Citytv has started production on new detective drama REX (working title), centred on the relationship between a police detective and his hardworking dog.
Starring John Reardon (Van Helsing, Continuum), Mayko Nguyen (Killjoys, Fahrenheit 451), and Enrico Colantoni (Bad Blood, Flashpoint), the eight-episode, hour-long series is based on the long-running, international version Rex, a Cop’s Best Friend. This is the first English-language adaptation of the highly successful European format that has aired in 125 countries around the world for 18 seasons.
Executive produced by Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, and Paul Pope, the series has begun shooting in St. John’s, Newfoundland and will continue production through December.
“Citytv is proud to add Rex to our robust slate of original series,” said Nataline Rodrigues, Director of Original Programming, Rogers Media. “Now with dramas in production from coast to coast, we are proud to be truly reflective of our unique viewers across the country with premium Canadian content that we think will connect with audiences at home and abroad.”
“We have wanted to make Rex for a number of years and are overjoyed to now be making this with our partners Rogers Media, Pope Productions, and Beta Film, and in beautiful Newfoundland,” said Christina Jennings, the show’s executive producer, and chairman & CEO, Shaftesbury. “The original series was a ratings hit around the world and we think Canadian and international audiences will delight in the antics of Charlie and Rex.”
REX is the second new original Citytv crime drama to be announced by Rogers Media this week. Production is also underway in Vancouver on The Murders, which stars Jessica Lucas (Gotham, Cloverfield) as a rookie homicide detective searching for redemption in her investigative work after her negligence is the cause of a fellow officer’s death.
The eight-episode, hour-long series also stars Lochlyn Munro (Riverdale), Dylan Bruce (Orphan Black), Terry Chen (Jessica Jones), Luvia Petersen (Ghost Wars), and Venus Terzo (Arrow).
Produced by Muse Entertainment in association with Citytv, The Murders will start airing in 2019.
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