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Written By
Zain Usmani
Jan 18, 2022
•Life in Canada
When you think of Canada, snow, ice hockey, and maple syrup probably come to mind. While those things are Canadian to the core, one part of Canada that most people overlook is the TV shows. Canada has some of the best TV shows out there. Fans from across the world enjoy watching Canadian TV shows. No matter what type of show you want to find, Canada has something for you. From older Western shows to sitcoms, here are a few that capture life in Canada.
L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is one of the iconic Canadian books. It is no surprise that since the book was published in 1908, multiple film adaptations have popped up. Many adaptations have captured the heart-warming tale entertainingly while staying true to the novel.
However, there is one adaptation that stands out. The 1985 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables has captured the hearts of millions of Canadians and is cherished by fans around the world. It perfectly captures life in Prince Edward Island during the early 1900s.
The TV show is about the life of a 12-year-old orphan named Anne who is adopted by two elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla. The ageing siblings wanted a young boy to help out on their farm, but instead received a girl, Anne. Marill and Matthew did not welcome Anne at first because she wasn’t a boy. However, she manages to win the hearts of her adoptive guardians and eventually the people of her town, Avonlea.
The series is available on a streaming service called GazeboTV. Another option is to check out your local public library. Since it is such a popular show, you will likely find the title in your local library.
The Canadian TV show, “Frontier”, brings attention to a part of Canadian history that is usually overlooked. The show brings the audience back to the North American fur trade and the powerful Hudson’s Bay Company. It follows the thrilling adventures of the rebellious Declan Harp. Declan Harp was an employee at the Hudson’s Bay Company before he became an outlaw.
Join Declan as he undertakes his quest for revenge against the very company he used to work for. All three seasons of Frontier are available on Netflix. The show has some violence in it, so it is ages 16+. Click here to access the trailer for the show
Heartland is another show that is based on a book. This Canadian TV show takes place near the Rocky Mountains of Alberta in Heartland Ranch. It follows the teenage protagonist, Amy Fleming, and her family, who run the ranch. After Amy’s mother passes away, it is up to Amy and her sister to revive the bankrupt family ranch.
This show gives a good insight into life in the Alberta countryside. The show is full of scenic shots that cover the wide expanse of the Rocky Mountain Foothills. Heartland offers a view of country life and an interesting storyline that is easy to follow.
Heartland is available to watch on Netflix. If you do not have a Netflix subscription, you can also watch all 15 episodes on CBC Gem for free. Click here to access the complete series for free. Check out the trailer here.
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Kim’s Convenience is a great sitcom that touches upon some of the amazing things about Canada. This Canadian TV show is about a Korean family that immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, and opened a convenience store. Kim’s Convenience combines comedy with real-life elements that make the show fun, engaging, and entertaining.
The show gives the audience a look into another culture and shows how different and at the same time, how similar Canadian families can be. Fans from diverse backgrounds can relate to the dynamics of a family that happens to be Korean-Canadian.
You can watch Kim’s Convenience for free on CBC Gem by clicking here. You can also watch the show on Netflix or Prime Video with a subscription. Check out this video to get a flavour of this Canadian TV show.
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Another great Canadian TV sitcom is Schitt’s Creek. The show follows a once-wealthy family that went completely broke. The only asset the Roses could keep was a small town of Schitt’s Creek. The Roses had bought the town as a joke, but now they had no choice but to move into it, leaving behind life as they knew it.
Join the Roses as they struggle to adapt to their new modest lives with their two spoiled children.
CBC Gem also offers Schitt’s Creek to watch for free. You can access the show for free by clicking here. You can also watch the show on Netflix and Prime Video with a subscription to those streaming services. If you would like to watch the trailer first, you can also do that by clicking here.
Whether you want to get a glimpse of life in Canada, learn about cultural and historical aspects, or just be entertained, these Canadian TV shows cover it all.
WRITTEN BY
Zain Usmani
Writer, Prepare for Canada
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
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