Fans of several acclaimed CBC television series will have to say goodbye soon, as six popular titles including Emmy-award winning comedy Schitt’s Creek and beloved western drama Heartland are leaving Netflix Canada at the end of February. The decision is in an effort by public broadcaster CBC to strengthen its own streaming service, “CBC Gem“. Program options such as Murdoch Mysteries, When Calls the Heart and The Great Canadian Baking Show are also part of this move away from Netflix – allowing Canadians exclusive access to these entertaining programs on the network’s platform.
Citing Adobe Analytics data, CBC said audiences in Canada are streaming 3.6 million hours every month on CBC Gem, up 34 per cent over last year. It also touts growth through connected TVs, which it says is up nearly 40 per cent year-over-year, and prime-time viewing, noting 1/3 of total Gem views were initiated between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in the past year.
Now, if you don’t want to miss out on your favourite show, there are still ways that you can stay up-to-date with new episodes after they leave Netflix. All seasons of the six departing shows will be available for streaming through CBC Gem starting Feb. 28th. The service includes a free ad-supported version as well as a premium subscription option at $4.99 per month. Additionally, for fans of Schitt’s Creek, all seasons will remain available for purchase through iTunes or Google Play.
A Netflix spokeswoman Lindsey Scully noted that the departing CBC programming in Canada will remain available in some international markets as CBC’s production partners hold streaming rights outside of the country.
CBC also says they will continue to partner with Netflix on “second-window streaming options where it makes sense,” as well co-productions such as “Workin’ Moms” and “Fakes.”
