Bill Mustos is CTV’s senior VP, dramatic programming.

When I joined Baton Broadcasting in 1997, it was clear to me that there was a strong and serious corporate commitment to original, quality Canadian programming. At the time, Baton had just given a new one-hour Canadian drama series the green light. Keatley MacLeod and Atlantis Communications, coproducers of the exciting new franchise, were starting to move forward on this drama about a dedicated team within the Vancouver police department devoted to solving previously unsolved murders. And just like that, Cold Squad was in business.

Despite strong stakeholder support, production of the series got off to a rough start. Telefilm Canada initially rejected the application, our first showrunner had ‘creative differences’ with the producers and was fired, and one of the leads died of a drug overdose in the first week of production.

At the same time that Cold Squad was taking its first wobbly steps, Baton was making a play for control of the CTV Network, and succeeded in doing so by the end of that year. In January 1998, the series debuted to strong ratings. To our delight, and despite its bumpy beginnings, Cold Squad made that crucial connection with viewers.

Over the next several years, there were many creative adjustments made to the series (to the satisfaction and consternation of many in the production community). New writers and showrunners were brought into the story department, with Peter Mitchell leading the charge for the final four seasons. Under producer and lead director Gary Harvey, both new and experienced directors were given their shot, and a vast array of talented Vancouver actors graced the Cold Squad stages as both regulars and guest stars. Despite the creative risks taken and the ongoing fine-tuning of the show, there remained a steadfast, loyal audience for this solid franchise.

All the while that Cold Squad was making these adjustments, CTV was sorting out its corporate, regulatory and affiliate issues, enabling itself to present a unified national schedule to Canadians coast to coast. Along the way, CTV has become Canada’s number-one network while maintaining its commitment to strong, high-quality, indigenous and ambitious Canadian scripted series.

The series The Eleventh Hour, Degrassi: The Next Generation and Corner Gas are current examples of that commitment, as is a slate of movies and miniseries, including the forthcoming Lives of the Saints. Soon, CTV will debut its new drama series Instant Star, followed by Robson Arms, the latest Vancouver-based CTV series featuring the talents of several Cold Squad alumni.

Through it all, marshaling onwards with seemingly endless reserves, was Cold Squad. After seven seasons and 98 episodes, the series is taking a final bow. If the start of this final season is any indication, Cold Squad has once again connected to its loyal viewer base. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of a wide-ranging group of creative contributors that this series has lasted so long and done so well.

Sincere thanks to everyone who has worked on Cold Squad and congratulations on creating such compelling programming each and every season.

-www.ctv.ca