Network: CTV Television Network
Broadcast Run: 2012
Broadcast Medium: Television
On November 2nd 2011, CTV announced that it had placed an order for Saving Hope, a new, one-hour original drama. The series originated with Gemini award-winning producers Ilana Frank and David Wellington.
The series would be set in Toronto’s fictional Hope-Zion Hospital. CTV ordered 12 one-hour episodes in addition to the pilot, which was shot during the summer of 2011.
“Tapping into the frenetic lives of medical professionals entrusted to make life and death decisions every single day, Saving Hope is a sexy, heart-pumping hospital drama with captivating storylines,” said Phil King, President, CTV Programming and Sports. “We look forward to working with the talented actors and creative team behind this compelling new series.”
On May 28th 2012 CTV announced that Saving Hope would debut in simulcast with NBC on June 7th, starring Erica Durance, Michael Shanks, Daniel Gillies, Huse Madhavji, Julia Taylor-Ross and Kristopher Turner.
Episodes of Saving Hope would also be included in the CTV Two fall schedule on Saturdays at 10:00 pm.
Saving Hope was produced by Ilana C Frank Films (“ICF Films”) with Entertainment One, in association with CTV and NBC. The series was executive produced by Ilana Frank and David Wellington for ICF, John Morayniss for Entertainment One and Lesley Harrison. Executive Producers and Showrunners were Morwyn Brebner and Aaron Martin. The series was created by Malcolm MacRuryand Morwyn Brebner. David Wellington directed the pilot.
CTV also announced that Saving Hope would be setting a new benchmark for companion content and audience interaction. Viewers would be able to immerse themselves in the Saving Hope characters and storylines with a full range of companion content. The transmedia execution was produced by CTV’s Digital Production Unit, which was embedded with production for the duration of filming.
“All of the Saving Hope digital elements were developed alongside show production utilizing the series writers and creators as well as cast and sets for a seamless extension of the show for our viewers,” said Jon Taylor, Senior Director of Content, Bell Media Digital. “With a goal of developing viewer loyalty and driving new viewers, this is one of the most extensive multiplatform and companion content executions we’ve ever done.”
While NBC cancelled their order for Saving Hope after the first season, on July 25th 2012 CTV announced that it had ordered an 18-episode second season of Saving Hope from ICF Films/Entertainment One. Nine episodes from Series Two aired in the summer of 2013, and on November 8th it was reported that CTV had ordered a third season of eighteen episodes, with production scheduled to begin in the spring of 2014. Meantime, the remaining nine episodes from season two began playing on CTV on January 2nd 2014, and concluded on February 27th.
Season Three began on CTV on September 22nd 2014. It was also acquired by the U.S. ION cable network for future scheduling. On November 10th 2014 CTV announced that it had ordered a fourth season of eighteen new episodes of Saving Hope, with production set to begin in the summer of 2015 in Toronto. The series was cancelled in 2017 after five seasons.