Here's information about a number of Canadian television one-hour dramas from the 1990s (and now the 2000s!) that are either currently in production or at least still airing occasionally in the U.S. or Canada. Some of them are my personal favorites; a few are ones I've never even seen. My two favorite shows are at the top, followed by the others in alphabetical order. This page features shows that are made primarily for the Canadian market. Information about made-for-export shows such as "Men in Trees" or "Stargate: Atlantis" is readily available elsewhere. I've also decided to focus on shows that recognizably take place in Canada (even if the town is fictional), rather than those that are indeterminate (or pointedly American) in their settings. Some of these shows can be seen in the U.S. in syndication or on cable/satellite channels. I've included schedule information for both Canada and the U.S. where I know about it. Please let me know about any airings I've overlooked.
Hot News!
June 17 - If you haven't seen "Black Harbour" for a while, you can catch it from the beginning starting this Thursday on TVtropolis. It airs at 8 o'clock each weekday morning. June 10 - Season 3 of "Da Vinci's Inquest" is now available on DVD. Season 2 just came out in November, so Acorn Media is releasing them at a good clip. If you're a Da Vinci fan, go buy one and keep Acorn motivated to offer more seasons! June 5 - No, I haven't abandoned this site--although I wouldn't blame anyone who thought so! I guess I got so dispirited about the state of TV drama series in Canada that I lost the will to keep up on the minimal happenings. But now I have a bunch of new information for you--including some very interesting developments regarding Canadian-made series in the U.S. First, the news that Da Vinci fans have been waiting for! CBC will air the TV movie "The Quality of Life" on Saturday, June 14th. Yes, Dom is still mayor of Vancouver, but he's also still getting dragged into murder cases. You can see a trailer on the movie's official website. Speaking of Chris Haddock, Season 1 of "Intelligence" has just come out on DVD. I don't have any updates for you on the American version of "Intelligence." Last I heard, Fox was still considering whether to proceed with it. No recent news on the original Canadian version of the show coming to the States via syndication, either. CBC announced its Fall 2008 schedule last week. There are no new dramas, but 2007-2008 season newcomers "Heartland" and "The Border" will both be back. (CBC is re-airing the first season of "Heartland" starting this Sunday evening.) There will, however, be two new dramas on CBC next January. "The Session" takes place in Toronto, and is described by CBC as "about a woman who can go back in time and relive moments from her past with the help of a mysterious therapist." Michael Riley (most recently seen in "This is Wonderland") is one of the stars. The other series is "Wild Roses." No surprise, it takes place in Alberta. It's about "a family full of strong women fighting for oil wealth." By the way, one of the production companies is SEVEN24 Films, previously known as Alberta Filmworks, the creators of "North of 60." Global announced its fall primetime schedule yesterday. As usual, its schedule is comprised mainly of U.S. series, and there are no new homegrown dramas. However, last year's freshman show "The Guard" is returning. You can see the full fall schedule on the Global website. (I don't have "Slings and Arrows" on this page, because it's more a comedy than a drama. But if you haven't seen this delightful series about life behind the scenes at a Shakespeare festival, you'll be able to catch it Saturday nights on Global this fall.) The only thing approaching a full-length Canadian drama series on CTV next fall is the return of their primetime soap opera "Whistler." However, CTV will air a drama called "Flashpoint" this summer, and they're working on another drama for next year called "The Listener." The really interesting thing about both of those shows is that they will also be seen in the United States. "Flashpoint," about an elite police squad, has been bought by CBS. It premieres July 11 in both countries. "The Listener," about a man who can read other people's minds, has been picked up by NBC. NBC's website has only a bit of information so far, but the has network announced that "The Listener" will air in Summer 2009. (Yes, 2009.) Although I've chosen not to cover soap operas here (even primetime ones), there's also interesting cross-border news about CBC's "MVP: The Secret Lives of Hockey Wives." Mostly it will air on ABC's cable/satellite channel Soapnet, but ABC is giving the show a kickstart by airing the first episode on the main network right after the Emmy awards on June 20th. I'm a little surprised that ABC is giving "MVP" so much attention, given that it was cancelled by CBC after one season and only has 10 episodes. I guess it's possible that good ratings on Soapnet could revive the series; it happened with another soap opera that DirecTV resuscitated. By the way, the Hollywood Reporter says that "the distributors of CBC's 'The Border' are in discussions with several U.S. networks, including CBS and ABC." Now, that I would love to see happen. I've managed to see season 1, and it's a well written, well acted, suspenseful series. It would also be great if Hallmark or another family- oriented channel picked up "Heartland."
The Shows
North of 60
My "North of 60" site
A richly textured Canadian series about life in a small native village in the Northwest Territories, "North of 60" originally aired on CBC in Canada. It ended in December, 1997, after six seasons. See my North of 60 page for the latest news on the show (including the current air schedule) and on other activities of North of 60 stars.
Due South
William and Elyse's excellent fan site "Due South" is a drama/comedy about a Mountie from the northern wilds of Canada who finds himself stationed in Chicago. If you've never seen this delightful show, be sure to give it a try! The show is no longer in production, but the existing episodes often rerun in Canada. (Yes, the inclusion of DS in this list violates my stated criteria for this page, because the show pretended to take place in Chicago and was co-produced with a U.S. network. But much of the show's charm comes from Canadian/U.S. culture clashes, so it actually has quite a bit of Canadian content. Besides, it's a great show. :-) )
The Associates
Epguides.com listing TV.com listing
This drama about young lawyers ran for two seasons (2001-2002) on CTV. Reruns are currently airing on Bold TV (formerly CBC Country Canada).
Avonlea See "Road to Avonlea"
Black Harbour
TV.com listing
This series from the creators of "North of 60" revolves around a Los Angeles family that moves back to the wife's hometown in Nova Scotia (where the series was filmed). Rebecca Jenkins plays the prodigal daughter, and Geraint Wyn Davies of "Forever Knight" plays her out-of-work movie-director husband. You can see reruns weekdays on TVtropolis.
Blue Murder
Epguides.com listing TV.com listing
Reruns of this show about Toronto detectives air a few times each Tuesday on Showcase, and weekend mornings on Showcase Diva.
The Border
CBC site TV.com listing
This taut show follows the efforts of the Immigration and Customs Security agency to protect Canada's, well, borders. (So far, all the action has been on the southern border. No word yet whether we can expect any shootouts between ICS and the residents of Greenland.) It will return for Season 2 on CBC in Fall 2008. Meanwhile, you can see Season 1 again on Bold TV (formerly CBC Country Canada).
Cold Squad
CTV site Epguides.com listing JAM TV articles
The detectives in this Vancouver-based police drama are in charge of investigating "cold" cases--ones that have gone unsolved for a long time. The series ended in 2005 after seven seasons on CTV.
Repeats of the show can be seen weekdays on Showcase Diva, and Mondays and Fridays on Showcase. Et aussi en français sur Canal Series+ les jours de semaine (avec le nom "Brigade spéciale"). U.S. viewers can see "Cold Squad" in syndication. Check your local listings for times and stations.
The Collector
Official website
A supernatural drama about a man who helps people right the wrongs they've done in their lives before the Devil collects on the souls they've promised him.
The series has ended, but reruns can be seen on the CHUM/CITY stations.
Da Vinci's City Hall
Official website
Following in the footsteps of his real-life inspiration, Dominic Da Vinci has moved from the coroner's department to the mayor's office.
On February 28, 2006, the first and only season of DVCH completed its run on CBC. Reruns are airing on Bold TV (formerly CBC Country Canada). Vous pouvez voir "Le Maire Da Vinci" sur Canal Series+. In the U.S., you can see the "City Hall" episodes as part of the syndicated airings of "Da Vinci's Inquest."
Da Vinci's Inquest
Official website (Canada) Official website (U.S.) JAM TV articles
After seven seasons, this gritty drama about the coroner's office in Vancouver, B.C. became "Da Vinci's City Hall," which ran for one season on CBC. Reruns can be seen weekdays on Showcase and Showcase Diva. Aussi, la série ("Coroner Da Vinci")est diffusée en français tous les jours sur Canal Series+.
Since Fall 2005, DVI has also been airing in the U.S. See the official U.S. website listed above for more information, or refer to my list of U.S. stations carrying DVI. (I have not updated that list since September, 2005, but it should still be accurate for the most part. If you don't see any local stations for your area, try searching the online listings at Zap2It.) Superstation WGN is airing the show on late Sunday nights, so if you get that station on satellite or cable, that's another option for seeing the show.
E.N.G
Epguides.com listing TV.com listing
This show is about the news department at a Toronto television station. It ran from 1989 to 1994.
Eleventh Hour
CTV site TV.com listing
JAM TV articles
CTV's drama about an investigative TV show went off the air in 2005. (A British series with the same name was created in 2005, and a U.S. version of that series will debut in 2008. They are not related to this show.)
Emily of New Moon
Becky's fan site TV.com listing
A family drama based on the writings of Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Emily" is about an orphaned girl trying to keep her imagination and individuality alive in a sometimes stifling environment. The show is set in the 1890s and was filmed on location on Prince Edward Island. You can see it Thursdays on Vision, and Fridays and Sundays on Knowledge Network.
Flashpoint
CTV website "Flashpoint" will debut on CTV and CBS on July 11, 2008. It focuses on an elite police unit in Toronto.
The Guard
Global website "The Guard" returns for its second season in Fall 2008. Set in British Columbia, it follows the lives of several Coast Guard members. Reruns are airing this summer on Mystery.
Heartland
CBC website
CBC's new family drama will be back for its second season in Fall 2008. Meanwhile, you can catch up with Season 1 on Sunday evenings starting June 8th.
Intelligence
Official website Starring Ian Tracey as a Vancouver crime boss, this series was canceled after two seasons on CBC. Reruns can be seen on Mondays and Tuesdays on Bold TV (formerly CBC Country Canada), and Thursdays and Sundays on Showcase. This series is also being marketed to U.S. stations, so keep checking here for news on that. And Fox is considering making its own version of the show, in cooperation with creator Chris Haddock.
Neon Rider
Epguides.com listing TV.com listing
An early-90s drama about a ranch for delinquent teenagers.
It's currently airing daily on Deja View.
Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy
TV.com listing Adventure/romance set on a cattle ranch in British Columbia during the 1940s, based on the reminiscences of Rich Hobson. The series ran on CBC for two seasons (1999-2000).
ReGenesis
Official website Epguides.com listing TV.com listing Scientists at a lab called NorBAC attempt to head off bad effects from biotechnology advances. Reruns of the final season (Season 4) are now airing on The Movie Network and Movie Central. Earlier seasons can be seen on Showcase on weeknights. "ReGenesis" is also airing in the U.S. Because it's syndicated rather than being on a cable/satellite channel, airtimes vary, so check your local listings.
Road to Avonlea
Official website Mark's fan page JAM TV articles
This classic Canadian series is based on books by Lucy Maud Montgomery about life on Prince Edward Island in the early 1900s. It's been known as "Avonlea" in the U.S.
The Session This drama with supernatural elements will debut on CBC in January, 2009.
Street Legal
My episode list TV.com listing
The trials--so to speak--and tribulations of a small Toronto law firm. The show ran from 1986 to 1994.
Reruns are being shown a few times each weekday on Bravo Canada. (Note: if you see listings for "Street Legal" on APTN, that's a different series from New Zealand.)
This is Wonderland
TV.com listing
A young lawyer finds herself caught up in the frustration, poignancy, and humor of the Toronto justice system. The series ended in March, 2006 after three seasons on CBC.
Bold TV (formerly CBC Country Canada) airs the show on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Tom Stone
CBC site Epguides.com listing TV.com listing JAM TV articles
This CBC series about a mismatched duo of crimefighters (an RCMP corporal sent to Calgary after making enemies in Toronto, and a local ex-cop whom she gets out of jail in return for his help) ran for two seasons in 2002 and 2003.
"Tom Stone" is not currently being shown in Canada. With the title "Stone Undercover," the series airs in syndication in the U.S. Check your local listings for times and stations.
Traders
Epguides.com listing TV.com listing
Life in the fast lane at a Toronto investment bank. The series ended in March, 2000 on the Global network in Canada.
Reruns of the show can be seen weekdays on Lonestar and CLT.
Wild Roses This Alberta-based drama about an oil family will debut on CBC in January, 2009.
Wind at My Back
Official website Lilian's fan site My episode guide TV.com listing JAM TV articles
This family drama from the producers of "Road to Avonlea" follows the lives of a young widow and her children in northern Ontario during the Great Depression. The fifth and final season aired on CBC during the 2000-2001 season.
Canadian Dramas Links
Here are some more web pages you might enjoy! The Encyclopedia of Television on the Museum of Broadcast Communications website includes specific pages about "North of 60," "Street Legal," "E.N.G.," etc.
Prof. Mary Jane Miller has an essay on Canadian Television Programming in English on the MBC site.
TV, Eh? What's Up in Canadian TV offers lots of good updates and links about Canadian television.
Channel Canada tracks happenings on all the Canadian networks and cable/satellite stations.
Queen's University Film Studies provides links to television websites in Canada.
The Great Canadian Guide to the Movies and TV has info about loads of shows.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television has created a comprehensive, easy-to-use database of nominees and winners for the Gemini (television) and Genie (cinema) awards.
Program Partners is the company that has brought "Da Vinci's Inquest" and other Canadian dramas to U.S. television stations.
If you know of a current domestic drama I've missed and you can give me a URL
for information about it, please let me know and I'll definitely consider adding it.
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(c) 1997-2008 Patricia F. Winter
Last updated 6/17/2008
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