The supernatural mystery series Yaga premieres this weekend on Crave, marking a significant transition from stage to screen for Canadian playwright Kat Sandler. The eight-episode drama, which features a heavy dose of folklore and mystery, is set in the fictional coastal town of Whittock on Vancouver Island.

What is the plot of Yaga?

The series follows a private investigator, played by Noah Reid, who travels to a small coastal community to look into the vanishing of a rich young heir. As the investigation unfolds, the protagonist encounters ancient magic and a web of local secrets involving a powerful family and mysterious witches.

Read also New Canadian horror series Yaga arrives on streaming platforms

Key elements of the production include:

  • An ensemble cast featuring Carrie-Anne Moss, Clark Backo, and Hudson Williams.
  • A genre blend of detective procedural, fairy tale, and erotic thriller.
  • Roots in a 2019 Toronto stage play that received a Dora Award nomination.

From the stage to the screen

Before it became a streaming series, the story originated as a production at Toronto's Tarragon Theatre in 2019. The original play was a minimalist production where only three actors portrayed 17 different parts on a bare stage. Sandler, the creator, has explained that her interest in the project stemmed from a desire to create female anti-heroes and explore the concept of how older women can use perceived invisibility as a form of power. The television adaptation expands this vision, incorporating elements of folklore inspired by the legend of Baba Yaga.

Who is starring in this Canadian production?

While the show has generated significant interest due to Hudson Williams' involvement, the production is notable for its deep roster of Canadian talent. The cast includes:

  • Noah Reid (Schitt's Creek)
  • Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix)
  • Clark Backo (Letterkenny)
  • Megan Follows (Anne of Green Gables)

Williams takes on a unique challenge in the series, playing two separate characters: a missing billionaire's son and his lower-class roommate. One cast member described the tone of the show as "sort of Dexter with witches."

FAQ

How can I watch the new episodes?

The first two episodes are available starting Friday, with new half-hour installments released weekly through November 27.

Where was the series filmed?

Although the story is set in the fictional town of Whittock, the production was filmed on Vancouver Island.