A beloved Canadian detective is saddling up for a western adventure. A special Calgary Stampede-themed episode of the long-running series "Murdoch Mysteries" is set to premiere on CBC TV and CBC Gem on Monday, January 5, 2026. The episode, filmed in Alberta, plunges Detective William Murdoch into a murder mystery at the iconic rodeo's historic beginnings.
From Detective to Cowboy: Bisson's Roping Skills Return
The episode filmed over three days in late July at the Bar N Ranch in Turner Valley. For star Yannick Bisson, who plays the astute Detective William Murdoch, the shoot was a chance to revisit an old skill. Bisson, who learned to rope while starring in the CBC series "Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy" in the late 1990s, practiced on hay-bale steers between takes.
He successfully roped his target two out of three times, prompting a proud call to his wife. "I said, 'Can you believe it? It's been 20 years,'" Bisson recalled in a July set interview. "My wife said, 'Yann, it's been 26 years.' The base skillset is still there." His character will use those skills in the episode to lasso a villain from horseback.
A "Heartland" Crossover, Century-Style
While a modern-day crossover with Alberta's other iconic series, "Heartland," is impossible due to timeline differences—Murdoch Mysteries is set around the turn of the 20th century—producers found a clever workaround. They cast "Heartland" star Amber Marshall in a guest role as legendary American sharpshooter Annie Oakley.
This marks a notable meeting of two Canadian television institutions. "Murdoch Mysteries" is in its 19th season, with Yannick Bisson having played Detective Murdoch for 20 years. The series began on CityTV and moved to CBC for its sixth season. It is one of Canada's longest-running hour-long dramas, alongside "Heartland," which began filming just a few months earlier.
Stampede Setting for Classic Murdoch Mystery
The episode's plot centers on a murder—or two—that disrupts the festivities of the first Calgary Stampede. This provides a vibrant and uniquely Canadian backdrop for the show's classic investigative formula. The production brings the historical series to a location deeply woven into Alberta's cultural identity.
Fans can expect the show's signature blend of period detail, intellectual crime-solving, and character-driven storytelling, all against the exciting and chaotic backdrop of a nascent rodeo. The episode promises to be a must-watch for longtime fans and a captivating entry point for those new to the series, celebrating both a TV milestone and a piece of Canadian heritage.
