Los Angeles, CA and Toronto, ON (February 19, 2009) -- CTV's original Canadian drama series 'The Bridge' has been picked up by CBS for broadcast in the United States, the two networks announced today. After screening the pilot and ordering the series in November 2008, CTV shared the pilot with top executives at CBS late last year. The deal further develops CTV's relationship with CBS, currently partners on the North American hit drama 'Flashpoint.'

In development since 2005, CTV originally commissioned the production of a two-hour movie of the week and back-door pilot, shot in Toronto last summer. Inspired by the insights of veteran insider and outspoken former Toronto police union head Craig Bromell, 'The Bridge' provides an unflinching look at the struggle street cops face as they battle criminals - and their own bosses - in order to protect society and, ultimately, themselves. E1 Entertainment will begin production of 'The Bridge' in late spring in Toronto and will distribute the series internationally.

'The Bridge' becomes the third Canadian drama series in under 18 months, all from CTV, to be picked up by a major U.S. network, following in the footsteps of 'Flashpoint' and the upcoming drama 'The Listener'(NBC).

"We look forward to working with our creative partners at CBS, Nancy Tellem, Nina Tassler and David Stapf, in bringing yet another great Canadian production to a North American audience," said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. "Craig Bromell and Alan Di Fiore and their teams at E1 and 990 have done a beautiful job in creating a distinct and authentic view of life behind the scenes of a modern police force."

"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. "Nina {Tassler} and David {Stapf} both consider 'The Bridge' a high-quality, compelling drama that fits with the network's line-up and the studio's roster, respectively. And, we all look forward to working again with our creative partners at CTV. Together, we've already launched an exciting new show and a successful new model to deliver programming to the North American market."

Written by five-time Gemini Award winner and six-time nominee Alan Di Fiore ('Da Vinci's Inquests,' 'The Life,' 'The Handler'), 'The Bridge' peels away the veneer of a big-city police force to reveal the political machinations underneath. After the rank and file unanimously vote street cop Frank Leo ('Battlestar Galactica's Aaron Douglas) into office as union head, he begins his quest to put street cops first and clean up the force from the ground up. But the old boys' network running the police force and the city's self-serving politicians are not about to sit idly by while a former street cop makes up his own rules. Frank walks a thin blue line as he battles wiretaps and a concerted campaign to bring him down, letting nothing stop him from fulfilling his unwavering vow that when cops are in trouble, he will be there.


'The Bridge' Development Timeline

Oct., 2005 Former Toronto Police Union chief Craig Bromell pitches the idea of a television series inspired by his life as a cop.

Dec., 2005 The project is put into development. Barna-Alper Productions is brought on board to co-produce with Bromell's 990 Multi Media.

Sept., 2007 CTV initiates further development; commits to two-hour MOW/back-door pilot.

Jan., 2008 CTV suggests award-winning writer Alan DiFiore to re-write script. With Di Fiore on board and award-winning director John Fawcett tapped to helm the MOW, CTV commits its own equity investment in the MOW to ensure top talent is attached to the project. At CTV's suggestion, Aaron Douglas is secured as the lead.

July, 2008 Production of MOW/pilot begins in Toronto.

Sept., 2008 MOW/pilot delivered to CTV.

Oct., 2008 Series bible delivered to CTV.

Nov., 2008 CTV orders 'The Bridge' to series.

Dec., 2008 CTV brings 'The Bridge' to CBS.

Feb., 2009 CBS orders CTV's 'The Bridge' for broadcast in the U.S.

May, 2009 Production scheduled to begin on series by E1 Entertainment.

"With 'The Bridge', we are setting out to make the most realistic drama about cops ever seen on TV, and are thrilled that it will be broadcast not only on CTV in Canada but by CBS in the U.S. as well," said Craig Bromell, Executive Producer, 990 Multi Media Entertainment Company. "The series will expose the inner workings of a big city police force - with compelling, hard-hitting storylines revolving around the police, power and politics behind the blue line. We are grateful to CTV's Ivan Fecan and Susanne Boyce who were with us from the beginning and look forward to reaching an even broader audience through our new relationship with CBS and Nina Tassler."

'The Bridge' stars Aaron Douglas ('Battlestar Galactice,' 'Smallville') as outspoken union head Frank Leo; Paul Popowich ('Angela's Eyes,' 'I Me Wed') as Frank's partner and confidante Tommy Dunn; Gemini-Award nominee Inga Cadranel ('Rent-a-Goalie,' 'MVP') as Jill, the free-spirited cop on the force; Frank Cassini (Vice, 'Intelligence') as Staff Sergeant Bernie Kantor; Theresa Joy ('All The Good Ones Are Married', Sixty Days) as feisty tomboy Police Constable Billy; Ona Grauer ('Stargate SG-1' and 'Stargate Atlantis') as beautiful, passionate prosecutor Abby St. James; Michael Murphy (Away from Her, X-Men: The Last Stand) as Chief of Police, and political animal, Ed Wycoff; and two-time Emmy Award winner Stuart Margolin ('The Rockford Files,' 'Tom Stone') as Frank's father, Vic Leo.