Best Netflix Shows Canada: Top 25 Canadian Series

Canada’s television industry has quietly built a global reputation for delivering stories with depth, heart, and unmistakable authenticity. The Best Netflix Shows Canada offers are not just entertainment — they are snapshots of our culture, told through the eyes of Canadian creators, writers, and actors. These productions reflect our unique blend of humor, drama, and history, often framed by landscapes that shift from the jagged cliffs of Newfoundland to the serene prairies of Alberta. Whether it’s a gripping crime drama, a heartfelt comedy, or a sweeping historical epic, Canadian-made shows on Netflix prove that our storytelling can stand proudly alongside the best in the world.

This list is a celebration of Canadian television at its finest, showcasing 25 series that embody our nation’s diversity and creative spirit. Some have captured global audiences, others have become homegrown classics, but all of them share one common thread — they were produced right here in Canada. By ranking these titles, we invite you to explore the humor, tension, and beauty woven into every frame. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in shows that feel both local and universal, the Best Netflix Shows Canada will guide you to stories worth watching — and rewatching.

Ranking the Best Netflix Shows Canada

25. Cardinal (2017–2020)

• Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller

• Director: Daniel Grou

• Starring: Billy Campbell, Karine Vanasse, Glen Gould

• Seasons: 4

• IMDb Rating: 7.7

In the icy stillness of Algonquin Bay, Detective John Cardinal chases killers who leave more questions than bodies. Shot against the stark beauty of Ontario’s winter, the series uses silence as much as dialogue to build its suspense. Billy Campbell’s stoic intensity pairs perfectly with Karine Vanasse’s layered vulnerability, creating a duo you can’t look away from. Cardinal doesn’t sensationalize its darkness; it lets the landscape and its characters carry the weight. A masterclass in atmosphere, it’s an undeniable entry in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

24. Republic of Doyle (2010–2014)

• Genre: Comedy / Crime

• Director: Stefan Scaini

• Starring: Allan Hawco, Sean McGinley, Lynda Boyd

• Seasons: 6

• IMDb Rating: 7.4

In the colorful streets of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Jake Doyle runs a private investigation business with his father, often getting in over their heads. The charm here is in the banter — rapid, sharp, and tinged with East Coast wit. Each episode blends mystery with humor, showcasing a city rarely seen on TV. The vibrant scenery, lively characters, and undeniable heart earn it a comfortable place among the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

23. Frontier (2016–2018)

• Genre: Historical Drama / Action

• Director: Brad Peyton

• Starring: Jason Momoa, Landon Liboiron, Alun Armstrong

• Seasons: 3

• IMDb Rating: 7.1

The fur trade of the 18th century was as brutal as it was profitable, and Frontier plunges straight into its conflicts. Jason Momoa commands the screen as Declan Harp, a half-Irish, half-Cree outlaw challenging the Hudson’s Bay Company’s dominance. Filmed across Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, the series marries sweeping landscapes with gritty storytelling. It’s a visceral, unflinching slice of Canadian history that holds its ground in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

22. Little Mosque on the Prairie (2007–2012)

• Genre: Comedy

• Director: Michael Kennedy, Zarqa Nawaz

• Starring: Zaib Shaikh, Sitara Hewitt, Sheila McCarthy

• Seasons: 6

• IMDb Rating: 6.9

Set in the fictional town of Mercy, Saskatchewan, this groundbreaking sitcom follows a Muslim community navigating small-town life. Warm, witty, and refreshingly human, it uses humor to bridge cultural divides. Every character feels lived-in, from the well-meaning but bumbling mayor to the quietly wise mosque members. It’s a piece of Canadian TV history and a joyful entry in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

21. The Indian Detective (2017)

• Genre: Comedy / Crime

• Director: Sandy Johnson

• Starring: Russell Peters, Anupam Kher, Christina Cole

• Seasons: 1

• IMDb Rating: 6.6

When Toronto cop Doug D’Mello is suspended, he heads to Mumbai, only to find himself in the middle of a dangerous case. This fish-out-of-water comedy balances crime intrigue with lighthearted humor, playing off Russell Peters’ comedic timing. It’s a unique blend of Canadian sensibility and international flavor, making it a fun addition to the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

20. Mr. D (2012–2018)

• Genre: Comedy

• Director: Steve Wright

• Starring: Gerry Dee, Jonathan Torrens, Lauren Hammersley

• Seasons: 8

• IMDb Rating: 6.8

High school teacher Gerry Duncan might be one of the least qualified educators you’ll meet, but his overconfidence is unmatched. Mr. D mines endless laughs from staff room gossip, student shenanigans, and Gerry’s constant search for shortcuts. Its humor is distinctly Canadian — self-deprecating, warm, and just a bit absurd. That combination secures it a desk in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

19. Pure (2017–2019)

• Genre: Crime / Drama

• Director: Ken Girotti

• Starring: Ryan Robbins, Alex Paxton-Beesley, Dylan Everett

• Seasons: 2

• IMDb Rating: 6.9

Mennonite pastor Noah Funk finds himself drawn into the dangerous world of drug trafficking in this tense, morally complex drama. Filmed in Nova Scotia, Pure offers a unique lens on crime, rooted in a rarely depicted community. Its slow-burn pacing and strong performances make it an intriguing watch and a deserving entry in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

18. Trailer Park Boys (2001–2018)

• Genre: Comedy / Mockumentary

• Director: Mike Clattenburg

• Starring: John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, Mike Smith

• Seasons: 12

• IMDb Rating: 8.5

In Sunnyvale Trailer Park, chaos is a daily routine, thanks to Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles’ constant schemes. The mockumentary style gives it a raw, unscripted feel, while the humor swings from slapstick to surprisingly poignant. It’s a cult phenomenon in Canada and beyond, and no list of the Best Netflix Shows Canada would be complete without it.

17. The Listener (2009–2014)

• Genre: Drama / Fantasy / Crime

• Director: Clement Virgo, various

• Starring: Craig Olejnik, Ennis Esmer, Lauren Lee Smith

• Seasons: 5

• IMDb Rating: 6.8

Toby Logan isn’t your average paramedic—he can hear people’s thoughts. This ability pulls him into cases far outside the typical emergency call. The Listener blends procedural crime with a touch of the supernatural, grounding it in Toronto’s streets and skyline. Each episode walks the fine line between mystery and human drama, making it one of the more inventive entries in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

16. Between (2015–2016)

• Genre: Sci-Fi / Drama

• Director: Michael McGowan

• Starring: Jennette McCurdy, Jesse Carere, Ryan Allen

• Seasons: 2

• IMDb Rating: 6.0

When a mysterious disease kills everyone over the age of 21 in the town of Pretty Lake, the young survivors are left to fend for themselves. This dystopian premise unfolds against the backdrop of small-town Ontario, exploring how quickly society unravels without its elders. Between offers a mix of suspense, teen drama, and apocalyptic tension, firmly placing it among the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

15. Bitten (2014–2016)

• Genre: Fantasy / Horror

• Director: James Dunnison, various

• Starring: Laura Vandervoort, Greyston Holt, Greg Bryk

• Seasons: 3

• IMDb Rating: 7.0

Based on Kelley Armstrong’s novels, Bitten follows Elena Michaels—the world’s only female werewolf—as she tries to live a normal life in Toronto while being pulled back into her pack’s dangerous world. The series balances supernatural intrigue with emotional depth, set against Ontario’s forests and urban landscapes. It’s a sleek, compelling entry in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

14. Murdoch Mysteries (2008–present)

• Genre: Historical / Crime / Drama

• Director: Cal Coons, various

• Starring: Yannick Bisson, Hélène Joy, Thomas Craig

• Seasons: 17+

• IMDb Rating: 8.2

Detective William Murdoch solves crimes in turn-of-the-century Toronto using innovative forensic techniques well ahead of his time. The series is rich with historical detail, seamlessly weaving in real-life figures and events. Its blend of mystery, humor, and romance has made it a long-running staple of Canadian television—and an essential part of the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

13. Continuum (2012–2015)

• Genre: Sci-Fi / Action / Drama

• Director: Pat Williams, various

• Starring: Rachel Nichols, Victor Webster, Erik Knudsen

• Seasons: 4

• IMDb Rating: 7.6

When a group of rebels escapes from 2077 to present-day Vancouver, a future cop follows them back in time to stop their plans. Continuum combines tight action sequences with thoughtful commentary on corporate power and personal freedom. Its sharp writing and strong performances keep it firmly among the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

12. The Border (2008–2010)

• Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller

• Director: John Fawcett, various

• Starring: James McGowan, Graham Abbey, Nazneen Contractor

• Seasons: 3

• IMDb Rating: 6.9

Focusing on the Canadian Immigration and Customs Security squad, The Border tackles issues of national security, human rights, and international relations. Filmed in Toronto, it grounds its stories in real-world tensions while delivering suspenseful, character-driven drama. Its relevance and Canadian perspective make it a must-watch in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

11. Coroner (2019–present)

• Genre: Crime / Drama / Mystery

• Director: Adrienne Mitchell, various

• Starring: Serinda Swan, Roger Cross, Éric Bruneau

• Seasons: 4+

• IMDb Rating: 6.8

Inspired by M.R. Hall’s books, Coroner follows Dr. Jenny Cooper, Toronto’s new coroner, as she investigates suspicious deaths. Each case unravels into deeper stories of the city’s hidden corners and the people who inhabit them. The show’s mix of procedural mystery and personal drama makes it a standout among the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

10. Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)

• Genre: Comedy

• Director: Paul Fox, various

• Starring: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy

• Seasons: 6

• IMDb Rating: 8.5

The once-wealthy Rose family loses everything and is forced to live in a small-town motel they once bought as a joke. What begins as a setup for fish-out-of-water comedy grows into a heartfelt exploration of love, acceptance, and community. With its razor-sharp wit and unforgettable characters, Schitt’s Creek isn’t just one of the Best Netflix Shows Canada—it’s one of the most beloved comedies worldwide.

9. Heartland (2007–present)

• Genre: Family / Drama

• Director: Dean Bennett, various

• Starring: Amber Marshall, Michelle Morgan, Shaun Johnston

• Seasons: 17+

• IMDb Rating: 8.4

Set on a horse ranch in Alberta, Heartland follows the Fleming-Bartlett family through triumphs, losses, and the challenges of rural life. The stunning prairie landscapes are as much a character as the people who inhabit them. Its warmth, longevity, and universal themes secure its place high among the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

8. Durham County (2007–2010)

• Genre: Crime / Drama / Thriller

• Director: Adrienne Mitchell

• Starring: Hugh Dillon, Justin Louis, Helene Joy

• Seasons: 3

• IMDb Rating: 7.6

A homicide detective returns to his suburban hometown after his partner’s death, only to find that darkness lurks in familiar places. Durham County is a slow-burn psychological drama, taut with tension and moral ambiguity. Its haunting tone and sharp performances make it a gripping inclusion in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

7. Being Erica (2009–2011)

• Genre: Comedy / Drama / Fantasy

• Director: Holly Dale, various

• Starring: Erin Karpluk, Michael Riley, Reagan Pasternak

• Seasons: 4

• IMDb Rating: 7.5

Erica Strange, a woman dissatisfied with her life, begins therapy that allows her to travel back in time to relive and change her regrets. This whimsical yet profound premise explores how even small choices can shape a person’s future. Being Erica’s blend of humor, heart, and a distinctly Toronto backdrop make it a standout in the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

6. Anne with an E (2017–2019)

• Genre: Historical / Drama

• Director: Niki Caro, Paul Fox

• Starring: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson

• Seasons: 3

• IMDb Rating: 8.6

This reimagining of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables infuses the beloved story with fresh social relevance while maintaining its heart. Prince Edward Island’s landscapes shine as Anne navigates friendship, identity, and belonging. It’s both timeless and timely, earning its place among the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

5. Alias Grace (2017)

• Genre: Historical / Drama / Mystery

• Director: Mary Harron

• Starring: Sarah Gadon, Edward Holcroft, Anna Paquin

• Seasons: 1

• IMDb Rating: 7.7

Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel, Alias Grace tells the true story of a young Irish immigrant convicted of murder in 19th-century Canada. The series is mesmerizing—part character study, part social commentary. Its meticulous production and compelling performances make it one of the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

4. Slings & Arrows (2003–2006)

• Genre: Comedy / Drama

• Director: Peter Wellington, various

• Starring: Paul Gross, Martha Burns, Stephen Ouimette

• Seasons: 3

• IMDb Rating: 8.7

Set in a fictional Shakespearean theatre festival, this series is a witty, affectionate satire of the performing arts. It captures both the chaos backstage and the transcendent moments on stage. Its humor and insight into the artistic process earn it a top spot among the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

3. Da Vinci’s Inquest (1998–2005)

• Genre: Crime / Drama

• Director: Stephen Surjik, various

• Starring: Nicholas Campbell, Donnelly Rhodes, Ian Tracey

• Seasons: 7

• IMDb Rating: 8.0

Loosely based on the real-life Vancouver coroner Larry Campbell, this series blends procedural elements with broader social issues. It’s intelligent, layered, and uniquely Canadian in its sensibilities. Its influence and quality secure it high among the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

2. Corner Gas Animated (2018–2021)

• Genre: Comedy / Animation

• Director: Stephen Jackson

• Starring: Brent Butt, Gabrielle Miller, Eric Peterson

• Seasons: 4

• IMDb Rating: 7.4

The beloved live-action sitcom gets an animated revival, allowing for even more absurd, physics-defying humor in the small town of Dog River, Saskatchewan. Nostalgia meets new creative freedom, keeping fans laughing while introducing the series to new audiences. It’s a proud addition to the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

1. Kim’s Convenience (2016–2021)

• Genre: Comedy

• Director: Peter Wellington, various

• Starring: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang, Simu Liu

• Seasons: 5

• IMDb Rating: 8.2

Set in a Toronto convenience store, the Kim family’s everyday interactions are infused with humor, love, and cultural authenticity. Every episode blends laugh-out-loud comedy with tender, heartfelt moments. It’s a celebration of family, community, and the immigrant experience—quintessentially Canadian and the crown jewel of the Best Netflix Shows Canada.

Conclusion: Why These Are the Best Netflix Shows Canada

In an age where streaming libraries shift like tides, these 25 Canadian series stand like bedrock — rooted in our culture, yet reaching out to the world. They are stories told with our voices, framed by our landscapes, and shaped by our creative spirit. From the snowy intrigue of Cardinal to the heartfelt comedy of Kim’s Convenience, they reveal the many shades of Canadian life — our humor, resilience, history, and imagination.

These productions prove that Canadian television can compete with the best on any platform, delivering series that resonate far beyond our borders. They are as much cultural exports as they are reflections of home, preserving our identity while inviting the world in. Whether you are seeking laughter, suspense, romance, or history, the Best Netflix Shows Canada provide a cinematic passport to our national storytelling at its finest.

For deeper insight into Canada’s vibrant film and television industry, you can explore the resources at Telefilm Canada — the national agency dedicated to supporting and promoting Canadian screen-based content — and read critical perspectives at The Globe and Mail’s Arts section where Canadian productions are reviewed and celebrated. These sources highlight the continued evolution of Canadian media and the talent that fuels it, ensuring our stories remain as relevant and compelling as ever.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Netflix Shows Canada