In Defence of CBC’s Prank Show episode artwork

EPISODE · May 22, 2026 · 34 MIN

In Defence of CBC’s Prank Show

from CANADALAND

CBC is pausing its production of an elaborate “prank show” led by Indigenous creators after outrage online. Critics say “Northland Tales” is political activism that has no place on the national broadcaster.But Ryan McMahon joins San Grewal to explain why pranking is fair game, even on the CBC, and why it would be a shame if the show gets cancelled. Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Ryan McMahonFurther reading: CBC pausing production on satirical Indigenous show | CBC NewsLILLEY: CBC hits pause on show targeting RCMP and conservatives - Toronto Sun CBC called out for role in prank interviews of Kamloops residential school grave critics -CBC NewsCBC-funded prank show’s deceptive tactics raise fraud and legal concerns: Lawyer - The Hub'I'm sick to my stomach': Retired RCMP officer details humiliating experience with CBC prank show Taxpayer-funded mockumentary exposed; most legacy media steer clear of graves dissidents - The Rewrite [Substack]Hundreds gather to celebrate Murray Sinclair's legacy with round dance in Winnipeg | CBC News   Sponsors:oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.caIt’s our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You’ll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to canadaland.com/joinStephen Marche will be interviewing Chrystia Freeland LIVE in Toronto in the first edition of The Nuance, a live event series in partnership with the MNJCC. Join us on Sunday, May 24th at 7pm at the Al Green theatre. Doors open at 6pm. Free for Canadaland supporters, or you can become a supporter at the door for only $2 this month. Seating is first come first served. Find out more at canadaland.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CBC is pausing its production of an elaborate “prank show” led by Indigenous creators after outrage online. Critics say “Northland Tales” is political activism that has no place on the national broadcaster.But Ryan McMahon joins San Grewal to explain why pranking is fair game, even on the CBC, and why it would be a shame if the show gets cancelled. Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Ryan McMahonFurther reading: CBC pausing production on satirical Indigenous show | CBC NewsLILLEY: CBC hits pause on show targeting RCMP and conservatives - Toronto Sun CBC called out for role in prank interviews of Kamloops residential school grave critics -CBC NewsCBC-funded prank show’s deceptive tactics raise fraud and legal concerns: Lawyer - The Hub'I'm sick to my stomach': Retired RCMP officer details humiliating experience with CBC prank show Taxpayer-funded mockumentary exposed; most legacy media steer clear of graves dissidents - The Rewrite [Substack]Hundreds gather to celebrate Murray Sinclair's legacy with round dance in Winnipeg | CBC News   Sponsors:oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.caIt’s our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You’ll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to canadaland.com/joinStephen Marche will be interviewing Chrystia Freeland LIVE in Toronto in the first edition of The Nuance, a live event series in partnership with the MNJCC. Join us on Sunday, May 24th at 7pm at the Al Green theatre. Doors open at 6pm. Free for Canadaland supporters, or you can become a supporter at the door for only $2 this month. Seating is first come first served. Find out more at canadaland.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In Defence of CBC’s Prank Show

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This episode was published on May 22, 2026.

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CBC is pausing its production of an elaborate “prank show” led by Indigenous creators after outrage online. Critics say “Northland Tales” is political activism that has no place on the national broadcaster.But Ryan McMahon joins San Grewal to...

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