VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
Only one Canadian series makes The New York Times’ 100 best TV shows of the 21st century list
Schitt’s Creek ranks 34th on The New York Times’ list, while the rankings have sparked online debate over omissions and representation.
The New York Times has released its list of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century so far, prompting heated discussion online. Its top three are Mad Men at No. 3, The Wire at No. 2 and Breaking Bad at No. 1.
Viewers have questioned the absence of The Sopranos, among other rankings. The newspaper said the HBO drama premiered in January 1999, placing it in the 20th century and outside the list’s criteria. Others have criticized the list’s lack of racial diversity near the top, noting that Atlanta and The Wire are the only highest-ranked series prominently featuring, or written and produced by, people of colour.
Canada has one homegrown entry: Schitt’s Creek, at No. 34. The sitcom was created by Toronto-born actor and writer Dan Levy with his father, SCTV veteran Eugene Levy, and ran for six seasons from 2015 to 2020. It follows the wealthy Rose family after they lose their money and must rebuild their lives in an isolated, eccentric town.
Originally broadcast on CBC in Canada and Pop TV in the United States, Schitt’s Creek won more than 30 Canadian Screen Awards, two Critics’ Choice Television Awards, nine Emmys and two Golden Globes. The Golden Globes included best television series and best actress for Catherine O’Hara, who died earlier this year.
Several other ranked series have Canadian connections. Nathan For You, No. 56, stars Vancouver-born comedian Nathan Fielder, though it was mostly filmed in Los Angeles and aired on Comedy Central. The Handmaid’s Tale, No. 67, adapts Canadian author Margaret Atwood’s novel and was filmed entirely in Ontario during its six-season run, which ended in May 2025.
Station Eleven, ranked No. 93, is adapted from a novel by Canadian author Emily St. John Mandel. While the book is set in Toronto and parts of the series were filmed there, the post-apocalyptic drama primarily takes place in Chicago. Its cast includes Canadian actor Mackenzie Davis in a leading role. The article suggests that Heated Rivalry, Orphan Black, Kim’s Convenience and North of North could merit consideration if the list is updated.