You may recall that NBC started airing a Canadian series called The Listener during the summer of 2009. It didn’t perform well so the network cancelled the show but it continued to perform well and be renewed in Canada. It was later picked up by the ION cable channel here in the states.
CTV has now decided to end the show after five seasons and 65 episodes. The series finale of The Listener will air on CTV on August 18th. No word on when ION will air the last episode.
Here’s the press release:
CTV Congratulates THE LISTENER on Five Incredible Seasons as Series Finale Confirmed to Air August 18
TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2014 /CNW/ – CTV announced today that after five seasons and 65 episodes, the hit original drama THE LISTENER will conclude on CTV on Monday, Aug. 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Produced by Shaftesbury in association with CTV and Fox International Channels, THE LISTENER premiered in June of 2009 on CTV.
“Thank you to Shaftesbury for delivering five straight seasons of this much loved series, and to the cast and crew for bringing its captivating stories to life,” said Phil King, President – CTV, Sports, and Entertainment Programming. “THE LISTENER provided a wonderful narrative arc over its 65 episodes, ending its run at the top of its game with a devoted following at home and around the world. It leaves a strong legacy of which we are immensely proud, and we look forward to working with Shaftesbury in the future.”
CTV is currently in development with Shaftesbury on OLD CITY HALL, a drama series based on the novels by Robert Rotenberg and set within the halls of criminal courts; and SMOKE AND MIRRORS, a drama about an illusionist returning home to Niagara Falls and using his extraordinary skills as a private detective.
“Thank you to CTV (Phil, Corrie, Mike, Trish, Tom and Rebecca) as well as our friends at Fox International Channels (Sharon and Andie) and Shine for taking this seven-year journey with us on THE LISTENER,” said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO, Shaftesbury. “From start to finish, CTV has been a wonderful broadcast partner. Not every series achieves 65 episodes, and we couldn’t have done it without our dedicated, hardworking family of cast — led by Craig Olejnik – and crew, most recently led by Peter Mohan — who are simply the best in the business. And, thanks of course to THE LISTENER fans – who grew over time.”
In the final episode, an epic story that has threaded its way through all five seasons comes to a gratifying conclusion as secrets from Toby’s (Craig Olejnik) past are finally brought to light. Also Michelle (Lauren Lee Smith), Toby, and Dev (Rainbow Sun Francks) find themselves in the extremely uncomfortable position of investigating their own boss. On clandestine orders from Judge Samuel Griffin (Bruce Gray) and Deputy Commissioner Earl Bamford (Brian Paul) of the IIB, the team must look into Becker’s (Anthony Lemke) dealings with Curtis Maynard (Noam Jenkins), a disgraced former cop with connections to drug dealing.
THE LISTENER was green-lit by CTV in December 2007 and premiered June 3, 2009 on SPACE and CTV. The series instantly became a hit, debuting at #1 in its 10 p.m. timeslot on CTV with an audience of 1.1 million viewers, and went on to average nearly one million viewers in Canada in its first season. In the years that followed, THE LISTENER continued to connect with audiences, averaging 1.1 million viewers. THE LISTENER has been licensed in over 120 markets – including the U.S. (ION Television), U.K., Italy, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Poland, Brazil and Turkey – and is seen in 33 languages worldwide.
THE LISTENER Season 5 airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and CTV GO, with the series finale broadcast on Monday, Aug. 18. Viewers can catch encore episodes Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, Sundays at 7 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Two (visit CTV.ca for local broadcast times), and Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo (visit bravo.ca for local broadcast times). The day after each episode of THE LISTENER airs on CTV, viewers can watch the full episode on CTV.ca and the CTV GO app.
The cast of THE LISTENER includes Craig Olejnik as telepathic crime-solver Toby Logan; Lauren Lee Smith as Integrated Investigative Bureau (IIB) Sergeant Michelle McCluskey; Ennis Esmer as Toby’s best friend, Oz Bey; Rainbow Sun Francks as IIB security and technical expert Corporal Dev Clark; Kris Holden-Ried as Adam Reynolds, Michelle’s reformed gambler husband; Melanie Scrofano as crime reporter Tia Tremblay, Toby’s girlfriend; Anthony Lemke as IIB Supervising Inspector Brian Becker; and Natalie Krill as forensics technician Alex Kendrick.
THE LISTENER is broadcast on CTV and Bravo in Canada, ION Television in the United States, Fox International Channels internationally, and distributed by Shine International. Produced by Shaftesbury in association with CTV and Fox International Channels, the series is executive produced by Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Craig Olejnik, and Peter Mohan (LOST GIRL, THE BRIDGE), who is also showrunner. Tina Grewal (HEARTLAND) is producer. Sharon Tal Yguado is executive producer for Fox International Channels. Tom Hastings and Rebecca DiPasquale are production executives for Bell Media. Trish Williams is Director, Independent Production, Bell Media and Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. Mike Cosentino is Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks, Bell Media. Phil King is President, President CTV Sports and Entertainment Programming. THE LISTENER is produced with the financial participation of The Canadian Film or Video Tax Credit and The Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit.
What do you think? Did you like The Listener? Are you sory that there won’t be a sixth seasoon?
Sad to see the show end. I really enjoyed it. I would have live go see what happens with Toby and his mom.
Very sad this show was cancelled and we never get to see what happens to them. They were starting to do shows that were very similar they needed to write more different things that could help, it started to get a bit boring. I really enjoyed this show regardless, wish it could find a new network. If anyone else liked the show very much and liked the whole layout, check out the books by Kay Hooper (Bishop series).
Just found this wonderful show this year through ION. Craig is a delight, and carries himself well as Toby. A diehard White Collar fan, I was happy to find another show with a character I could connect with. Sorry to have lost them both this year.
Hej, jestem polską fanką tego serialu. Pokochałam The Listener od pierwszego odcinka! Czy jest możliwość aby kiedykolwiek był sezon 6? Proszę, ZRÓBCIE SEZON 6!!! <3 <3 <3 ;(
Great show. Watched it every week. So sorry to see it go!
Why do all the good shows get cancelled and stupid reality shows keep on filling the airways with garbage? I am sorry to hear it got cancelled.
Hi! This was my favourite series. It’s so sad that there will be no 6th season. Even in Hungary a lot of people whatched it 🙁
I’m so disappointed that it’s done.. It’s an awesome show, and they ended it with a cliff hanger.. How could they leave us hanging?? I’m really ticked off that it’s over… 🙁 At the very least, make another episode to tie the strings…. I’m very much going to miss this show, and his beautiful blue eyes… 🙁
I really liked this show. It seems like overtime there is a show that deals with just a little bit of paranormal mixed with reality it gets cancelled. Either its over the top like The Vampire Diaries or its just another procedural drama. I would have liked to see a show where Toby’s abilities got found out by the wrong people (CIA, FBI, Military) and had a story arc with that. Or even the shadow organization that was never fully flushed out. There are so many places they could have gone with this. Too bad they ended it so soon.
This was a wonderfool tv series, I dont undestand how other series stupids have rates for continues. Like other good series ends and more garbage its on air.
I live in America and loved the listener …I’m mad they cancelled the show
CTV seems to have the practice to keep their shows no more than 5 years, regardless the show is very popular or not. We feel The listener was going very strong, it’s a shame to give up everything the shows had built up with, I mean the connection & the networking with the viewers… When it compares with CBS ran CSI Miami & New York through up & downs, still kept those shows for years until they gave up.
Loved the listener and cannot believe it’s going to end. Wish it hadn’t changed so much. Liked Toby to be a parametic and help the police sometime. Wish this series would continue.
I am from India
N u know what that I got addicted to it
Coz this show was d best , no competators
I seriously cried when I came to know that sixth season isn’t coming
Nywayzz thank you
Love#craig#listener
When I was living in Toronto, I absolutely loved this show, the concept of it was unique and the characters of the show were quite endearing and it had everything a good show should have like dramatic action, pathos, comic relief, mystery and interesting stories When I moved back to the UK, I bought the first season on DVD. I hope the last few seasons get shown in the UK or at least can Canada TV release this whole series on DVD so we fans outdide of Canada have the option to watch this show again. Thanks