CBS, CTV team for ‘The Bridge’
By: Michael Schneider
Date: February 19, 2009
Source: Variety
CBS, CTV team for ‘The Bridge’
Pair already collaborating on ‘Flashpoint’
CBS is once again plucking a drama from the Great White North, handing a 13-episode order to Canadian police drama “The Bridge.”
Eye is partnering with Canuck broadcaster CTV for the deal. The two nets already collaborate on the cop-oriented “Flashpoint,” which airs Friday nights on the Eye.
“The Bridge” is set to air on both the Eye and CTV next season.
“The Bridge” centers on the world of a police union leader, who must both battle criminals and fight his own bosses in order to protect other officers.
Show is based on real-life former Toronto police union head Craig Bromell.
Toronto-based E1 Entertainment is behind the show, which was ordered in November by CTV. The Canadian broadcaster then shared the pilot with CBS execs.
“Like ‘Flashpoint,’ we see ‘The Bridge’ as a series that works creatively and financially for both our network and studio, and importantly, for CBS Television viewers,” said CBS Paramount Network TV Entertainment Group topper Nancy Tellem, who added that the show fit in with the network’s and studio’s rosters.
“Flashpoint” repped the first scripted Canadian series to hit the U.S. networks’ primetime skeds since “Due South.” NBC also has an upcoming Canadian co-production in the works, “The Listener.”
Craig Bromell and Alan Di Fiore created “The Bridge” and exec produce, along with Laszlo Barna, Adam J. Shully and Robert Wertheimer. Besides E1, CTV and CBS Par, the show is also produced by 990 Multi Media Ent. Co. and Jonsworth Prods.
Aaron Douglas, Paul Popowich, Inga Cadranel, Frank Cassini, Theresa Joy, Ona Grauer, Michael Murphy and Stuart Margolin star.