CBC and BBC Northern Ireland released first look photos from the upcoming romantic comedy series, Committed, starring Dustin Milligan (Schitt’s Creek, Hot Frosty) and Diona Doherty (Blue Lights, Penance).
Premiering on CBC and CBC Gem in early 2027, with a BBC Northern Ireland debut set for around the same time, Committed centres on Canadian accountant Peter Hooley (Milligan), a recently divorced man who falls unexpectedly in love with Northern Irish woman Julie Johnston (Doherty) following a whirlwind weekend together in Toronto. Determined to pursue their connection, Peter crosses the Atlantic to profess his love, only to find himself in an eccentric, old-fashioned rural Northern Irish village that is far removed from the life he imagined.
“Committed exemplifies the kind of distinctive, character-driven storytelling that travels, resonating across borders and cultures,” said Prentiss Fraser, President of FOX Entertainment Global. “We’re proud to partner with CBC and BBC Northern Ireland, alongside the prolific team at Cameron Pictures, whose work consistently delivers both creatively and commercially. With its unique voice and a standout cast led by Dustin Milligan, Committed is well positioned to connect with audiences around the world.”
The cast also includes Ian McElhinney (Derry Girls, Game of Thrones) as Julie’s father, Willia John, Seamus O’Hara (House of Guinness, Say Nothing) as Julie’s brother, John William, Patrick Buchanan (Line of Duty, Warrior) as Rev. Campbell Smiley, Muki Zubis (This Is Going to Hurt, The Devil’s Hour) as Julie’s best friend, Chimamanda, Chris McCurry (Belfast, Obituary) as Mervyn, Chimamanda’s husband, Dan Gordon (Blue Lights, Bloodlands) as Ivan, Athena Karkanis (Manifest, The Handmaid’s Tale) as Meredith, and Georgie Murphy (Stumble, Gen V).
“Committed offers a classic fish-out-of-water comedy intertwined with a unique love story that follows the all too human aftermath of a grand romantic gesture, rather than the build-up to it,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Programming, CBC. “We know the show will connect with audiences in Canada and around the world thanks to its heart and authenticity, and are excited to be partnering with BBC Northern Ireland alongside the outstanding teams at Cameron Pictures and Fabel Productions.”
“Audiences are going to fall in love with this bold new comedy series. We’ve a brilliant cast that viewers will be familiar with on both sides of the Atlantic – we’re delighted to welcome Dustin to these shores starring alongside our own Diona Doherty,” said Jason Butler, BBC Northern Ireland Commissioning Editor. “And it’s fantastic for BBC Northern Ireland to link up with CBC on this innovative project helping to further develop and support the creative industry here and to bring a flavour of our Northern Ireland humour to comedy fans further afield.”
“To make a comedy from this part of this Island with all its quirks, huge hearts and ugly-beautiful glory is a career highlight. We’re so excited to share our abrasive but loveable, odd folk and their daft wee community with the world,” said Keith Martin, Executive Producer, Fabel Productions. “Wait until you see our amazingly talented Canadian and beloved homegrown cast. A dream! Thank you to all of our partners for making the leap in the name of love to a place not often seen or celebrated. High hopes, comedy with consequences and lots of animals to follow.”
A CBC original series, Committed is produced in association with BBC Northern Ireland by Cameron Pictures Inc. and Fabel Productions Ltd. under the UK/Canada Co-Production Treaty, and global distribution is handled by FOX. The series was co-created by Keith Martin, Gerry Dee and Tim Loane, who is showrunner, and developed under the Northern Ireland Screen/Canada Media Fund Co-Development Initiative for Audiovisual Projects.
_