Greetings, fellow Canadians! CBC has long been a source of pride and exceptional entertainment through the years. With iconic shows like Schitt’s Creek, which swept the Emmys, and the critically acclaimed Anne with an E, CBC has showcased the very best of Canadian talent and storytelling. As homegrown viewers, you have a front-row seat to the diverse, thought-provoking, and heart-warming series that celebrate our rich cultural tapestry. So, grab your toque and indulge in CBC best shows that provide non-stop entertainment. It’s all here, and it’s all for you.”
Why are the best shows on CBC considered best?
Why are these CBC shows considered the best? It’s all about the numbers. These remarkable series have earned their place in the spotlight because they consistently rank high on IMDb’s popularity charts. Viewers from around the world have showered these shows with praise, leading to exceptional IMDb ratings. So, when you embark on a CBC viewing journey, you’re diving into a world of entertainment that’s not only beloved but also critically acclaimed. It’s a testament to the exceptional storytelling and production quality that defines these shows. Moreover, you can watch CBC outside Canada and enjoy unlimited shows and movies that will leave you craving for more!
1. Ten Year Old Tom (2021- Ongoing)
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Genre: Animation, Comedy
- Stars: Steve Dildarian
- Runtime: 23m/episode
Ten Year Old Tom is an animated comedy series created by Steve Dildarian. The show follows the adventures of a boy named Tom and his quirky family. Beloved scenes often involve Tom’s humorous and relatable experiences as a young boy navigating childhood. Plot twists in animated comedies tend to be light-hearted and centered around Tom’s imaginative escapades. the show is also available to watch on HBO Max. You can get HBO Max free trial with some very simple steps.
2. Malory Towers (2020- Ongoing)
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Stars: Ella Bright, Jennifer Wigmore
- Runtime: 27m/episode
Malory Towers is a drama and family series based on Enid Blyton’s classic novels. The show is set in an all-girls boarding school and focuses on the adventures and friendships of the students. Beloved scenes often revolve around the camaraderie among the girls and their school activities. While the series may not have traditional plot twists, it features heart-warming moments and life lessons as the characters grow and learn. The show is also available to watch on ICI TOU. TV in Canada.
3. Manayek (2020- Ongoing)
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Stars: Elham Ali, Ahmed Amin
- Runtime: 1h/episode
Manayek is a crime drama and mystery series that follows the investigations of Dr. Adam, a forensic doctor. The show combines elements of medical forensics and crime-solving. Beloved scenes often involve the intriguing forensic work and Dr. Adam’s dedication to solving crimes. In crime dramas like this, plot twists typically arise from the complex cases Dr. Adam encounters, with each episode presenting a new mystery to solve.
4. Schitt’s Creek (2015- 2020)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Genre: Comedy
- Stars: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara
- Runtime: 22m/episode
Schitt’s Creek is a heart-warming comedy series that follows the wealthy Rose family as they lose their fortune and are forced to live in the quirky town of Schitt’s Creek. The show is filled with humorous and touching moments, but one of the most beloved scenes is the slow-burning romance between David Rose (Dan Levy) and Patrick Brewer (Noah Reid), culminating in their heartfelt wedding in the series finale. Throughout the show, the characters’ growth and change make for a delightful journey. The show is also available to watch on Out TV in Canada.
5. Sherlock (2010- 2017)
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman
- Runtime: 1h 28m/episode
Sherlock is a modern-day adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, featuring the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and his trusty companion, Dr. John Watson. One of the most beloved scenes is the thrilling confrontation between Sherlock and his nemesis, Moriarty, atop the Reichenbach Falls. The series is known for its intricate mysteries and the clever deduction skills of its protagonist. A notable plot twist occurs in the episode “The Reichenbach Fall” (Season 2, Episode 3), where viewers are left in suspense regarding Sherlock’s fate. The show is also available to watch on Fubo TV and Amazon Prime Video in Canada. Moreover, you can enjoy some of the other best shows on Prime Video, if you subscribe to the platform.
6. Bad Banks (2018- 2020)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Stars: Paula Beer, Barry Atsma
- Runtime: 52 minutes/episode
Bad Banks is a crime drama and thriller series that explores the world of high finance and corporate espionage. The show is known for its tense and suspenseful atmosphere. Beloved scenes often involve the power struggles and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Major plot twists in Bad Banks revolve around financial intrigue and the ruthlessness of the corporate world, creating a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on edge. You can also enjoy the show on other platforms like Hulu. You will be able to get Hulu free trial as well, if you wish to explore through the platform.
7. Nirvanna the Band the Show (2016- Ongoing)
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Genre: Comedy
- Stars: Jay McCarrol, Matt Johnson
- Runtime: 23 minutes/episode
Nirvanna the Band the Show is a comedy series that follows the misadventures of two friends, Matt and Jay, as they try to achieve their dream of getting a gig at a famous Toronto nightclub. The show is known for its unique blend of scripted comedy and real-life interactions with unsuspecting people on the streets of Toronto. Beloved scenes often involve the hilarious and sometimes awkward encounters Matt and Jay have with the public. While there may not be traditional plot twists, each episode is filled with unexpected and comedic situations. The show is also available to purchase from Apple Tv and Google Play Store.
8. Hudson (2019- Ongoing)
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Stars: Felicity Huffman, John Bedford Lloyd
- Runtime: 30 minutes/episode
Hudson is a comedy-drama series that revolves around the life of Hudson, a charming and unconventional private investigator. The show combines humour with elements of mystery-solving. Beloved scenes often feature Hudson’s witty and unorthodox approach to solving cases. Plot twists in Hudson typically arise from the various mysteries and cases he takes on, making each episode a delightful puzzle to unravel.
9. Murdoch Mysteries (2008- Ongoing)
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Stars: Yannick Bisson, Thomas Craig
- Runtime: 48 minutes/episode
Murdoch Mysteries is a long-running Canadian crime drama series set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The show follows Detective William Murdoch as he solves complex murder cases using innovative forensic techniques. Beloved scenes often revolve around the historical backdrop, Victorian-era technology, and Murdoch’s ingenious crime-solving methods. Major plot twists in the series frequently come from the intricate murder mysteries and character developments, keeping viewers engaged over multiple seasons. The show is also available to watch on Hoopla in Canada.
10. Kim’s Convenience (2016- 2021)
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Genre: Comedy
- Stars: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon
- Runtime: 22 minutes/episode
Kim’s Convenience is a beloved comedy series that revolves around the Kim family, who run a convenience store in Toronto. The show is known for its humor, heart-warming family dynamics, and cultural insights. Beloved scenes often involve the interactions between family members and their customers. While the show doesn’t have dramatic plot twists, it explores relatable themes of family, identity, and cultural clashes. The show is also available to watch on Netflix. You can also gain access to American Netflix in Canada, if you want to subscribe to the platform and enjoy unlimited movies and TV shows.
Our top recommendations!
If you’re looking for more entertainment beyond the shows we’ve mentioned, we recommend exploring some additional popular CBC shows that are currently making waves. You can find these recommendations on JustWatch.com’s popular show list, which offers a curated selection of top-rated series.
Show | IMDb Rating | Release Year Till |
---|---|---|
Happy Valley | 8.5/10 | 2014- 2023 |
Call the Midwife | 8.6/10 | 2012- Ongoing |
Normal People | 8.4/10 | 2020 |
Frankie Drake Mysteries | 6.8/10 | 2017- 2021 |
Luther | 8.4/10 | 2010- 2019 |
The Great British Bake Off | 8.6/10 | 2010- Ongoing |
The Tudors | 8.1/10 | 2007- 2010 |
The Office | 9.0/10 | 2005- 2013 |
The Great Canadian Baking Show | 7.6/10 | 2017- Ongoing |
The Missing | 8.2/10 | 2014- 2016 |
Out House | 6.3/10 | 2022 |
The Ex-Wife | 6.4/10 | 2022 |
Bottom line!
CBC is home to some of the top-notch entertaining content that is sure to leave you craving for more. From the poignant Kim’s Convenience, which reflects the vibrant tapestry of our multicultural society, to the captivating Workin’ Moms, which hilariously navigates the complexities of modern parenthood, CBC has a unique way of speaking to our experiences. It’s time to revisit these gems or introduce them to friends and family around the world. CBC best shows remind us of the beauty in our own narratives. Join us in celebrating our shared identity!