The CW Network in the U.S. is about to get a taste of 1980s Newfoundland and Labrador with CBC family comedy Son of a Critch.
The network has acquired the U.S. rights to the Canadian Screen Award-nominated series and will start airing the 13-episode first season this summer, according to a news release.
Mark Critch (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) and Tim McAuliffe (The Office) created the show, which is produced by Andrew Barnsley (Schitt’s Creek) and premiered on CBC in January 2022. A third season, greenlit by the pubcaster this past March, will be produced in association with the CW, said the release.
Son of a Critch is a coproduction between Barnsley’s Toronto-based Project 10 Productions and N.L.-based Take the Shot Productions, in association with CBC and Lionsgate Television, which handles worldwide distribution rights.
It’s executive produced by Critch along with McAuliffe, Barnsley and Allan Hawco. Co-executive producers are Renuka Jeyapalan, Perry Chafe, Amanda Joy and Anita Kapila. Jeyapalan also directed the first four episodes of the series.
Critch also stars in the coming-of-age series, which is inspired by his memoir about growing up in N.L. Other cast members include Malcolm McDowell, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Claire Rankin, Sophia Powers, Mark Rivera and Colton Gobbo.
The network recently picked up fellow Canadian series Sullivan’s Crossing, executive produced by Reel World Management, for its fall broadcast lineup.
“Andrew and I had a ton of fun and success together on Schitt’s Creek, and I can’t wait for everyone to see his newest hilarious and heartwarming series,” said Brad Schwartz, president of entertainment, the CW Network, in a statement.
“When I was a young kid watching American TV in the ’80s, I never dreamed that one day my own story would be beamed back over the border,” added Critch. “Having enjoyed so many CW shows with my own family, I’m excited to invite our American friends over to ‘my house.’ Onwards!”
Son of a Critch photo courtesy of CBC