May promises a diverse range of programming on CBC Gem, with a focus on celebrating Asian Heritage Month and Disability Awareness Week through thought-provoking documentaries, inspiring lifestyle series, and compelling international dramas. Here are the highlights for the month:
Asian Heritage Month Collection:
– Nadiya’s Simple Spices (May 1): New York Times-bestselling author Nadiya Hussain demystifies cooking with spices, showcasing their versatility and affordability.
– Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV (May 1): This documentary explores the life and impact of Korean artist Nam June Paik, often regarded as the “George Washington of Video Art.”
– Avoidance Season 2 (May 8): Romesh Ranganathan stars in this UK comedy about a man navigating the challenges of his recent marriage breakdown and co-parenting with his sister.
– Parasite (May 15): Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning thriller-comedy about a destitute family’s involvement with a wealthy household.
Disability Awareness Week Collection:
– Name Me Lawand (May 17): An exclusive documentary following five-year-old Deaf Kurdish boy Lawand’s journey to find a community that understands him.
– Better Date Than Never (May 24): A heartwarming docuseries following a group of single love seekers taking their first steps into the dating world.
– Dinosaur (May 24): A comedy-drama about an autistic woman, Nina, whose life is turned upside down when her sister suddenly becomes engaged.
– Ness Murby: Transcending (May 24): An intimate six-part documentary series following Paralympian Ness Murby, the first openly trans man to compete at the Paralympic Games.
Acclaimed International Series:
– Penny Dreadful Season 3 (May 3): Vanessa, shattered and despondent, seeks help from an unconventional therapist, while her friends are scattered around the world facing their own demons.
– Animal Control Season 2 (May 10): Exclusive premiere. Frank, an eccentric animal control officer, and his team navigate complicated human situations.
– The Borgias Season 2 (May 12): Pope Alexander solidifies his power with the help of allies, while his children, Lucrezia and Juan, face their own challenges.
– Boat Story (May 17): Exclusive premiere. Two strangers, Janet and Samuel, stumble upon a haul of cocaine, entangling them with dangerous criminals and changing their lives forever.
– Sort Out Your Life (May 29): Exclusive premiere. A supersized spring-cleaning show where families tackle decluttering and budget-friendly makeovers with the help of organizing experts.
Documentaries:
– Iris (May 1): Legendary documentarian Albert Maysles’ final film, focusing on 93-year-old style icon Iris Apfel, whose enthusiasm for fashion and art inspires.
Feature Films:
– Boyhood (May 17): Richard Linklater’s groundbreaking film, shot over 12 years, follows a boy’s coming-of-age, with Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as his parents.
Lifestyle:
– Escape to the Country Season 30 (May 3): Celebrating 20 years, this series focuses on rural property searches and lifestyle changes, capturing the beauty of the British landscape.
Kids:
– Hop (May 31): A new CBC Kids original series from Marc Brown, the creator of Arthur, about an enthusiastic frog named Hop and his adventures with his quirky friends.
With a diverse range of offerings, from inspiring documentaries to international dramas and lifestyle series, CBC Gem continues to deliver compelling content that entertains and engages viewers throughout May.
