TORONTO – Aaron Ashmore, the star of the Canadian medical drama "SkyMed," expressed his excitement over the recent success of other Canadian productions such as "Heated Rivalry" and "North of North." In a recent video interview in Toronto, Ashmore stated, "We do have a tone, we do have a voice. There are a lot of talented people in Canada. And there’s no reason that we shouldn’t be at the top there doing our thing.”
"SkyMed," which premiered in 2022, combines action, romance, and a look into the dangers faced by pilots and nurses in remote areas of Canada. The series is now in its fourth season, which is streaming on Paramount Plus Canada after three seasons aired on CBC. CBC did not acquire the fourth season, citing "difficult programming decisions."
Originally from Richmond, British Columbia, Ashmore has been part of "SkyMed" since its inception. He feels the stunning locations in Northern Manitoba, Winnipeg, and North Bay enhance the show's international appeal by allowing viewers to experience the vastness of Canada. “Some countries, some places are so crammed together, the idea of having to fly out to rescue a few people seems like a crazy idea,” he noted.
The show was created by Julie Puckrin, who drew inspiration from her sister's romantic relationship with her pilot brother-in-law, which blossomed while they were both working on air ambulances in Northern Canada. Ashmore plays Chief Pilot Wheezer, while Natasha Calis portrays Chief Nurse Hayley. Their on-screen chemistry has evolved over several seasons, leading their characters to become a couple. When asked if Season 4 might see wedding bells, Ashmore teased, “Let’s just say that it is a real roller-coaster for these two this year. I think they really love each other. And also, there are a lot of things getting in the way.”
This season, a new character played by Lauren Lee Smith, Captain Riley, adds complexity to the storyline as she was previously engaged to Wheezer. This revelation creates tension and tests the relationship between Wheezer and Hayley. Smith, an actress known for roles in "The L Word" and "Frankie Drake Mysteries," described her character as someone who “ruffles some feathers” and can complicate matters for the couple.
Although "SkyMed" exaggerates certain scenarios for dramatic effect, the cast and crew are committed to portraying the reality of the healthcare and aviation sectors as accurately as possible. This dedication includes using aviation and medical consultants to ensure they correctly depict medical terminology and aviation procedures. Morgan Holmstrom, who plays Crystal Highway, a nurse in training, felt the pressure to deliver accurate lines, remarking on the difficulty of pronouncing complex medical terms throughout the season.
Mercedes Morris, who plays pilot Lexi Martine, appreciates this realism. She noted that many fans are medical professionals or individuals involved in aviation, stating, “We want to make them proud. We want to do our best… There’s just a level of excellence that we want to ensure we show.”
Filming in North Bay presented challenges, including being away from their families, but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the cast. “It’s almost like camp,” Ashmore reflected on the experience, noting the fun socializing and outings the group enjoyed during their time on set.
Ashmore also recounted a memorable water fight scene filmed in October, saying, “Everybody was like, ‘Well, we warmed the water up. It’s not like tap water.’ But also the minute you get wet and it’s windy in eight degrees, it doesn’t matter how hot the water was because you freeze very quickly.”
The fourth season of "SkyMed" is currently available for streaming, featuring a total of eight episodes on Paramount Plus in Canada. The series continues to leave a mark on both local and international audiences with its gripping narratives and well-crafted character arcs.
