Murdoch Mysteries Drives Over C$1 Billion in Economic Output in Ontario

A new report from the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and Shaftesbury has found that Murdoch Mysteries has driven more than C$1 billion in economic output in Ontario, contributed C$766 million to the Canadian GDP and provided 9,590 full-time jobs across 18 seasons.

“The success of Murdoch Mysteries shows that investing in Canadian culture and Canadian-owned IP helps build strong Canadian production companies, like Shaftesbury, which in turn deliver meaningful economic benefits for the country, create skilled jobs for Canadians and help bring our stories and values to screens at home and around the world,” said Reynolds Mastin, president and CEO of the CMPA.

With 333 episodes to date, the first 18 seasons of the series generated more than C$202 million in tax revenues for federal, provincial and local governments, equivalent to the government revenues generated through 2.2 million visitors to Ontario.

For every dollar of the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC), production generated C$15.97 in economic output, C$11.81 in GDP and $9.02 in labor income. With every C$100,000 of the CPTC, 13 full-time jobs were created.

For every dollar of the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit (OFTTC), production generated C$5.58 in economic output, C$4.13 in GDP and C$3.15 in labor income. With every C$100,000 of the OFTTC, 4.6 full-time jobs were created.

“The most remarkable aspect of this report is that the economic impact outlined is attributed to just one single show,” noted Christina Jennings, chairman and president of Shaftesbury. “Many Canadians don’t understand the value Canadian content delivers beyond entertainment. This report is a reminder of the financial returns that can be generated by investing in Canadian IP. Bottom line, it’s a booming sector, just like oil and gas.”

Shaftesbury’s ownership of the IP has allowed the company to build a full ecosystem of immersive branded experiences, including a symphony orchestra concert series that has traveled across Canada, escape rooms, behind-the-scenes tour packages, branded merchandise, a tween spin-off series with CBC and more.