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Chris Richard
When it comes to television, Canada is often overlooked, but that doesn't mean there is a shortage of great Canadian TV shows. Recent series like Schitt's Creek have helped them break out, and even actor Simu Liu, who broke out with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and will soon be seen in Barbie, got his first big break with the Canadian series Kim's Convenience. In an age of streaming, series from other countries are more accessible than ever, and audiences are tuning into Canadian television. Canada produces an assortment of TV shows spanning different genres, from gripping historical shows like The Tudors to funny animated series like Total Drama. Check out some of the best TV shows Canada has to offer.
Grounded in real-life grit, Da Vinci's Inquest debuted as a compelling crime drama, holding its audience captive from 1998 to 2005. Chris Haddock, the mastermind behind the series, centered the narrative around the investigative endeavors of Dominic Da Vinci, a Vancouver-based coroner. A former undercover officer, Da Vinci introduced a level of intrigue and suspense to the procedural genre unmatched and unseen in previous iterations of such shows. The show had a charming yet intense aura to it which draws audiences and keeps them engaged. Distinguished from its contemporaries, the series expertly entwined absorbing plotlines, profound character depth, and nuanced social commentary in each episode.
As Dominic Da Vinci, Nicholas Campbell delivered a performance of exceptional brilliance. A nuanced understanding of his character's ethical challenges allowed Campbell to imbue life into Da Vinci with apparent ease. The portrayal of the torn coroner, caught between the stressors of the job, personal struggles, and an unyielding pursuit of truth, merited him the Gemini Award for Best Actor in a Continuing Dramatic Role. Ensuring a place for the show in the illustrious history of Canadian television, his profound performance emerged as a remarkable touchstone.
Providing a charming snapshot of rural Canadian existence, Corner Gas found its setting in the imaginary Dog River, Saskatchewan. The brainchild of Brent Butt, the sitcom unfolded around the interactions in and around a gas station and an adjoining coffee shop, becoming a canvas for delightful small-town eccentricities. Distinguished by its self-deprecating humor, relatable conflicts, and affable characters, this show carved a distinctive position in the comedy landscape immediately upon its arrival.
The show distinguished itself through its quirky comedic style and relatable characters. Every member of the ensemble cast had an endearing charm, each contributing their unique flavor to the mix. Leading to comedic situations that were as unpredictable as they were amusing, the character interactions were peppered with the quintessential Canadian blend of understated humor and mild sarcasm. The show's premise was simple and easy to follow with a hefty dose of compelling performances as well as a robust narrative to keep audiences hooked.
The sitcom, Corner Gas, achieved a popularity surge that was nothing short of extraordinary, amassing six Gemini awards and leaving a profound cultural footprint. Impacting Canadian pop culture even beyond its run, this show paved the path for future sitcoms.
Satirically showing a glimpse of the tumultuous reality of the New Burbage Festival's backstage drama, Slings and Arrows skilfully marries its character arcs with the narratives of revered Shakespearean plays. This acclaimed series serves up an amalgamation of theatre with a nuanced mix of reverence and casual mockery of timeless creations.
Character-centric comedic situations and dialogue form the crux of the show's understated humor. The series boasts standout performances, especially by Paul Gross and Stephen Ouimette. Comedy, drama, and supernatural elements find a harmonious blend in the show's incisive script.
Slings and Arrows, despite its brief stint of three seasons, still sparkles as an obscured treasure. A striking discourse on the pertinence of Shakespeare in contemporary society and the struggles endemic to the theatrical world underscores its status as one of Canadian television's finest.
Chronicling the challenging missions of the Strategic Response Unit (SRU), Flashpoint places emphasis on the human condition within intense law enforcement scenarios. The show won global recognition, broadcasted in over 50 nations, and garnered numerous accolades. A meticulous exploration of character development showcases the impact of their high-stress profession on their personal life, while the series also bravely tackles modern concerns like mental health and gun regulation.
The soul of Flashpoint is deeply rooted in its emotional resonance. The narrative delves into the personal histories, internal conflicts, and professional predicaments of the characters with each unfolding episode. It highlighted and put the audience in the shoes of humans who have to constantly work in life-or-death environments. It became a renowned show because of its showcase of empathetic and human elements even in times of grave crisis. Its groundbreaking depiction of crisis resolution through negotiation rather than force resonated with audiences, culminating in an ardent fanbase and applause worldwide.
Being Erica explores the experiences of Erica Strange, a woman with the power to navigate through time, revisiting her past mishaps and regrets under the guidance of a cryptic therapist who helps her time travel. The inclusion of time travel extends beyond mere narrative decoration, serving as a catalyst for profound self-exploration and change.
The narrative addresses universal matters such as remorse, self-growth, and destiny, anchored by a relatable protagonist. The show provides viewers with an enthralling storyline that is both entertaining as well as food for thought. It served as an interesting exploration of traveling to one's past and having the opportunity to change things. Erica's time-traveling quest for self-improvement, although fantastical, resonates with the audience who frequently share her struggles and victories.
The show left a lasting imprint on television, drawing praise for its inventive premise and emotional depth. The series attracted good viewership domestically and internationally and continues to engage global audiences on streaming platforms even after its 2011 conclusion, cementing its legacy among outstanding Canadian television shows.
Alias Grace is a historical drama that will have you hooked from the first episode. The six-part miniseries is an adaptation of Margaret Atwood's 1996 novel of the same name. The show follows the story of Grace Marks (played by Sarah Gordon), a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant accused and convicted of the 1843 murders of her employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper and mistress, Nancy Montgomery. Alias Grace is told in flashbacks, showing her arrest and trial in 1843 to her later life in 1859 when she is examined by a psychiatrist, Dr Simon Jordan (played by Edward Holcroft).
Dr. Jordan interviews Grace about her life and the events leading up to Kinnear's murder to figure out what happened and if she is innocent. The show draws its audience into a complex web of gender power dynamics, class struggle, and Grace's suppressed memories. Throughout the series, Grace attempts to piece together her fragmented memories of the events to understand her role in the murders.
Canada proves yet again that it can produce a TV show that is funny and entertaining. Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian mockumentary television series created and directed by Mike Clattenburg and is a continuation of the 1999 movie of the same name. The show follows the misadventures of three lifelong friends and petty criminals, Ricky (Rob Wells), Julian (played by John Paul Tremblay), and Bubbles (played by Mike Smith), who live in the fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
The trio tries to make money through various criminal acts and get-rich-quick schemes while often evading the police and their vindictive park supervisor, Jim Lahey, and his assistant, Randy. If you want to check out Trailer Park Boys, all 12 seasons are available on Netflix.
Fans of shows like Grey's Anatomy are in for a treat with this police drama series created by Morwyn Brebner, Tassie Cameron, and Ellen Vanstone. Rookie Blue tells the story of five rookie cops who are fresh out of the Academy in Toronto. As the series progresses, the rookies soon learn that no amount of training could have prepared them for what the real-world experience of being a cop is really like. The show takes its viewers through the whirlwind lives of the rookies as they explore the pressures of their jobs and newfound responsibilities.
Continuum is a science fiction television series that aired for four seasons from 2012 to 2015. The series stars Rachel Nichols as Kiera Cameron, a police officer from 2077 who is accidentally sent back 65 years to the year 2012 to protect the present day from a terrorist group called the Liber8. In her effort to stop Liber8, Kiera joins the Vancouver police department so that she can have inside information on their activities. She is aided by Alec Sadler (played by Erik Knudsen), a seventeen-year-old tech genius from the future, and a police detective, Carlos Fonnegra (played by Victor Webster).
Together, they must stop the terrorists from altering the course of history and ensure that the future of 2077 remains intact. As the series progresses, Kiera must also contend with the fact that her actions in the present have far-reaching consequences in the future. If you like police dramas and action but want a unique twist, then Continuum should be on your list of must-watches.
Set in the fictional town of Hudson, Alberta, Heartland is a family drama that follows the lives of the Fleming-Bartlett family as they try to save their nearly bankrupt ranch. Based on the books of the same name by Lauren Brooke, the show takes its viewers through the family's happenings as they deal with the challenges of running a ranch while also struggling with their issues.
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