I don’t know about you, but I find myself watching a lot of American television. There is so much to choose from it’s overwhelming. In my attempts to see every show pumped out that is on the top of all the “need to see” lists, I tend to accidently avoid Canadian programming. Not because I don’t want to watch it, but because it’s not advertised as often. There is some really awesome Canadian content out there that doesn’t get enough interest. I wanted to give it the attention it deserves by making this list of eight Canadian tv shows I think should take precedent over the next American series you plan to binge.
Comedies
There are so many Canadian comedies that I could list, but I am going to stick to ones that are on the newer side, so that context is not lost as you watch. That doesn’t mean you should forget the old ones. I just don’t want to overwhelm you at this point.
- Schitts Creek
Twitter / @SchittsCreek
This one is probably the most famous Canadian tv shows in America right now. Schitts creek one big at the Emmys last month, but that’s not the only reason to watch it. It really is a terrifically produced show. Even though your’re watching a show about rich people, you can relate to them because they’re living the life of regular people. The characters grow throughout each season and the show is finished so you don’t need wait for new seasons to come out.
Where to watch:
cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.
Netflix currently has every episode
- Kim’s Convenience
Twitter / @KimsConvenience
I absolutely love this show. Kim’s convenience is a heartwarming show about family with a Korean spin. Follow the Kim family as they manage a convenience store and go about their daily lives. There are currently 4 seasons to stream at your viewing pleasure. It’s always hilarious and has me laughing out loud every episode. I also love the diversity of the cast. It represents how many cultures there are in Canada.
Where to watch:
cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.
Netflix currently has every episode
- Mr. D
Do you remember that one teacher you had that clearly didn’t put much effort into their job? Mr. D is a horrendous teacher, which leads the viewer to many laughs. Try not to be to be too embarrassed as you watch Gerry Duncan make mistake after mistake as a high school teacher and still think he’s awesome. The show is based off comedian Gerry Dee’s real experiences as a PE teacher in high school. This comedy is relatable to teachers, students and anyone who has gone through school. Seeing a Canadian school environment is also great because I am flooded with American school life on television and for me it’s not that relatable.
Where to watch:
Gem.cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.
- Baroness Von Sketch Show
Twitter / @BaronessIFC
Do you get distracted easily or bored when you watch anything over 5 minutes? This show is for you. Or anyone really. Sketch comedy is comedy in its purest form. The Baroness Von Sketch show has an all-female cast who also serve as the executive producers of the show. One of my favorite skits has a woman ordering a Bloody Mary at a bar. Check out the show to see what happens next. Let me warn you, it’s the perfect skit for Halloween.
Where to watch:
cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.
Dramas/Sci Fi
Comedy isn’t the only tv show genre that Canada produce’s, although there are a lot! Here are some Drama’s and science fiction series that you might not recognize as Canadian or have never heard of.
- The Book of Negroes
The Book of Negroes is a miniseries based on the book by Canadian writer Lawrence Hill. The story surrounds the life of a fictional African woman who was sold into slavery in the United States. Although the story is a work of fiction, it was ultimately inspired by history of the British transporting 3,000 Black Loyalists to Nova Scotia with names documented in the Book of Negroes. If you are looking to learn a little more about black history in Canada this would be a great show to watch.
Where to Watch:
cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.
- Trickster
This Show is brand new, and I am talking released this week. There is currently only one episode, but if your reading this article months later, maybe your lucky enough to be able to binge every episode. The story is based of the book Son of a Trickster by northern BC author, Eden Robinson. The story is heavy, with an indigenous boy named Jared doing his best to keep his family supported by working at a fast-food restaurant and making/selling ecstasy to get by. But strange things start happening to Jared. I am excited for the next episodes. I watched the first one as soon as it was released.
Where to watch:
Gem.cbc.ca. No need to sign up!
- Continuum
I watched season one of this show years ago on Netflix and I was hooked. I couldn’t believe I was watching a tv show about time travel that included the Vancouver Police Department. A police officer from 2077 is accidently dragged to 2012 with a group of terrorists who have a nefarious plan to stop corporations from replacing government. It has such a unique premise and yet I never know anyone who has heard of this show. If you watch shows on Netflix like the 100 or Travelers, you will enjoy his show. Honestly watch it anyways. Not many shows take place in Vancouver.
Where to watch:
Prime Video has every season but you will need to make an account
Reality
- Dragons Den
Twitter / @cbcdragon
I am not one for reality television, but Dragon’s Den does it right. I really like it better than it’s American counterpart, Shark Tank. I am always exited for the real people who are pitching their ideas to the business moguls, who give great advice, even if the product doesn’t quiet make the cut. You know they are a Canadian just like you. And when hey are from small owns in Canada it’s very inspiring that you really can do anything. It also gives the viewer the opportunity to support small time Canadian companies. I like walking into a store and seeing an item from Dragons Den on the shelfs. I am way more likely to buy it.
Where to Watch:
Watch all 15 seasons at gem.cbc.ca or Netflix
