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The Watchlist: 5 Essential Canadian Shows To Watch

We’re at that point in the year where many TV shows are about to air their season or series finales. Well, my new series, The Watchlist, is here to help you find more shows & movies to add to your streaming/TV watchlist.

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If you’re in the market for something to watch, but you don’t necessarily want a US-made series, I have you covered. There are some amazing series coming out of Canada, many of which are accessible here in the States.  These 5 are ones that I have watched, and are also a mix of popular shows and a couple of hidden gems. 

1. Hudson & Rex

Hudson & Rex Season 8 Cast Poster (Credit: Shaftsbury Productions/Pope Productions/Beta Film/Citytv)

So, if you follow me on my Substack, I have talked about Hudson & Rex at length on there. I always say that Murdoch Mysteries was my entry to Canadian TV, but Hudson & Rex was my first true love with Canadian TV. This series, while based on a German series from the mid/late 90s/early 00s, honors that classic series while also being able to hold its own. 

While it originally launched in 2019 on Canadian network Citytv, I feel like it has taken a life of its own since then. Now, everyone will probably ask: what season do we start with? While I feel like a lot of people will say that you can jump in really anywhere, this is one where starting from the first season is your best bet. 

That first episode really sets up the series, and you get introduced to everyone. Some fun ones & some that have really interesting cases to watch throughout the series include:

As for where this airs, it’s home streaming service here in the States is UP Faith & Family. Now, there is a warning: Season 2, Episode 2, Season 5, Episode 7, and Season 7, Episode 2 are missing on the streaming service. The show also airs on:

Season 8 doesn’t have a premiere date as of yet in the US, but it should be within the next few months or so.

2. North Of North

North Of North Season One Cast Poster (Credit: Netflix/CBC/APTN)

Meanwhile, if you are looking for a heartwarming comedy, then Netflix’s North of North is the perfect pick for you. 

Actress Anna Lambe leads this fantastic series about a woman living in Canada’s Northwest Territories. This comedy is one of Netflix’s best, and the 20 nominations it got this year at the Canadian Screen Awards kinda solidifies its place in the comedy scene. 

Now, every episode of the series is worth watching, but Episode 6 is specifically worth paying attention to. This is streaming on Netflix to watch and enjoy.

3. Republic Of Doyle

Republic Of Doyle Cast Poster (Credit: CBC)

Republic of Doyle is a series that I only found out about late last year, and it is a fantastic series. It’s about a Father/Son family-run PI agency in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Now this 6-season series is both hilarious and heartfelt at the same time. I love how every episode has a different case, but that is what makes it so fun to watch. 

I also love seeing the family dynamics in the show as well. It really is a beautiful and amazing series. It streams on both Tubi and YouTube.

4. Sullivan’s Crossing

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 Cast Poster (Credit: CTV)

Sullivan’s Crossing is a beautiful series. It’s based on Robyn Carr’s What We Find book series, and it’s quite a series to watch. It’s a drama with some comedy and lighthearted moments, and the cast for the series is incredible. I love all of the characters in the series, but the show’s main character, Maggie, is incredible. She brings so much heart to the series. 

All of the supporting characters are also amazing as well. Everyone works so well together in the show. Every season is incredible, and the latest season is premiering here in a few weeks. It is streaming on both Netflix and The CW.

5. Wild Cards

Wild Cards Season 3 Cast Poster (Credit: Fifth Season TV Distribution/CBC/The CW)

Finally, we bring up Wild Cards. 

This series is on its 3rd season. It is a police procedural, much in the way that Hudson & Rex is, but it’s also a comedy as well, with a lot of wonderful comedic moments in it. I love this series so much, and each season has gotten better and better. 

This current season has been incredible to watch, and with the final coming next week here, I’m interested to see how it sets us up for Season 4. This streams on both Prime Video and The CW. 

These are just some of the fantastic Canadian TV Shows that are accessible here in the States. There are so many other shows available to watch, including:

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