Plans for a highly anticipated comedy series about the rise of Indigenous hip-hop duo the Snotty Nose Rez Kids have been quietly cancelled by CBC and APTN. Initially set to premiere in 2025, the half-hour scripted series was designed to depict the "not even true, real life story" of how Quinton (Yung Trybez) Nyce and Darren (Young D) Metz transitioned from their hometown of Kitamaat Village to achieving national fame.
According to a report by the Globe and Mail, publicists for both CBC and APTN released identical statements explaining that the decision to withdraw from the project was not made lightly. They cited "various creative, logistical, and financial factors" as reasons for the cancellation. Nyce and Metz were recognized as the creators of the series, with Jennifer Podemski, co-creator of "Little Bird," attached as the showrunner and executive producer. However, a representative for Podemski confirmed that she departed from the project in July, although she did not provide specific reasons for her exit.
The show was first announced by CBC in the spring of 2024 as part of its programming slate for 2025. This cancellation comes on the heels of a challenging period for the Snotty Nose Rez Kids, as they recently revealed on Instagram that a fire on April 23 destroyed their recording studio, equipment, and clothing store located in Vancouver. In response to this crisis, the duo has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the rebuilding of their studio and store, where they recorded their latest album, "Red Future."
This album marked a significant achievement for the duo, earning them their first-ever Juno Award in March 2025 for rap album/EP of the year. Previously, speaking with the Canadian Press, the rappers expressed that their show aimed to highlight the reality of being artists in a world that has not always supported them. Nyce emphasized that for Indigenous youth like themselves, pursuing success often involves facing unique hurdles. “For us, as native kids trying to pursue something, there weren’t a lot of people who stood behind us. It was two steps forward and 10 steps back, and that’s just the way that it is navigating this world that was never built for us,” Nyce remarked.
He elaborated on the theme of the show, stating, "It takes a decade in the making to have that overnight success. So, it’s really about the journey and to truly see what an artist's day-to-day life is." The cancellation of the series reflects not only logistical complications but also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous artists in securing platforms for their narratives in mainstream media.
This report highlights the complexities surrounding the production and representation of Indigenous stories in the entertainment industry and raises questions about support for artists from marginalized communities.
