CTV Greenlights Two More Seasons of Cardinal

TORONTO: CTV has greenlit second and third seasons of its dramatic thriller Cardinal, marking the first time the broadcaster has ordered two consecutive runs of a drama.

Produced by Sienna Films and Entertainment One (eOne) in association with CTV, the series was ordered for an additional two self-contained cycles, each consisting of six one-hour episodes. Series stars Billy Campbell (The Killing) and Karine Vanasse (Revenge) return for seasons two and three.

The next two cycles will once again be filmed in Sudbury and North Bay and will be based on books in the John Cardinal Mysteries series written by Giles Blunt. Season two will be shot this coming summer and is inspired by the third novel in the series, Black Fly Season. Set to shoot in fall 2017, season three is inspired by the fourth and fifth novels in the series, By the Time You Read This and Crime Machine, respectively.

“In just six episodes Cardinal has grabbed the attention of viewers and critics alike, cementing its position as the event series of the season and landmark Canadian television,” said Mike Cosentino, the senior VP of CTV and specialty. “In simultaneously ordering two additional cycles, we are showcasing our high confidence in the creative team, and look forward to launching the next iteration of this intelligent character-driven drama.”

“We are really excited by this opportunity to bring additional cycles of Cardinal to audiences with our amazing partners at CTV, COGECO and eOne,” said Cardinal executive producers Julia Sereny and Jennifer Kawaja. “Our outstanding cast, led by the superb talents of Billy Campbell and Karine Vanasse, and fantastic crew and writers are set to delve further into the world of Northern Ontario to bring Giles Blunt’s novels to life.”