New to CBC Gem in May 2021
CBC Gem is Canada’s streaming service, offering more than 6500 hours of live and on-demand Canadian programming and a curated selection of acclaimed, best-in-class content from around the world, including more than 800 documentaries, 400 hours of ad-free content for kids and tweens, and a collection of over 150 Canadian feature films. CBC Gem is available free as an app for iOS and Android devices and online at cbcgem.ca, and on TV screens via Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
For screening links or more information about any of the following titles, please contact Gareth Bush (gareth.bush@cbc.ca). Note: This schedule is subject to change.
ASIAN HERITAGE COLLECTION including hip-hop documentary BAD RAP and Canadian documentary LOST & FOUND and the exclusive Canadian premiere of THE DONUT KING, as well as MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A., INDIAN SPACE DREAMS, PALISA ANDERSON’S WATER HEART FOOD
New international series debuting this month include the heartwarming second season of British documentary series THE DOG HOUSE (May 7), the Canadian premiere of British comedy IN MY SKIN (May 7), the second season of the acclaimed financial thriller BAD BANKS (May 14) and the Canadian exclusive premiere of the critically acclaimed American single-camera comedy TWENTIES (May 21)
A music collection launches in celebration of the 50th Anniversary JUNO AWARDS with VISUALIZED (May 7) and an advance CBC Gem premiere of the MUSIC DAY ON CBC lineup including: MY JUNOS MOMENT, IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK and THE INTRO from CBC Music (all premiering May 21). MUSIC DAY ON CBC is Sunday, June 6
Additional music-focused programming coming to CBC Gem in May includes the Canadian premiere of ALICIA KEYS LIVE IN L.A. (May 14) and KEYBOARD FANTASIES: THE BEVERLY GLENN-COPELAND STORY (May 21)
The ROYALS collection launches May 20 featuring British documentary series THE ROYALS REVEALED, THE DAY WILL AND KATE GOT MARRIED and Australian documentary MEGHAN + HARRY: THE NEW REVELATIONS
ASIAN HERITAGE COLLECTION
Bad Rap (1x82, Documentary, Bad Rap Movie Inc., USA)
Begins streaming Friday, April 30
From filmmaker Salima Koroma (Dreamland: The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street, That’s Amazing) and starring Awkwafina (The Farewell, Crazy Rich Asians), BAD RAP documents four Asian-American rappers who run into tough obstacles as they try to make it big in hip-hop, a genre rooted in black culture.
“Newcomer Salima Koroma takes a good look at a handful of Asian-American talents trying to break into the hip-hop scene”
“Bad Rap is a very good music documentary, with some rewarding conversations about identity, alongside a few genuinely tense moments”
“Nails the complex world of Asian-American rappers”
MATANGI / MAYA / M.I.A. (1x90, Documentary, Cinereach, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, April 30
Drawn from a cache of personal video recordings from the past 22 years, director Steve Loveridge’s Sundance award-winning MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A. is a startlingly personal profile of the critically acclaimed artist, chronicling her remarkable journey from refugee immigrant to pop star. She began as Matangi. Daughter of the founder of Sri Lanka’s armed Tamil resistance, she hid from the government in the face of a vicious and bloody civil war. When her family fled to the UK, she became Maya, a precocious and creative immigrant teenager in London. Finally, the world met her as M.I.A. when she emerged on the global stage, having created a mashup, cut-and-paste identity that pulled from every corner of her journey along the way; a sonic sketchbook that blended Tamil politics, art school punk, hip-hop beats and the unwavering, ultra-confident voice of a burgeoning multicultural youth.
INDIAN SPACE DREAMS (1x60, Documentary, Sequoia Films, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, April 30
*Canadian Exclusive Premiere*
From filmmaker Sue Sudbury (Hunger by the Sea, Village Tales), INDIAN SPACE DREAMS is a multi-award-winning documentary that grants extraordinary insight into contemporary India, as it follows space scientists in Mumbai that prepare to launch the country’s first astronomical satellite on a fraction of NASA’s budget.
“An epic and multi-layered production that challenges stereotypes... a beautifully shot tapestry illustrating social pressure, cultural challenges and, above all, a very different approach to life and work”
– Royal Television Society jury
“[Indian Space Dreams] points out how scientific achievement can act as a catalyst to help people fight their way out of poverty”
THE DONUT KING (1x90, Documentary, Logan Industry, USA)
Begins streaming Friday, April 30
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
From filmmaker Alice Gu (Epiphany, And Two If by Sea: The Hobgood Brothers), THE DONUT KING documents the rise and fall of a Cambodian refugee who escaped genocide and overcame poverty to build a life for himself—by baking America’s favorite pastry and building an unlikely empire of donut shops.
“Delightful”; “There’s much to learn about the immigrant experience from [Gu’s] research” – Peter Debruge, Variety
“Heartwarming yet unflinchingly honest” – Inkoo Kang, The Hollywood Reporter
PALISA ANDERSON’S WATER HEART FOOD (5x30, Lifestyle, Projucer, Australia)
Now Streaming
*Canadian Exclusive Premiere*
Respected cook, farmer, writer, entrepreneur, mother and member of a family business to a beloved restaurant chain, Chat Thai, Palisa Anderson is many things to many people. But ask her what connects her heart to it all, and she will simply reply “real, good food”. From her farm in Byron Bay and its neighbouring salty enclaves, to the big smoke of Sydney and some of the city’s best chefs, restaurants and out of town destinations, PALISA ANDERSON’S WATER HEART FOOD sees Palisa share a very intimate exchange with some of her favourite food industry icons and rising stars, exploring where their passion comes from and sharing food stories to discover we have more in common than we think.
“The host's genuine earnestness and the pop of the production values helps it stand out”
– Craig Mathieson/Ben Pobjie, The Sydney Morning Herald
LOST & FOUND (1x90, Documentary, Frank Films Production, Canada)
Now Streaming
On March 11, 2011, Japan was hit by the largest earthquake in its recorded history. The ensuing tsunami engulfed over 90 cities, killing more than 18,000 people, and causing millions of tons of debris to be pulled into the Pacific. One year later, beachcombers in North America began to find Japanese items washed ashore. Consumed with finding their owners, these beachcombers packed their bags and traveled to Japan in hopes of reuniting people with a small piece of their past. LOST & FOUND tells the story of the unlikely friendships that were forged in the wake of a massive natural disaster.
NEW INTERNATIONAL SERIES
IN MY SKIN (5x30, Comedy, Expectation Entertainment, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 7
*Canadian Premiere*
IN MY SKIN is a coming-of-age story of 16-year-old Bethan (Gabrielle Creevy, 15 Days), as she deals with the comical but painfully real anxieties and insecurities of teenage life, along with the stark reality of a home life that is far removed from what she projects to her friends. Set in Cardiff, it shows Bethan dealing with a troubled life at home that sees her bipolar mother Katrina sectioned by the crisis team at a psychiatric hospital. Her alcoholic father displays a lack of compassion to the situation, and Bethan fights hard to hide the truth of the life she really leads from her best friends, Travis (James Wilbraham, Ordinary Lies) and Lydia (Poppy Lee Friar, My Cousin Rachel), and her teachers.
Named on TIME Magazine’s The 5 Best New TV Shows Our Critic
Watched in July 2020 List
“In My Skin approaches familiar teen TV beats in naturally awkward ways, with its young cast nailing the discomfort and constant strangeness of high school”
– Allison Keene, Paste Magazine
THE DOG HOUSE Season 2 (8x60, Documentary, Five Mile Films, United Kingdom)
Begins streaming Friday, May 7 (Originally scheduled to premiere in April 2021)
British smash-hit THE DOG HOUSE is back at Wood Green, The Animals Charity. With the demand for dogs in the UK sharply rising by 650% over the last year, the team are match-making abandoned dogs with even more hopeful new owners. For some, it’s love at first sight. For others, love can take a little longer to bloom.
BAD BANKS Season 2 (6x60, Drama, Letterbox Filmproduktion, Germany & France)
Begins streaming Friday, May 14
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Ambitious Jana (Paula Beer) is confronted with the unscrupulous machinations of the world of finance. Her working life is determined by egotism, the pressure to succeed and machismo. She soon has to decide how far she is prepared to go for her career. Winner of six 2018 German Television Academy Awards, including Best Leading Actor for Barry Atsma and Best Supporting Actress for Désirée Nosbusch.
“This dark and murky world quickly sucks you in” – Tim Dowling, The Guardian
“With a wardrobe as sharp as her haircut, Jana [Liekam] operates with savvy strategy; Paula Beer plays her intriguingly as a woman whose emotions frequently threaten to spill over, rather than a number-crunching automaton” – Suzi Feay, Financial Times
DNA (8x45, Drama, Nordisk Films Production & French Kiss Pictures, Denmark & France)
Begins streaming Friday, May 21
Rolf Larsen (Anders W. Berthelsen, Italian For Beginners), a respected detective on the Copenhagen police force, investigates the case of a missing child. Then, his life is brutally upended when his own baby daughter goes missing. Five years after the disappearance, a new lead emerges when a serious flaw is uncovered in the Danish police’s DNA database. Realising that his daughter may still be alive, Rolf tries to find out what really happened to her by investigating a parallel case linked to an international child trafficking ring.
CALL THE MIDWIFE Season 6 (8x60, Drama, Neal Street Productions, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 21
It is now 1962, and the Nonnatus House team is as committed to caring for the people of Poplar as always. However, the social revolution in the outside world is mirrored by change and challenge much closer to home. As they strive to help mothers and families cope with the demands of childbearing, disability, disease and social prejudice, the medics must fight battles of their own.
TWENTIES (8x30, Comedy, Hillman Grad, US)
Begins streaming Friday, May 21
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
From creator Lena Waithe, follow the adventures of Hattie (Jonica T. Gibbs, Good Trouble), a queer and aspiring screenwriter and her two straight best friends Marie (Christina Elmore, Insecure) and Nia (Gabrielle Graham, The Expanse) as they pursue their dreams in LA. While they live separate lives, they lean on each other for guidance as they navigate their twenties. Nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series at the 2021 GLAAD Media Awards.
“Light yet smart, easy-to-binge comedy” – Judy Berman, TIME Magazine
“Impressive” – Inkoo Kang, The Hollywood Reporter
“The perspective the show presents is unique”; “Twenties promises to be more
than just about people in their twenties navigating a big city”
CANADIAN DRAMAS
BLACKSTONE Season 3 (6x60, Prairie Dog Film & Television)
Begins streaming Friday, May 14
Season 3 of BLACKSTONE continues the raw, uncompromising look at the lives and relationships of the community of Blackstone First Nation. Consumed by his demons, Andy (Eric Schweig, The Last of the Moheicans) drifts from his family and duties as Chief. Leona (Carmen Moore, Rustic Oracle) and Gail (Michelle Thrush, Pathfinder) work hard at creating a nurturing environment for Wendy (Miika Bryce Whiskeyjack, Monkey Beach) but their resolve is put to the test when Wendy’s aunt Sarah (Cheri Maracle, Tkaronto) returns. Victor (Nathaniel Arcand, Pathfinder) pushes forward a housing manufacturing deal with a neighboring reserve, while vying for leadership of Blackstone. The series tackles universal themes of domestic violence, criminal justice, child and family welfare, the devastating consequences of addiction, and the long process of healing and reconciliation that comes from the human desire to love, persevere and find hope.
THE ROYALS COLLECTION
THE DAY WILL AND KATE GOT MARRIED (1x60, Documentary, Finestripe Productions, UK)
Now Streaming
*Canadian Exclusive Premiere*
As Will & Kate celebrate their 10th anniversary, this documentary offers a look at the inside story of their star-studded wedding which captivated the world. Featuring exclusive interviews with family members including Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith, close friends and the creatives who made it happen—the royal dressmaker Daniella Helayel, cakemaker Fiona Cairns, Royal Protection Officer Graham Craker, photographer Hugo Burnand, and more—this intimate documentary allows viewers to relive all the ritual and pageantry when all eyes were on the couple
**** “It offered something fresh, namely interviews with some of the less famous wedding guests. For a royal documentary, which are so often boring recycled churn, it was surprisingly entertaining”
– Carol Midgley, The Times (UK)
“An enjoyable look back at a happy day”
THE ROYALS REVEALED (8x60, Documentary, back2back Productions, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 7
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
THE ROYALS REVEALED takes viewers on a journey through all facets of Royal life past and present, in all its grandeur, splendour and controversy. The series explores the British Royal Family with the help of body language experts and psychologists. Topics covered include ‘Harry and Edward: Princes in Exile,’ ‘Secrets of the Royal Childhood,’ and ‘The Secrets of the Royal Inner Circle.’
MEGHAN + HARRY: THE NEW REVELATIONS (1x60, Documentary, ITN Productions, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 7
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
A look at the events that led to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepping back from the royal family, with the couple growing frustrated with a pecking order that left them overshadowed by others. This documentary delves into new claims and explores the speculation contained in recent books about the royals, testing their credibility and voracity and trying to unravel what actually happened.
“[Meghan & Harry: The New Revelations] delves into new claims and explores
the speculation contained in recent books about the royals, testing their
credibility and voracity and trying to unravel what actually happened”
JUNO AWARDS-INSPIRED CBC MUSIC SPECIALS
A collection of JUNO Awards-related series in advance of the 50th anniversary of the JUNO Awards, broadcasting nationwide Sunday, June 6 on CBC and CBC Gem.
VISUALIZED (4x5, CBC Music original)
Begins streaming Friday, May 7
Canadian musicians and directors tell the stories behind their JUNO Award-winning music videos. Subjects include iskwē, The Halluci Nation (formerly A Tribe Called Red), Edwin and Said the Whale.
CBC MUSIC PRESENTS: MY JUNOS MOMENT (1X44, CBC Music original)
Begins streaming May 21. Individual excerpts from the special are released Fridays
The biggest Canadian artists relive their iconic JUNO moments. Alessia Cara takes on hosting duties and some of Canada’s top music experts help define these special moments in Junos history.
CBC MUSIC PRESENTS: IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK (1x44, CBC Music original)
Begins streaming Friday, May 21
A one-hour special taking you inside Canada's iconic music venues and hidden gems. Top Canadian musicians share stories of their historic nights at some of the country's best concert halls.
CBC MUSIC PRESENTS: THE INTRO (1x44, CBC Music original)
Begins streaming Friday, May 21
Hosted by Saroja Coelho, this special JUNOS edition of The Intro showcases rising artists from across the country through interviews and live performances.
MUSICAL DOCUMENTARIES
ALICIA KEYS LIVE IN L.A. (1x60, BBC Studios, US)
Begins streaming Friday, May 14
*Canadian Premiere*
Alicia Keys takes the stage at the sumptuous Ace Hotel Theatre in downtown Los Angeles for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. Having sold over 50 million albums and scooped 15 Grammy Awards, she has blended soul, gospel, R&B and hip-hop, and, on her remarkable Empire State of Mind, immortalised the
glamour, wonder and pizzazz of New York. If you’re new to Alicia’s phenomenal talent, this intimate personal showcase is the perfect introduction. And if you’ve already been bewitched, this is a very special celebration of her music, with a dazzling array of greatest hits, and tracks from her seventh studio album Alicia.
KEYBOARD FANTASIES: THE BEVERLY GLENN-COPELAND STORY (1x60, Luca Productions Inc., UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 21
*Canadian Exclusive Premiere*
Emerging from years in isolation to an enraptured crowd, a time-travelling, transgender musical genius finally finds his place in the world. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Mid-Length Documentary at Hot Docs 2020 and Best Documentary at NewFest 2020: New York's LGBT Film Festival.
9/10 “Glenn-Copeland speaking in the film never seems angry, never rushed,
never less than amused, and composed. He is the living image of the peaceful music he creates."
“The Kindest Film of the Year” – Andrew F Peirce, The Curb
“A grounded, gifted, grateful musician who definitely has a lot to say and gorgeous music to play”
CBC SHORT DOCS
KEEP PUSHING (3x13,9,8, Canada Skateboard, Canada)
Begins streaming Wednesday, May 5
Follow Canada’s top skateboarding athletes as they navigate the twists and turns of a growing sport on route to its inaugural induction into the 2020 Olympic games amidst a global pandemic. Canada's National Park Skaters safely band together to skate, train and support each other as they navigate their changing landscape.
NUDE TO ME (1x20, directed by Daniel Berish, Canada)
Begins streaming Friday, May 7
In this personal documentary, director Danny Berish (Red Chef Revival) discovers how his grandparents found love at a nudist camp in 1949 — and how that chance encounter would change the course of his life. Hoping to discover more about his grandparents’ radical lifestyle, Danny meets and mingles with the members of Van Tan, Canada’s oldest nudist club. He learns about the history of the club, the philosophy and etiquette of naturism and the club’s quest to attract new naked members. Danny grapples with his preconceived notions about nudist clubs and confronts his own feelings about being naked. Light-hearted and thought-provoking, Nude to Me is a fascinating plunge into naturism and a search for the answer to the question: “What does it take to dare to go bare?”
OUR GAME (3x25,27,32, Ward 1 Studios, Canada)
Begins streaming Saturday, May 29
With survival on the line, this 3-part series takes an exclusive inside look into how Canada's professional basketball league, the CEBL, set up a crucial second season amidst a global pandemic. The story follows key players as they adjust to a "new normal" living in carefully set up safe zones, along with the return of professional sports in Canada.
CANADIAN DOCUMENTARIES
NAHANNI: RIVER OF FORGIVENESS (1x90, 90th Parallel Film and Television Productions)
Begins streaming Friday, May 7
Nahanni River of Forgiveness is a journey through a magnificent landscape. It’s a search for forgiveness and reconciliation for what has happened to the people and to the land. It’s about the spiritual power of nature to heal the soul and a tribute to the resilience and steadfastness of the Dene. Nominated for Best Cinematography in a Feature Length Documentary [Kiarash Sadigh] at the 2021 Canada Screen Awards.
LIFESTYLE
ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY Season 25(a) (35x60, Boundless Productions, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 7
*Canadian Premiere*
ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY returns with a new season to find the perfect home for families seeking to get away from city living. Each episode features one couple or family who are looking to make the escape and relocate to the country.
MY BIG FAMILY FARM Season 3 (8x60, Motion Content Group & Renegade Pictures, UK)
Begins streaming Friday, May 21
*Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
Join shepherds Amanda, Clive, and their 9 children for more adventures on their remote hill farm in the Yorkshire Dales. With their woolly flock spread over 2,000 acres, they never get a day off, and from the toddlers to the teens, everyone pitches in to get the job done. A sense of humour is critical as they face off against the elements, and love always prevails as this farming family learns about the birds, the bees, and one another in the glorious and ever-changing world around them.
“Adorable”; “the most-watched programme in a 9pm slot for two weeks in a row”
– Birdie Pearson-Jones, DailyMail
“It all looks so idyllic” – Alison Graham, RadioTimes
THE BEST OF CBC:
Past and current seasons of CBC series including BURDEN OF TRUTH THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW, FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES, HEARTLAND, MURDOCH MYSTERIES, STILL STANDING, TALLBOYZ, KIM’S CONVENIENCE, BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW, and SCHITT’S CREEK; and classic CBC hits like BEING ERICA.
COMING IN JUNE
Bump
Deep In Vogue
One Day in the Life of Noah Piugattuk
Indigenous Stories Collection
Pride Collection
