Cardinal (2017)
A gripping Canadian crime drama following a haunted detective and his watchful partner as they unravel deadly secrets in the frozen wilderness of Northern Ontario.
Cardinal - Series Information
- Original Title: Cardinal
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Podz, Jeff Renfroe
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (43 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 25, 2017 (United States - TV-MA), January 25, 2017 (Canada - 14+), January 25, 2017 (United Kingdom - 18), January 25, 2017 (Germany - 16), January 25, 2017 (Australia - MA 15+), January 25, 2017 (Brazil - 16), January 25, 2017 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: CTV
- Alternative Titles: Cardinal: Blackfly Season (CA), 冰血缉凶 (CN)
- Production Companies: Entertainment One, Sienna Films
- Production Countries: Canada
Cardinal - Plot
Detective John Cardinal attempts to uncover the mystery of what happened to the missing 13-year-old girl whose body is discovered in the shaft-head of an abandoned mine. At the same time, he comes under investigation by his new partner, Lise Delorme, a tough investigator in her own right.
Cardinal - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the chilling world of Cardinal:
Where to Watch Cardinal
Looking for where to watch Cardinal?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Cardinal - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Podz
- Jeff Renfroe
Main Cast
- Billy Campbell
- Karine Vanasse
- Kristen Thomson
- Deborah Hay
- Glen Gould
- Alanna Bale
- Eric Hicks
- James Downing
- David Richmond-Peck
- Alex Ozerov-Meyer
Writers
- Aubrey Nealon
- Sarah Dodd
- Jennica Harper
- Alison Lea Bingeman
- Gemma Holdway
Executive Producers
- Jocelyn Hamilton
- Julia Sereny
- Jennifer Kawaja
- Aubrey Nealon
- Sarah Dodd
Cardinal - FAQs
Is Cardinal based on a book or novel?
Yes, Cardinal is based on the John Cardinal mystery novels by Canadian author Giles Blunt. The first season adapts Forty Words for Sorrow, with subsequent seasons drawing from other books in the series, including Blackfly Season and By the Time You Read This.
Where can you stream Cardinal online?
Cardinal is available to stream on Hulu (subscription) and Tubi TV (free with ads) in the United States. It can also be purchased or rented on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for current regional availability.
Who plays Detective John Cardinal in the series?
Billy Campbell portrays Detective John Cardinal, the brooding and morally complex homicide detective at the center of the series. Karine Vanasse co-stars as his partner Lise Delorme, an internal affairs investigator who gradually becomes his trusted ally.
Why does Lise Delorme investigate Cardinal in the show?
Lise Delorme is assigned to investigate Cardinal on suspicion of police corruption. While working alongside him on a child murder case, she must determine whether he is a dirty cop. This dual dynamic — partnership and surveillance — creates the show's central tension throughout the first season.
How many seasons and episodes does Cardinal have?
Cardinal ran for 4 seasons with a total of 24 episodes, each season comprising 6 episodes. The seasons are titled Forty Words for Sorrow, Blackfly Season, By the Time You Read This, and Until the Night. The series concluded in 2020.
What is the content rating for Cardinal?
Cardinal is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong violence, disturbing crime scenes, and adult themes including murder, depression, and police corruption. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
How was Cardinal received by critics?
Cardinal earned strong critical praise for its atmospheric cinematography, restrained performances, and faithful adaptation of Giles Blunt's novels. Critics highlighted Billy Campbell and Karine Vanasse's chemistry and the show's moody depiction of Northern Ontario winters as standout elements throughout its run.
Where was Cardinal filmed?
Cardinal was filmed primarily in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, which doubles as the fictional city of Algonquin Bay. The production made extensive use of the region's rugged wilderness, frozen lakes, and small-town landscapes to create the series' signature cold, isolating atmosphere.
More About Cardinal
Explore further details about Cardinal on these authoritative reference platforms.