Crave unveiled today the cast of its upcoming original comedy series I KILL THE BEAR, a six-episode, half-hour project produced by New Metric Media. Created, written by, and starring Jared Keeso, the show is set to premiere on Crave in 2026. Production is currently underway in Sudbury, Ontario, where a family of bear wranglers navigates the film industry and, after a century in the business, contemplates a first-ever big decision: calling it quits.
Casting ensemble and characters
At the heart of the series is Jared Keeso, known for Letterkenny and Shoresy, who leads a strong ensemble that blends comedy with Canadian drama. The cast features Nickleback frontman Chad Kroeger, alongside respected actors Adrian Holmes, Georges St-Pierre, Jonathan Torrens, Sarah-Maude Beauchesne, and Kristin Kreuk. The lineup is rounded out by Dylan Playfair, Eliana Jones, Frederick Roy, and Megha Sandhu, each bringing a distinct energy to the family dynamic at the center of the bear-wrangling world. This mix of music, sport, and acting talent signals a bold, character-driven workplace comedy with room for both heartfelt moments and sharp wit.
Ultimately, the show aims to fuse a love of cinema with a fresh, Canadian voice, delivering performances that resonate with fans of Keeso’s previous work while inviting new audiences to the bear-wrangling saga on screen. The ensemble’s chemistry is poised to drive the humor and the human stories behind a family’s century-long trade.
Plot, tone, and premise
I KILL THE BEAR follows a family whose legacy as bear wranglers on film sets has spanned 100 years. After a long career steeped in behind-the-scenes antics, they face a pivotal choice: this may be their last film. The premise blends workplace comedy with family dynamics, offering satirical takes on the movie industry, the performance of a craftsman’s pride, and the pressures of modern entertainment. The show’s tone balances witty banter, heartfelt family drama, and moments of self-deprecating humor that fans of Keeso’s signature style will recognize, while also inviting audiences who enjoy a fresh Canadian take on a skilled trade at the center of the entertainment machine.
Production details and creative team
The six-episode series is produced by New Metric Media in association with Play Fun Games, with Jared Keeso serving as executive producer, writer, star, and creator. The story is by Keeso with additional material by Trevor Risk. Direction comes from Dan and Sean Skene, who also serve as executive producers. Additional executive producers include Mark Montefiore, Kara Haflidson, and Max Wolfond as supervising producer for New Metric Media. Bell Media’s involvement includes senior production leadership and development oversight as the network carries Crave Originals to Canadian audiences and beyond.
New Metric Media’s ongoing collaboration with Bell Media and Crave continues to emphasize high-quality Canadian comedies, expanding the studio’s footprint in global distribution and cross-platform storytelling. The project’s distribution is handled internationally by New Metric Media, ensuring I KILL THE BEAR reaches audiences beyond Canada while preserving its distinct Canadian voice.
Release window and where to watch
With production underway in Sudbury, Ontario, Crave has slated a 2026 premiere for I KILL THE BEAR. The six-part series will join Crave’s growing slate of English and French originals, reinforcing Crave’s commitment to bold, genre-fluent Canadian comedy. As with other Crave originals, the show will be accessible to Crave subscribers and will contribute to Bell Media’s broader strategy to showcase Canadian talent on a global stage.
Why this series matters
I KILL THE BEAR represents a fresh entry in Canada’s comedy landscape, pairing a beloved creator with a blend of star-power and rising performers. The premise leverages a uniquely Canadian work culture—the film set—as a backdrop for universal themes of family, ambition, and reinvention. By bringing together an eclectic cast and a production team with proven comedy chops, the show has the potential to become a standout Crave Original that travels well with international audiences while staying deeply rooted in its Canadian roots.
