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D.W. Waterson’s cheer drama Backspot, also produced by Elliot Page under Page Boy Productions, aims to tell a more well-rounded and ambitious story about the seemingly glamorous but occupationally hazardous world of competitive cheerleading. The film follows Riley (Devery Jacobs), an ambitious cheerleader hell-bent on perfection, as she, alongside her girlfriend (Kudakwashe Rutendo) and their best friend (Noa Dibertro), land highly competitive spots on a prestigious all-star cheerleading squad led by an overbearing head coach (Evan Rachel Wood) and her presiding assistant coach Thomas Antony Olajide). The film acts as a multi-hyphenate social commentary on queerness, mental health and coming-of-age tale for young women in sports.

Here, Deadline talks to Waterson about executing the perfect shot, casting their star leads and cinematic inspirations.

Deadline: What were some of the films that inspired Backspot?

D. W. Waterson: Bend It Like Beckham had a huge influence on me growing up.

The number of movies about gifted youngsters sacrificing the traditional teen experience in favor of artistic perfection or academic excellence is immeasurable. "Stick It" peered into the world of Olympic hopeful gymnastics, "Whiplash" pulled back the curtain of elite musicianship, and "Bring It On" turned the world of competitive cheerleading into one of the greatest teen films ever made. This is all to say, coming-of-age stories in this territory are well-tread, so finding a way to stand out among so many all-time greats is a massive undertaking. Fortunately, for D.W. Waterson's directorial feature film debut, "Backspot," this stylish, unapologetically queer look at the world of All-Star Cheerleading (not to be confused with high school cheerleading) is a soaring breath of fresh air.

Written by Joanne Sarazen, "Reservation Dogs" star Devery Jacobs commands the tale as star cheerleader Riley, who is given the opportunity to audition for the elite competitive squad,...

There will be no second season for The Spencer Sisters. CTV has opted not to pick up a second season of the Canadian drama series starring Lea Thompson and Stacey Farber.

A rep for Canada’s CTV Television Network confirmed to Deadline that “a second season of The Spencer Sisters has not been picked up at this time.”

The CW had picked up the first season of the series in 2023, which finished airing in December.

The Spencer Sisters followed a mother and daughter duo who team up to start a private detective agency. It pairs mystery novelist Victoria Spencer (Thompson) and her daughter Darby Spencer (Farber) who are mistaken as sisters as they tackle puzzling cases.

It also starred Thomas Antony Olajide, Edward Ruttle, Husein Madhavji, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Rodrigo Massa, Kaitlyn Leeb and Adam Hurtig.

The Spencer Sisters was produced by eOne and Buffalo Gal Pictures and was created...

Network: The CW

Episodes: 10 (hour)

Seasons: One

TV show dates: October 4, 2023 -- December 13, 2023

Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Lea Thompson, Stacey Farber, Thomas Olajide, Edward Ruttle, Husein Madhavji, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Rodrigo Massa, Kaitlyn Leeb, and Adam Hurtig.

TV show description:

A lighthearted procedural drama series, The Spencer Sisters TV show was created by Alan McCullough.

The story begins as police officer Darby Spencer (Farber) resigns from her job in protest after being overlooked. She also discovers her boyfriend has been cheating, so she returns home to stay with her estranged mom.

Read More…...

Darby and Victori have some issues to work out in the first season of The Spencer Sisters TV show on The CW. As we all know, Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Spencer Sisters is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the first season episodes of The Spencer Sisters here. *Status Update Below.

A lighthearted procedural drama series airing on The CW in the United States, The Spencer Sisters TV show stars Lea Thompson, Stacey Farber, Thomas Olajide, Edward Ruttle, Husein Madhavji, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Rodrigo Massa, Kaitlyn Leeb and Adam Hurtig. The story begins as police officer Darby Spencer (Farber) resigns from her job...

This Canadian series aired on CTV earlier this year and has yet to be cancelled or renewed for a second season. If The Spencer Sisters is renewed, there is no guarantee that The CW will pick it up. Earlier this year, the smallest broadcast network dropped several acquired shows midway through their runs when they drew low ratings. Does The Spencer Sisters have a future? Stay tuned. *Status Update Below.

A lighthearted procedural drama series, The Spencer Sisters TV show stars Lea Thompson, Stacey Farber, Thomas Olajide, Edward Ruttle, Husein Madhavji, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Rodrigo Massa, Kaitlyn Leeb and Adam Hurtig. The story begins as police officer Darby Spencer (Farber) resigns from her job in protest after being overlooked. She also discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her, so she returns home to stay with her...

For Darby and Victoria, it's case closed. The Spencer Sisters has been cancelled, so there won't be a second season on CTV and The CW. In the United States, the first season of 10 episodes finished airing in December.

A lighthearted procedural drama series, The Spencer Sisters TV show stars Lea Thompson, Stacey Farber, Thomas Olajide, Edward Ruttle, Husein Madhavji, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Rodrigo Massa, Kaitlyn Leeb and Adam Hurtig. The story begins as police officer Darby Spencer (Farber) resigns from her job in protest after being overlooked. She also discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her, so she returns home to stay with her estranged mom. Her mother, famous mystery novelist Victoria Spencer (Thompson), is stuck in a rut and can’t come up with any more ideas for her books. So, she decides to finally...

"This world is not kind to weak people." XYZ Films has revealed the trailer for a Canadian cheerleading film called Backspot, which plays more a serious drama or intense thriller than a sports comedy or satire. This is similar to that rowing film The Novice a few years ago. This premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival last year and hits US theaters in May. Devery Jacobs (from "Reservation Dogs") stars as Riley, who is given the chance to cheer with the all-star squad, Thunderhawks. With a competition looming, Riley must navigate her crippling anxiety, her relationship with her girlfriend, and also her desperate need for approval from her new coach. One positive review states: “You may think you know your sports movie tropes, but you’ve never seen them used quite this way — that is, within a queer cheerleading drama firmly focused on complex female characters — and Waterson’s Backspot delights in skewing such expectations.

This Wednesday night, December 13, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on CW, “The Spencer Sisters” delivers an intense Season 1 Episode 10 titled “The Runaway’s Regret.” Brace yourself for a riveting chapter as the Spencer sisters, Victoria and Darby, are forced to put aside their differences and join forces when their brother Billy gets kidnapped.

The episode takes a dramatic turn as the sisters dive into a high-stakes mission to save Billy and unravel the truth behind his mysterious identity. Viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as the Spencer sisters navigate through twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. The suspenseful plot adds layers to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of family bonds in the face of adversity.

As the clock approaches 9:00 Pm, CW invites audiences to witness the gripping story unfold, showcasing the resilience and unity of the Spencer sisters in “The Runaway’s Regret.” Don’t miss this thrilling episode that promises a perfect blend of suspense,...

Exclusive: XYZ Films has acquired U.S. and Australia/Nz rights to distribute the TIFF sports drama Backspot, directed by first-time feature filmmaker D.W. Waterson and starring Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs) and Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld).

XYZ Films will release the film domestically and has set a theatrical release for spring of 2024.

The rights deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group with James Emanuel Shapiro from XYZ Films.

In the film, an ambitious cheerleader (Jacobs) faces both new adversity and the increased drive for perfection and triumph when she and her girlfriend are selected for an all-star cheer squad with an overbearing head coach (Evan Rachel Wood).

The film was written by Joanne Sarazen with a story by D.W. Waterson, and is produced by Alona Metzer, D.W. Waterson, Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs and Martin Katz, and is executive-produced by Elliot Page, Matthew Jordan Smith, J.C. Davidson and Katisha Shaw,...

Get ready for a dramatic turn of events in the Season 1 Episode 9 of “The Spencer Sisters” titled “The Diva’s Disaster.” This episode takes an intriguing twist as the actress who portrayed Bryn Martell in the movies based on Victoria’s books finds herself at the center of a shocking accusation – attempted murder.

The unfolding drama prompts a call to Victoria, setting the stage for a riveting storyline. As the Spencer Sisters navigate the complexities of this unexpected situation, viewers can anticipate a rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected revelations, and perhaps a touch of Hollywood glamour.

Don’t miss the suspense and excitement as “The Spencer Sisters” unfold another chapter in their lives on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on CW in “The Diva’s Disaster.”

Release Date & Time: 9:00 Pm Wednesday 29 November 2023 on CW

The Spencer Sisters The Diva’s Disaster Cast – Season 1 Episode 9 Main Cast Lea Thompson as Victoria Spencer...

On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on CW, “The Spencer Sisters” presents Season 1 Episode 8 titled “The Virtuoso’s Vexation.” In this episode, Darby and Victoria, the titular sisters, find themselves on a mission after being hired by the director of an esteemed music academy. Their task: to recover a priceless stolen violin, adding an element of intrigue and mystery to the storyline.

Viewers can anticipate suspenseful episode of “The Spencer Sisters” as the duo engages in their detective work to solve “The Virtuoso’s Vexation” on CW. The series remains committed to delivering a blend of intrigue and investigation in each episode.

Release Date & Time: 9:00 Pm Wednesday 22 November 2023 on CW

The Spencer Sisters The Virtuoso’s Vexation Cast – Season 1 Episode 8 Main Cast Lea Thompson as Victoria Spencer

Stacey Farber as Darby Spencer

Thomas Antony Olajide as Zane Graham

Edward Ruttle as Dr. Lucas Collins

Husein Madhavji as Alastair Dhumal...

Vulture Watch

Can this mother-daughter duo work out their issues? Has The Spencer Sisters TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on The CW? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of The Spencer Sisters, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  

What's This TV Show About?

A lighthearted Canadian procedural drama series airing on The CW television network, The Spencer Sisters TV show stars Lea Thompson, Stacey Farber, Thomas Olajide, Edward Ruttle, Husein Madhavji, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Rodrigo Massa, Kaitlyn Leeb and Adam Hurtig. The story begins as police officer Darby Spencer (Farber) resigns from her job in protest after being overlooked. She also discovers that her boyfriend has...

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on The CW, “The Spencer Sisters” presents Season 1, Episode 7, titled “The Lawyer’s Lament.” In this episode, the Spencer sisters, Darby and Jamie, find themselves entangled in a complex case. Darby’s ex-partner, Lucas, seeks their assistance to investigate a series of escalating threats targeting his fiancée, Lindsay.

The Spencer sisters, known for their investigative skills, delve into the intricacies of this case to uncover the truth behind the threats.

The central theme of this episode is the investigation of the threats against Lindsay and the pursuit of the responsible party.

Tune in on November 15, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on The CW to follow the Spencer sisters as they tackle “The Lawyer’s Lament” and navigate the complexities of this new case in their investigative journey.

Release Date & Time: 9:00 Pm Wednesday 15 November 2023 on CW

The Spencer Sisters The Lawyer’s Lament Cast – Season 1 Episode...

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 10:00 Pm, the CW will air Season 1, Episode 6 of “The Spencer Sisters” titled “The Winemaker’s Woe.” In this episode, the Spencer sisters, Darby and Victoria, take on a new case. They’re hired by one of Darby’s former schoolmates to investigate acts of vandalism happening at his winery.

Viewers can expect to see the sisters working together to uncover the mystery behind the vandalism. As they dig deeper, they aim to solve the case and bring an end to the problems faced by their client.

“The Spencer Sisters” is a series that follows the adventures of two sisters who work as private investigators. In this episode, they will use their skills to get to the bottom of the winery’s troubles and restore peace to the vineyard.

Tune in to the CW at the specified time to join the Spencer sisters on their investigation in “The Winemaker’s Woe.

On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on the CW, get ready for the latest episode of “The Spencer Sisters.” In the upcoming episode titled “The Decorator’s Debacle,” the Spencer sisters, Darby and Victoria, join forces with Victoria’s enthusiastic friend, Rory. Together, they embark on an intriguing adventure to uncover what Rory firmly believes was an attempt on his life.

The episode promises to be filled with mystery and suspense as the trio delves into the puzzling circumstances surrounding Rory’s alleged life-threatening incident. “The Spencer Sisters” have a reputation for solving enigmatic cases, and this time, they have an eager accomplice in Rory.

For fans of thrilling mysteries and captivating storytelling, this episode is a must-watch. Join the CW on November 1, 2023, at 9:00 Pm to follow Darby, Victoria, and Rory as they work together to unravel the secrets behind “The Decorator’s Debacle.”

Release Date & Time: 9:00 Pm...

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, the CW network presents the next episode of “The Spencer Sisters” titled “The Restauranteur’s Ruin.”

In this episode, the focus shifts to a local bistro owner named Antonio, who faces a threat to his professional reputation. Fearing the damage this might cause, he turns to Darby and Victoria, the Spencer Sisters, for their investigative expertise.

The plot unfolds as the sisters delve into the mystery, aiming to uncover the truth behind the targeting of Antonio’s reputation. As they embark on their quest, viewers can expect a mix of intrigue and suspense, with the sisters using their skills to solve the case.

“The Spencer Sisters” continues to offer engaging and suspenseful stories, and this episode promises to be no exception. Tune in on Wednesday night to follow the sisters as they work to restore Antonio’s reputation and solve the mystery.

Release Date...

Get ready for another intriguing episode of “The Spencer Sisters” airing on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on the CW. In this upcoming episode titled “The Coder’s Calamity,” Darby and Victoria, the dynamic sister duo, take on a high-tech case. Their mission is to investigate a complex matter involving stolen intellectual property.

The episode revolves around three tech developers with Silicon Valley vibes, who find themselves in a difficult situation. Darby and Victoria step in to unravel the mystery and get to the bottom of this coding conundrum.

“The Spencer Sisters” offers a fresh take on detective stories, and it’s perfect for viewers of all ages. Join them as they use their wits and intelligence to solve this intriguing case. It’s a must-watch for those who love a good mystery and a bit of tech-savvy action. Don’t miss “The Coder’s Calamity” episode on the CW this Wednesday at 9:00 Pm.

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, the CW network is airing the second episode of “The Spencer Sisters” titled “The Executive’s Elegy.”

In this episode, viewers will follow the Spencer sisters, Victoria and Darby, as they step into the world of mystery-solving. When a pharmaceutical CEO named Marlina faces a tragedy as her fiancé is found drowned, Victoria and Darby decide to investigate.

If you enjoy tales of suspense and solving puzzles, this show might pique your interest. It’s a chance to see how the Spencer sisters use their skills to unravel mysteries.

Don’t forget to tune in to the CW on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, for this episode of “The Spencer Sisters.”

Release Date & Time: 9:00 Pm Wednesday 11 October 2023 on CW

The Spencer Sisters The Executive’s Elegy Cast – Season 1 Episode 2 Main Cast Lea Thompson as Victoria Spencer

Stacey Farber as Darby Spencer

Thomas Antony Olajide...

The trailer for The CW’s new procedural introduces Victoria and Darby Spencer who are, despite the show’s title, definitely not sisters. The Spencer Sisters stars Lea Thompson (Back to the Future) as Victoria, a bestselling author and mom of Darby. Both mother and daughter share an interest in solving crimes, and together they take on cases that stump the police.

Episode one, “The Scholar’s Snafu,” will air on October 4, 2023. New season one episodes arrive on Wednesdays at 9pm Et/Pt.

Joining Lea Thompson and Stacey Farber in what’s described as a “female-led, lighthearted procedural” are:

Thomas Antony Olajide (Learn To Swim) as Zane Graham, Darby’s high school best friend and local cop. Edward Ruttle (Arctic Air) as Dr. Lucas Collins, Darby’s high school flame. Husein Madhavji (Saving Hope) as Alastair Dhumal, Victoria’s It Consultant (a.k.a. hacker). Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves (Sort Of) as Sarita Stark,...

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, the CW will premiere Season 1, Episode 1 of “The Spencer Sisters” titled “The Scholar’s Snafu.”

In this debut episode, the story revolves around Darby and her friend Kaia. Kaia is wrongly accused of plagiarism, a serious accusation in the world of academics. When Darby learns of Kaia’s predicament, she and her sister Victoria put aside their differences and decide to investigate the situation.

As the sisters dig deeper into the matter, they uncover a much larger scandal that goes beyond the initial plagiarism accusation. This discovery leads them on a path to unravel the truth and clear Kaia’s name.

“The Spencer Sisters” is a show that focuses on the adventures and mysteries that Darby and Victoria encounter. This first episode promises intrigue and a lesson in standing up for what’s right.

If you’re interested in stories of friendship, justice, and solving mysteries,...

The Spencer Sisters, starring Lea Thompson (Switched at Birth) and Stacey Farber (Superman & Lois), is headed to The CW this fall. The pair play a mother and daughter duo (often mistaken as sisters) who join forces to start a private detective agency in the fictional town of Alder Bluffs.

Thomas Antony Olajide, Edward Ruttle, Husein Madhavji, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Rodrigo Massa, Kaitlyn Leeb, and Adam Hurtig star in the Canadian series created by Alan McCullough (Rookie Blue).

Read More…...

The CW has been busy north of the border.

The network has picked up The Spencer Sisters, a Canadian drama starring Caroline in the City star Lea Thompson and Superman & Lois’ Stacey Farber, for its fall lineup.

It is the latest Canadian series that it has acquired, this time from eOne, as the Nexstar-owned company’s scripted strategy becomes a little clearer.

The Spencer Sisters, which aired its first 10-part earlier this year on CTV (see trailer below), follows a mother and daughter duo who team up to start a private detective agency. It pairs mystery novelist Victoria Spencer (Thompson) and her daughter Darby Spencer (Farber) who are mistaken as sisters as they tackle puzzling cases.

Related: ‘Run The Burbs’, ‘Moonshine’, ‘Bump’ Season 2 Among Additions To The CW’s Summer Programming Slate

It also stars Thomas Antony Olajide, Edward Ruttle, Husein Madhavji, Ayesha Mansur Gonsalves, Rodrigo Massa, Kaitlyn Leeb and Adam Hurtig.

Principal photography has kicked off on “Backspot,” the upcoming queer cheerleading film starring Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”) and newcomer Kudakwashe Rutendo as the leads. It will mark helmer D.W. Waterson (“That’s My DJ”) directorial feature debut. The film is expected to shoot until mid-March in the Toronto area.

The film hails from Elliot Page’s Page Boy Productions, Night is Y and Prospero Pictures, and was written by Joanne Sarazen, based on a story by Waterson. Page, Matthew Jordan Smith, John Davidson, and Katisha Shaw executive produce; Alona Metzer, Waterson, Jacobs and Martin Katz board as producers.

“Backspot” revolves around two young cheerleaders, Riley (Jacobs) and Amanda (Rutendo). Both are impressive members of their mid-level cheerleading squad until a professional coach gives them a chance to level up with The Thunderhawks. There, they must learn to “negotiate their space, find their voices, and come to an understanding with the...

Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Array, has acquired the distribution rights for indie drama “Learn to Swim” and has set a release date for Aug. 15 in select theaters and on Netflix.

“Learn to Swim” marks the feature directorial debut of Thyrone Tommy, who co-wrote the screenplay with Marni Van Dyk. Alona Metzer produced the film.

An official entry into last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, “Learn to Swim” focuses on two young jazz musicians: saxophone player Dezi (Thomas Antony Olajide) and singer Selma (Emma Ferreira). Although polar opposites — Dezi is experienced and closed off, Selma is inexperienced and spirited — sparks fly between the two, but their respective emotional baggage stands in the way between them and romance.

The contemporary jazz romance made the TIFF’s annual top 10 list in 2021 and was nominated for the Dgc Discovery Award at the Directors Guild of Canada Awards. The...

Array Releasing, the distribution arm of Ava DuVernay’s Peabody Award-winning narrative change collective, has picked up rights to the feature drama Learn to Swim for the U.S., the UK, Australia and New Zealand, slating it for release on select screens and on Netflix on August 15.

The first feature from director Thyrone Tommy dives into the world of contemporary jazz with a musical meditation on love and loss, following the doggedly private and talented saxophone player Dezi (Thomas Antony Olajide) and a vivacious, but less experienced singer named Selma (Emma Ferreira). When the two meet, sparks fly, but their respective emotional baggage and temperaments make the road to romance bumpy at best.

An official selection of the 2021 Toronto Film Festival, Learn to Swim was written by Tommy and Marni Van Dyk, with Alona Metzer producing.

“With Array Releasing’s summer acquisition of Learn To Swim, we are thrilled to...

Indie Rights has acquired worldwide rights to Chasing the Rain, the drama written and directed by Cindy Jansen that stars Matt Lanter. The distributor has set a December 18 bow on VOD and digital platforms.

In Jansen’s debut feature, which she also produced, Lanter plays a shy photographer who desperately tries to fit in with his friends and hold on to the decent life he seems to have. When tragedy befalls him, his unresolved past begins unraveling, threatening to destroy his work and relationships. William Russ, Hallee Hirsh, Yetide Badaki, Eric Tiede, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Maiara Walsh, Dendrie Taylor and Cindy Pickett also star.

Bob L. Johnson and Faras Rabadi are executive producers.

“Chasing the Rain is a powerful and entertaining film, one that is timely and relevant to the struggles we’ve faced in 2020, both personally and globally. We are thrilled to partner with Cindy and NightMuse Productions to bring...

Katie Arneson (Kacey Rohl) is sick. But the variance between the illness she’s allowed everyone to realize and that which is actually true is almost too great to bear. Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas’ White Lie thrillingly weaves through every inch of Katie’s operation, dissecting her monstrous smile while simultaneously obliterating our capacity for and perception of belief.

Airlifted far beyond the ground floor of her sting, we’re introduced to Katie as a local celebrity. Walking around the campus of her Ontario-based university, fellow students stop her to pose for pictures, and fundraising efforts see her face, figure, and corresponding hashtags plastered all over. A strangely urgent phone call and a menacingly chaotic score – courtesy of frequent collaborator Lev Lewis – provide us our first inclinations of foul play, and the proceeding 90 minutes are all dedicated towards Katie’s straggling efforts to uphold the lie that she’s been diagnosed with cancer.