10 Best Canadian TV Shows: Drama, Comedy, and Beyond

Canadian TV shows have a unique ability to entertain audiences, shape cultures, challenge perceptions, and spark meaningful conversations. From dramas to comedy, these shows reflect the values, struggles, and stories of the society they originate from.

Let’s explore the top 10 best Canadian TV shows that offer unforgettable entertainment, showcasing the diverse talent and innovative content that have captivated audiences locally and internationally.

So, grab some popcorn and get ready for Canadian shows like no other.

List of Best Canadian TV Shows

1: Schitt’s Creek

Created by: Daniel Levy and Eugene Levy

Cast: Eugene Levy, Annie Murphy, Catherine O’Hara, Daniel Levy, Jennifer Robertson, Emily Hampshire, Tim Rozon, Chris Elliott, Dustin Milligan, Sarah Levy, and John Hemphill

Genre: Sitcom, Satire, Comedy-drama, Black comedy

Number of Seasons: 6

Number of Episodes: 80 (+1 special)

Release Date: January 13, 2015 – April 7, 2020

Schitt’s Creek follows the once-wealthy Rose family as they lose their wealth and are compelled to relocate to Schitt’s Creek—a small town they originally purchased as a joke. Created by Daniel Levy and Eugene Levy, this Canadian sitcom centers on Johnny and Moira Rose, along with their grown-up children, David and Alexis, as they adjust to life in a rundown motel.

Although the show initially struggled to find an audience, it gained a devoted following after streaming on Netflix. Praised for its sharp writing and heartfelt storytelling, Schitt’s Creek became a cultural phenomenon.

Its inclusive representation and witty humor earned widespread acclaim, culminating in numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, a Canadian Comedy Award, an MTV Movie & TV Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Today, it stands as one of the most celebrated Canadian TV shows of all time.

2: Degrassi: The Next Generation

Created by: Yan Moore and Linda Schuyler

Cast: Miriam McDonald, Aubrey Graham, Christina Schmidt, Melissa McIntyre, Sarah Barrable-Tishauer, Cassie Steele, Stefan Brogren, Jake Goldsbie, and Shane Kippel

Genre: Teen Drama and Telenovela

Number of Seasons: 14

Number of Episodes: 385

Release Date: October 14, 2001- August 2, 2015

Degrassi: The Next Generation, later rebranded as Degrassi is a Canadian teen drama that follows students at Degrassi Community School as they navigate the highs and lows of adolescence. Tackling real-world issues such as bullying, substance abuse, sexuality, and mental health, the show became known for its unfiltered approach to teenage struggles.

Blending legacy characters from earlier Degrassi series with fresh faces, the show evolved with each generation, reflecting the changing realities of youth culture.

Its bold storytelling and progressive themes earned critical acclaim, making it a defining staple of Canadian television. Beyond domestic success, Degrassi gained a global following, particularly in the U.S., and received numerous accolades, including a Canadian Screenwriting Award and a prestigious Peabody Award.

3: Orphan Black

Created by: Graeme Manson and John Fawcett

Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Dylan Bruce, Kevin Hanchard, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Michael Mando, Evelyne Brochu, Ari Millen, Kristian Bruun, and Josh Vokey

Genre: Science Fiction, Biopunk, Drama, and Thriller

Number of Seasons: 5

Number of Episodes: 50

Release Date: March 30, 2013 – August 12, 2017

Orphan Black is a science fiction thriller following Sarah Manning, a street-smart con artist who stumbles upon a shocking truth—she is one of many genetically identical clones. After witnessing the suicide of a woman who looks exactly like her, Sarah assumes her identity and uncovers a deep-rooted conspiracy tied to an illegal human cloning experiment.

As she digs deeper, she joins forces with her fellow clones to take on the powerful Neolution movement, an organization bent on controlling human evolution.

Tatiana Maslany’s tour-de-force performance, portraying multiple distinct characters, earned widespread acclaim. Orphan Black captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and complex themes, winning numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Maslany’s outstanding work.

4: Letterkenny

Created by: Jared Keeso

Cast: Jared Keeso, Nathan Dales, Michelle Mylett, K. Trevor Wilson, Dylan Playfair, Andrew Herr, and Tyler Johnston

Genre: Sitcom

Number of Seasons: 12

Number of Episodes: 81

Release Date: February 7, 2016 – December 25, 2023

Letterkenny follows the eccentric residents of a small rural town in Ontario, centering on Wayne, his sister Katy, and their close-knit group of friends. Together, they navigate life in Letterkenny, interacting with its quirky subcultures—including farmers, gym rats, and hockey players.

Renowned for its rapid-fire wit and sharp one-liners, the series reflects the brilliance of Canadian humor. Many of its comedic elements align with the styles of top Canadian comedians who have shaped the industry. Its mockumentary-style openings add a unique flair, setting it apart from traditional sitcoms.

A cult favorite, Letterkenny earned praise for its intelligent humor, quick-paced dialogue, and subversion of small-town stereotypes. After a successful 12-season run, the series concluded in 2023, cementing its status as one of most loved Canadian TV shows.

5: Can You Hear Me

Cast: Mélissa Bédard, Ève Landry, and Florence Longpré

Genre: Drama and Comedy

Number of Seasons: 3

Number of Episodes: 30

Release Date: December 15, 2018 – May 11, 2021

Can You Hear Me? (M’entends-tu?) is a French-Canadian dramedy that follows three inseparable friends—Fabiola, Carolanne, and Ada—navigating life in a low-income Montreal neighborhood. Blending humor with raw emotion, the series explores their struggles, relationships, and dreams while highlighting the resilience of friendship.

Praised for its authenticity, the show offers a refreshingly honest portrayal of real-life challenges, resonating with audiences both in Canada and internationally, particularly after its release on Netflix.

With powerful performances, compelling storytelling, and an unfiltered look at everyday hardships, Can You Hear Me? left a lasting impact on viewers and cemented its place as a standout in contemporary television.

6: Wynonna Earp

Created by: Emily Andras

Cast: Melanie Scrofano, Shamier Anderson, Tim Rozon, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, and Katherine Barrell

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Drama, Weird West, and Supernatural

Number of Seasons: 4

Number of Episodes: 49 (+1 special)

Release Date: April 1, 2016 – April 9, 2021

Wynonna Earp is a beloved Canadian TV show that follows the great-great-granddaughter of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp as she battles revenants—reincarnated outlaws he once defeated. Armed with her enchanted gun, Peacemaker, Wynonna (Melanie Scrofano) takes on supernatural threats in the cursed Ghost River Triangle, joined by allies like the immortal Doc Holliday and her sister Waverly.

Known for its thrilling mix of action, humor, and character-driven storytelling, the show built a dedicated fanbase. In 2024, Tubi revived the franchise with a special titled Wynonna Earp: Vengeance. Praised for its unique blend of horror, Western themes, and strong LGBTQ+ representation, Wynonna Earp remains a standout in genre television.

7: The Tudors

Created by: Michael Hirst

Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Sam Neill, Callum Blue, Henry Czerny, Natalie Dormer, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Nick Dunning, Jeremy Northam, Anthony Brophy, James Frain, and Jamie Thomas King

Genre: Historical Drama

Number of Seasons: 4

Number of Episodes: 38

Release Date: April 1, 2007 – June 20, 2010

The Tudors is a historical drama that chronicles the reign of King Henry VIII, with Jonathan Rhys Meyers portraying the ambitious and often ruthless monarch. The series delves into his political struggles, tumultuous marriages, and the transformative period of the English Reformation.

Renowned for its rich storytelling, opulent costumes, and intense drama, The Tudors became one of Showtime’s highest-rated series.

While it takes creative liberties with history, its gripping portrayal of power, betrayal, and romance captivated audiences. The show concluded on June 20, 2010, after four seasons of intrigue and political maneuvering, leaving a lasting impact on historical television.

8: Murdoch Mysteries

Developed by: R. B. Carney, Cal Coons, Alexandra Zarowny

Cast: Yannick Bisson, Hélène Joy, Thomas Craig, Jonny Harris, Georgina Reilly and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee

Genre: Crime, Mystery, and Period Drama

Number of Seasons: 18

Number of Episodes: 302

Release Date: January 20, 2008 – Present

Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian crime drama based on Maureen Jennings’ Detective Murdoch novels. Set in 1890s Toronto, the series follows Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), a brilliant investigator who pioneers early forensic techniques such as fingerprinting, blood testing, and surveillance.

Blending historical fiction with anachronistic technology, the show creatively introduces crude prototypes of modern forensic tools, making its scientific advancements more recognizable to contemporary audiences.

With its engaging mix of mystery, science, and period drama, Murdoch Mysteries also explores societal issues like women’s suffrage and discrimination. Its compelling storytelling and historical intrigue have cemented its status among the top Canadian television shows.

9: Frontier

Created by: Rob Blackie and Peter Blackie

Cast: Jason Momoa, Greg Bryk, Kyle M. Hamilton, Alun Armstrong, Landon Liboiron, Zoe Boyle, Jessica Matten, Christian McKay, Evan Jonigkeit, and Shawn Doyle

Genre: Historical drama, Action-adventure, and Western

Number of Seasons: 3

Number of Episodes: 18

Release Date: November 6, 2016 – December 21, 2018

Frontier is a gripping Canadian historical drama set in the late 1700s, delving into the brutal world of the North American fur trade. The series follows Declan Harp (Jason Momoa), a half-Irish, half-Cree outlaw who wages war against the Hudson’s Bay Company, determined to dismantle its corrupt monopoly. Blending action, betrayal, and cultural conflict, the show reimagines a pivotal era in history.

With a compelling cast, including Alun Armstrong as the ruthless Lord Benton and Landon Liboiron as Michael Smyth, a spy caught in the chaos, Frontier explores the fierce power struggles between Indigenous communities and European settlers. Through its raw portrayal of colonialism, survival, and greed, the series delivers a powerful narrative that captivates audiences.

10: Anne With an E

Created by: Moira Walley-Beckett

Cast: Amybeth McNulty, Dalila Bela, Geraldine James, Lucas Jade Zumann, R. H. Thomson, Aymeric Jett Montaz, Corrine Koslo, Dalmar Abuzeid, Cory Grüter-Andrew, Joanna Douglas, and Ashleigh Stewart

Genre: Period drama and Coming-of-age

Number of Seasons: 3

Number of Episodes: 27

Release Date: March 19, 2017 – November 24, 2019

Anne with an E is a reimagining of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel, Anne of Green Gables. Set in the late 19th century, the series follows Anne Shirley, a fiercely independent orphan who is unexpectedly adopted by siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert.

While staying true to the heart of the original story, the show expands its themes to explore gender inequality, racism, and bullying, offering a fresh and thought-provoking take on Anne’s journey to find acceptance in Avonlea. With a standout performance by Amybeth McNulty as Anne, the series received critical acclaim and won Best Dramatic Series at the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards.

A poignant tale of resilience, self-discovery, and individuality, Anne with an E became a fan-favorite and one of the top Canadian TV shows, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.