Samantha Bee, the former host of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and a former Daily Show correspondent, is getting her own sitcom, The Ambassador, for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. This workplace comedy will see Canadian-born Bee play Olivia Winters, an actor-turned-scrappy diplomat in Canada’s embassy in Bulgaria, alongside co-star Allana Harkin. The half-hour series from showrunner Terry McAuliffe and Amaze Film & Television will be part of the CBC’s winter 2026-27 schedule, the public broadcaster announced Tuesday.
In other news, Kathleen Robertson, who got her start on the Canadian comedy Maniac Mansion when she was still a teenager before a stateside breakout on Beverly Hills, 90210, is also heading north to star in the medical drama Blessed Sacrament. Robertson created and will showrun the 10-part series from Sphere Media and Debut Content, while executive producing with husband Chris Cowles for the CBC.
The latest series from the pubcaster continues a trend where Canadian TV brings homegrown stars back from Hollywood to topline local series produced for global export. Also for the CBC, Canadian NHL star and ESPN analyst P.K. Subban will provide inspiration for Junior, a coming-of-age drama about a 16-year-old black hockey player making his way in Canada’s ruthless junior hockey league, with an eye on reaching the NHL. Kyle Hart created Junior, with Subban, Damon D’Oliveira and Clement Virgo executive producing.
The upcoming 2026-27 CBC schedule also includes Cold Country, a limited series from creators and showrunners Shane Belcourt and Tasha Hubbard, starring Sarah Podemski, Chaske Spencer and Michael Greyeyes. The CBC and APTN co-production is a true crime series that centers on two indigenous men found frozen to death in a single week in the same remote location. The pubcaster has also tapped Rolling Stone and the Toronto Star for Snow King, director Chelsea McMullan’s documentary series about Olympic snowboarder turned-alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding.
In my opinion, it's fascinating to see Canadian TV embracing its homegrown talent and creating content that not only showcases Canadian stars but also has the potential for global appeal. The trend of bringing Canadian stars back from Hollywood to topline local series is a smart move, as it not only supports local talent but also creates a unique and diverse narrative that can resonate with a global audience. The Ambassador, for instance, has the potential to be a fresh and engaging workplace comedy that can appeal to a wide range of viewers, both in Canada and internationally.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the variety of genres and themes being explored. From workplace comedy to medical drama, coming-of-age stories to true crime, the CBC's 2026-27 schedule offers a diverse range of content that can cater to different tastes and interests. This diversity is a testament to the CBC's commitment to creating high-quality, engaging content that can resonate with a broad audience.
One thing that immediately stands out is the emphasis on storytelling that reflects Canadian culture and experiences. Whether it's the exploration of indigenous communities in Cold Country or the portrayal of a black hockey player in Junior, these stories provide a unique perspective that can help bridge cultural gaps and foster a deeper understanding of Canadian society.
What many people don't realize is the potential for these series to become global phenomena. By producing content that is both locally relevant and internationally appealing, the CBC can help establish Canada as a hub for diverse and high-quality storytelling. This not only benefits the Canadian entertainment industry but also contributes to a more inclusive and representative global media landscape.
If you take a step back and think about it, the CBC's strategy of bringing Canadian stars back from Hollywood and creating content for global export is a smart and forward-thinking approach. It not only supports local talent but also positions Canada as a leader in diverse and innovative storytelling. The success of these series could pave the way for more Canadian content to be produced and distributed on a global scale, which would be a significant achievement for the Canadian entertainment industry.
This raises a deeper question: How can other countries follow Canada's lead in embracing their own talent and creating content that is both locally relevant and globally appealing? The answer lies in fostering a supportive environment for local talent, investing in diverse storytelling, and recognizing the potential for cultural exchange and representation in media.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of Canadian NHL star P.K. Subban in providing inspiration for Junior. By involving a real-life athlete in the creation and production of a fictional series, the CBC is not only adding authenticity to the story but also creating a unique connection between the audience and the characters. This approach can help engage viewers and create a more immersive and relatable experience.
What this really suggests is the power of collaboration and the importance of diverse representation in media. By bringing together Canadian stars, creators, and producers, the CBC is not only creating high-quality content but also fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange. This collaborative approach can lead to more innovative and impactful storytelling in the future.
