Discover the Best Canadian TV Shows: A Must-Watch List from Heartwarming Dramas to Intriguing Mysteries

Looking for the best Canadian TV shows that will have you on the edge of your seat and craving for more? Look no further! From heartwarming dramas to gripping mysteries, this article uncovers the hidden gems that will transport you into the captivating world of Canadian television. Get ready to dive into a collection of compelling series that have captivated audiences around the globe. So, grab your popcorn and get cozy, because we're about to embark on a binge-worthy journey through the best Canadian TV shows that will leave you wanting more.

Heartland (Premiered 2007)

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Heartland is a TV series that premiered in 2007 and is based on the book series of the same name by Lauren Brooke. The show is set on a family ranch in Alberta and focuses on the lives of Amy Fleming (Amber Marshall), her sister Lou (Michelle Morgan), their grandfather Jack Bartlett (Shaun Johnston), and their father Tim (Chris Potter). One of the notable aspects of the show is its ability to provide wholesome, family-friendly entertainment without being overly cheesy or melodramatic.

Trailer Park Boys

For fans of mockumentary-style shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation, Trailer Park Boys is a must-watch. The show follows the comedic adventures of Ricky, Bubbles, and Julian, a group of trailer park residents who engage in petty crimes in order to make money. Their schemes often go awry, thanks in large part to the antagonistic trailer park supervisor, Jim Lahey. With 12 seasons of hilarity, Trailer Park Boys offers plenty of laughter for its viewers.

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Murdoch Mysteries (Premiered 2008)

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Murdoch Mysteries is a TV series that premiered in 2008 and is based on the Detective Murdoch novels by Maureen Jennings. The show is set in Toronto in the late 19th century and follows Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) as he solves crimes using progressive and scientific methods. The series incorporates real historical figures and events, adding an extra layer of interest for viewers.

The Tudors

If you were left wanting more after the end of Game of Thrones or are eagerly awaiting the next season of The Crown, then The Tudors is a show worth checking out. This series offers a loose retelling of the Tudor dynasty, focusing on King Henry VIII and his six wives. With a talented cast including Henry Cavill and Natalie Dormer, The Tudors offers a mix of historical drama and scandalous intrigue.

Alias Grace

Drama, suspense, and murder are at the forefront of Alias Grace. Based on a novel by Margaret Atwood, the show tells the story of Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant and domestic servant accused and convicted of murder in 19th-century Canada. The series weaves together past and present as Grace recounts the details of the murder while in prison. Alias Grace is another example of Atwood's work brought to life on the screen.

The Porter (Premiered 2022)

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The Porter is a TV series that premiered in 2022 and focuses on the history of Black Canadian and African-American men who worked as Pullman porters. The show explores the challenges faced by the Black community during that time period, while also celebrating the stories and achievements of the Black train porters. With its emphasis on racial representation, The Porter is a significant moment in television.

Family Law (Premiered 2021)

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Family Law is a legal drama that premiered in 2021 and follows the story of Abigail Bianchi (Jewel Staite), a recovering alcoholic and lawyer on probation. Abigail's only opportunity for employment comes from her estranged father Harry Svensson (Victor Garber) and her two half-siblings Daniel (Zach Smadu) and Lucy (Genelle Williams). The show delves into the complexities of family dynamics while exploring the field of family law.

Wynonna Earp

If you're a fan of the zombie apocalypse genre and shows like The Walking Dead, then Wynonna Earp should be on your watchlist. This series offers a unique twist by featuring a female protagonist fighting against the undead. With its blend of supernatural elements and character-driven drama, Wynonna Earp is a thrilling and engaging show.

Coroner (Premiered 2019)

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Coroner is a police procedural crime drama that premiered in 2019. The series follows Dr. Jenny Cooper (Serinda Swan), a widowed Toronto coroner who investigates suspicious deaths. Driven by her own personal struggles, including clinical anxiety and grief, Dr. Cooper uses her intellect and intuition to solve crimes. Coroner effectively uses the diverse setting of Toronto and skillfully develops its main character.

Children Ruin Everything (Premiered 2022)

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Children Ruin Everything is a TV series that premiered in 2022 and offers a humorous and realistic portrayal of the challenges of raising young children. The show follows Astrid and James, a couple dealing with the chaos and joys of parenthood. With its relatable situations and genuine depiction of family life, Children Ruin Everything is highly entertaining and funny.

Can You Hear Me?

In Quebec, where the majority of French speakers in Canada reside, Can You Hear Me? takes place. This TV series follows the lives of three best friends—Carolanne, Fabiola, and Ada—as they navigate their everyday lives in a low-income neighborhood in Montreal. Can You Hear Me? offers an authentic and relatable depiction of the struggles many people face in their daily lives. The show explores themes such as housing, family dynamics, and the importance of friendship.

Between

If you're a fan of science fiction dramas, Between is a show that should be on your radar. The series centers around Wiley Day, a pregnant teenager and daughter of a minister. However, there's more to the story than meets the eye, as a mysterious disease starts killing anyone under the age of 22 in the town. Between explores themes of escape, government control, and the complexities of teenage life. With its supernatural elements and thought-provoking plot, Between is a captivating watch.

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Corner Gas

For those looking for a lighthearted comedy series set in a small town, Corner Gas is a fantastic choice. This Canadian sitcom, which aired from 2004 to 2009, follows the daily lives of the residents of Dog River, Saskatchewan. The show focuses on characters like Brent, who runs the town's only gas station, and Wanda, who works at the adjoining coffee shop. With its gentle humor and charming characters, Corner Gas is a feel-good comedy that will leave you entertained.

Little Mosque on the Prairie

When it first aired in 2007, Little Mosque on the Prairie made waves as one of the first shows in North America to center around the Muslim community. The series follows a small Muslim community in a small town in Saskatchewan, where they worship in a makeshift mosque inside a Christian church. Little Mosque on the Prairie explores the interactions between Muslim and non-Muslim townspeople and tackles themes of conservatism and liberalism within Islam. With its fun and diverse cast of characters, the show offers a unique perspective rarely seen on television.

Travelers

If you're in the mood for a sci-fi and dystopian series with a glimmer of hope, then Travelers is a show worth watching. The series revolves around a group of individuals from the future who inhabit the bodies of people in the 21st century in order to prevent the downfall of civilization. While trying to save the world, the group must navigate personal and moral dilemmas as they become entangled in the lives of those they encounter. Travelers explores themes of escape, government authority, and the complexities of human relationships.

Second Jen

Shows centered around best friends often strike a chord with audiences, and Second Jen is no exception. This series follows the lives of Mo and Jen as they step into adulthood, leaving behind their sheltered upbringing and overprotective families. Created by Amanda Joy and Samantha Wan, Second Jen delves into female friendship and tackles the clash between conservative backgrounds and the realities of the outside world.

Transplant (Premiered 2020)

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Transplant premiered in 2020 and follows the story of Bashir "Bash" Hamed, a Syrian doctor and refugee navigating his way back into practicing medicine as a medical resident. The show tackles the challenges faced by immigrants as they strive for acceptance in their new country, highlighting the frustration of starting over despite years of training and expertise. Transplant offers a refreshing take on the medical drama genre, focusing on the experiences and resilience of its diverse characters.

Sort Of (Premiered 2021)

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Sort Of is a Canadian TV series that premiered in 2021 and explores the life of Sabi Mehboob, a gender-fluid Pakistani Canadian. Sabi navigates two part-time jobs while also dealing with the complexities of their family life and identity. The show provides a gentle and humorous portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community without being preachy, offering a genuine representation of a diverse section of society. Sort Of joins the ranks of other successful TV adaptations of Margaret Atwood's work.

With an impressive array of diverse and captivating shows, Canadian television has undoubtedly made its mark on the global entertainment industry. From the heartfelt and enduring drama of Heartland to the uproarious and unconventional Trailer Park Boys, there truly is something for everyone. Whether you prefer historical mysteries like Murdoch Mysteries or gripping true crime adaptations like Alias Grace, Canadian TV proves time and again that it can rival the best of the best. With recent additions such as The Porter and Family Law capturing audiences' attention, it's clear that the future of Canadian television is brighter than ever. So, sit back, relax, and indulge in the plethora of captivating stories that Canada has to offer.