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Crave's Bold New Comedy: "Cats in the Plateau" Kicks Off Production in Montreal

The buzz is real, and production is officially underway! Crave, Canada's premier streaming platform, has set tongues wagging with the highly anticipated commencement of filming for "Cats in the Plateau," a brand-new comedy series from the brilliant mind of Jared Keeso, the creative force behind the global phenomenon Letterkenny. This latest Crave original promises to inject fresh, uniquely Canadian humor into the streaming landscape, solidifying the platform's commitment to homegrown talent and stories. Let's dive into what we know about this exciting development.

What's the Fuss About? Crave's Latest Original Takes Shape

The core news, confirmed by multiple official sources, is straightforward: cameras are rolling on "Cats in the Plateau" in Montreal. This significant step follows the Crave announcement casting for the series, generating considerable excitement among fans of Keeso's signature comedic style.

• The Spark: Jared Keeso, the Emmy-winning creator and star of Letterkenny and its spin-off Shoresy, returns to the writing room and producer's chair for this new venture.
• The Location: Filming is taking place in the vibrant and iconic Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood of Montreal, Quebec. This picturesque, character-rich setting is expected to play a significant role in the show's atmosphere and storyline.
• The Platform: "Cats in the Plateau" is a Crave original series, meaning it will be available exclusively to Crave subscribers in Canada upon its eventual release. This positions it as a key tentpole in Crave's strategy to compete in the crowded streaming market by leveraging distinct Canadian content.

As reported by Playback Online, production has "gotten underway in Montreal," marking a major milestone. The Bell Media (Crave's parent company) announcement simply titled "Cats in the Plateau" confirms the show's existence within their slate. The TV, eh? report provided early confirmation of the casting process, hinting at the scale and ambition of the project even before filming began.

Recent Updates: From Casting Calls to Rolling Cameras

The journey from concept to production has seen several key updates, all pointing towards an active and well-supported project:

1. Casting Announcement (June 2023): Crave officially confirmed casting was underway for "Cats in the Plateau." While specific character details remained under wraps at the time, this announcement signaled that the project was moving from development into active pre-production. Reports highlighted Keeso's involvement as creator and the show's focus on comedy (TV, eh?).
2. Production Commences (June 2024): The most significant recent update is the commencement of principal photography in Montreal. Multiple sources confirm that the cast and crew are now actively filming scenes in and around the Plateau neighborhood (Playback Online). This transition from casting to filming is a crucial hurdle cleared for any new series.
3. Official Confirmation: Both Playback Online and Bell Media itself have issued reports confirming the production is underway, lending significant credibility to the project's progress.

Important Note: As is typical during early production phases, specific plot details, character breakdowns, episode counts, or a projected release date for "Cats in the Plateau" have not been officially released by Crave or Bell Media. Further announcements are expected as filming progresses.

Setting the Scene: Context Behind the Buzz

Understanding the significance of "Cats in the Plateau" requires looking at the broader landscape:

• Jared Keeso's Track Record: Keeso isn't just any creator; he's a proven powerhouse in Canadian comedy. Letterkenny, which started as a web series before being picked up by Crave, became a cultural phenomenon both domestically and internationally. Its spin-off, Shoresy, also found significant success on the platform. Keeso's unique voice – blending sharp, rapid-fire dialogue with distinctly rural Canadian settings and themes – has a massive and devoted following. "Cats in the Plateau" automatically inherits this pedigree and audience anticipation.
• Crave's Original Content Strategy: Bell Media's Crave has been heavily investing in original content to distinguish itself and retain subscribers. Hits like Letterkenny, Shoresy, Sort Of, Children Ruin Everything, and the critically acclaimed Bonderland demonstrate this commitment. "Cats in the Plateau" fits perfectly into this strategy, offering another high-profile comedy from an established star. It underscores Crave's role as the primary home for a new wave of popular Canadian scripted comedies.
• The Montreal Connection: Filming in Montreal is a strategic choice. The city boasts a world-class film and television production infrastructure, competitive tax credits, multilingual talent pools, and visually stunning locations like the Plateau. While Keeso's previous hits are deeply rooted in rural Ontario (the inspiration for Letterkenny), setting "Cats in the Plateau" in an urban Montreal neighborhood suggests a potential shift in setting and dynamics, offering a fresh canvas for Keeso's comedic sensibilities. The Plateau itself, known for its bohemian vibe, cafes, and distinct architecture, promises to be a character in its own right.

The Immediate Impact: A Win for Crave, Montreal, and Comedy Fans

The start of production has immediate ripple effects:

• For Crave: It adds another major anticipated original to their upcoming lineup, helping to lock in current subscribers and attract new ones. It reinforces their brand as the destination for top-tier Canadian comedy.
• For the Montreal Production Industry: A series of this profile, created by a major talent like Keeso and backed by Bell Media, brings significant economic activity and jobs to Montreal's vibrant film sector. It showcases the city's capabilities and further cements its reputation as a hub for English-language Canadian productions.
• For Fans: It's tangible proof that the show is actually happening and moving forward. While release details are still distant, seeing production underway fuels excitement and speculation about the new characters, stories, and humor Keeso will bring to the screen. The "Crave crave" for more Keeso content is being directly addressed.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next for "Cats in the Plateau"?

Based on the verified information and standard industry practices, here's what we can reasonably anticipate:

1. Completion of Filming: The primary focus now is completing principal photography in Montreal. This will likely take several months.
2. Post-Production: Once filming wraps, the series will enter post-production (editing, visual effects, sound design, music composition). This phase is also lengthy.
3. Official Marketing Push: Expect a significant increase in official communication from Crave once post-production is sufficiently advanced. This will include:
   • First-Look Images & Teasers: Official stills and potentially a short teaser trailer.
   • Cast & Character Reveals: Official announcements of the full cast and their roles.
   • Synopsis & Theme Details: More information about the show's premise, themes, and tone.
   • Release Date: The highly anticipated premiere date announcement.
4. Release Window: Considering typical production timelines for scripted series,