CBC Gem is Canada’s streaming service, offering more than 5000 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 750 documentaries, 400 hours of ad-free content for kids and tweens, and a collection of over 120 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 Enya Franks-Best (enya.franks-best@cbc.ca). Note: This schedule is subject to change.

 

The Exclusive Canadian Premiere of Season 2 of critically acclaimed drama DAS BOOT (Nov. 13) 

Based on the young adult novels by Malorie Blackman, the Exclusive Canadian Premiere of NOUGHTS & CROSSES begins streaming Nov. 27

New comedies include the final season of MOHAWK GIRLS (Nov. 13) and British series DEFENDING THE GUILTY (Nov. 20) 

CBC Gem Originals include comedy special KENNY & SPENNY: PALDEMIC (Nov 20) and feature film DEATH AND SICKNESS (Nov. 20), directed by Sook-Yin Lee and Dylan Gamble

The Travel & Escape collection, including the Exclusive Canadian Premiere of TRAVEL MAN’S GREATEST TRIPS and THE MISADVENTURES OF ROMESH RANGANATHAN Season 2, begins streaming this month

New Canadian films include DIM THE FLUORESCENTS (Nov. 6) and CBC Films’ TROUBLE IN THE GARDEN (Nov. 7), THE FIREFLIES ARE GONE [LA DISPARITION DES LUCIOLES] (Nov. 13), INTO THE FOREST (Nov. 20), DIAMOND TONGUES (Nov. 20), and KHOYA (Nov. 27) 

New documentaries include acclaimed TIFF 2020 official selection SING ME A LULLABY (Nov. 6) from filmmaker Tiffany Hsiung  

INTERNATIONAL DRAMAS

• DAS BOOT Season 2 (Period Drama, 8x60, Bavaria Fiction, Germany)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 13
  *Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
  Three tension-fuelled storylines intertwine in the second season of critically acclaimed series DAS BOOT. U-boat ace Von Reinhartz (Clemens Schick, Casino Royale) is chased across the Atlantic after his loyalty is questioned. Hoffmann (Rick Okon, Romeos) finds shelter with Sam (Vincent Kartheiser, Mad Men) in New York. In La Rochelle, Simone (Vicky Krieps, Phantom Thread) and her roommate Margot (Fleur Geffrier, Elle) battle to save a Jewish family as Head of the Gestapo, Forster (Tom Wlaschiha, Game of Thrones), closes in. DAS BOOT won for Best Foreign TV Film/Miniseries at the 2019 Shanghai International TV Festival and picked up three 2019 German Television Awards including Best Actress for Vicky Krieps, in addition to nominations in eight other categories.

***** “What sets Das Boot apart from more run-of-the-mill war dramas is its

satellite-vision scope and its fine-grained examination of the soul-destroying compromises of war” - The Arts Desk

• NOUGHTS & CROSSES (Sci-Fi/Drama, 6x60, Mammoth Screen, United Kingdom)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 27
  *Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
  Based on the young adult novels by Malorie Blackman, Sephy (Masali Baduza, Bhai’s Cafe) and Callum's (Jack Rowan, Peaky Blinders) love blooms against a background of tension in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice, set in an alternate society in which Africa has colonized Europe.

**** “Must-see”; “a striking piece of television” - The Telegraph

**** “Richly imaged and jaw-dropping” - The Times (UK)

ACCLAIMED COMEDIES
 

• MOHAWK GIRLS Season 5 (Comedy, 6x30, Rezolution Pictures, Canada)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 13
  MOHAWK GIRLS is a comedic look at the lives of four modern-day women trying to stay true to their roots while they navigate sex, work, love, and the occasional throw down. This is life on the reserve like you've never seen it before – modern, tough, and funny.
   
• DEFENDING THE GUILTY (Comedy, 6x30, Big Talk Productions, United Kingdom)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 20
  DEFENDING THE GUILTY is a sharply written legal comedy about an eccentric barrister, her goofy pupil, and the sorry lot who form their client base, starring BAFTA-nominee Will Sharpe (Flowers) and BAFTA-winner Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd). From creators Kieron Quirke (Cuckoo) and Alex McBride (The Supreme Court), based on the book by McBride.

“This sitcom embraces the silliness of a serious world – and really steps up to the bar.” - The Guardian 

CBC GEM ORIGINALS

*Exclusive World Premieres*
 

• KENNY & SPENNY: PALDEMIC (Comedy, 1x25, Mor-Hotz Productions, Canada)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 20
  As the world deals with the worst pandemic in a century, two grown men somehow manage to turn the global tragedy into a self-serving, egomaniacal hissy fit that ends up having little to do with reassuring their fans that everything will be okay. Kenny and Spenny are back, and surprisingly they might be just the right medicine for Canadians stuck at home. Kenny, the diabolical schemer, has bamboozled a half-hour special episode out of the CBC, where he once again plans to throw Spenny under the ‘ambulance’ to make it great. Some things never change.

• DEATH AND SICKNESS (Comedy/Drama, 1x81, directed by Sook-Yin Lee and Dylan Gamble)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 20
  Two lonely and messed-up strangers (Lee and Gamble) quarantine together in a tiny house during a global pandemic. They adapt to an upturned world but lose their grasp. Pushed to their limits, they escape into imaginary worlds. A darkly humorous rumination on love and mortality.

TRAVEL & ESCAPE COLLECTION

• AFRICA WITH ADE ADEPITAN (Travel, 4x60, BBC Studios, United Kingdom) 
  Begins streaming Friday, November 6
  Journalist and Para-athlete Ade Adepitan travels across Africa to discover the very best of the continent. From the bustling city of Lagos – the city where he was born – to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s booming capital, Ade sees how technology and manufacturing can turn Africa into the next big global powerhouse. And he meets the next generation of  politicians risking their lives to overthrow the old guard of corrupt dictators.With Ade’s very personal take on Africa, and dramatic encounters across the continent, this series asks the question: just as the last 30 years transformed Asia, does the future belong to Africa?

• ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU: Season 7 (Lifestyle, 4x60, Spark Media, United Kingdom)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 6
  *Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
  Can one couple transform a ruin into a fairy-tale dream castle? ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU Season 7 follows Dick Strawbridge, Angel Adoree and their family after moving to northern France and buying a run-down 45-room château, complete with 12 acres of land and a moat. This season provides an authentic look at a unique family and their unconventional life restoring a magical 19th Century château.

• THE MISADVENTURES OF ROMESH RANGANATHAN Season 2 (Lifestyle, 5x50, Rumpus Media, United Kingdom)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 6 
  BAFTA-nominated comedian Romesh Ranganathan steps out of his comfort zone and explores some of the world’s most hostile holiday destinations. In Season 2, Ranganathan embarks on journeys through Mongolia, Bosnia, Columbia and Zimbabwe to find out whether there’s more to these places than negative headlines. In recognition of the series, Ranganathan was named winner of the 2019 Presenter award by the Royal Television Society, and THE MISADVENTURES OF ROMESH RANGANATHAN won the Features category at the 2020 BAFTA TV Awards.

**** “Romesh Ranganathan has nailed the celebrity travel documentary. No other celebs need bother trying” - The Times (UK)

• TRAVEL MAN’S GREATEST TRIPS (Lifestyle, 4x60, North One Television, United Kingdom)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 27
  *Exclusive Canadian Premiere*
   Richard Ayoade raids the TRAVEL MAN archive to look back on some of his greatest trips. Featuring Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Johnny Vegas (Bleak House), Chris O’Dowd (Girls) and Jessica Hynes (Shaun of the Dead).

“[A] snappy compilation” - RadioTime

“Richard Ayoade ends this entertaining compilation series of his best moments as the Travel Man before handing over to a new host, the comic Joe Lycett” - The Guardian

• AMAZING HOTELS: LIFE BEYOND THE LOBBY Season 1 (Lifestyle, 6x60, Auntie Productions, United Kingdom)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 27
  In AMAZING HOTELS: LIFE BEYOND THE LOBBY Season 1, check-in to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring hotels and discover the incredible lengths their owners and staff go to as they create the ultimate experience for their guests. Hosted by restaurant critic Giles Coren (Million Dollar Critic, Back in Time For... series) and chef Monica Galetti (MasterChef: The Professionals, The One Show).

“Breathtaking views, assured privacy and superb cuisine.” - The Independent 

• THE LIFE-SIZED CITY Season 1 (Lifestyle, 6x60, DBCom Media, Canada)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 27
  Urban design expert Mikael Colville-Andersen explores the anatomy and vibrancy of the modern metropolis, highlighting pockets of life-sized goodness in cities around the world. THE LIFE-SIZED CITY has been nominated for a collective seven Canadian Screen Awards including Best Writing, Factual and Best Photography in a Documentary Program or Factual Series.

NEW CANADIAN FILMS

• DIM THE FLUORESCENTS (Comedy, 1x128, directed by Daniel Warth)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 6
  DIM THE FLUORESCENTS is a film about the friendship and creative partnership between struggling actress Audrey (Claire Armstrong, Running with Violet) and aspiring playwright Lillian (Naomi Skwarna), two best friends who pour their creative energy into the only work they can get: corporate role-playing demonstrations. When they book the biggest show of their careers at a hotel conference, they begin their most ambitious project to date and the ensuing tensions threaten to derail both the production and their friendship. A Grand Jury Award Winner for Best Narrative Feature at the 2017 Slamdance Film Festival. 

“Hilarious and heartbreaking, Daniel Warth’s debut feature dissected the creative process with surgical precision. Following the ambitions of two theatre-scene wannabes as they eke out a living on the corporate-presentations circuit, Dim the Fluorescents becomes a film about big breaks that itself turns into a big break for Warth and his lead actors (Claire Armstrong, Naomi Skwarna).” - The Globe and Mail 

• TROUBLE IN THE GARDEN (Drama, 1x80, directed by Roz Owen)
  Begins streaming on Saturday, November 7 
  *CBC Films title*
  Raven (Cara Gee, The Expanse), a radical eco-activist, is jailed for protesting development on disputed Indigenous land. Long estranged from her adoptive family, she never imagined her brother Colin would be the one to bail her out. Compelled to stay at his suburban home, she discovers he’s in real estate — pre-selling houses on the very land she’s been trying to save. Adopted, disowned, and now under house arrest, this is a story of betrayal and reckoning — with love, land, and blood. 

"An electrifying performance by Cara Gee. Give Trouble in the Garden four kernels of popcorn out of five." - Global News 

• THE FIREFLIES ARE GONE [LA DISPARITION DES LUCIOLES] (Drama, 1x96, directed by Sébastien Pilote)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 13
  Summer is near and classes are coming to an end in a former industrial town on the end of a large bay. Léo (Karelle Tremblay, Le Temps des chenilles), a young and disaffected girl, meets Steve (Pierre-Luc Brillant, C.R.A.Z.Y.), a reclusive and aimless guitarist. A stranger in her own world, frustrated and angry, it is through her budding relationship with Steve, set to the rhythm of their guitar lessons and her new summer job, that she'll be able to find some kind of comfort and ultimately take flight. THE FIREFLIES ARE GONE premiered at TIFF 2018, where it won the award for Best Canadian Feature Film, and TIFF named the film to its annual year-end Canada’s Top Ten list.

• INTO THE FOREST (Drama, 1x101, directed by Patricia Rozema)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 20
  When a global blackout suddenly plunges the world into complete chaos, two courageous sisters (Ellen Page, Inception and Evan Rachel Wood, Westworld) and their loving father (Callum Keith Rennie, The Man in the High Castle) must fight to survive in this riveting apocalyptic thriller. INTO THE FOREST had its World Premiere in the Special Presentations programme at TIFF 2015 and went on to be named one of Canada’s Top Ten of the year.
   

*** ½ “A rare postapocalyptic story with both intelligence and dramatic heft”

- Toronto Star 

• DIAMOND TONGUES (Drama, 1x100, directed by Pavan Moondi and Brian Robertson)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 20
  Edith Welland (Leah Fay Goldstein, frontwoman of musical group July Talk) dreams of being a successful actress but just can’t seem to make things happen. Things get worse when the boyfriend she broke up with to focus on her career takes up acting on a whim and immediately books a leading role. When Edith can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong, she begins to do everything wrong. DIAMOND TONGUES premiered at the 2015 Slamdance Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best Narrative Feature, and Goldstein was nominated for a 2016 Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.

“Pavan Moondi’s script is sharp and thoughtful, and he and co-director Brian Robertson create a terrific sense of place, bouncing around their downtown locations with just the right level of now-what exasperation. 4 out of 5 Ns.” - NOW 

• KHOYA (Drama, 1x82, directed by Sami Khan) 
  Begins streaming Friday, November 27
  After the death of his adopted mother, a Canadian man (Rupak Ginn, Royal Pains) travels to rural India desperately searching for the birth family he's never known and seeking to unravel the mystery surrounding his adoption. KHOYA had its World Premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.

*** ½ “This is a film that deserves to be seen.” - The Globe and Mail 
 

NEW DOCUMENTARIES

• SING ME A LULLABY (CBC Short Docs, 1x30, directed by Tiffany Hsiung)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 6
  *World Premiere at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival*
  Ru-Wen was separated from her parents at the age of five. Forty years later, she is still unable to piece together her childhood until her daughter Tiffany sets off to Taiwan to look for answers. SING ME A LULLABY is about recovering familial history, healing inherited pain, and understanding that love comes in many forms.

“Powerful as hell, presented as a series of emotional gut punches with footage so direct and intimate it’s impossible not to get moved by it” - The Film Stage

• UNDERFIRE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF PFC TONY VACCARO (Documentary, 1x89, directed by Max Lewkowicz)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 6
  *Remembrance Day Selection*
  UNDERFIRE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF PFC TONY VACCARO chronicles the life and vision of Tony Vaccaro, who played two risky roles during World War II: a combat infantryman on the frontlines of battle; and a photographer who took roughly 8,000 photographs of the war. UNDERFIRE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF PFC TONY VACCARO was nominated for the 2017 News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Historical Documentary.

“[E]ngrossing, unexpectedly moving documentary” - Los Angeles Times
 

• YOU ARE WHAT YOU ACT (Documentary, 1x78, directed by Albert Nerenberg)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 6
  Is it possible that Tom Cruise and other action heroes have become real life heroes because they practice heroism in their movies? YOU ARE WHAT YOU ACT asks what influences us more, our minds or our bodies? What has a greater effect, thinking or acting? Starring Antoine Beaulieu, Patrick Blois, and Rahul Gandhi, YOU ARE WHAT YOU ACT premiered at the 2018 Illuminate Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize for Best Documentary.
   
• ALMOST ALMOST FAMOUS (Documentary, 1x78, directed by Barry Lank)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 13
  Take a road trip through an alternate universe, where Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison never die. Following the “Class of ‘59” performers on their tour across Canada, ALMOST ALMOST FAMOUS explores the lives of some of the world’s top tribute artists, the cost of borrowed fame, and the risk of getting ‘lost in the act’.
   
• FEAR OF DANCING (Documentary, 1x78, directed by Michael Allcock)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 27
  FEAR OF DANCING follows director Michael Allcock’s global quest to understand why he and so many others on this planet are terrified of dancing – what science calls chorophobia. Newly single – and back on the dating scene – the filmmaker is again forced to confront what it is that makes a person bolt for the exits when the dance floor opens up at social events. What could trigger such a deep-seated reaction? Hilarious and heartbreaking, the search for answers reveals a rarely seen world rife with sex, spirituality, robots, virtual reality, and a deadly medieval epidemic.

• MADE YOU LOOK: A TRUE STORY ABOUT FAKE ART (Documentary, 1x78, directed by Barry Avrich)
  Returns to streaming Friday, November 27
  (first premiered as part of Hot Docs at Home on CBC)
  *Hot Docs 2020 Official Selection”
  MADE YOU LOOK: A TRUE STORY ABOUT FAKE ART is an American crime documentary about the largest art fraud in American history set in the super-rich, super-obsessed and super-fast art world of New York. Controversy erupts when an unassuming couple floods the American art market with a collection of fake art valued in the millions, bewildering the art world elite, in this entertaining and suspenseful tale of an ingenious con that everyone wanted to believe was real.

“This smart, funny, and accessible film runs wild with an incredible story while unpacking the convoluted machinery of the art world that allowed its insiders to be woefully duped.” - POV Magazine

• TAMING OF THE QUEUE (Documentary, 1x52, directed by Josh Freed)
  Begins streaming Friday, November 27
  All over the world people are lined up now - millions, maybe billions of us - losing trillions of hours of time. People line up at hospitals, banks, border crossings, supermarkets, trains, planes, and fast food chains. In fact, for over 50 years, queue designers have been trying to conquer the queue in vast, largely secret worldwide experiments - and the lab rats in the maze are regular people. 

THE BEST OF CBC:

• Past and current seasons of CBC series, including hit competition series BATTLE OF THE BLADES; crowd-pleasing dramas MURDOCH MYSTERIES, FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES, HEARTLAND, and ANNE WITH AN E; acclaimed comedies STILL STANDING, TALLBOYZ, KIM’S CONVENIENCE, BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW, and SCHITT’S CREEK; and classic CBC hits like THE KIDS IN THE HALL and BEING ERICA.

COMING IN DECEMBER:

• THE DETECTORISTS Season 2
• INDIA’S WILD KARNATAKA
• QUIZ
• Holiday Collection

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