CBC’s Heather Hiscox to retire this fall, network adds reality show with people on autism spectrum

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/06/2025 (461 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO – After two decades of waking up the nation, CBC News Network veteran Heather Hiscox is retiring and will step down as host of “CBC Morning Live” this fall.

The longtime breaking-news anchor announced her departure Wednesday during an event at the public broadcaster’s headquarters, where execs presented their new slate of programming for the fall and winter.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve created as a morning team. Above all, I’m forever indebted to Canadians, my faithful viewers,” Hiscox said at the presentation while choking up.

“Their support has sustained me. Earning and keeping their trust has been my most rewarding achievement.”

Her final day will be in front of a live audience Nov. 6, also her 20th anniversary as host of the 6 a.m. show that runs for four hours.

The news came as CBC detailed lineup additions featuring a fall reality show in which stars including Jann Arden, Howie Mandel and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan field questions from people on the autism spectrum.

“The Assembly” is an adaptation of a French series where guests included President Emmanuel Macron.

Expected in 2026 are the Manitoba-set animal rescue series “Must Love Dogs” with CFL star Brady Oliveira; a docuseries about Indigenous former NASCAR driver Derek White called “Running Smoke;” and a behind-the-scenes look at Cirque du Soleil called “Cirque Life.” A docuseries about Montreal Tupperware queen Maria Meriano dubbed “Diamonds & Plastic” will land this fall. 

Before she leaves, CBC says Hiscox will take “CBC Morning Live” on the road this fall to speak to Canadians directly about their perspectives on the country. 

“I’m calling it my grati-tour,” Hiscox said on stage Wednesday.

During Hiscox’s tenure on the desk she presented major news events including the Humboldt, Sask., bus crash; the Quebec City mosque shooting; the funerals of Pope Francis and Queen Elizabeth II and 10 Olympic Games. 

CBC said “CBC Morning Live” will continue after Hiscox departs and they’ve begun searching for replacements.

“She decided it was time for her to not get up in the middle of the night anymore (to do the show), and we really respected that,” said Barbara Williams, CBC’s executive vice-president of English services.

Hiscox said she plans to offer guidance to emerging reporters during her remaining time on the job.

“I’ll be working with new CBC journalists, passing on what I have learned. There’s a reason my colleagues here call me Preparation H and I’m happy to share,” she cracked.

Hiscox began her broadcasting career in 1982 at a radio station in her hometown of Owen Sound, Ont., and moved into television in 1991. Her CBC roles included serving as a correspondent for “The National” and working out of bureaus in Washington, D.C., and London, U.K.

The announcement came at a splashy event featuring live interviews with CBC talent, including “North of North” star Anna Lambe and CBC comic Mark Critch.

Returning winter comedies include sophomore seasons of “North of North” and “Small Achievable Goals,” and a fifth season of “Son of a Critch,” and a 33rd season of “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” this fall.

On the drama side, “Saint-Pierre” gets a second winter season while “Allegiance” and “Wild Cards” return for their third. Long-running favourites “Heartland” and “Murdoch Mysteries” both kick off 19th seasons this fall and the third season of “Plan B” premieres Aug. 8.

CBC did not announce any new scripted projects aside from kids fare including the fall show “The Unstoppable Jenny Garcia,” about a 13-year-old hip-hop dancer with leukemia and written by novelist Catherine Hernandez.

Sally Catto, CBC’s general manager of entertainment, factual and sports, said the broadcaster greenlit “more than a handful” of new dramas and comedies but couldn’t announce them yet due to outstanding elements — from casting to funding partners.

Catto said one of CBC’s priorities for their upcoming slate was to “provide a window into worlds that audiences haven’t seen before,” and not only different regions.

She said “The Assembly,” for instance, gives a platform to neurodivergent voices, allowing participants to ask celebs “any questions they want.”

“This is not censored in any way, and I think there’s an authenticity to it. The actors are asked questions that are really not about their acting careers, so it’s a really interesting dynamic and the truths that come out are moving and really thought-provoking.”

Unscripted shows returning this fall include “Family Feud Canada,” “The Great Canadian Baking Show,” “Still Standing” and “Dragons’ Den,” which celebrates its 20th anniversary with “Property Brothers” star Drew Scott as a celebrity guest dragon.

Returning documentary series this fall include “For the Culture with Amanda Parris,” “The Nature of Things” and “The Passionate Eye” — the latter of which will include an episode on Lilith Fair, the music festival started by Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan.

The Legacy Awards, which celebrate Black Canadian talent, will return for a fourth edition and the previously announced “Locals Welcome,” in which food writer Suresh Doss shines a light on lesser-known eateries, premieres this fall.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.