Watch Slings & Arrows

Slings & Arrows is a Canadian television series that originally aired on The Movie Network from 2003 to 2006. Created by Susan Coyne, Bob Martin, and Mark McKinney, the show follows the lives of the members of a struggling Shakespearean theater company called the New Burbage Festival.

The series stars Paul Gross as Geoffrey Tennant, a talented but unstable actor who returns to the New Burbage Festival after a mental breakdown. Geoffrey is haunted by the ghost of his former mentor, Oliver Welles, played by Stephen Ouimette, who died tragically during a production of Hamlet. With the help of his friends and colleagues, including Ellen Fanshaw, played by Martha Burns, and Richard Smith-Jones, played by McKinney, Geoffrey must navigate the challenges of running a theater company while also dealing with his own personal demons.

Slings & Arrows is an irreverent and often hilarious look at the world of theater, as well as a poignant exploration of the creative process and the toll it can take on those who pursue it. The show's strong ensemble cast and sharp writing make it a standout in the world of television drama.

Throughout the series, the characters of the New Burbage Festival grapple with a variety of challenges, from artistic differences and financial woes to romantic entanglements and personal tragedies. They put on productions of Shakespearean classics like Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet, as well as more contemporary plays like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Tempest.

Along the way, the show offers insightful commentary on the nature of art and the role it plays in our lives. The characters often debate the meaning and relevance of Shakespeare's works, as well as their own place in the world of theater. At the same time, they must confront the limitations of their own talent and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.

Despite its themes of darkness and struggle, Slings & Arrows is ultimately a show about hope and redemption. Through their dedication to their craft and their love for each other, the members of the New Burbage Festival are able to overcome their obstacles and find a way forward. The series is a testament to the transformative power of art, and a celebration of the human spirit.

With its sharp writing, strong performances, and insightful commentary, Slings & Arrows remains a beloved and highly-regarded piece of Canadian television. It has been praised for its wit, its heart, and its ability to capture the magic of live theater. For fans of drama, comedy, and all things Shakespearean, it is a must-see.

Slings & Arrows is a series that ran for 3 seasons (18 episodes) between November 3, 2003 and on The Movie Network