I’ve got some exciting news for TV fans—CBC just dropped a major announcement on May 1, 2025, that’s got me buzzing! The Canadian broadcaster has renewed five of its hit dramas, including a double-season renewal for the lighthearted crime procedural Wild Cards, ensuring we’ll see seasons three and four in the 2025/26 broadcast season. As someone who’s been loving the chemistry between Wild Cards’ leads, this feels like a big win. Let’s dive into what this means for the show, the other renewed dramas, and why CBC’s commitment to Canadian storytelling is something to celebrate!
Wild Cards Gets a Double Dose of Fun
Wild Cards has been a breath of fresh air since it premiered on January 10, 2024, in Canada, and a week later in the U.S. on The CW. The show follows an unlikely duo—a by-the-book detective, Cole Ellis (Giacomo Gianniotti), and a spirited con woman, Max Mitchell (Vanessa Morgan)—who team up to solve crimes in Vancouver. It’s got that perfect mix of humor, heart, and mystery, often compared to shows like The Mentalist or Castle for its witty banter and crime-of-the-week format. I binged the first season on CBC Gem and was instantly hooked by Max and Cole’s dynamic—they’re opposites in every way, but their chemistry is electric!
The news of a two-season renewal—seasons three and four, each with 10 episodes—came just days before the Season 2 finale aired on The CW on May 7. Season 2 has been raising the stakes, with tougher cases, a search for a killer, and growing feelings between Max and Cole (yes, I’m shipping them hard!). The season even featured Martin Sheen as a recurring con man connected to Max’s family, adding some serious star power. Fans on social media are thrilled, with many saying they “can’t wait to see more of Max and Cole” and praising Vanessa Morgan’s scene-stealing energy. I totally get why—her vibrant performance as Max is a highlight every episode!
But here’s the catch: while CBC is all in, the show’s fate on The CW in the U.S. is still up in the air. Wild Cards is a co-production between CBC and The CW, and though it’s been one of The CW’s stronger performers (averaging 892,000 viewers in Season 1), the network hasn’t confirmed if it’ll air the new seasons stateside. I’m keeping my fingers crossed because this show deserves a global audience—it’s the kind of feel-good procedural we need more of!
CBC’s Big Renewal Slate: A Win for Canadian Stories
CBC didn’t stop at Wild Cards. They’ve also renewed four other dramas, showcasing their commitment to what they call “homegrown storytelling.” Here’s the lineup:
- Saint-Pierre, a police procedural set in the French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, is coming back for Season 2 after becoming CBC’s most-watched new series of the year. Starring Allan Hawco and Josephine Jobert, it’s got a unique vibe with its blend of French and Canadian culture.
- Allegiance, a character-driven cop drama set in Surrey, BC, scored a third season. Created by Anar Ali, it’s been nominated for eight Canadian Screen Awards and dives into themes like identity, policing, and justice.
- Heartland, the multi-generational family drama set in Alberta, is returning for its 19th season. It’s a fan-favorite worldwide, available in over 120 countries, and I love how it captures the beauty of rural Canada.
- Murdoch Mysteries, a period crime drama about Detective William Murdoch solving cases in early 1900s Toronto, also nabbed a 19th season with a 21-episode order. It’s one of Canada’s biggest global hits, and its innovative forensic twist keeps me coming back.
Sally Catto, CBC’s General Manager of Entertainment, Factual & Sports, said these renewals are all about “compelling characters, unique stories, and a strong sense of place from different regions across Canada.” I couldn’t agree more—each of these shows brings something special to the table, whether it’s the coastal charm of Wild Cards’ Vancouver or the historical intrigue of Murdoch Mysteries’ Toronto. It’s refreshing to see a network lean so hard into local storytelling, especially when so much TV feels homogenized these days.
A Boost for CBC—But Questions Remain
This renewal spree comes at a good time for CBC. The Liberal Party’s recent federal election win on April 29, 2025, secured a funding boost for the broadcaster, with promises of an extra C$150 million annually. That’s a big deal—it could nearly double CBC’s budget, giving them more room to invest in shows like these. The timing of the announcement, just days after the election, feels like a victory lap for CBC, especially since the opposing Conservatives had threatened to defund the broadcaster’s English-language operations, which could’ve been a disaster for Canadian TV production.
But I can’t help but wonder about the bigger picture. While CBC is celebrating, The CW’s silence on Wild Cards has me a bit worried. The U.S. network has been shaking things up lately—canceling shows like Walker and shelving others like Bump despite renewals in Canada. If The CW doesn’t pick up seasons three and four, U.S. fans might have to find other ways to watch, maybe on streaming platforms like Prime Video, where past seasons are available. It’s a reminder of how tricky co-productions can be—what’s a hit in one country might not get the same love elsewhere.
I also wonder if CBC’s focus on these five dramas means they’re playing it safe. All of them were among the Top 20 Canadian programs last year, so it’s a smart bet, but I’d love to see CBC take more risks on new shows, too. They’ve promised more renewals across genres this spring, so I’m keeping my eyes peeled for what’s next.
Why This Matters for Fans (Like Me!)
For me, Wild Cards getting two more seasons is the best part of this news. It’s the kind of show that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers on heart and suspense. I love how it balances Max’s chaotic energy with Cole’s straight-laced vibe—plus, the Vancouver setting is gorgeous! Knowing we’ve got at least 20 more episodes to look forward to (10 per season) has me excited to see where their partnership—and maybe their romance—goes next.
The other renewals are great, too. Heartland and Murdoch Mysteries have been around forever for a reason—they’re comfort viewing at its best. Saint-Pierre and Allegiance bring fresh perspectives to the cop drama genre, and I’m curious to see how they evolve. CBC’s investment in these shows feels like a love letter to Canadian audiences, and as someone who values seeing diverse stories on screen, I’m here for it.
