Every Canadian inspires the stories we see in television and cinema. While watching so many shows, you’ll see small hints of nostalgic props, common phrases unique to one province or another, and the kindness and respect that make Canada what it is. As sitcoms draw on the comedy we find in everyday situations, these are just a few Canadian TV shows that so accurately represent life in Canada.

Kim’s Convenience

A heartwarming and hilarious show for the family pointing out what life looks like in Toronto for parents who immigrated to Canada and are raising their children as kind, driven, and independent Korean Canadians.

Creator Spotlight

Kim’s Convenience was initially developed as a play by Korean Canadian actor and playwright, Insub “Ins” Choi. The play’s initial debut in 2011 was a roaring success that drew inspiration from Choi’s family and his life experiences. Watch the video below to learn more about this from Choi, himself. The importance of local businesses in our community cannot go without thanks and this show highlights the pride and love that can be found in those spaces.

Letterkenny

From the fast-paced conversations to the small-town activities, the show stays true to its roots and actively represents what rural life in Canada looks like.

Creator Spotlight

Jared Keeso created and starred in Letterkenny, influenced by the rural community that he was born and raised in. Before becoming a television show, Letterkenny was originally developed on YouTube and now has its own spinoff show, Shoresy, that was also created by Keeso.

Schitt’s Creek

Another peak into the small-town Canadian life, Schitt’s Creek uses an unrelatable back-story for you to love to hate each main character and grow to love them over the course of 6 seasons.

Creator Spotlight

Schitt’s Creek was created by a father and son duo with a long history in Canadian television! Dan Levy and father, Eugene Levy, bask in their Canadian roots with other family members often making guest appearances throughout the series. This makes the show a family tale from beginning to end.

Acting Good

Set in Northern Manitoba, follow this ensemble cast welcoming back Paul, who has returned from Winnipeg after failing at making it big as a comedian.

Creator Spotlight

Paul Rabliauskas co-created Acting Good drawing on the ups and downs in his career as a professional stand-up comedian. Rabliauskas’ holds the hope that this show will provide Indigenous representation in Canadian television with humour and family at the forefront. Watch Rabliauskas’ interview discussing the importance of comedy in his life and in his community here.

Workin’ Moms

Dealing with the pressures of motherhood, Workin’ Moms follows four friends who are just looking to find balance. It’s honest, hilarious, and filled with the modern challenges that so many mothers face in Canada and around the world every day.

Creator Spotlight

Catherine Marcelle Reitman is an American Canadian actor, writer, producer and creator of the hit sitcom. Now a global success on Netflix, Workin’ Moms has aired its seventh and final season in early 2023.

Run the Burbs

Following a Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family, this show is one you can enjoy with your own family as it talks about shared family values with lots of laughter.

Creator Spotlight

Andrew Phung alongside Scott Townend created Run the Burbs. Phung also stars in the show and may look familiar as he was fan favourite, Kimchee Han, in Kim’s Convenience. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, he has committed himself to the world of theatre and comedy from the age of 16, loving to perform, improvise and make people laugh.

M’entends-tu? (Can You Hear Me?)

This French-Canadien TV show celebrates the friendship between three girls from Montreal. Navigating their twenties, you can connect with their questions about life and love as they figure it all out together.

Creator Spotlight

Joined by a team of directors and writers, Florence Longpré is both a co-creator and star of the show as Ada, who is relatable and always striving for growth throughout the show.