Contrary to what FOX News may have led you to believe, there is more to Canada than socialized medicine and poutine (Poutine for the uninitiated being a bizarre concoction of french fries, cheese curds and gravy that — trust us — tastes a helluva lot better than it looks). Which is why in celebration of Canada’s 143rd birthday today, we thought we’d take the opportunity to remind our friends south of the 49th parallel of some of the very important contributions the Great White North has made to the world of television.
Agonizing sexual tension
Admittedly, probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Canada. That said, you probably had no idea that two of television’s most celebrated (or reviled, depending on your point of view) will-they-or-won’t-they’s are intrinsically Canadian. Not only do CASTLE stars Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic hail from Edmonton and Hamilton respectively, the long and drawn out courtship between BONES’ Booth and Brennan is the brainchild of none other than Hart Hanson, a University of Toronto educated writer/producer who first made a name for himself on some of Canada’s most iconic series including the likes of READY OR NOT, ROAD TO AVONLEA and TRADERS.
True Love
What do Bill Compton, Eric Northman and Damon and Stefan Salvatore all have in common? Well, aside from that pesky aversion to the sun and predilection for human blood — the object of all of their affections just so happen to be two of Canada’s most popular exports: Sookie Stackhouse played by Winnipeg born Anna Paquin and Elena Gilbert brought to life by Toronto’s very-own Nina Dobrev.
Canada puts the ‘Ster’ into Jeffster!
Indeed, CHUCK’s Vik Sahay isn’t the only Canadian currently making waves on the small screen. Primetime is full of those Crazy Canucks! Including but not limited to Gregory Smith (ROOKIE BLUE), Emily VanCamp (BROTHERS & SISTERS), Sarah Chalke (MAD LOVE), Cory Monteith (GLEE), Jessalyn Gilsig (GLEE), Cobie Smulders (HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER), Grace Park (HAWAII FIVE-O), Kristin Kreuk (CHUCK), Will Arnett (RUNNING WILDE), Samantha Bee (THE DAILY SHOW), Matthew Perry (MR. SUNSHINE), AJ Cook (CRIMINAL MINDS), Tamara Taylor (BONES), Missy Peregrym (ROOKIE BLUE), Martin Short (DAMAGES), Elisha Cuthbert (HAPPY ENDINGS), Shenae Grimes (90210), Tyler Labine (SONS OF TUCSON), Taylor Kitsch (FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS), James Tupper (MERCY), Joanne Kelly (WAREHOUSE 13), Sasha Roiz (CAPRICA), and William Shatner ($#*! MY DAD SAYS). Just to name a few.
Canada is J.J. Abrams’ Constant
This just in: Following a solid twenty minutes countless hours of research, theTVaddict.com has made a startling discovery! Indeed, we’re as surprised as anyone to have cracked the code that reveals the secret to J.J. Abrams success! As it turns out, invariably fizzling out and disappointing fans after an incredible start is not the only calling card of a successful Abrams series. According to our research, they have one other thing in common, that of a Canadian connection! FELICITY had Scott Speedman, ALIAS introduced us to SpyDaddy Victor Garber, fans got LOST with Evangeline Lilly and FRINGE gave the artist formerly known as Pacey Witter (Josh Jackson) a second chance. What’s that, still not buying it? Abrams only two television failures, that of the short-lived WHAT ABOUT BRIAN and SIX DEGREES, were both completely Canadian Content free!
Home is where the heart is favorable tax credits are
Which is why you can thank Canada and our slightly less valuable dollar for keeping many of your favorite shows on the air. Just ask the CW, USA and Syfy whose shows currently shooting in Toronto and Vancouver include COVERT AFFAIRS, WAREHOUSE 13, LIFE UNEXPECTED, SMALLVILLE, SUPERNATURAL, HELLCATS, NIKITA, EUREKA, CAPRICA, STARGATE UNIVERSE and PYSCH. 