Canada's story isn't told only through movies. Some of the country's most memorable stories unfold over multiple seasons, introducing viewers to its people, communities, humour, history, and everyday life.

Whether you're settling into a new city, learning about Canadian culture, or simply looking for your next binge-worthy series, these shows offer an entertaining way to experience life across the country.

From multicultural neighbourhoods in Toronto to small Prairie towns, Arctic communities, and the rugged coast of Newfoundland, these series showcase Canada's diversity better than almost any travel guide could.

This isn't a ranking of the greatest Canadian television shows ever made. Instead, it's a collection of series that help newcomers better understand Canada and the people who call it home.

Why Watch Canadian TV?

Television has a unique ability to capture everyday life.

Unlike blockbuster movies, TV shows spend years developing characters, communities, and traditions. They reveal how Canadians talk, celebrate holidays, raise families, navigate work, and build friendships.

Many of these series also highlight Canada's regional differences, showing that life in Vancouver can feel very different from life in Saskatchewan, Nunavut, or Newfoundland.

📺 1. Kim's Convenience (2016–2021)

Why You Should Watch It

Few television series capture modern multicultural Canada as naturally as Kim's Convenience.

Set in Toronto, the sitcom follows the Kim family as they run a neighbourhood convenience store while navigating generational differences, immigration, work, and relationships.

The show's humour is unmistakably Canadian, but its themes are universal.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Immigrant experiences
Toronto neighbourhood life
Multiculturalism
Canadian humour

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Many newcomers see parts of their own family experiences reflected in the Kim family's story, making it one of the most relatable Canadian shows ever produced.

📺 2. Schitt's Creek (2015–2020)

Why You Should Watch It

What begins as a fish-out-of-water comedy quickly becomes one of television's warmest and most beloved series.

Created by Eugene and Dan Levy, Schitt's Creek follows a wealthy family forced to rebuild their lives in a small rural town.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Small-town communities
Canadian humour
Kindness and inclusivity
Rural life

Why It Matters for Newcomers

The show celebrates empathy, acceptance, and community—values many people associate with modern Canada.

📺 3. Corner Gas (2004–2009)

Why You Should Watch It

Set in the fictional town of Dog River, Saskatchewan, Corner Gas remains one of Canada's most iconic sitcoms.

Its relaxed pace and understated humour perfectly capture life in many Prairie communities.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Prairie culture
Small-town life
Canadian humour
Community relationships

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Canada isn't only Toronto and Vancouver. This series introduces viewers to a completely different side of the country.

📺 4. Murdoch Mysteries (2008–Present)

Why You Should Watch It

Set in Toronto at the turn of the twentieth century, this long-running mystery series follows Detective William Murdoch as he solves crimes using innovative forensic techniques.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Canadian history
Early Toronto
Scientific innovation
Victorian society

Why It Matters for Newcomers

The series offers a fascinating glimpse into how Canada's largest city evolved.

📺 5. Republic of Doyle (2010–2014)

Why You Should Watch It

This energetic detective series follows private investigator Jake Doyle through the colourful streets of St. John's, Newfoundland.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Newfoundland culture
Atlantic Canada
Coastal communities
Local humour

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Few shows showcase Atlantic Canada with as much personality and authenticity.

📺 6. North of North (2025– )

Why You Should Watch It

This comedy-drama follows a young Inuk woman rebuilding her life in a small Arctic community.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Contemporary Inuit life
Arctic communities
Family relationships
Indigenous perspectives

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Many newcomers know little about Canada's North. This series offers a rare contemporary look at Inuit life and expands the conversation beyond southern Canada.

📺 7. Workin' Moms (2017–2023)

Why You Should Watch It

Created by and starring Catherine Reitman, Workin' Moms follows four friends balancing careers, parenting, relationships, and personal ambitions in Toronto.

Funny, honest, and refreshingly relatable, the series explores the realities of modern family life while tackling topics like childcare, mental health, and work-life balance.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Modern family life
Urban living
Canadian workplaces
Parenting culture

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Canada consistently ranks among the world's best places to raise a family. This series offers an entertaining glimpse into the everyday challenges and rewards of modern Canadian life.

📺 8. Letterkenny (2016–2023)

Why You Should Watch It

Known for its rapid-fire dialogue and clever wordplay, Letterkenny follows the residents of a fictional rural Ontario town.

The series has developed a devoted international following thanks to its distinctive humour and memorable characters.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Rural Ontario
Canadian slang
Hockey culture
Small-town traditions

Why It Matters for Newcomers

The dialogue can be fast, but the series offers a fun introduction to regional expressions and the unique humour found in many Canadian communities.

📺 9. Heartland (2007–Present)

Why You Should Watch It

As Canada's longest-running one-hour scripted drama, Heartland follows the Fleming family on a horse ranch in Alberta.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the series explores family, resilience, and life in rural Canada.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Alberta
Ranch life
Western Canada
Family traditions

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Many newcomers first experience Canada's largest cities. Heartland introduces a different side of the country, where agriculture, ranching, and spectacular natural landscapes remain central to daily life.

📺 10. Anne with an E (2017–2019)

Why You Should Watch It

Inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved novel Anne of Green Gables, this acclaimed adaptation follows Anne Shirley as she finds friendship, belonging, and purpose in Prince Edward Island.

Beautifully filmed and emotionally rich, the series introduces viewers to one of Canada's most treasured literary works.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Prince Edward Island
Canadian literature
Rural communities
History

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Few stories are as closely associated with Canada as Anne of Green Gables. Watching this series offers insight into one of the country's most enduring cultural icons.

📺 11. Flashpoint (2008–2012)

Why You Should Watch It

Flashpoint follows Toronto's fictional Strategic Response Unit as officers resolve high-risk situations through negotiation, teamwork, and careful planning.

Rather than focusing solely on action, the series emphasizes communication, empathy, and protecting lives.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Toronto
Emergency services
Teamwork
Public safety

Why It Matters for Newcomers

The series reflects Canada's emphasis on de-escalation and collaboration, offering a perspective on public safety that differs from many American police dramas.

📺 12. The Nature of Things (1960–Present)

Why You Should Watch It

One of the longest-running science programs in the world, The Nature of Things explores everything from wildlife and climate science to medicine, technology, and Canadian innovation.

Hosted for many years by renowned scientist David Suzuki, the series has inspired generations of Canadians to better understand the natural world.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Wildlife
Climate
Scientific research
Conservation

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Canada's landscapes are among its defining features. This series helps viewers appreciate the country's remarkable ecosystems and environmental diversity.

📺 13. North of 60 (1992–1997)

Why You Should Watch It

Set in the fictional Northwest Territories community of Lynx River, North of 60 was groundbreaking for its portrayal of Indigenous characters and life in northern Canada.

It remains one of the country's most influential television dramas.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Northern communities
Indigenous cultures
Community relationships
Life in the Northwest Territories

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Northern Canada is home to vibrant Indigenous communities whose stories are often overlooked in mainstream television. This series offers valuable perspective on that part of the country.

📺 14. The Great Canadian Baking Show (2017–Present)

Why You Should Watch It

Based on the beloved British format, this friendly competition celebrates amateur bakers from across Canada while highlighting regional recipes, family traditions, and multicultural influences.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Food traditions
Cultural diversity
Regional specialties
Friendly competition

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Food is one of the easiest ways to experience a country's culture. The series showcases how Canada's multicultural communities continue to shape its culinary identity.

📺 15. This Hour Has 22 Minutes (1993–Present)

Why You Should Watch It

For more than three decades, This Hour Has 22 Minutes has mixed political satire, sketch comedy, and current events to offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on the week's news.

Although humorous, the show has become an important part of Canada's media landscape and often reflects issues Canadians are discussing.

What You'll Learn About Canada

Canadian politics
Current events
Media culture
Atlantic Canada's contribution to broadcasting

Why It Matters for Newcomers

Once you're familiar with Canadian news and politics, this series offers an entertaining way to understand the country's sense of humour and public conversations.

🍁 What These Shows Reveal About Canada

One theme connects every series on this list: there is no single Canadian experience.

Some stories unfold in downtown Toronto apartment buildings, while others take place on Alberta ranches, Saskatchewan prairies, Prince Edward Island farms, Newfoundland waterfronts, or Arctic communities. Together, they reflect a country shaped by diversity, geography, history, and a strong sense of community.

Watching these shows won't make you an expert on Canada overnight, but they'll help you understand the people, places, and traditions that make the country unique.

📺 Where to Watch Canadian TV Shows

Many of these series are available on CBC Gem, Netflix, Prime Video, Crave, or other streaming platforms, depending on your location and licensing agreements. Your local public library may also offer access through DVD collections or digital streaming services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Canadian TV show for newcomers?

Kim's Convenience is often the best starting point because it explores immigration, multiculturalism, family life, and everyday experiences in Toronto through humour and relatable characters.

Which Canadian TV show best represents small-town Canada?

Corner Gas, Schitt's Creek, Letterkenny, and Heartland each portray different aspects of small-town and rural life across Canada.

Which TV shows help you learn about Canadian history?

Murdoch Mysteries, Anne with an E, and North of 60 provide insight into different periods and regions of Canadian history and society.

Which Canadian TV show is filmed in Alberta?

Heartland is filmed primarily in Alberta and showcases the province's ranches, foothills, and Rocky Mountain scenery.

Where can I stream Canadian TV shows?

Many Canadian series are available on CBC Gem, Crave, Netflix, Prime Video, and other streaming services, although availability varies by country.

Final Thoughts

Television offers one of the best ways to experience Canada beyond the headlines and tourist attractions. These series introduce viewers to communities across the country, from bustling cities and quiet farming towns to Atlantic fishing villages and northern Indigenous communities.

Whether you're looking for a heartfelt family comedy, a historical mystery, a thoughtful drama, or a lighthearted sitcom, these shows provide more than entertainment—they offer a deeper understanding of the country many newcomers now call home.