Canada has a long history of creating TV shows that are popular both at home and around the world. Canadian TV series, from family dramas to quick-witted comedies, are known for their strong characters and storytelling that feels genuine and human. Many series on this list have won major awards, achieved international fans, and influenced popular culture in Canada and globally.
Whether you prefer historical mysteries, small-town humour, or series driven by quirky characters, this list highlights some of the best and most popular Canadian TV shows.
TV Shows Made in Canada
Schitt’s Creek 🍁
Production Location: Various locations in Ontario
Where to Buy: Amazon and streaming services
Key Details:
- Emmy Award-winning comedy
- Created by Eugene and Dan Levy
Schitt’s Creek, which follows the story of the wealthy Rose family who lose their fortune, became a global sensation thanks to its balance of humour and unforgettable characters. As the family embarks to rebuild their lives in a rural town they once bought as a joke, the audience is treated to plenty of laughs alongside touching moments of growth, family, and belonging.
Kim’s Convenience 🍁
Production Location: Toronto, Ontario
Where to Buy: Amazon and streaming services
Key Details:
- Family comedy
- Cultural identity with humour and heart
Kim’s Convenience focuses on the story of the Kim family, who run a small convenience store in Toronto. The show is a perfect blend of humour and tender moments as it captures the realities of intergenerational relationships and immigrant family experiences. The series has been praised for its authenticity and for avoiding stereotypes. Instead, it presents a family full of laughter, frustrations, and love.
🍁 Corner Gas
Production Location: Rouleau, Saskatchewan
Where to Buy: Amazon and in stores
Key Details:
- Comedy set in the prairies
- Laid-back humour and quirky characters
Corner Gas is set in the fictional town of Dog River and captures the charm of small-town life in Canada. The humour comes from everyday moments, such as conversations in the cafe, minor disagreements, and the ways the characters fill their days in the quiet town. Corner Gas is one of the most iconic Canadian comedies, with a spin-off full-length movie and animated series.
Heartland 🍁
Production Location: High River and Calgary, Alberta
Where to Buy: Amazon and streaming services
Key Details:
- Long-running family drama
- Focuses on family bonds and emotional healing
Heartland follows a multigenerational family that runs a horse ranch in Alberta. The series focuses on themes such as resilience, family, grief, and healing. The natural landscape of Alberta plays a major role, offering breathtaking scenery. With its slow pacing and heartfelt storytelling, the show resonates with viewers looking for warmth and home and is often described as a “comfort show”. Heartland, which premiered in 2007, is now in its 19th season.
Murdoch Mysteries 🍁
Production Location: Toronto and Southern Ontario
Where to Buy: Amazon and streaming services
Key Details:
- Historical mystery series
- Currently on its 19th season
Murdoch Mysteries is set in Toronto at the turn of the 20th century and follows detective William Murdoch, whose scientific approach leads him to pioneer forensic techniques. Each episode features historical characters and inventive mysteries, blending intrigue, light humour, and a strong cast with rich chemistry. The series, now in its 19th season, has maintained a loyal fanbase thanks to its strong characters and engaging cases.
Anne with an E 🍁
Production Location: Southern Ontario
Where to Buy: Amazon, Netflix
Key Details:
- Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables
- Themes of belonging, identity, and prejudice
Anne with an E is an adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, a beloved story by Lucy Maud Montgomery. It expands on the original story by developing new storylines and exploring more mature themes such as trauma, identity, bullying, sexism, and prejudice. It stars Amybeth McNulty as Anne, a girl with a spirited nature, intelligence, and determination. While it is a more emotionally intense adaptation, it reminds viewers that love and hope can be found in unexpected places.
Letterkenny 🍁
Production Location: Sudbury, Ontario
Where to Watch: Amazon and streaming services
Key Details:
- Rapid-fire comedy
- Distinctive Canadian humour
Letterkenny is a Canadian show known for its fast dialogue, running jokes, and memorable one-liners. The show focuses on the residents of a small rural town, primarily on siblings Wayne and Katy, who run a small farm and produce stand. While the tone is irreverent and occasionally absurd, the writing is sharp and clever, with underlying themes of loyalty, friendship, and community.
Trailer Park Boys 🍁
Production Location: Nova Scotia
Where to Buy: Amazon and streaming services
Key Details:
- Mockumentary-style comedy
- Cult classic with global fanbase
Trailer Park Boys follows the main characters Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles as they navigate chaotic schemes in the Sunnyvale Trailer Park. Filmed as a mockumentary, the show is intentionally rough around the edges, with shaky cameras, improvised dialogue, and chaotic energy. Despite the absurd humour, the friendships at the core of the show feel genuine and heartfelt. The show has become a cult classic and inspired live tours, albums, and spin-offs.
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