CTV Sci-Fi Channel launches in to the New Year with a nationwide freeview beginning December 19 that features the exclusive Canadian premiere of the all-new STAR TREK: PICARD (Jan. 23) and the return of DOCTOR WHO (Jan. 1).
Reprising his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard, Sir Patrick Stewart returns for the eagerly awaited series, STAR TREK: PICARD, premiering Thursday, Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. ET. In the 10-episode, first season, Stewart is joined by familiar faces from the STAR TREK franchise such as Brent Spiner, Jeri Ryan, and Jonathan Del Arco, who are confirmed to reprise their iconic roles as Lieutenant Commander Data, Seven of Nine, and the Borg drone, Hugh. Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis are also tapped to appear.
But first, Jodie Whittaker steps back into the TARDIS for her second season as the Doctor when DOCTOR WHO returns for its twelfth season with a New Year’s Day premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. ET. Season 12 of the iconic sci-fi series introduces terrifying new monsters alongside the return of some familiar but not-so-friendly faces. Following the premiere on New Year’s Day, all-new episodes of DOCTOR WHO air Sundays at 8 p.m. ET beginning January 5.
“We are excited to kick off the next decade as CTV Sci-Fi Channel and while our branding is new, our mandate to deliver the most sought-after sci-fi programs remains the same, including the premiere of STAR TREK: PICARD and the return of DOCTOR WHO,” said Pat DiVittorio Vice-President, Programming, CTV and Specialty. “These are two marquee series with iconic and revered characters that will surely make for appointment viewing, and we are thrilled to present both series during our nationwide freeview.”
Heading into the holidays, the CTV Sci-Fi Channel nationwide freeview delivers a whole stack of blockbuster marathons, kicking off Saturday, Dec. 21 with the KEANU REEVES MARATHON, before taking viewers in to the new decade with even more marathons, including the HARRY POTTER MARATHON (Dec. 31 – Jan. 2) and the TOM CRUISE MARATHON (Jan. 3 – 5).
CTV Sci-Fi’s freeview is available through participating television service providers across the country, including but not limited to Bell, Bell Aliant, BellMTS, Telus, Cogeco, Eastlink, Rogers, SaskTel, and participating members of the CCSA. Subscribers and non-subscribers alike can sample select CTV Sci-Fi Channel programming during the freeview at ctvscifi.ca and on demand via set-top box with participating TV providers.
See below for premiere dates and descriptions for new and returning CTV Sci-Fi series and marathon programming available during CTV Sci-Fi’s freeview. All dates are subject to change.
New and Returning Series:
STAR TREK: PICARD *New Series*
Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET, beginning January 23
STAR TREK: PICARD follows the iconic Jean-Luc Picard into the next chapter of his life. Alongside Stewart, STAR TREK: PICARD also stars Isa Briones, Santiago Cabrera, Michelle Hurd, Alison Pill, Harry Treadaway and Evan Evagora.
STAR TREK: PICARD is produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Michael Chabon, Akiva Goldsman, James Duff, Patrick Stewart, Heather Kadin, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers and Aaron Baiers (Secret Hideout) serves as co-executive producer and Kirsten Beyer as supervising producer. Hanelle Culpepper directed the first two episodes of the series. ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group distributes the series internationally
DOCTOR WHO Season 12 *New Season*
Premieres Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. ET
New episodes Sundays at 8 p.m. ET beginning January 5
The Thirteenth Doctor (Whittaker) returns, resuming her time-and-space travels with friends Ryan (Tosin Cole), Yasmin (Mandip Gill), and Graham (Bradley Walsh).
In the Season 12 premiere, “Spyfall Part One” (Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. ET), intelligence agents around the world are under attack from alien forces. MI6 turns to the only people who can help: The Doctor and friends. As they travel the globe for answers, attacks come from all sides. Earth’s security rests on the team’s shoulders, but where will this planet-threatening conspiracy lead them? Part two airs Sunday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. ET.
DOCTOR WHO is executive produced by showrunner Chris Chibnall and Matt Strevens. The series is produced by BBC Studios.
Marathon Programming:
Saturday, Dec. 21 – Monday, Dec. 23 – KEANU REEVES MARATHON
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Friday, Dec. 27 – MARVEL MOVIE MARATHON
Friday, Dec. 27 – Saturday, Dec. 28 – IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD MARATHON
Saturday, Dec. 28 – JURASSIC PARK MARATHON
Sunday, Dec. 29 – INDIANA JONES MARATHON
Monday, Dec. 30 – THE MUMMY MARATHON
Tuesday, Dec. 31 – Thursday, Jan. 2 – HARRY POTTER MARATHON
Friday, Jan. 3 – Sunday, Jan. 5 – TOM CRUISE MARATHON
For full CTV Sci-Fi marathon programming details, click here.
