The Most Successful Canadian TV Show, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the show you think is the most successful!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:58

Discover the true North, strong and entertaining, as we bring you the ultimate showdown of the most successful Canadian TV shows! From hilarious comedies to gripping dramas, StrawPoll has curated a diverse list of the nation's finest productions, and we need your votes to crown the champion. Is your favorite show missing from the list? No worries, eh? Simply suggest it and let the great Canadian TV battle begin! With thousands of polls and rankings already hosted on our site, we guarantee an exciting experience that'll keep you glued to your screens. So grab a poutine, cozy up in your flannel, and join the fun as we uncover Canada's greatest TV treasure!

What Is the Most Successful Canadian TV Show?

1

62
votes
Schitt's Creek

Dan Levy and Eugene Levy

This comedy series swept the 2020 Emmy Awards and has gained a massive following both in Canada and internationally. It has been praised for its witty writing, lovable characters, and heartwarming moments.
Schitt's Creek is a comedy TV show that follows the wealthy Rose family as they find themselves financially ruined and forced to live in a small town called Schitt's Creek, which they once bought as a joke. The show explores their hilarious and heartfelt journey of learning to adapt to their new lives while living under one roof in a motel.

Genre: Comedy

Original release: 2015–2020

Number of seasons: 6

Number of episodes: 80

Running time: 22–33 minutes
2

25
votes
Degrassi

This long-running teen drama has been on the air since the 1980s and has tackled controversial topics such as teen pregnancy, drug use, and mental health. It has launched the careers of many Canadian actors, including Drake.
Degrassi is a Canadian TV show that explores the lives of a diverse group of teenagers facing various challenges and issues in their everyday lives. The show focuses on themes such as relationships, school, family, friendship, and social issues.

Genre: Drama

Language: English

First aired: 1979

Original network: CTV

Number of seasons: 15
3

16
votes
Corner Gas

Brent Butt

This sitcom set in a small town in Saskatchewan was a huge hit in Canada and gained a cult following in the United States. It is known for its quirky characters and comedic moments.
Corner Gas is a Canadian sitcom that aired from 2004 to 2009. Set in the fictional town of Dog River, Saskatchewan, the show revolves around the lives of the residents, centering on the daily interactions at the town's gas station. The series combines comedy, drama, and a touch of satire to portray the eccentric but lovable characters in their small-town dynamics.

Genre: Sitcom

Original Run: 2004-2009

Total Seasons: 6

Number of Episodes: 107

Main Setting: Dog River, Saskatchewan
4

9
votes
Jason Bain / Copyright: Sun Media · CC BY 2.0

Trailer Park Boys

Mike Clattenburg

This mockumentary-style show follows the lives of a group of trailer park residents and their misadventures. It has become a cult classic in Canada and has spawned multiple spin-offs and movies.
Trailer Park Boys is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows the lives of a group of trailer park residents in Sunnyvale, Nova Scotia, Canada. The show portrays the daily trials and tribulations of Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles, the main characters who engage in various illegal activities and constantly scheme to make money. Filmed with a documentary-style approach, the series showcases the humorous and often chaotic antics that take place within the trailer park community.

Genre: Mockumentary sitcom

Country: Canada

Language: English

Original Network: Showcase

Number of Seasons: 12
Trailer Park Boys in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person in Nova Scotia
5

15
votes
Netflix · Public domain

Anne with an E

Moira Walley-Beckett

This adaptation of the classic novel "Anne of Green Gables" has been praised for its stunning cinematography, strong performances, and modern take on the beloved story. It has gained a loyal fanbase and has been renewed for a third season.
Anne with an E is a Canadian television series based on the 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The show follows an orphan girl named Anne Shirley, who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly brother and sister in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. The series explores Anne's journey as she navigates through life, making friends, embracing her imagination, and finding her place in the world.

Genre: Drama

Country: Canada

Language: English

Original Network: CBC Television

No. of Seasons: 3
6

10
votes
Kim's Convenience

Ins Choi

This sitcom follows a Korean-Canadian family who run a convenience store in Toronto. It has been praised for its diverse representation and relatable family dynamics. It has been renewed for a fifth season.
Kim's Convenience is a Canadian television sitcom that follows the lives of the Korean-Canadian Kim family who run a convenience store in Toronto. The show explores their everyday challenges and experiences as they navigate cultural differences, generational clashes, and family dynamics.

Genre: Sitcom

Country of Origin: Canada

Language: English

Number of Seasons: 5

Number of Episodes: 65
7

9
votes
Murdoch Mysteries

Maureen Jennings

This period drama set in the late 19th century follows Detective William Murdoch as he solves crimes in Toronto. It has been praised for its attention to historical detail and engaging storylines. It has been renewed for a 14th season.
Murdoch Mysteries is a popular Canadian television show that blends historical drama, mystery, and police procedural genres. It is set in Toronto in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, following the life and investigations of detective William Murdoch.

Genre: Historical drama, Mystery, Police procedural

Setting: Toronto, 1890s to early 1900s

Main character: Detective William Murdoch

Based on: The novels of Maureen Jennings

Original network: Citytv (Canada)
8

11
votes
Letterkenny

This comedy series set in rural Ontario has gained a cult following for its quick-witted humor and unique characters. It has been renewed for a ninth season.
Letterkenny is a Canadian television sitcom that follows the lives of residents in the fictional rural town of Letterkenny, Ontario. The show showcases the daily interactions between different groups of people, including hicks, skids, hockey players, and the indigenous community.

Genre: Sitcom

Country of Origin: Canada

Language: English

Original Network: Crave (originally produced for YouTube)

First Episode Release Date: February 7, 2016
9

6
votes
Heartland

This family drama set on a horse ranch in Alberta has been on the air since 2007 and has gained a dedicated fanbase. It has been praised for its positive representation of rural life and family values. It has been renewed for a 14th season.
Heartland is a Canadian television drama series that revolves around the Fleming family and their ranch, Heartland, in the fictional town of Hudson, Alberta. The show follows the struggles and triumphs of Amy Fleming, a talented horse healer, and her family as they navigate through life, love, and the challenges of running the horse ranch.

Genre: Drama

Original release: October 14, 2007 – present

Country of origin: Canada

Language: English

Number of seasons: 14
10

7
votes
Tristan Loper · CC0

Orphan Black

Graeme Manson and John Fawcett

This sci-fi thriller follows a woman who discovers she is one of many clones and must navigate a dangerous conspiracy. It has been praised for its strong performance by lead actress Tatiana Maslany and its complex storyline. It ran for five seasons.
Orphan Black is a science fiction TV show that follows the story of Sarah Manning, a troubled young woman who discovers she is one of many clones. Created by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett, the show first premiered on March 30, 2013, and concluded on August 12, 2017. It gained widespread critical acclaim for its intricate plot, compelling performances, and exploration of themes such as identity, ethics, and the ramifications of scientific advancement.

Genre: Science fiction, Drama, Thriller

Number of Seasons: 5

Number of Episodes: 50

Main Actress: Tatiana Maslany

Main Character: Sarah Manning and multiple clones

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Discussion

Ranking factors for successful show

Popularity

Popularity can be measured by factors such as social media buzz, critical acclaim, and audience engagement.
Awards

Awards won by a TV show can be indicative of its critical acclaim and impact on the industry.
Longevity

A TV show that has been on the air for many seasons and has a loyal fan base is considered successful.
Revenue

Revenue generated by a TV show through advertising, merchandise, and syndication can be a measure of its success.
Cultural Impact

A TV show that has had a significant impact on Canadian culture and society is considered successful.
International Success

A TV show that has gained popularity and acclaim in other countries is considered successful in terms of its global influence.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful Canadian TV show. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3085 views
165 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each show once every 24 hours. The rank of each show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful canadian tv show

Canada has produced some of the most successful TV shows in recent times, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique storylines and characters. From comedy to drama, Canadian TV shows have gained acclaim for their exceptional quality and diverse representation. One of the most successful Canadian TV shows of all time is "Degrassi," which has been on air for over four decades. The show has tackled some of the most sensitive issues faced by teenagers, such as mental health, drugs, and sexuality, making it a hit among young audiences. Another hugely successful Canadian TV show is "Schitt's Creek." The comedy series, which premiered in 2015, has won numerous awards, including 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, making it one of the most decorated Canadian TV shows in history. Other notable Canadian TV shows include "Orphan Black," "Anne with an E," "Corner Gas," and "Trailer Park Boys." These shows have not only gained a strong following in Canada but have also gained international recognition for their exceptional storytelling and entertainment value. Canada's TV industry continues to thrive, producing shows that are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and impactful. It is no surprise that Canadian TV shows have gained a loyal fanbase and continue to be some of the most successful shows on air today.