CBC Orders Soccer Drama 21 Thunder

OTTAWA: CBC has commissioned the original 8×1-hour drama 21 Thunder from PMA Productions and Generic Productions.

The series is set in the competitive, high-stakes world of an under-21 soccer academy, following the players and coaches who risk it all for a shot at the pros. Production began in late August in Montreal and will continue until November 15. The series is set to premiere in summer 2017 on CBC.

“We are excited to be working with the team at PMA and Generic to pull the curtain back on the thrilling and high-pressure world of elite sports,” said Sally Catto, the general manager of programming at CBC Television. “This riveting drama will offer audiences a fresh and diverse perspective on the world’s most popular sport, and what it takes to play ‘the beautiful game’ at the pro level.”

“We share CBC’s commitment to delivering an adrenaline-fueled series that will appeal to viewers across all platforms, and attract the attention of new audiences eager for gripping, serialized dramas featuring the stories of millennials with big dreams,” said executive producers Malcolm MacRury and Kenneth Hirsch.

“By exploring the rich cultural diversity of Canada through an intricate tapestry of story lines, 21 Thunder will export Canadian values of tolerance and opportunity to international audiences worldwide,” said executive producer Michael Levine.