Following the success of “Flashpoint” last summer, CBS and CBS Paramount Network Television are again teaming up with Canada’s CTV for a police drama. CBS has ordered 13 episodes of “The Bridge,” which will be broadcast next season on the CBS Television Network in the US and on CTV in Canada. CBS has licensed the series from E1 Entertainment, a Toronto-based independent production studio.
"Like ‘Flashpoint,’ we see ‘The Bridge’ as a series that works creatively and financially for both our network and studio — and importantly, for CBS Television viewers," said Nancy Tellem, President, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group.
The Bridge is inspired by the insights of veteran insider and outspoken former Toronto police union head, Craig Bromell. It’s a procedural drama through the unique lens of a charismatic and dynamic union leader who is battling criminals on the street and fighting his own bosses, and sometimes corruption in the ranks, to protect his fellow officers.
The Bridge was originally developed and commissioned by CTV as a two-hour movie and backdoor pilot with E1 Entertainment, 990 Multi Media Entertainment Company and Jonsworth Productions. After ordering the series in November 2008, CTV shared the pilot with top executives at CBS late last year. Going forward, these companies will produce the series in association with CTV and CBS Paramount Network Television.
Production on The Bridge is scheduled to begin in late spring in Toronto. The series stars Aaron Douglas ("Battlestar Galactica," "Smallville"), Paul Popowich ("Angela’s Eyes"), Inga Cadranel ("Rent-a-Goalie"), Frank Cassini ("Vice"), Theresa Joy ("All the Good Ones are Married"), Ona Grauer ("Stargate SG-1"), Michael Murphy ("X-Men: The Last Stand") and two-time Emmy Award-winner Stuart Margolin ("The Rockford Files").
The Bridge is produced by E1 Entertainment, 990 Multi Media Entertainment Company and Jonsworth Productions in association with CTV and CBS Paramount Network Television. Craig Bromell, Laszlo Barna, Adam J. Shully, Alan Di Fiore and Robert Wertheimer are executive producers. Wendy Grean is producer.
