit. Shaftesbury Sales Company is handling the global distribution rights.

“Frankie Drake is a forward-thinking drama about a woman ahead of her time, challenging convention and the status quo during a period of sweeping change, not unlike our own times,” said Sally Catto, the general manager of programming at CBC. “The Shaftesbury team is known for their success delivering a winning combination of history that mirrors contemporary themes and thrilling mystery brought to life by characters that audiences want to return to week after week, and we are excited to partner with them once again on this female-driven series.”

Christina Jennings, the chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury, added: “Frankie Drake is a real labor of love for us. It is a story about a spirited woman, breaking barriers and calling the shots, in a world that might not be ready for her. This is a one-hour detective series, set in the ’20s—but this is not the roaring ’20s we have seen onscreen before. We are so pleased to bring this show to life, in partnership with our friends at the CBC, and with a creative team who have been part of our Shaftesbury family for many of our hit series. And of course—what a treat to work with the wonderful Lauren Lee Smith again. I can’t wait for the world to meet Frankie Drake.”