Remember The Listener? Starring Craig Olejnik and Ennis Esmer, this is the show about a young paramedic who can hear people’s thoughts.
NBC picked up the sci-fi drama and started airing it back in June 2009. It wasn’t a success so they cancelled it. However, the series is a success for CTV in Canada and has been running there for four seasons. Last October, it was picked up for a fifth year.
In 2011, US cable channel ION purchased the rights to air the first two seasons of The Listener, with an option to purchase later seasons. They’ve now made a deal to co-produce season five and will air previous episodes as well. The newest installments are expected to be released later this year.
Here are some more details from ION:
ION TELEVISION ENTERS INTO ORIGINAL CO-PRODUCTION DEAL ON TV DRAMA SERIES “THE LISTENER”
“The Listener” Will Launch Mid-Season as an Original Series on ION Television
WEST PALM BEACH, February 24, 2014 – ION Television today announced an agreement to produce new original episodes of the procedural drama “The Listener.” ION joins Shaftesbury, CTV and Fox International as co-producers on the drama, which started production on 13 new original episodes earlier this year. The agreement makes ION the exclusive original U.S. television network for current and future seasons of the series.
“‘The Listener’ fits seamlessly into our lineup of drama series, providing the reliable quality and originality our loyal audience and clients look for,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media Networks. “An equally important dimension is the collaboration with CTV and Shaftesbury, as we look for additional new original projects in this genre.”
“‘The Listener’ is an original blend of drama, investigation, action and humor.” said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury. “We’re thrilled to be able to introduce the series to viewers in the U.S. in partnership with ION.”
ION plans a 2014 mid-season launch for “The Listener,” joining its lineup of strong procedural dramas that have made it one of the few U.S. television networks showing season-to-date ratings growth.
“The Listener” joins ION’s portfolio of acclaimed dramas, including “Criminal Minds,” “Cold Case,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, “Burn Notice,” “Psych” and “Leverage.” This announcement comes on the heels of ION’s recent acquisition of the high profile drama “Blue Bloods” from CBS, which will be joining the ION schedule this fall.
“The Listener” is the latest scripted ION Television original and joins the network following the success of the original series, “Flashpoint”, along with ION’s made-for-TV original movies.
Starring Craig Olejnik, “The Listener” centers on mind-reading police consultant Toby Logan, who uses his telepathic ability to help a special law enforcement unit solve the most complicated cases. Having kept his unique power hidden for years, Toby learns to harness his skill to help others and save lives. The series also stars Ennis Esmer as Oz Bey; Lauren Lee Smith as Sergeant Michelle McCluskey; Rainbow Sun Francks as Corporal Dev Clark; Peter Stebbings as Alvin Klein; Tara Spencer-Nairn as Sandy; and Mylène Dinh-Robic as Olivia Fawcett.
“The Listener” is produced by Shaftesbury in association with CTV and Fox International Channels, and is distributed by Shine International. The series was created by writer Michael Amo and is executive produced by Christina Jennings and Scott Garvie for Shaftesbury, Sharon Tal Yguado for Fox International Channels, and Peter Mohan, who serves as showrunner.
About ION Television
A leading U.S. general entertainment network, ION Television combines high-quality programming and dependable distribution with an attitude of innovation and growth. Its “Positively Entertaining” network brand positioning features a formula of proven series, an expansive catalog of blockbuster movies and a commitment to introduce new original programming. ION Television has grown its Adults 25-54 audience by 69% since launching just six years ago and has consistently remained among the top 15 entertainment networks. For more information, visit www.iontelevision.com.
About Shaftesbury
With offices in Toronto and Los Angeles, Shaftesbury is a global thought leader and innovator of original content for all platforms in more than 120 countries. Shaftesbury’s slate includes five seasons of The Listener for CTV and Fox International Channels; seven seasons of Murdoch Mysteries for UKTV, ITV STUDIOS Global Entertainment, Citytv and CBC; and the hit kids’ series Life with Derek. Shaftesbury’s groundbreaking digital media division, Smokebomb Entertainment, creates convergent extensions for television and original transmedia content including the comedy series Backpackers for CTV and CW Seed; tween series Totally Amp’d and Unlikely Heroes for YTV.com and Hulu; and 3D science fiction series State of Syn for Hulu. Visit us online at http://www.shaftesbury.ca and http://www.smokebomb.ca.
What do you think? Do you like The Listener series? Have you been watching on ION?
i really enjoy this program, I’m hoping it’s not being canceled. Only contact me if it’s being canceled.
I’m in Canada and it’s always aired here but I believe it was cancelled. Sorry.
We have watched season 1 and 2. HOOKED!!! When will season 3 start on RCN in PA?
Can you have it coded as NEW so I can just record this SEASON. Right now I have to record and delete Season 1 and 2 because we don’t want to miss Season 3.
Also, we are stoked that there are 5 Seasons! Can’t wait to see them all. Thanks ION!
We just discovered The Listener on Ion and love it and watch and tape as many episodes as we can. We hope it will be renewed. We don’t want to lose a good thing.
My husband and I really enjoy The Listener! If it’s been canceled, please renew it and keep it going! Shawnee, OK USA
I’m not a person that watches television. The Listener grabbed my attention when the channel accidentally got switched by my son. I’ve been hooked ever since. Being a single Mom it is hard to get time to do anything for myself. I finally have an opportunity for some scheduled me time. Thanks for that! Hopefully you will keep it around.
ION please bring back the series I’ve benged watched all of it in the last month or so I was devistated to hear of it not returning I’m begging please bring this series back!
Bring back the Listener and the transporter. They are fantastic!
I’ve been really out of the loop on TV, i don’t watch a lot of it and I ran across the previews to it on ion and now I’m hooked. I also have it recorded so if I miss an episode I can watch it at any time I want it. I am so in love with Toby’s blue eyes, really cute. I can’t wait to watch more of it, and hope that ion continues to support this program so that there are more seasons.
Love the listener. Missed a few episodes so I hope ion starts running from season one on.
Great show. A shame it was canceled.
Wow! I just found this show on ION TV and started watching it from the beginning. I love it and now I found out it’s cancelled. I really hope they bring it back I would love to see more/new episodes my daughters and I like to watch it together and it’s one of the few times I can get all three of us together to watch TV and agree on one show that we all like!! Please renew the show!!!
Has the Listener been cancelled after 5 seasons? I was so into this show hope it has been renewed.
My son and I just started watching this show and we love it!!
I love this show. Craig/Toby is one of the hottest guys on TV. He is absolutely adorable! Hope it stays around for a long time.
I miss the show when it first aired and now I am watching it on ION. It has become one of my favorite shows and can’t wait for the next episode to show. Hope ion will show all the seasons
I started watching “The Listener” on ION TV and I really like the show. I hope ION continues to show this series. There are 5 seasons online at http://www.cokeandpopcorn.ch/free-watch-the-listener-online.php. That website shows TV shows for free, but I would rather watch on ION.
Just started watching it really like it . Hope they renew and keep it on.