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The Fifth Estate poster

The Fifth Estate

"Where the story doesn't end with the headline"

6.8
17 seasons
175 episodes
Returning Series
Documentary
News

Plot Summary

Each week the fifth estate brings in-depth investigations that matter to Canadians – delivering a dazzling parade of political leaders, controversial characters and ordinary people whose lives were touched by triumph or tragedy.

First Aired:January 2, 1976
Last Aired:November 14, 2025
Episode Runtime:1h 0m
Networks:
CBC Television

Cast & Characters

Where to watch free (US)

No free providers found in US.

Seasons (17)

Season 1

Season 1

1 episode

Aired: 1976

Season 2
10.0

Season 2

1 episode

Aired: 1976

Season 25

Season 25

1 episode

Aired: 1999

Season 34

Season 34

18 episodes

Aired: 2008

Season 35

Season 35

20 episodes

Aired: 2009

Season 36

Season 36

23 episodes

Aired: 2010

Season 37

Season 37

25 episodes

Aired: 2011

Season 38

Season 38

23 episodes

Aired: 2012

Season 39

Season 39

19 episodes

Aired: 2013

Season 40

Season 40

2 episodes

Aired: 2015

Season 41

Season 41

2 episodes

Aired: 2015

Season 44

Season 44

1 episode

Aired: 2019

Season 45

Season 45

1 episode

Season 46

Season 46

7 episodes

Aired: 2020

Season 47

Season 47

12 episodes

Aired: 2021

Season 50

Season 50

14 episodes

Aired: 2024

THE FIFTH ESTATE brings audiences Canada's top investigative stories. From across the country and around the world, Fifth Estate journalists dig deeper to get to the stories that matter

Season 51

Season 51

7 episodes

Aired: 2025

The season features in-depth investigative reports on major Canadian and international issues, including corporate accountability for a massive B.C. data breach, the toxic drug crisis, and an exposé on Canadian charitable donations supporting controversial international settlements.