The Top 10 Canadian Shows Filmed Right Here at Home
Written by Bailey Kennedy
With the recent surge of interest in Heated Rivalry, I’ve gone down a deep rabbit hole of Canadian-made and filmed shows to put on my list for the new year. Read on to build out your all-Canadian watch list for 2026.
As someone who is deeply fascinated by the film industry, nothing is more exciting than seeing somewhere I’ve been on the television screen (although a favourite book getting made into a show comes pretty close). I love experiencing the collision of real life and make-believe on screen. When I lived in London, England, I would watch shows and get so giddy when a scene would take place outside of a cafe I frequented, or a street I walked down daily. In Canada, I hadn't had much of the same experience until I found out they filmed all of the hockey scenes in Heated Rivalry just 5 minutes from my house at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph, Ontario. That inspired me to start researching other locations across Canada and find out which other great Canadian shows were filmed right here at home.
The list was longer than I’d expected, although I shouldn’t have been surprised knowing what great talent we have here in Canada. Between the incredible writers, actors, directors and everyone that makes a show come to life, the talent in our country is outstanding.
Critically Acclaimed & Popular Shows
Schitt's Creek: A family comedy filmed in Orangeville & Toronto, known for its heartwarming Canadian humour. This show is not only incredible but stars Canadian father and son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, and fellow Canadian actress and SNL & SCTV alumni Catherine O’Hara.
Orphan Black: Sci-fi thriller created by Canadian screenwriter and producer Graeme Mason. It stars actress Tatiana Maslany playing multiple clones, and was filmed in Toronto.
Anne with an E: A beloved adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, filmed in PEI and Nova Scotia. This is a Canadian classic brought to television with a modern twist and appropriate for all ages.
Kim's Convenience: A Toronto-based sitcom about a Korean-Canadian family. The show was developed by Canadian playwright, actor, and screenwriter Ins Choi, who developed the story from his own experiences as a Korean Canadian and his background growing up in a Korean church, wanting to show Asian families in a relatable, funny light.
Letterkenny: A quirky comedy set in rural Ontario, celebrated for its unique Canadian dialect. This show was created by Jared Keeso and directed by Jacob Tierney (who is also the creator of Heated Rivalry.) The duo also created the show Shoresy which is a popular spinoff of the show.
Handmaid's Tale: A dystopian novel written by Canadian icon Margaret Atwood in 1985. The show was adapted into a hit TV series that was filmed in Cambridge, Ontario.
Heartland: The longest-running Canadian one-hour drama, set and filmed in Alberta.
Degrassi (various series): A long running staple exploring high school life in Toronto. This was where rap start Drake had his breakout into the spotlight staring as Jimmy Brooks for six seasons.
Flashpoint: A police drama set in Toronto.
19-2: A gritty drama following two Montreal police officers.
Handmaid’s Tale Scene Filmed in Cambridge, Ontario
If you are like me and watch TV with your phone out ready to fact check and search for connections along the way, then check out these shows and immerse yourself in the Canadian landscapes woven into the storylines across the country.