Wild Cards Coming from CBC
by Staff Editors
(October 18, 2023 – Toronto, ON) It might sound like the title of a new television game show, but Wild Cards is completely different. Now in production in Vancouver, the title describes the two main characters. Ellis is a gruff, sardonic cop and Max is a spirited, clever con woman.
Grey’s Anatomy co-star Giacomo Gianniotti plays the cop and Riverdale costar Vanessa Morgan plays the con woman. Both seem to survive on their wits. The cop is a bit of a screw-up and has gone from carrying a detective’s badge to spending the last year on the maritime unit. Meanwhile Max has been living a transient life elaborately scamming everyone she meets. Of course they have to meet and, in a not quite predictable style, Max gets arrested and ends up helping Ellis solve a local crime. The result? They are both given a second chance, but that chance comes with a plot twist. They have to work together.
Ellis gets to be a detective again and Max stays out of jail as they use their unique skills to solve crimes. For Ellis, that means hard-boiled shoe leather police work; for Max, it means accents, schemes and generally befriending everyone in sight, while driving Ellis absolutely nuts.
Shot in Vancouver with its unique, charming, and even contradictory neighbourhoods and subcultures — the two have to learn what it means to trust another person and maybe actually become partners.
Created by Michael Konyves (Bad Blood, Barney’s Version, The Last Knights), the series will wrap production in late fall and is under the jurisdiction of ACTRA and the WGC in Canada. The series, 10 60-minute episodes, will be broadcast on CBC Gem and CBC TV beginning late next year as well as on The CW Network in the United States.
“Vanessa and Giacomo’s exceptional talent, charm and on-screen chemistry promise to deliver a fresh dynamic to the crime procedural genre with Wild Cards,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content, CBC. “We’re excited to welcome these two proud Canadians back to Canada and can’t wait to see them bring this unique and entertaining series to life with Michael and his talented creative team.”
This original series is from Blink49 Studios, Front Street Pictures and Piller/Segan in association with CBC in Canada and The CW Network in the US. Executive producers include Michael Konyves, pilot director James Genn, Shawn Piller, Lloyd Segan, and writers Alexandra Zarowny, James Thorpe, Noelle Carbone and Morwyn Brebner. Produced by Charles Cooper and Virginia Rankin, and on behalf of Blink49 Studios, overseen by Executive Vice President of Global Scripted Carolyn Newman and Manager of Scripted Television Alix Steerman. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports; Trish Williams is Executive Director, Scripted Content; Sarah Adams is Director of Current Production, Drama; and Barbara Mamabolo is Executive in Charge of Production.
Blink49 Studios controls the distribution rights in the U.S. and Canada. International distribution (outside of North America) is handled by FIFTH SEASON.
SOURCE: CBC
