TV shows, who doesn’t love them? Canada has quietly produced some of the most thoughtful, funny, and emotionally engaging television of the past two decades. Yet many of these series remain underrated, often overshadowed by larger American productions despite being filmed in Canada or rooted in Canadian storytelling. Here are ten Canadian or Canada-connected shows that deserve far more attention.
1. Heated Rivalry
Stream on: Crave, Amazon Prime
Heated Rivalry has been trending online, but many viewers still don’t realize it’s Canadian-funded and filmed. The series stands out for its emotional intensity and character-driven storytelling, blending romance with genuine vulnerability rather than relying on familiar tropes. Maybe it’s not underrated, but it does challenge genre expectations and trusts its audience to engage with complicated emotions.
2. Schitt’s Creek
Stream on: Netflix
While now widely celebrated, Schitt’s Creek initially flew under the radar. Its humor evolves from surface-level satire into deeply earned emotional storytelling. Eugene and Dan Levy’s writing avoids cynicism, creating a world where vulnerability is never punished. The show’s Emmy success came from authentic character growth rather than sentimentality.
3. Murdoch Mysteries
Stream on: CBC Gem
Set in turn-of-the-century Toronto, Murdoch Mysteries elevates the procedural genre through historical accuracy and intellectual storytelling. Real historical figures are woven into its cases, offering smart and reliable entertainment. The series prioritizes episodic storytelling, a deliberate choice that has sustained it for over fifteen seasons.
4. Letterkenny
Stream on: Crave
Letterkenny is defined by rapid-fire dialogue and wordplay-heavy humor that rewards attentive viewers. Beneath the absurdity is genuine affection for rural Canadian life. The show respects its setting rather than mocking it, offering comedy that feels both sharp and sincere.
5. Kim’s Convenience
Stream on: Netflix
Set in Toronto, this sitcom explores immigrant identity, generational conflict, and cultural negotiation. Its strength lies in nuanced representation and believable family dynamics. While beloved, it remains underrated for how thoughtfully it centered Asian-Canadian perspectives on mainstream television.
6. Orphan Black
Stream on: Netflix
Filmed in Toronto, Orphan Black tackles cloning ethics, identity, and autonomy with surprising depth. Tatiana Maslany’s performances anchor the series and elevate it beyond standard science fiction.
7. Cardinal
Stream on: Crave
This crime drama uses Northern Ontario landscapes to create quiet tension and emotional restraint. The pacing and moral complexity distinguish it from typical procedurals.
8. Workin’ Moms
Stream on: Netflix
Workin’ Moms blends sharp comedy with honest depictions of modern parenthood. Set in Toronto, its refusal to offer easy resolutions makes the series feel grounded and relatable.
9. The Expanse
Stream on: Prime Video
A Canadian-American co-production, The Expanse delivers intelligent science fiction with complex politics and scientific realism. It rewards viewers willing to pay attention.
10. Sort Of
Stream on: CBC Gem / HBO MaxSet in Toronto, Sort Of follows a non-binary millennial navigating family and identity. The show’s emotional precision and quiet confidence make it one of Canada’s most overlooked recent series.
Now, I bet you didn’t know many of these shows were actually Canadian-based. Together, these series showcase the range, ambition, and emotional depth that continue to define Canada’s underrated television landscape.
