Corus Entertainment held its upfront presentation this Monday (June 2), unveiling its 2025-26 programming lineup and outlining the strategic vision behind it.

Troy Reeb, Corus co-CEO and EVP of networks and content (pictured), tells Playback‘s sister publication Media in Canada that the lineup showcases the network’s commitment to local, including Canadian content featuring Canadian talent, alongside popular international series like Peacock’s The Copenhagen Test and The Paper.

“Going forward, what we’re really looking to do is to lean into our Canadian identity, which has never been more important than it is right now, given everything that’s happened in the U.S.,” Reeb says, adding that the broadcaster’s strategy involves supporting Canadian culture while providing audiences with access to popular shows.”

Additionally, he notes that there’s an emphasis on helping advertisers avoid the risks of “buying blind” on other platforms, where ads may appear in undesirable contexts, and instead ensuring brand safety and meaningful engagement within a trusted Canadian environment.

While there are 11 Canadian commissions in Corus’ slate this year – including Lionsgate Canada and Headspinner Productions’ Mistletoe Murders and several series for the Home and Flavour networks – they were previously announced in the months leading up to its upfronts presentation. Reeb attributes this to the launch of the new networks, first announced in September 2024. He also promised more Canadian original content would be announced, although he declined to share details.

Cameras are also currently rolling on Global’s first original scripted spinoff, Private Eyes West Coast, from Toronto-based Lionsgate Canada and Toronto and L.A.-based Piller/Segan. The Private Eyes spinoff will see Jason Priestley and Cindy Sampson reprise their private investigator roles from the five-season, Toronto-set Global original that aired from 2016 to 2021.

“Obviously we think we have the most robust Canadian slate of any of our competitors and are really leaning into it,” says Reeb.

Although Scott Brothers Entertainment also announced series on Rogers’ HGTV, the Property Brothers’ prodco will continue its relationship with Corus via Life is Messy on the Home Network. “Some talent [goes] in multiple places,” he says.

Barb McKergow, SVP of advertising at Corus Entertainment, says the company’s advertising strategy is built on providing valuable information to advertisers, expanding its content portfolio and introducing new ad formats. Looking ahead to next year, Corus plans to continue investing in these areas. Key focus points include enhancing the advertising experience through the shoppable TV offer using QR codes, which allows viewers to interact with ads and purchase products directly, and the Picture Frames ad unit, which has seen significant success in linear advertising.

Linear live content remains a key focus for the broadcaster, with 86% of its specialty portfolio watched live, according to McKergow. This is particularly appealing to advertisers, as live content is non-skippable, ensuring their ads are seen, she says. McKergow also notes that Corus plans to strengthen its YouTube offering, as it has seen growing audience interest in viewing content on the social network, as well as news formats, which stand out especially as audiences crave local content and connections to personalities who are important to their communities.

According to Jennifer Abrams, SVP of programming and multiplatform at Corus Entertainment, Global saw a 7% year-over-year increase in core primetime viewing this spring.

With files from Media in Canada

Image courtesy of Corus Entertainment