2013 | Temple Street Productions in association with BBC America and SPACE

Orphan Black is a clone cyclone, a whirling dervish of a series that ponders identity, humanity, nature-versus-nurture, bioethics and genetic research – when it occasionally pauses for breath. Tatiana Maslany is a wonder in multiple roles, starting with that of Sarah Manning, a Toronto street punk who tries to shed a nasty boyfriend and a lifetime of bad choices by assuming a look-alike’s identity only to find herself caught up in a wild, noir-ish plot that involves a growing number of doppelgangers. It’s a sci-fi/mystery/cliffhanger serial, consistently surprising, with action so fast it can make your head spin. Yet it can also be deeply humane, thanks to a poignant subplot about Sarah’s efforts to regain custody of her child. Humor also plays a part: Maslany great comic moments with Jordan Gavaris, who plays her acerbic adopted brother, and with her alter egos, who include a soccer mom and a religious fanatic. For its singular take on cloning, splendid performances and thrill-ride turns and twists, Orphan Black receives a Peabody Award.

Credits

Executive Producers: Ivan Schneeberg, David Fortier, John Fawcett, Graeme Manson. Co-Executive Producer: Kerry Appleyard, Karen Walton. Producer: Claire Welland. Co-Producers: Alex Levine, Will Pascoe. Directors: John Fawcett,David Frazee, TJ Scott, Brett Sullivan, Grant Harvey, Ken Girotti. Writers: Graeme Manson, Karen Walton, Alex Levine, Will Pascoe, Tony Elliott. Director of Photography: Aaron Morton. Talent: Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Dylan Bruce, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Kevin Hanchard, Michael Mando.