Creative Justice

***Creative Justice*** is a Canadian-American crime drama and legal drama television series on ETV created by Osvaldo Tiller. The series follows the crimes committed by their perpetrators, with the Creative Justice Unit thereby investigating the crimes and giving "creative sentences."

Despite speculation that ETV would "order 7 additional episodes to the first season", such did not happen. On December 10, 2018, ETV renewed the series for a second season of 13 episodes. On February 17, 2020, ETV renewed the series for a third season of 12 episodes, with episodes being increased by a few minutes. On August 13, 2020, ETV ordered an additional episode for the 3rd season, to make the season once again consist of 13 episodes; the length of each episode was still increased. This came as a result of the trailer of the the season, which had become viral on YouTube.

On November 2, 2020, ETV renewed the series for a fourth season, as usual consisting of 13 episodes. Notably, this was the earliest the network renewed the series, a result of ratings consecutively increasing in the first 3 episodes of the 3rd season.

On October 25, 2021, ETV renewed the series for a fifth and sixth season, both consisting of 13 episodes. An exec at ETV stated, "When we discovered the numbers of the premiere, we jumped on renewing the series.. but for a longer period of time. Finalizing contracts was simply why we didn't renew the series, so soon. Nevertheless, we are excited to see what the series has in store for us this coming year - and the years that follow!"

On June 13, 2023, creator and show runner of the series Osvaldo Tiller announced that he would depart from the series following the sixth contracted season from the 2021 renewal, to pursue other projects.  However, he stated that he would not end the series, as "it's popularity had proven the series to be a success, with the structure allowing for it to continue airing in the future [should ETV be interested]." Tiller's exit also collided with the exit of some long serving producers, writers and directors. With many members of the crew leaving, it was reported that ETV "would cancel the series after its sixth season would air." ETV reportedly "did not answer these claims, when contacted" and dodged questions related to a seventh season.

On September 18, 2023, ETV renewed the series for a seventh season, as a "reassurance to its fans and viewers that they were [indeed] fully committed to keeping the series on the network." Tiller also confirmed that he was in talks with ETV and a number of potential show runners to take over his role. Tiller also stated in a response to a tweet, "Just because I'm leaving as the show runner, does not mean that I won't come back - as an occasional writer. It all comes down to my schedule, with my future endeavors."

## Premise

The series follows the crimes committed by their perpetrators, with the Creative Justice Unit thereby investigating the crimes and giving "creative sentences." Nina Dobrev's departure from the series also setup a new premise for the series, starting with the second season.

## Cast and characters

* Nina Dobrev as Valarie Cullen (season 1, 4–); special guest star (season 3)
* Jake Epstein as Claudio
* Emeraude Toubia as Janeen
* Evangeline Lilly (season 2)
* Kate Todd (season 2)
* *TBA* (season 3)
* *TBA* (season 5)

**Former main*** Drew Seeley as Boyce "the Beast" (seasons 1–2); guest star (season 3)
* Mckenzie Small as Velia
* Michael Cera as Alonso (seasons 1–6)
* *TBA* (season 6)
* Elizabeth Olsen

**Former recurring*** Louriza Tronco as Nella (seasons 1–2)
* Britt Robertson as fictionalized self (season 1); special guest star (season 6)
* Brendan Meyer as Rod (season 1)

## Episodes

### **Season 1: *The Beginning.* (2018–19)**

* This season marked the first and last regular appearance of Nina Dobrev as Valarie Cullen (until season 4)

### **Season 6: *Endgame.***

A sixth season was ordered on October 25, 2021, as part of ETV's two season renewal. As with the past five seasons, it will contain 13 episodes. Although the release date is presumed to be October 5, 2023, which follows the pattern from past few seasons, one is yet to be announced. It was subsequently reported that this season could premiere later than usual as Tiller's concluding season as the showrunner.

On August 18, 2023, it was announced that the sixth season would premiere on October 19, 2023. This marks the series' latest premiere date in its six season history. On September 1, 2023, it was announced that two additional episodes had been ordered to the season, for a total of 15 episodes. This marks the first time the series has had more or less than its usual number of 13 episodes. On December 4, 2023, ETV confirmed that they had ordered an additional 5 episodes "some time ago", to ensure for a smooth finish of the *Tiller era* without a requirement of rushing any arcs. This move made the series, for the first time, a full 20-season order, totaling the era to 85 episodes. Tiller also stated, "The additional 7 episodes were not ordered because of regrets for my personal decision to exit the series. This was rather to ensure for my final series arc to be one not to forget, as it was earlier decided that it'd start later in the season, though the amount of episodes it'd take was underestimated. I still stand by my word that having 13 episodes only helped the series, but with a new and perhaps much bigger crew, the series could enlarge in the long run."

### **Season 7: *A/The New Era.***

A seventh season was ordered on September 18, 2023, as part of ETV's reassurance that the series would continue beyond show creator and runner Osvaldo Tiller's exit. As the series is expected to "change its direction" beyond this point, it is unknown how many episodes the season will contain.

This season was widely rumored to be marking the departure of many mainstays of the cast, as had been done from producers, directors, writers and creator. Regardless of any cast member departing, it is expected that the show runner will arrive with some new cast additions.

## Minisodes

To date, two minisodes have aired, both primarily focusing on Nina Dobrev's character, Valerie Cullen.

## Production

ETV had not renewed the series after the second season, with speculation that the series was moving channels or being cancelled. In 2020, BCN announced after reports that they would drop out of producing the series, effective after the second season. Additionally, EP and writer Jacinto Clay left, as part of the company. It was reported that BCN's exit was due to the series ratings' decreasing, 'a result of Dobrev's exit', as BCN was only interested in co-producing the series in the long-term, which [they] did not think would be the case if the ratings would already be dropping in the second season. In an interview, Tiller stated that Alpex Corp was not willing to fully produce the series, and that they would drop out should they not have a co-production company. The Story Company announced in February 4, 2020, that they would co-produce the series with Alpex Corp, should the series be renewed for a third season. On February 17, 2020, ETV renewed the series for a third season of 12 episodes, with episodes being increased by a few minutes.

### **Casting**

On 20 August 2018, Nina Dobrev announced that she was cast in a main role in the series, with a character named Valerie. One week later, on 27 August 2018, John Stamos announced that he would lead the series with his character, Bruce. On 30 August 2018, Miriam McDonald stated on Twitter, that she would recur throughout the series. A day later, Britt Robertson confirmed that she would also recur in the series. On 5 September 2018, Jake Epstein announced that he would play series regular Claudio. On 7 September 2018, it was reported that Drew Seeley and Emeraude Toubia would join the cast as Boyce and Janeen respectively. On 17 September 2018, Louriza Tronco stated that she would appear in a few episodes. On 20 September 2018, Mckenzie Small, Michael Cera and Brendan Meyer were reported to be in the recurring cast.

On February 21, 2019, following the events of the first season's finale, Robertson confirmed that she would exit the series, but stated that she would be open to return at a later date. On February 22, 2019, Dobrev also confirmed that she had opted not to renew her contract to pursue other roles. The media stated that her statement was "controversial", but others defended her, stating that "most series have 5 season contracts, but apparently, this one did not." Showrunner Osvaldo Tiller stated "A number of actors signed five season contracts, with an exception for Dobrev, who only agreed to join on a condition. Nonetheless, her character's arc had initially been planned to last a season, for the emotional plot twist that led to the finale."

On June 20, 2019, it was announced that Evangeline Lilly and Kate Todd would join the cast, in unspecified roles.

On June 1, 2021, it was announced that Nina Dobrev would return to the series as a regular. This comes after her special guest appearance in season 3 episode *Crossing Paths*, which was the highest rated episode since the first episode of the entire series. Dobrev also stated, "I never intended to stay on the series for longer than a season, as I had initially presumed that I was joining in a miniseries. Since my exit, I've had talks about making a return, but we ultimately decided that it would be too soon for one to occur in the second season. With the huge success of my episode, I accepted [Tiller]'s request for me to return to the series. I'm excited for the future of the series, and I hope you are too!"

## Paranormal spin-off

See also: Paranormal Justice

On June 13, 2023, creator and show runner of the series Osvaldo Tiller announced that he would depart from the series following the sixth contracted season from the 2021 renewal, to pursue other projects. On April 9, 2024, it was reported that "a spin-off series of [CJ] was almost a done deal." On May 6, 2024, ETV ordered a "paranormal spin-off of [CJ] to series", for a 10-episode first season, which would be developed by former [CJ] showrunner Osvaldo Tiller [his "other project"]. Osvaldo Tiller stated, "For five years, I've enjoyed working on *Creative Justice*, but I believe that it was time to give the reigns to another person. This allowed me to develop something I've long desired, a supernatural series. And what way would this be even better? By making this series a spin-off of *Creative Justice*."

It was reported that names for the series included, *Paranormal Justice*, *Supernatural Justice*, *Abnormal Justice*, *Celestial Justice*, *Mystic Justice*, *Unearthly Justice*, *Justice Paranormal*. Within a few weeks, it was rumored that *Paranormal Justice* was "chosen as the series name." Tiller declined this, stating that it was simply chosen as the working title, but was subject to change. More names were reportedly added to the mix, including *Alien Justice*, *Monster Justice* and *Space Justice*.

Tiller later stated, "I've constantly been asked if there'll be a backdoor pilot on [Creative Justice], and whether or not the two series could cross over. And the answer to both of these questions are no. [CJ] is, and always will be a series with no supernatural elements whatsoever, and as such, crossing them over would void that - as such, it's not possible. How are the two series connected, though? You'll find out when the time comes!"

Tiller also confirmed in an interview, "ETV commissioned 10 episodes for the first season, and this amount will probably stay the same throughout the series, given the increased budget and complexity compared to *Creative Justice*. The format, also, will not be exactly the same as the original; you'll find out in due course..."

On October 1, 2024, ETV announced that the 10-episode first season would commence on January 9, 2025, following the mid-season premiere of the seventh season of *Creative Justice*. Additionally, it was confirmed that a new character would appear in a recurring arc on *Creative Justice*, before leaving the series for a main role on *Paranormal Justice*. This was done as a "different strategy" of backdooring the latter series and hooking new viewers to the series. This also confirmed that both series take place in the same universe, although Tiller stated that "the [CJ] characters would not know a thing about where the Detective was heading."

Tiller later stated that if the series were not to fare well with viewers, and ultimately lead to cancellation, he would not return as the showrunner for the original series. However, he has indicated that he would write episodes for the series more frequently. The budget for the series is among the highest of ETV's programming, having a budget similar to Doctor Who.

On October 7, 2024, it was announced that Canadian actress Emeraude Toubia would lead the series as her character Gabriela Royster. It was also reported thereafter that Ksenia Solo would play a character named Gabriela, though unconfirmed.

## Reception

### **Ratings**

The series has consistently been ranked the second most popular ETV series, just behind the infamous Doctor Who (although rated higher, *Creative Justice* was more steady and consistent with its ratings). The series notably surpassed Degrassi: The Other Generation to be the second most watched series, which was formerly the most watched.

## See also

* List of original programs broadcast by ETV

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