Canada has contributed heavily to the world of entertainment, and its comedy scene is no exception. From witty sitcoms to hilarious sketch shows, Canadian television has delivered countless moments of laughter to audiences worldwide. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some of Canada’s funniest TV comedies of all time.
1. Corner Gas
Set in the fictional town of Dog River, Saskatchewan, “Corner Gas” captured the hearts of audiences with its quirky characters and dry humor. Created by and starring comedian Brent Butt, the show follows the lives of the residents of Dog River and the antics that ensue at the town’s gas station. With its clever writing and lovable cast, “Corner Gas” became one of Canada’s most beloved sitcoms, earning numerous awards and accolades during its run.
2. The Kids in the Hall
A pioneering sketch comedy show, “The Kids in the Hall” showcased the talents of its five-member troupe: Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson. Known for its offbeat humor and memorable characters, the series pushed boundaries and tackled taboo subjects with irreverence and wit. With its unique blend of absurdity and social commentary, “The Kids in the Hall” remains a cult favorite among comedy aficionados.
3. SCTV
Short for Second City Television, “SCTV” was a sketch comedy show that launched the careers of some of Canada’s most celebrated comedians, including John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short. Set in the fictional town of Melonville, “SCTV” parodied television and pop culture with razor-sharp satire and outrageous characters. The show’s innovative format, which included fake commercials and mockumentaries, influenced countless comedy series that followed.
4. Trailer Park Boys
A mockumentary-style sitcom, “Trailer Park Boys” offered a hilarious and often cringe-worthy look into the lives of the residents of Sunnyvale Trailer Park. Created by Mike Clattenburg, the series follows the exploits of Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles, three petty criminals with grandiose schemes that always seem to go awry. With its improvisational style and colorful cast of characters, “Trailer Park Boys” gained a dedicated fanbase and spawned several spin-offs and feature films.
5. Schitt’s Creek
Co-created by father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, “Schitt’s Creek” became a cultural phenomenon with its heartwarming story and impeccable comedic timing. The series follows the wealthy Rose family as they lose their fortune and are forced to relocate to the small town of Schitt’s Creek, which they purchased as a joke years earlier. Featuring standout performances from Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy, “Schitt’s Creek” earned widespread acclaim for its humor, inclusivity, and portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters.
6. This Hour Has 22 Minutes
A satirical news program, “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” skewers politics, current events, and pop culture with its trademark blend of sharp wit and biting humor. Featuring a rotating cast of comedians and impersonators, the show delivers hilarious commentary on Canadian and international affairs through sketches, fake news segments, and mock interviews. Since its debut in 1993, “This Hour Has 22 Minutes” has remained a staple of Canadian television, earning multiple awards and nominations for its incisive comedy.
7. Letterkenny
Set in the fictional rural town of Letterkenny, Ontario, “Letterkenny” offers a hilarious glimpse into small-town life through the eyes of its quirky residents. Created by Jared Keeso, who also stars in the series, “Letterkenny” features rapid-fire dialogue, witty wordplay, and absurd situations that keep viewers laughing from start to finish. With its distinctive Canadian humor and memorable catchphrases, “Letterkenny” has become a cult favorite both at home and abroad.
8. Kim’s Convenience
Based on the play of the same name by Ins Choi, “Kim’s Convenience” follows the daily lives of the Korean-Canadian Kim family as they run a convenience store in Toronto. Combining humor with heartfelt storytelling, the series explores themes of family, identity, and cultural assimilation with warmth and authenticity. Led by an ensemble cast that includes Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Simu Liu, and Andrea Bang, “Kim’s Convenience” has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase for its endearing characters and relatable humor.
Canada has produced some of the funniest TV comedies of all time, showcasing the country’s rich comedic talent and unique sense of humor. Whether through witty sitcoms, satirical sketch shows, or irreverent mockumentaries, these series have entertained audiences and left a lasting impact on the world of television. Of course, there is nothing like seeing live comedy. Whether you catch a performance at a comedy club in London or Toronto, there is no time like the present to enjoy a good laugh. So the next time you’re in need of a good laugh, look no further than Canada’s finest comedies for guaranteed hilarity.