10. Catwalk (1992-1994)
You may or may not remember this one as it experienced some controversy, resulting in a lack of re-runs. This show centered around a group of young adolescents who were in a band called Catwalk which aired on YTV (a channel for children and youth). The show had a PG-rating and often included sex and violence, which was deemed inappropriate for the network. Neve Campbell was the most notable star of the show.
9. Freaky Stories (1997-2000)
This animated series featured bizarre stories, and to make things even more bizarre, it was hosted by a cockroach and a maggot in a diner. The stories always began and ended with the phrase “this is a true story, and it happened to a friend of a friend of mine”.
8. Radio Active (1998-2001)
This show was about high school students who ran their own radio show, and made you wish your own high school had a student-run radio station, with seemingly no teacher supervision. Fun fact: Michael Yarmush (who played Ethan St. John) was the original voice of Arthur for the animated PBS series for many years.
7. The Adventures of Shirley Holmes (1997-2000)
Before shows like Elementary and Sherlock, The Adventures of Shirley Holmes was what was available. Shirley Holmes, played by Meredith Henderson, was the grand-niece of Sherlock Holmes. Shirley and her friends would help solve local crimes.
6. Breaker High (1997-1998)
This show was every teenager’s dream – and not because it featured the young Ryan Gosling, but because it was about a high school on a CRUISE SHIP. Although the show lasted for one season, it had 44 episodes. Canadian actor Tyler Labine also starred in this teen series.
5. Student Bodies (1997-1999)
Student Bodies was your typical teenage sitcom. It revolved around high school students involved in their school newspaper.
4. Ready or Not (1993-1997)
This show was both filmed and took place in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and followed two best friends – Amanda Zimm and Elizabeth “Busy” Ramone. The Disney Channel aired reruns of the series from 1997-2000.
3. Degrassi High (1989-1991)
No, we don’t mean the Degrassi series from the early 2000’s with Aubrey Graham, aka Drake. Degrassi High was the third show of the Degrassi series which revolved around teens living in Toronto, Ontario. It touched on a wide range of issues; abortion, gay rights, sex, physical abuse, suicide, racism, drunk driving, AIDS, alcoholism, eating disorders, drugs, bullying and much more.
2. Goosebumps (1995-1998)
This horror anthology was based on the book series by American author R.L Stine. This was considered a Canadian-American series, and was filmed in Toronto, Ontario and Bellevue, Washington. Hayden Christensen, Scott Speedman, Ryan Gosling, Kevin Zegers, Colin Mochrie all had appearances.
1. Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1990-2000)
Admit it, you’re already whispering to yourself “Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society”. Just like with Goosebumps, this anthology was a Canadian-American series, but was filmed in Richmond, British Columbia and in the suburbs of Montreal, Quebec. Since this show was an anthology, many future Canadian celebrities began their careers here. These include Ryan Gosling, Jay Baruchel, Hayden Christensen, Neve Campbell, and Elisha Cuthbert (who had a regular appearance as one of the Midnight Society members).
Which of these shows did you watch? Is there a Canadian show you think is missing from this list?