OVATION TV TO DEBUT THE U.S. PREMIERE OF "MURDOCH MYSTERIES" SEASON 20 ON OCTOBER 5

Professional Dancer Emma Slater (Dancing with the Stars), Jason Mewes (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Clerks) and Yanic Truesdale (Gilmore Girls) among the guest stars in this milestone 20th season

Los Angeles, CA - Sept. 10, 2026 - Ovation TV, America's premier arts network, will air the U.S. premiere of the beloved detective series Murdoch Mysteries season 20 on Monday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. ET. Set in Toronto at the dawn of the 20th century, Murdoch Mysteries is a one-hour drama series that explores the intriguing world of William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), a methodical and dashing detective who pioneers innovative forensic techniques to solve some of the city's most gruesome murders.

In its milestone 20th season premiere, Murdoch Mysteries takes viewers on an unexpected international adventure as Murdoch diverts his travels to Malta, where mystery author Nigella Fletcher (guest star Sally Lindsay) awaits execution for murdering her husband. Questioning the seemingly open-and-shut case, Murdoch uncovers a connection to a stolen priceless tapestry, a centuries-old treasure map and a mystery that sends him in pursuit of both a fugitive and the truth.

Throughout the 21-episode season, Murdoch and the Station House No. 4 team face personal and professional challenges while tackling the clever mysteries, groundbreaking inventions and sharp social commentary that have made the series a global fan-favorite.

"For almost two decades, Murdoch Mysteries has captivated audiences with its distinctive blend of clever detective work, compelling characters and rich historical storytelling," said Sol Doten, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Strategy, Ovation TV. "We are thrilled to bring U.S. viewers this landmark 20th season, filled with inventive mysteries and hidden drama all around."

"Twenty seasons is an extraordinary achievement, but as producers, hitting this milestone also means that we can't take the success of this series, or its audience, for granted," said Christina Jennings, Chairman and President, Shaftesbury. "We have to keep surprising viewers by finding new places for Murdoch to go. Sending him to Malta gave us the opportunity to take the series into full adventure territory - a pursuit across one of the most spectacular settings in the world. It's Murdoch on a much bigger canvas, and exactly the kind of creative swing we want to keep taking in our twentieth season."

Characters returning to Murdoch's orbit include Chief Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig), Constables Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) and Teddy Roberts (Kataem O'Connor), Detective Llewellyn Watts (Daniel Maslany), Chief Coroner Violet Hart (Shanice Banton), Inspector Albert Choi (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Kim's Convenience, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Mandalorian), Margaret Brackenreid (Arwen Humphreys) and Crown Attorney Effie Newsome (Clare McConnell). Guest stars include Sally Lindsay, Jason Mewes, Yanic Truesdale, Ennis Esmer, James Chatto, Emma Slater, Kristian Bruun and Hamza Haq.

Murdoch Mysteries is based on Maureen Jennings' popular Detective Murdoch series of novels and premiered in Canada in January 2008. Murdoch Mysteries is executive produced by Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Yannick Bisson, Simon McNabb, and Peter Mitchell, who also serves as showrunner, and produced by Jeremy Hood. Murdoch Mysteries is developed and produced by Shaftesbury, in association with CBC, ITV Studios, and UKTV, and with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, the IPF's COGECO Television Production Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, and Ontario Creates. Shaftesbury Sales Company and ITV STUDIOS hold worldwide distribution rights for the series.

About OVATION TV America's Premier Arts Network

As an independent television, production, and digital media company, OVATION TV has an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture, and captivating entertainment. Showcasing a lineup of critically acclaimed premium dramas, specials, documentaries, and iconic films, OVATION TV salutes innovative storytelling with popular programming that includes Inside the Actors Studio, Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Arts Engines, The Fall, Midsomer Murders, The Art Of and The Sound of New York. The company has provided more than $15M in contributions and in-kind support to arts institutions and arts education. Its signature advocacy platform, STAND FOR THE ARTS, includes a coalition of over 150 arts organizations, cultural institutions, and arts leaders throughout the country raising awareness about art's positive impact, protecting access for everyone, and encouraging action on behalf of the arts. OVATION TV is available on major providers via cable, satellite and telco systems including Comcast Cable/Xfinity, DIRECTV, Spectrum and Verizon FiOS. You can follow OVATION TV on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and OvationTV.com.

About Shaftesbury

Awarded Production Company of the Year in 2025 by Playback, Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content, founded by Christina Jennings, Chairman and President. For more than three decades, the company has been at the forefront of Canadian screen-based storytelling, building internationally successful series and franchises that reach audiences worldwide. Shaftesbury's productions include the globally acclaimed drama Murdoch Mysteries, now filming its 20th season, and Hudson & Rex, both airing in over 120 countries. Shaftesbury's portfolio spans scripted drama, comedy, and genre programming, including the horror anthology Slasher and its latest instalment Hell Motel, the international thriller Departure which went to #1 on Netflix in 40 countries, the Irish-Canadian co-production SisterS, and Irish Blood, Acorn TV's highest-rated series, Brooke Shield's mystery-comedy series You're Killing Me and the dark crime drama The Borderline. Upcoming projects include the Crave comedy series Slo Pitch, and Granville Girls, a newly announced Netflix series.