Top-Rated Canadian TV Programs with , , , Tags Structure.

Canada offers an array of cultural experiences to its visitors, from its iconic maple syrup to its wintery scenery and amicable people. However, one aspect of Canadian culture that is often overlooked is its exceptional TV shows.

Despite being overshadowed, Canada boasts an impressive collection of TV series, spanning various genres, from gripping historical dramas like The Tudors to amusing animated comedies like Total Drama. Take a look at some of Canada's best TV shows.

Schitt's Creek

Created by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, Schitt's Creek is a heartwarming and humorous sitcom. The show's six seasons aired from 2015 to 2020 on CBC, detailing the story of a wealthy Rose family who loses all their riches to an embezzlement scandal. Consequently, they are forced to live in Schitt's Creek, a small town they originally bought as a joke.

The Roses, consisting of Johnny Rose (Eugene Levy), Moira Rose (Catherine O'Hara), and their children, David (Dan Levy) and Alexis (Annie Murphy), must confront their sudden downfall and adapt to a life without their luxurious amenities. They downgrade from their mansion to a motel in Schitt's Creek, where they rely on each other for support and humor amidst their struggles. The Roses' charming journey has been recognized with a multitude of Emmy Awards.

Netflix

Adapted from Margaret Atwood's novel, Alias Grace is an engaging historical drama. Sarah Gordon portrays Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant and domestic servant who stands accused and convicted of the 1843 murders of her employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. The six-part miniseries follows Grace's story, narrated through a series of flashbacks.

Edward Holcroft plays Dr. Simon Jordan, a psychiatrist who evaluates Grace in 1859, years after her arrest and trial. Through Grace's fragmented memories, Dr. Jordan tries to comprehend the events that led to the murders and determines her innocence. The show highlights the intricate power dynamics of gender and class and Grace's repressed recollections.

SwearNet

Canada's capacity for producing both funny and entertaining TV shows has once again been demonstrated through its impressive array of programming. A great example of this is the popular Canadian Trailer Park Boys; a cleverly crafted mockumentary television series created and directed by Mike Clattenburg. This show continues the misadventures of three lifelong buddies - Ricky (played by Rob Wells), Julian (portrayed by John Paul Tremblay) and Bubbles (brought to life by Mike Smith) - as they navigate the ins and outs of running afoul of the law while occasionally dodging the police and their dreaded park supervisor, the vindictive Jim Lahey, and his henchman Randy. Set in the Sunnyvale Trailer Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, the show is available to stream on Netflix in all of its twelve seasons.

Another must-see comedy program is the hilarious series Kim's Convenience, which features the Kim family running a convenience store in bustling downtown Toronto. The Kims are a relatable Korean-Canadian family with a domineering mom, an uncompromising dad, and two adult children who explore issues such as identity, immigration, intergenerational relationships, and the importance of family. The show has gained critical attention for its masterful use of humor and is available on CBC Television.

Fans of police dramas will be delighted by the series Rookie Blue, a creation of Morwyn Brebner, Tassie Cameron, and Ellen Vanstone. Five rookie cops in Toronto fresh out of the Academy quickly discover that their training provides just a tiny fraction of the tools they will need to navigate the unpredictability and complexities of police work. Follow their journey as they take on new responsibilities and learn just how challenging life as a cop can be.

No list of superior Canadian comedies would be complete without mentioning Letterkenny, a critically acclaimed series created by Jordan Kreeso. The show originally started as a Youtube web series called Letterkenny Problems but was later adapted for TV by Crave. The series features Wayne (portrayed by Jared Kreeso), a farm owner, who is recognized as the "toughest guy in Letterkenny." This show, with its 11 seasons and 74 episodes, will have you laughing uproariously as you become fully immersed in the life of the fictional small town of Letterkenny.

Meet Wayne's crew, consisting of Daryl (portrayed by Nathan Dales), a dairy farmer who is often the target of their playful jabs, Katy (portrayed by Michelle Mylett), Wayne's "townie" sister, and Squirrely Dan (portrayed by K. Trevor Wilson), who despite his speech impediment, boasts an intelligent mind. The show's humor reflects Canadian stereotypes and colloquialisms and captures small-town life, complete with references to hockey and Canadian culture. Critically acclaimed for its accurate portrayal of rural Canadian communities.

BBC Worldwide

Prepare for a mind-bending ride with an unexpected twist in this sci-fi thriller, Orphan Black. Sarah (played by Tatiana Maslany), a street-savvy con artist with a troubled history, stumbles upon the suicide of her lookalike and decides to take on her identity. However, she soon learns that she has become a part of a secretive experiment involving human cloning, putting herself and the other clones in danger. Watch as Sarah and her clone sisters, including the eccentric scientist Cosima Niehaus and the savvy Alison Hendrix, uncover the truth about their origins. Maslany's impeccable portrayal of the clones has earned her numerous awards, showcasing her versatility in acting.

CBC

At first glance, Degrassi, a quintessential coming-of-age series, may appear unremarkable. Nevertheless, the show defies expectations by being a medium for Canadian adolescents to discuss pressing issues. Since its inception in 1979, Degrassi Community School has seen a constant turnover of characters. The series tackles a range of topics, including bullying, mental health, relationships, school violence, drugs and alcohol, giving it an unapologetic and authentic voice that resonates with a global audience.

Showcase

Continuum, a sci-fi series that aired from 2012 to 2015, follows the life of Kiera Cameron (portrayed by Rachel Nichols), a law enforcement officer from the future who is accidentally sent back to 2012. Her mission is to avert a terrorism plot orchestrated by the Liber8 group and protect the present-day from the future's impending doom. In her attempt to thwart their plans, she teams up with Alec Sadler (played by Erik Knudsen), a tech genius from her era, and Carlos Fonnegra (played by Victor Webster), a current-day detective.

In Continuum, a thrilling sci-fi action series, the goal is to prevent terrorists from tampering with history and ensuring the future of 2077 remains intact. As the show progresses, the main character Kiera must face the consequences of her actions in the present, which have far-reaching impacts on the future. If you're a fan of police dramas with a unique twist, Continuum should definitely be on your must-watch list.

Heartland is a family drama set in the fictional town of Hudson, Alberta. Based on the books by Lauren Brooke, the show follows the Fleming-Bartlett family as they navigate the challenges of saving their ranch. With its heartwarming portrayal of the importance of family, love, and friendship, Heartland has become a fan favorite. All 16 seasons are available for streaming on Netflix, perfect for a binge-watch session.

If you're a fan of royal politics, The Tudors is a must-watch. The series delves into the life of King Henry VIII of England, his multiple marriages, and the political relationships he had with those around him, including his conflicts with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. The cast of The Tudors does an exceptional job portraying 16th century England, despite not always getting the historical facts right. It's a fascinating glimpse into the power struggles of that time period.

Sensitive Skin is a dark comedy-drama that explores the difficulties of getting older and feeling lost as the years go by. Canadian adaptation of the British show of the same name, the series follows Davina and her husband Al as they adjust to their new life in downtown Toronto after moving from the suburbs. Davina embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating issues such as aging, mid-life crises, and changing relationships.

Experience a thought-provoking exploration of womanhood and the beauty and fragility of life as it's redefined in the modern age, with the series that dares to push the boundaries of expectations surrounding age and gender. Despite failing to secure a third season renewal, you can still catch the first two seasons of this breathtaking show on HBO.

Take reality TV to a whole new level with Total Drama, the hit Canadian series that flawlessly blends drama, comedy, and reality TV. Set in an imaginary summer camp named Camp Wawanakwa, the show features twenty-two teenagers who face off in a series of challenges that include physical and problem-solving tasks. Alongside developing creative alliances, the contestants vote against each other to stay in the game, while underhanded tactics like sabotaging others keep the game intense. With a host's witty presentation, and an incredible cast of characters, Total Drama's clever writing and innovative humor have secured critical acclaim.

Travelers is a captivating sci-fi series that has earned a special place among the best and most innovative science fiction shows of all time. Central to the storyline is a group of operatives sent back in time from the future to prevent a global catastrophe by taking over the dying bodies of selected hosts. Packed with mind-bending, time-traveling action that defies convention, Travelers presents a fresh and highly imaginative take on the time-honored genre.

Get a hilarious, unvarnished look at modern motherhood with Catherine Reitman's beloved sitcom, Workin' Moms. Follow the lives of four women who struggle to balance their work, friendships, and motherhood while navigating an ever-changing world. The show's star-studded cast bring a mix of real-life challenges and riotous humor to the table, resulting in a smart and engaging show that will leave you laughing and coming back for more.

Anne with an E is an enchanting adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables that will steal your hearts with its beautiful coming-of-age story. Watch as young Anne Shirley is suddenly sent away to live with an estranged set of siblings in the fictional town of Avonlea and transforms their lives with her independent spirit and boundless imagination. Perfect for fans of picturesque settings and moving stories, Anne with an E is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Anne embarks on an expedition of self-discovery and excitement, navigating her relationships with the townspeople, discovering the significance of family bonds, and finding her true place in the world. Sadly, despite its tremendous fan base and critical recognition, Anne with an E wasn't renewed for a third season, but the available two seasons can be viewed on Netflix.

The North American fur trade is an understated topic in Canadian history that Frontier brings to light. Set in the late eighteenth century, Frontier is a historical drama series that charts the exploits of Declan Harp (played by Jason Momoa), a mixed-race outlaw with an Irish and Cree background who is resolute in opposing the Hudson Bay Company's monopoly and influence on the North American fur trade. Momoa's compelling portrayal of Declan Harp guarantees to captivate viewers, and the co-production with the Discovery Channel ensures historical accuracy regarding the North American fur trade.

A brilliant detective show requires three crucial elements – an unorthodox detective, a lovable sidekick or sidekicks, and an intriguing mystery to unravel. Murdoch Mysteries nails all three. The storyline follows William Murdoch (played by Yannick Bisson), a police detective who works for the Toronto Constabulary, and his employment of cutting-edge forensic techniques like fingerprinting, blood testing, surveillance, and trace evidence to solve murders, with the aid of colleagues Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (played by Thomas Craig), Constable George Crabtree (played by Johnny Harris), and Dr. Julia Ogden (played by Helen Joy). Murdoch investigates various mysteries with a twist that keeps the audience engaged.

Fans of Westerns are familiar with the legendary Wyatt Earp. Wynonna Earp is a supernatural Western horror television series based on the comic book series written by Beau Smith. The show follows the life of Wynonna Earp (played by Melanie Scrofano), Wyatt Earp's great-granddaughter. After years away, Wynonna Earp journeys back to her hometown of Purgatory to reluctantly fill the position that Wyatt Earp once held. Her task is to eliminate the revenants, the resurrected souls of the criminals Wyatt Earp once neutralized. With a fearless female lead and supernatural horror theme, Wynonna Earp is a must-see.

Any list discussing Canadian TV shows is incomplete without any Francophone representation, considering Canada is a French-speaking nation. Can You Hear Me or (M'entends-tu?) is a French-Canadian TV series that chronicles the stories of three friends – Ada (played by Florence Longpré), Carolanne (played by Ève Landry), and Fabiola (played by Mélissa Bédard) – who reside in a low-income neighborhood in Montreal. As they navigate their twenties, the trio strive to establish their place in the world, figure out life and love while holding down low-paying jobs. Throughout the series, the friends encounter various obstacles and ultimately learn to rely on one another for support. The show raises vital issues affecting young people today, including sexual orientation, family, and mental health, all infused with a blend of comedy, drama, and heart.