Boat Rocker swoops for rights to CBC's Doula drama dropping Oct 7

The Canadian public‑broadcasting network CBC will debut the three‑part documentary series *Doula – A True Crime* on October 7 at 8 a.m. ET, with a stream on CBC Gem the same day.

The series, produced by Muse Entertainment in partnership with The Walrus and filmmaker Nathalie Bibeau, follows the unsettling case of Kaitlyn Braun, a 24‑year‑old who convinced more than forty doulas that she was in her third trimester after a sexual assault, only to later face 53 criminal charges for fraud.

The trailer reveals the first interview with Braun, who remains silent in the footage but appears in a brief scene where she greets an approaching camera with a smile and a simple “Hello!” The documentary delves beyond headlines, offering insight into Braun’s motives and the doulas’ experiences.

Boat Rocker Studios has secured the international distribution rights to the Muse‑produced show, announcing its launch at MIPCOM in Cannes next month. The move signals an expectation that the story will resonate with audiences worldwide, especially after a viral TikTok counter‑offensive helped raise awareness.

## Background & Context

The narrative spans nine months, from June 2022 to February 2023, during which Braun repeatedly contacted doulas with a claim of sexual assault and a stillborn pregnancy. The women offered pro‑bono support—phone and video calls, round‑the‑clock in‑person care—only to have their stories questioned as the pattern unfolded.

In the wake of increasing scrutiny, many doulas joined a grassroots campaign that used viral TikTok videos to alert authorities and the public.

Before the documentary’s release, the case attracted widespread media attention, including a CBC and BBC podcast titled *Kaitlyn’s Baby* that launched last year.

Bibeau has spent several years interviewing Braun and compiling evidence that goes beyond sensationalist reporting, aiming to reveal the psychological underpinnings of her deception.

Muse Entertainment, known for series such as *Sullivan’s Crossing*, *The Kennedys*, and *Nose Deep*, produced the show for CBC. Michelle McCree oversaw production for CBC, while Jonas Prupas and Courtney Dobbins served as executive producers for Muse.

The series is slated to premiere on CBC’s broadcast network and its streaming platform on October 7.

## What People Are Saying

In the trailer, doulas convey their shock: “I can’t tell you I was assaulted, that’s not really what happened and I can’t tell that I was scammed, that doesn’t encompass what she did to me. I have to tell you the whole story so you understand,” one says. Another, visibly shaken, adds, “I have no felt fear like that in my entire life.”

Bibeau, who serves as writer, director and producer, explained the motivation behind the project: “Everyone knew that Kaitlyn Braun had committed crimes. I wanted to understand why…

The deeper I went, the less the story yielded to easy conclusions.” She continued that her intent was “to understand her deception played on empathy, and the harm it caused was real.”

Jonas Prupas, Managing Director of Unscripted at Muse, noted that the story “could easily be reduced to its more sensationalist elements,” but praised Bibeau’s work as “into something nuanced, surprising and deeply human.” Mellany Welsh,

SVP and Global Head of Distribution & Brands at Boat Rocker Studios, emphasized the doc’s unique appeal: “a story they won’t find anywhere else,” and highlighted its potential for international buyers.

## What Happens Next

CBC will air *Doula – A True Crime* on October 7 at 8 a.m. ET, with an online stream on CBC Gem. Boat Rocker Studios plans to showcase the series at MIPCOM in Cannes next month, positioning it for global distribution.

The acquisition of international rights suggests that distributors in other markets will have access to a narrative that combines legal intrigue with a deeper look at the role of empathy in modern caregiving.

The series promises to extend the conversation begun by earlier coverage and the accompanying podcast, offering audiences a chance to confront a rare legal and emotional phenomenon that unfolded within Canada’s doula community.