Political Blind Date‘s romance with TVO viewers is coming to an end.
The provincial pubcaster says the fifth season of the unscripted series, produced by Open Door Co. and Nomad Films in association with TVO, will be the last.
The 6 x 30-minute TVO original series, which debuts season five on March 15, sees politicians from opposite ends of the spectrum taking each other on day-long “dates” to discuss their points of view on current issues.
Political Blind Date airs on TVO and streams across Canada on TVO.org, YouTube and smart TV services like Apple TV and Roku. Its format has been optioned in the U.K., Spain, Belgium, Israel and South Africa.
“Political Blind Date bridges partisan differences, creating memorable, human moments of understanding on the issues that matter most to people,” John Ferri, VP of programming and content at TVO, said in a statement. “We are very proud of the impact made by this show over five incredible seasons. The topics covered in this season not only reflect the concerns of the day, but also chart a path forward during this challenging moment in history.”
Liberal MP Greg Fergus and Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson are featured in episode one, discussing possible ways to tackle anti-Black racism.
Other politicians in this season include Conservative MP John Brassard and Liberal MP Darrell Samson, who discuss the state of veteran affairs in Canada; and Sol Mamakwa, member of the Kingfisher First Nation and NDP MPP (Kiiwetinoong, Ont.), who is featured with Kingston City Councillor Jeff McLaren exploring what to do with the statues and symbols of early Canadian political leaders whose policies harmed Indigenous Peoples.
Conservative MPP Monte McNaughton and UNIFOR president Jerry Dias talk about labour relations and unions; Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter discuss the growing homelessness crisis; and Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and Conservative MP Garnett Genuis debate the opioid drug crisis.
“We are so proud of this series and the dialogue it has fostered around the important issues impacting Ontarians and Canadians every day,” said Tom Powers, creator and executive producer. “This final season on TVO is no different, and we look forward to exploring a new host of relevant and timely topics through a uniquely Canadian lens.”
Open Door Co. and Nomad Films are working on a new TVO Original six-part documentary series titled Yearbook, featuring the journeys of people looking to find and reconnect with classmates from their past.
Photo from episode three of the new season, titled The Real History of Canada, featuring Sol Mamakwa, member of the Kingfisher First Nation and NDP MPP (Kiiwetinoong, Ont.), and Kingston City Councillor Jeff McLaren.