You’re watching the best Canadian TV series redefine television as “Schitt’s Creek” sweeps Emmy Awards and “Kim’s Convenience” captures global audiences. Canadian productions like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Orphan Black” prove Toronto’s studios rival Hollywood’s biggest players.
From “Letterkenny’s” cult following to “Vikings'” cinematic scale, Canadian television leverages authentic storytelling that resonates worldwide. Netflix’s massive investment has transformed Canadian shows from quota requirements into premium global content available on streaming platforms and IP TV services.
These shifts reveal how the best Canadian TV series now compete directly with American imports—often outperforming them in viewership and critical acclaim while setting new standards for quality storytelling.
1. Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek is one of the best Canadian TV series ever created, sweeping all seven major Emmy comedy categories in 2020. The show follows the wealthy Rose family rebuilding their lives in a small town after losing everything, delivering a perfect balance of humor and heart.
Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy give career-defining performances in this groundbreaking comedy. The show’s celebration of LGBTQ+ relationships and universal themes of resilience made it a global phenomenon. Stream on Netflix, CBC Gem, and IPTV services.
2. Kim’s Convenience
Kim’s Convenience brings authentic Korean-Canadian family dynamics to television with warmth and humor. Following the Kim family running a Toronto convenience store, the show captures generational tensions while celebrating family bonds. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Jean Yoon deliver outstanding performances.
The series launched Simu Liu’s career and addresses identity and belonging through gentle comedy. Five seasons of heartfelt stories make it one of Canada’s most beloved sitcoms. Available on Netflix, CBC Gem, and IPTV platforms.
3. Letterkenny
Letterkenny transforms rural Ontario life into sophisticated comedy with rapid-fire dialogue and absurd situations. Jared Keeso’s Crave original features quotable lines and memorable characters navigating small-town rivalries. The show’s unique rhythm and wordplay set it apart from traditional sitcoms.
With 12 seasons plus specials, Letterkenny has built a massive cult following and countless memes. The ensemble cast creates a fully realized rural world that’s hilarious and unexpectedly clever. Stream on Crave or using an IPTV service.
4. Orphan Black
Orphan Black showcases Tatiana Maslany’s extraordinary range portraying multiple clones with distinct personalities. This sci-fi thriller follows Sarah Manning discovering she’s one of many clones caught in a conspiracy. The show combines suspense with thoughtful exploration of identity and autonomy.
Maslany’s tour-de-force performance earned her an Emmy, while the intricate plotting balances conspiracy with emotional authenticity. The series explores corporate exploitation and bodily autonomy themes that remain relevant today. Watch all five seasons on Crave.
5. The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale brings Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel to life with haunting Canadian production excellence. Filmed in Toronto and starring Elisabeth Moss, the series depicts a totalitarian society where women are enslaved for reproduction. The show’s chilling relevance has made it essential viewing.
As one of the best Canadian TV series, it has won multiple Emmys for its powerful storytelling and performances. The production’s visual style and emotional intensity create unforgettable television. Stream on Crave, Prime Video, and one of the top rated IPTV packages.
6. Murdoch Mysteries
Murdoch Mysteries follows Detective William Murdoch solving crimes in 1890s-1900s Toronto using innovative forensic techniques. This charming period drama blends mystery, history, and gentle humor across 19 seasons. Yannick Bisson leads the cast in Canada’s longest-running drama series.
The show’s inventive cases feature historical figures and Victorian-era technology, making history entertaining and accessible. Its wholesome storytelling and consistent quality have built a devoted international fanbase. Available on CBC Gem, Acorn TV, and various streaming platforms.
7. Vikings
Vikings turned Canadian production expertise into a global historical epic. Filmed in Ireland and Toronto, the series follows legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok’s adventures and conquests. Cinematic battles, political intrigue, and grounded character development kept audiences captivated for six seasons.
Travis Fimmel’s breakout performance as Ragnar established the show’s prestige drama credentials. The series showcased Canadian television’s ability to deliver international-quality productions rivaling any Hollywood epic. Stream all 89 episodes on Netflix and Prime Video.
8. Trailer Park Boys
Trailer Park Boys is a mockumentary comedy following Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles in their Nova Scotia trailer park. The show’s swear-filled chaos, quotable lines, and DIY aesthetic created Canadian anti-heroes with cult status. Twelve seasons plus movies provide endless greasy laughs.
The trio’s get-rich-quick schemes and confrontations with park supervisor Lahey deliver absurd comedy gold. Its authentic Maritime humor and heart make it beloved worldwide. Stream the complete series on Netflix and SwearNet.
9. Anne with an E
Anne with an E reimagines L.M. Montgomery’s classic with modern themes and period charm. Amybeth McNulty stars as Anne Shirley in this coming-of-age drama exploring trauma, identity, and belonging. The CBC/Netflix co-production addresses race and LGBTQ+ storylines with sensitivity.
The show’s bold storytelling and stunning Prince Edward Island cinematography create unforgettable television. Its three seasons resonate deeply with audiences seeking meaningful period drama. One of the best Canadian TV series for family viewing, available on CBC Gem and Netflix.
10. Letterkenny
Law & Order: Toronto brings the franchise to Canada with authentic Toronto storytelling and diverse casting. Starring Missy Peregrym, the procedural drama debuted in 2024 pulling over 1.1 million viewers weekly. The series captures Toronto’s multicultural landscape while delivering compelling crime cases.
The show represents Toronto’s rise as a television production powerhouse, eschewing generic procedurals for character-driven narratives. Its success proves Canadian crime dramas can stand alongside American counterparts. Watch on CTV, Citytv, and through licensed IPTV subscriptions offering live Canadian channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Watch These Canadian TV Series From Outside Canada?
You’ll need VPN services to bypass geo-restrictions, though international licensing varies by platform. Compare ExpressVPN versus NordVPN for CBC Gem access. Alternatively, check if Crave or Netflix holds distribution rights in your region’s content library.
Are These Shows Available With Subtitles or Closed Captions?
You’ll find comprehensive subtitles availability across platforms, with closed captions options matching Netflix’s accessibility standards. Most Canadian broadcasters mandate dual-language tracks, surpassing US networks’ compliance rates. Premium tiers typically unlock multi-language subtitle repositories for international viewers.
Which Streaming Platforms Offer the Most Canadian Content in 2026?
You’ll find Canadian IPTV, and CBC Gem dominates Canadian platforms with 70% domestic content, while Crave follows industry streaming trends at 45%. Netflix’s Canadian tier underperforms comparatively, though Prime Video’s localized strategy shows promising year-over-year growth metrics.
What Are the Typical Episode Lengths for These Series?
You’ll find episode duration varies across platforms: prestige dramas run 45-60 minutes mirroring HBO’s model, while comedies maintain typical formats of 22-30 minutes. Streaming-first productions increasingly adopt flexible runtimes, eschewing traditional broadcast constraints entirely.
What are the best movies to stream right now?
The best movies to stream right now include “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” on Netflix, “Killers of the Flower Moon” on Apple TV+, and “Air” on Prime Video. Disney+ offers Marvel releases and Pixar classics, while action fans can stream “John Wick: Chapter 4” across multiple platforms. These titles are also available through premium IPTV subscriptions offering comprehensive VOD libraries.
