Categories: Arts

Top 10 Canadian TV shows of the decade

Our critic picks the English-language shows from the past 10 years that kept him glued to the small screen

by Jaime Weinman on Thursday, December 10, 2009 12:56pm - 71 Comments

1. Intelligence (2006 – 2007)
Created by Chris Haddock, the man behind Da Vinci’s Inquest (which didn’t make the list because it premiered in the ‘90s), this story of drug trafficking, moral ambiguity and politics was one of the most ambitious Canadian dramas of the decade, a successful attempt to do a serious crime drama like The Wire. It was canceled by the CBC after only two seasons, leading Haddock to speculate that “somewhere in the CBC someone is saying ‘do not promote this show.’” That’s how you know Canadian TV has made the big time at last: we have TV that’s too good for TV.

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  • marta

    Strombo is No 1 for me the only one what I watch and no Clicking…
    Bravo.

  • wayne moores

    Strombo-boob…you gotta be kidding. If you want to watch how an iterviewer should conduct themselves watch spectacle with Elvis Costelo. He know his stuff and the people he's interviewing. The guests are the center of attention, not the host. Strombo, on the other hand is a self absorbed boob who has a ton of interesting people plopped in front of him and he continually acts like it's all about him. I know, I know Spectacle is not a Canadian show, I just wish it were. Like many other commenters here, I to think it was a crime that Intelligence was dropped. Typical CBC.

  • Ceeger

    I just thank God that by the end of the list I had not read these dreaded words: 'Little Mosque On The Prairie'.

    Now please excuse me; I just puked a little bit in my mouth at the very thought of that CBC, multi-cult claptrap.

  • Ghandi

    How does garbage like Life With Derek make it, and gold like Survivorman not? Les Stroud is the man!!!

  • ScootsMagoots

    Intelligence at number one? Mantracker at number anything? Life of Derek>Kenny vs Spenny? I'm Ron Burgundy? I usually wouldn't get mad at a top 10 list but…. well just check my top ten stupid list list to see where this one ranks (spoiler alert: #1).

  • ScootsMagoots

    Intelligence at number one? Mantracker at number anything? Life of Derek>Kenny vs Spenny? I'm Ron Burgundy? I usually wouldn't get mad at a top 10 list but…. well just check my top ten stupid list list to see where this one ranks (spoiler alert: #1).

  • Crap for brains

    TRADERS,TEK WAR, BEAST MASTER.AMAZON Com-on people

  • http://twitter.com/madhi19 @madhi19

    If you're going to include US-Canada co-production you might as well put BSG on top of that list! Not to mention Gene Roddenberry Andromeda!

    • http://twitter.com/madhi19 @madhi19

      And I would add ZeD anybody remember that late night show?

  • Cold Kanuck

    WHERE's DUE SOUTH???????????????

    CRAPPY LIST!

  • arehaerh

    Canadian TV is a shitpile

  • http://www.geniemove.com/ Chicago Movers

    Very happy to see that Trailer Park Boys is listed.Thanks for sharing.

  • loganator

    where is departures it is the best travel show ever

  • Gerold

    Corner Gas wasn't funny… subtle comedy doesn't work unless you have funny actors to deliver it. No chemistry between any of them.

    The Agenda should have been on here too.

  • http://www.spartanmoving.com/ San jose movers

    Trailer Park Boys – One of my favourite tv show I never miss to watch.

  • http://www.everlastwelders.ca/ Welders

    Trailer Park Boys – The only show that I enjoyed a lot.

  • Dave89216

    TPB # 1 Hands Down!!

  • Admir

    what about beachcombers and degrassi junior high and hockey night in canada

  • guest

    you seriously forgot Being Erica?! its way more outstanding than all of the shows on your list

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