While we Canucks may be obsessed with television shows produced south of the border, our American neighbours often fall victim to be being sucked into Canadian programming as well. Here are the top 10 Canadian-to-US shows.
“Call Me Fitz”
Starting on Thursday the popular Jason Priestley comedy “Call Me Fitz” will be aired in the States on DirecTV. It follows a morally bankrupt car salesman who becomes business partners with his inner good-doer conscience.
“Flashpoint”
Action crime drama “Flashpoint,” which has enjoyed three successful seasons on both CTV and CBS since its debut in 2008, is produced by Toronto-based companies Avamar Entertainment and Pink Sky Entertainment.
“The Listener”
Starring Craig Olejnik as Toby Logan, who is a telepathic paramedic, season two of “The Listener” premiered this past February on CTV. It also airs in the US on NBC.
“Being Erica”
It was announced last December that an American remake of the popular show “Being Erica” is in the works (and also possibly in the UK). Meanwhile it has enjoyed three highly-viewed seasons on home network CBC (season 3 started airing on SoapNet in the US a few months ago).
“Durham County”
Hugh Dillon plays homicide detective Mike Sweeney on this Gemini-award winning crime drama, another of several home-grown police-centred programs. It plays on Global here and ION Television there.
“Falcon Beach”
A little bit serious and a little bit funny, “Falcon Beach” ran for two seasons on Global and ABC Family before it was cancelled – however, it continues to run on a number of international networks due to its popularity.
“Heartland”
A good-mannered favourite that’s basking in a successful four-season run, this family drama debuted on CBC (who recently announced a fifth season renewal) in ’07 and on various local stations in the US in fall 2010.
“Rookie Blue”
One of the most-watched police dramas on TV right now across the continent, “Rookie Blue” premiered last June and became Canwest’s highest rated debut for an original drama series – look for it on Global (and ABC in the States).
“Degrassi” franchise
Probably the most successful teen-centric shows in Canadian TV history, the “Degrassi” franchise (which is comprised of “The Kids of Degrassi Street,” “Degrassi Junior High,” “Degrassi High,” and “Degrassi: The Next Generation”) has been on the CBC since 1991. Various episodes of “Degrassi” shows can be seen on TeenNick (in syndication) in the United States.
“Trailer Park Boys”
With iconic characters like Ricky, Julian and Bubbles, it was one of Showcase’s highest-rated shows during its seven seasons and boasts two spin-off big-screen flicks. Last November they were seen doing a comedy piece on Funny or Die.
