The Porter (TV series)

Canadian television drama series

The Porter

Created by| Arnold Pinnock
Bruce Ramsay
Country of origin| Canada
Original language| English
No. of seasons| 1
No. of episodes| 8
Production
Executive producers|

* Arnold Pinnock
* Bruce Ramsay
* Annmarie Morais
* Marsha Greene
* Charles Officer
* R.T. Thorne
* Jennifer Kawaja
* Ian Dimerman

Running time| 46–54 min.
Production companies| Inferno Pictures Inc.
Sienna Films
Original release
Network| CBC Television
BET+
Release| 21 February 2022 (2022-02-21)

The Porter is a Canadian-American television drama series created by Arnold Pinnock and Bruce Ramsay which premiered on CBC Television on February 21, 2022,[1] and on BET+ in the United States on May 5, 2022.[2][3] It depicts the story of the first Black Canadian labour union in North America.[4][5]

The series is a co-production between The CBC and the Paramount Global-owned streaming service, BET+.[a] It was released to positive reviews, and became the most nominated show at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards.[6][7] Due to the lack of a co-production partner after BET pulled out, The Porter was cancelled after one season.[7]

## Premise

[edit]

The series depicts the history of Black Canadian and African-American men who worked as Pullman porters in the period following World War I, leading to the 1925 creation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters as the first Black-led labour union.[8][5] Much of the setting for the series is the St. Antoine neighborhood a Black community of Montreal.[9]

## Cast

[edit]

* Aml Ameen as Junior Massey, a porter with the transcontinental railroad
* Ronnie Rowe Jr. as Zeke Garrett, a porter and war buddy of Junior
* Mouna Traoré as Marlene Massey, a worker with the Black Cross Nurses
* Alfre Woodard as Fay, a Montréal business owner
* Oluniké Adeliyi as Queenie, a powerful Chicago crime boss
* Loren Lott as Lucy, a performer
* Djouliet Amara as Corrine
* Arnold Pinnock as Glenford
* Bruce Ramsay as Dinger
* Luke Bilyk as Franklin Edwards
* Jahron Wilson as Teddy Massey, Junior and Marlene's son

## Episodes

[edit]

No.| Title| Directed by| Written by| Original release date

|
|
|
|

1| "Pilot"| Charles Officer| Annmarie Morais and Aubrey Nealon| February 21, 2022 (2022-02-21)
2| "Background"| Charles Officer| Story by : Aubrey Nealon & Bruce Ramsay & Arnold Pinnock and Annmarie Morais
Teleplay by : Annmarie Morais| February 28, 2022 (2022-02-28)
3| "Starting Over"| R.T. Thorne| Annmarie Morais| March 7, 2022 (2022-03-07)
4| "Who's Next"| R.T. Thorne| Marsha Greene| March 14, 2022 (2022-03-14)
5| "Working on It"| Charles Officer| Andrew Burrows-Trotman| March 21, 2022 (2022-03-21)
6| "Make Me Feel"| Charles Officer| Priscilla M. White| March 28, 2022 (2022-03-28)
7| "Our Turn Now"| R.T. Thorne| Bruce Ramsay & Arnold Pinnock| April 4, 2022 (2022-04-04)
8| "Death is Funny"| R.T. Thorne| Marsha Greene| April 11, 2022 (2022-04-11)

## Production

[edit]

### Development

[edit]

On 10 December 2020, CBC Television and BET+ announced that they would be partnering on the creation of a series about a group of railway workers who formed the first Black-led labour union.[10] The series from Inferno Picture and Sienna Films was created by Arnold Pinnock and Bruce Ramsay, with the participation of Annmarie Morais, Marsha Greene, Charles Officer and R.T. Thorne as producers, with Officer and Thorne also directing. The series is written by Morais, Greene, Andrew Burrows-Trotman, Priscilla White, Pinnock and Ramsay, with R.T. Thorne participating in the writers' room.[11][12] Filming took place primarily in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada between June and September 2021.[13]

### Casting

[edit]

In April 2021 CBC and BET+ announced the main cast was slated to include Aml Ameen, Ronnie Rowe Jr., Mouna Traoré.[11] In June Oluniké Adeliyi and Loren Lott joined the cast, with creators Arnold Pinnock and Bruce Ramsay also taking on series regular roles.[14][13] In July 2021, it was announced that Alfre Woodard would be joining the cast in a recurring role.[15]

Thorne stated that there was "so much incredible talent across this country" from which to cast for the series.[16]

## Reception

[edit]

The series has received positive reviews from critics. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, The Porter holds an approval rating of 100% with an average rating of 8.4 out of 10, based on 7 reviews.[6] A review in The Globe and Mail called the show "great TV...with compelling characters" and referred to it as "one sexy show".[17]

The Porter was the most nominated show at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards, leading with 19 nominations, and winning a record 12.[18][19]

Despite interest from the CBC, The Porter was canceled after one season due to the BET Media Group pulling out of financing. According to executive producer Jennifer Kawaja "there was a lack of interest in 'the Canadian point of view.'”[19] While accepting the Academy Board of Directors’ Tribute Award, Indigenous actor, director and producer Jennifer Podemski issued a call to the federal government “to increase permanent funding" for Indigenous Screen Office.[20]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ a joint venture between Paramount's BET Media Group and Tyler Perry Studios

## References

[edit]

1. ^ David, Greg (2 June 2022). "CBC SETS FALL SCHEDULE AND UNVEILS 2021-22 PROGRAMMING SLATE, INCLUDING OVER 35 ORIGINAL SERIES FROM CANADIAN CREATORS". TV, Eh?. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
2. ^ David, Greg (10 December 2021). "CBC AND BET+ GREENLIGHT THE PORTER (WORKING TITLE), AN ORIGINAL DRAMA ABOUT RAILWAY WORKERS IN CANADA". TV, Eh?. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
3. ^ "Video: BET+ Originals - "The Porter"" (Press release). BET. 5 April 2022 – via The Futon Critic.
4. ^ David, Greg (23 November 2021). "CBC ANNOUNCES WINTER PREMIERE DATES". TV, Eh?. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
5. ^ a b Weaver, Jackson (20 February 2022). "New series The Porter highlights the importance of showcasing Black Canadian history". CBC News. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
6. ^ a b "The Porter". Rotten Tomatoes.
7. ^ a b "Acclaimed CBC/BET drama 'The Porter' will not receive a second season". thestar.com. 23 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
8. ^ Simonpillai, Radheyan (10 December 2021). "CBC's The Porter will be Canada's biggest Black-led TV series". Now. Archived from the original on 7 February 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
9. ^ CBC:Arts:The Porter finally centres on Black ambition on Canadian television and it is a revelation
10. ^ Petski, Denise (10 December 2020). "CBC, BET+ Team On 'The Porter' Railway Workers Drama From Inferno Pictures & Sienna Films". Deadline. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
11. ^ a b Kanter, Jake; Petski, Denise (8 April 2021). "'The Porter': Aml Ameen, Ronnie Rowe Jr, Mouna Traoré To Headline CBC/BET+ Railway Worker Series". Deadline. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
12. ^ CBC. "The Porter - About the Show". CBC.ca. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
13. ^ a b David, Greg (17 June 2021). "CBC AND BET+ ORIGINAL SERIES THE PORTER NOW IN PRODUCTION". TV, Eh?. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
14. ^ Vlessing, Etan (17 June 2021). "Oluniké Adeliyi, Loren Lott Join CBC, BET+ Civil Rights Drama 'The Porter' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
15. ^ Petski, Denise (19 July 2021). "Alfre Woodard Boards 'The Porter' CBC/BET+ Railway Worker Series". Deadline. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
16. ^ Yeo, Debra (18 February 2022). "CBC's 'The Porter' sheds light on part of Canadian history with 'energy,' 'sexiness' and 'fun'". Toronto Star. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
17. ^ Doyle, John (20 February 2022). "CBC's The Porter isn't just a history lesson, it's one sizzling series". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
18. ^ "2023 Canadian Screen Awards nominations: TV drama 'The Porter' leads with 19 nods - National | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
19. ^ a b Yeo, Debra (1 August 2018). "'the show is undeniable'". Toronto Star. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
20. ^ Yeo, Debra (1 August 2018). "'the show is undeniable'". Toronto Star. Retrieved 16 April 2023.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* The Porter at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

CBC Television programming

Primetime|

* Arctic Vets (since 2021)
* Allegiance (since 2024)
* Bollywed (since 2023)
* Back in Time for Dinner (since 2018)
* Black Life: Untold Stories (since 2023)
* CBC Docs POV (since 2017)
* CBC Music Backstage Pass (since 2013)
* Canada's Smartest Person (since 2012)
* Canada's Ultimate Challenge (since 2023)
* Coroner (since 2019)
* Diggstown (since 2019)
* The Detectives (since 2018)
* Dragons' Den (since 2006)
* Endlings (since 2020)
* Extraordinary Canadians (since 2017)
* Fakes (since 2022)
* The Filmmakers (since 2017)
* The Great Canadian Baking Show (since 2017)
* Halifax Comedy Festival (since 1995)
* Heartland (since 2007)
* High Arctic Haulers (since 2020)
* Hockey Night in Canada (since 1952)
* Humour Resources (since 2021)
* In the Making (since 2018)
* Moonshine (since 2021)
* Murdoch Mysteries (since 2012)
* The Nature of Things (since 1960)
* Northern Rescue (since 2019)
* North of North (since 2025)
* One More Time (since 2024)
* Plan B (since 2023)
* Push (since 2023)
* Race Against the Tide (since 2021)
* Run the Burbs (since 2022)
* Saint-Pierre (since 2025)
* SkyMed (since 2022)
* Small Achievable Goals (since 2025)
* Son of a Critch (since 2022)
* Sort Of (2021-23)
* Still Standing (since 2015)
* Stuff the British Stole (since 2023)
* This Hour Has 22 Minutes (since 1993)
* True North Calling (since 2017)
* Under New Management (since 2019)
* Winnipeg Comedy Festival (since 2002)
* Wild Cards (since 2024)
* You Can't Ask That (since 2019)

CBC Kids|

* The Art Show (since 2017)
* Aunty B's House (since 2023)
* Beat Bugs (since 2016)
* Becca's Bunch (since 2018)
* Big Block SingSong (since 2012)
* Big Blue (since 2021)
* Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (since 2012)
* Dino Ranch (since 2021)
* Dot. (since 2016)
* Holy Baloney (since 2018)
* Jessie & the Gumboot Kids (since 2018)
* Kingdom Force (since 2019)
* Lazoo (since 2017)
* Molly of Denali (since 2019)
* PJ Masks (since 2015)
* Remy & Boo (since 2020)
* Scout & the Gumboot Kids (since 2015)
* The Studio K Show (since 2017)
* Super Agent Jon Le Bon! (since 2018)
* The Thrillusionists (since 2018)
* True and the Rainbow Kingdom (since 2017)
* Ukulele U (since 2022)
* Wandering Wenda (since 2017)
* Will's Jams (since 2014)
* You & Me (since 2014)

Late night/specials|

* Canadian Reflections (since 1978)

News|

* Absolutely Canadian (since 2012)
* CBC News Network (simulcast; 2016)
* The Fifth Estate (since 1975)
* Marketplace (since 1972)
* The National (since 1954)
* The Passionate Eye (since 1993)
* Rosemary Barton Live (since 2020)

Upcoming|

* Locals Welcome

Web series|

* 21 Black Futures
* The 410
* Best in Miniature
* Bit Playas
* Broad Appeal: Living with E's
* Canada's a Drag
* The Communist's Daughter
* Decoys
* Detention Adventure
* For the Record
* Gangnam Project
* Ghosting with Luke Hutchie and Matthew Finlan
* Good People
* Hey Lady!
* How to Buy a Baby
* How to Fail as a Popstar
* I Hate People, People Hate Me
* Ming's Dynasty
* The New Wave of Standup
* Overlord and the Underwoods
* Queens
* Revenge of the Black Best Friend
* Save Me
* Telling Our Story
* Undisrupted
* Utopia Falls
* You're My Hero
* Zarqa

* v
* t
* e

Canadian Screen Award for Best Dramatic Series

Gemini Awards
(1986–2011)|

* Night Heat (1986)
* Night Heat (1987)
* Degrassi Junior High (1988)
* Degrassi Junior High (1989)
* E.N.G. (1990)
* E.N.G. (1991)
* E.N.G. (1992)
* E.N.G. (1993)
* Due South (1994)
* Due South (1995)
* Due South (1996)
* Traders (1997)
* Traders (1998)
* Da Vinci's Inquest (1999)
* Da Vinci's Inquest (2000)
* Da Vinci's Inquest (2001)
* Da Vinci's Inquest (2002)
* The Eleventh Hour (2003)
* Da Vinci's Inquest (2004)
* The Eleventh Hour (2005)
* Slings & Arrows (2006)
* Slings & Arrows (2007)
* Intelligence (2008)
* Flashpoint (2009)
* The Tudors (2010)
* The Borgias (2011)

Canadian Screen Awards
(2012–present)|

* Flashpoint (2012)
* Orphan Black (2013)
* Orphan Black (2014)
* 19-2 (2015)
* Orphan Black (2016)
* Anne with an E (2017)
* Anne with an E (2018)
* Cardinal (2019)
* Transplant (2020)
* Transplant (2021)
* The Porter (2022)
* Little Bird (2023)
* Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (2024)

*[No.]: Number
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template