The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television has announced the finalists for its annual Golden Screen Award for the most-watched Canadian drama/comedy series, as well as the finalists for the Golden Screen Award for the country’s highest-rated reality show. Among the finalists are Global’s Rookie Blue in the drama/comedy category and Big Brother Canada in the reality category.
Related: 2016 Canadian Screen Awards Nominees Announced
Both Golden Screen Awards will be presented during this year’s Canadian Screen Awards, hosted by Canadian comedy star Norm Macdonald and set to air on Sunday, Mar. 13.
“The Academy’s Golden Screen Awards for TV celebrate what people choose to watch,” says Academy Chair Martin Katz. “They commend the Canadian television shows that Canadians love the most. Congratulations to all the finalists.”
Related: Norm Macdonald To Host 2016 Canadian Screen Awards
According to data provided by Numeris, here are the five top-rated programs in each genre for the 2014-2015 broadcast year (in alphabetical order):
Golden Screen Award for TV Drama / Comedy Finalists
THE BOOK OF NEGROES | CBC (CBC) (Entertainment One, Conquering Lion Pictures and Out of Africa Entertainment)
Kidnapped by slave traders in West Africa then sold into slavery in South Carolina, Aminata Diallo navigates her way through the American Revolution, isolated refuge of Nova Scotia and the treacherous jungles of Sierra Leone before finally securing her freedom in England at the dawn of the 19th century.
CORNER GAS: THE MOVIE | CTV (Bell Media) (Prairie Pants Productions Inc.)
Mismanagement leaves the tiny town of Dog River so broke that the residents have little choice but to pack up and leave. But Brent and the gang at Corner Gas, the roadside gas station 40 miles from nowhere, discover a devious plan that may change life for Dog Riverites forever.
MURDOCH MYSTERIES | CBC (CBC) (Shaftesbury Films Inc.)
Set in Toronto at the dawn of the 20th century during the age of invention, Murdoch Mysteries is a one-hour drama centred on Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), the methodical and dashing detective who pioneers innovative forensic techniques to solve gruesome murders.
ROOKIE BLUE | GLOBAL (Shaw Media) (Entertainment One and ICF Films)
After the rollercoaster ride of last season’s violence and injury, the shell-shocked officers of 15 Division struggle to pick up the pieces. Andy reunites with Sam and must deal with a challenging new rookie and a tough inspector. In the face of a troubling life, hope for happiness remains.
SAVING HOPE | CTV (Bell Media) (Entertainment One and ICF Films)
The doctors of Hope Zion Hospital navigate unchartered waters this season. As Alex recovers from her catastrophic injury, she faces major obstacles in her personal and professional life. Meanwhile, Charlie discovers new medical miracles that challenge his mind – while the women in his life continue to challenge his heart.
Golden Screen Award for TV Reality Show Finalists
THE AMAZING RACE CANADA | CTV (Bell Media) (Insight Production Company Ltd.)
Two people with a pre-existing relationship must beat rival teams in a skills-based race across various provinces and territories in various transportation modes. Pit stops provide clues to the next destination or a challenge, plus prizes and penalties. First team to the final pit stop wins the grand prize.
BIG BROTHER CANADA | GLOBAL (Shaw Media) (Insight Production Company Ltd.)
BIG BROTHER CANADA follows a group of strangers who live together in a house that records their every move, 24 hours a day. Each week they compete in challenges and one by one, vote each other out. Last house guest that remains wins the grand prize as voted by a jury.
CANADA’S SMARTEST PERSON | CBC (CBC) (Media Headquarters)
Canada’s Smartest Person is an interactive television series that redefines what it means to be smart. Every week four new competitors battle it out to prove their smarts in unique and revealing challenges that test six categories of intelligence. In the series finale eight finalists go head to head to earn the title of Canada’s Smartest Person.
DRAGONS’ DEN | CBC (CBC) (CBC)
However big your idea, launching a business still takes a lot of work and a ton of cash. In the Dragons’ Den, aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business concepts and products to a panel of Canadian business moguls who have the cash and know-how to make it happen.
MASTERCHEF CANADA | CTV (Bell Media) (Proper Television)
Selected from thousands of applicants across the country, top home cooks face judges in challenges designed to test their palates, food knowledge, passion and culinary skills. A single misstep can make or break a home cook’s chance of becoming the next Canadian Master Chef.
