Canadian TV series starring black leads

Why These Shows Matter

These series resonate with Black Canadian anglophone audiences. They showcase diverse characters. They explore stories that reflect the breadth of Black experiences. Representation in media fosters connection, belonging, and empowerment. It is essential for more audiences to see themselves authentically portrayed on screen.

Family Law

Family Law is a Canadian legal drama television series that premiered on Global TV in Canada on September 16, 2021. The series was created by Susin Nielsen and is set in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Premise:
The show centers around Abigail “Abby” Bianchi, portrayed by Jewel Staite. She is a high-paid personal injury lawyer. Abby faces personal and professional challenges due to her struggles with alcoholism. After an embarrassing incident, Abby is suspended and can only practice law again if she finds a senior lawyer willing to mentor her during a one-year probationary period. She reluctantly joins her estranged father, Harry Svensson (Victor Garber). She begins working at his family law firm alongside her half-siblings, Daniel (Zach Smadu) and Lucy (Genelle Williams). Together, they navigate complex family dynamics while handling legal cases that often mirror their personal struggles.

Main Cast:

Jewel Staite as Abigail Bianchi
Victor Garber as Harry Svensson
Zach Smadu as Daniel Svensson
Genelle Williams as Lucy Svensson

Themes:
Family Law explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the complexities of family relationships. The series balances serious legal matters with personal and familial struggles, offering both procedural and character-driven storytelling.

Reception:
The series has been praised for its compelling performances. Jewel Staite and Victor Garber are particularly noted. The series is also commended for handling sensitive topics with humor and emotional depth. As of now, Family Law holds a positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to Watch:
Family Law is available for streaming on platforms like Apple TV, The CW and Prime Video.

Sources

Wild cards

Wild Cards is a Canadian crime drama television series. It premiered on January 17, 2024, on The CW in the USA. The series first aired in Canada earlier on January 8, 2024. Season 2 will premiere in the USA on The CW on February 5, 2025. It follows its earlier release in Canada on January 8, 2025. Canadian viewers can stream the series on CBC Gem.

Premise

The series follows the unlikely partnership between a spirited con woman and a demoted, by-the-book detective. The duo must work together. They blend their contrasting skills to solve crimes. Along the way, they uncover more about themselves and each other.

Main Cast

Giacomo Gianniotti as Detective Cole Ellis
Vanessa Morgan as Max

Themes

Wild Cards explores themes of redemption, trust, and the clash between unconventional approaches and strict protocol. The dynamic between the main characters highlights the challenges and growth that come from working with differing perspectives.

Reception

The series has gained attention for its engaging premise, strong performances, and the chemistry between the leads. As of now, Wild Cards holds a TV-14 rating.

Where to Watch

Canada: Airs on CBC and is available for streaming on CBC Gem.
USA: Airs on The CW, with Season 2 premiering on February 5, 2025.

Sources

Plan B

Plan B is a Canadian time-travel drama series that premiered on CBC Television on February 27, 2023. The show is an English-language adaptation of the original French-language series Plan B. It debuted on Ici Radio-Canada Télé in 2017.

Premise:
The series revolves around a mysterious agency, Plan B. This agency grants individuals the ability to travel back in time. They can alter their past decisions, aiming to improve their present lives. Each season presents a self-contained narrative with new characters facing unique dilemmas.

Season 2 Overview:
Season 2 introduces Vinessa Antoine as Mia Coleman, a dedicated police officer deeply affected by a tragic outcome following her intervention in a domestic dispute involving Paul and Keri Whitman. Seeking to rectify her past actions, Mia turns to the enigmatic Plan B agency, hoping to change the course of events.

Main Cast:

Vinessa Antoine as Mia Coleman
Vincent Leclerc as Paul Whitman
Sarah Booth as Keri Whitman
Patrick Emmanuel Abellard as Tyler, Mia’s police partner
Rossif Sutherland as Bryson

Themes:
Season 2 delves into themes of regret, the moral complexities of altering the past, and the unforeseen consequences that can arise from attempting to change one’s destiny.

Reception:
The second season has been praised for its compelling narrative and Vinessa Antoine’s powerful performance as Mia Coleman. Critics have noted the show’s ability to intertwine personal drama with science fiction elements effectively.

Where to Watch:
Season 2 of “Plan B” premiered on CBC Gem in August 2024 and began airing on CBC Television on October 7, 2024. Viewers can stream the series on CBC Gem.

For a more in-depth discussion about Season 2, you can watch Vinessa Antoine’s interview below:

Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre is a Canadian police procedural series that premiered on CBC and CBC Gem on January 6, 2025. Created by Allan Hawco, the series is set in the unique and picturesque French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.

Premise

The series follows Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (Allan Hawco), who finds himself reassigned to the isolated islands of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon after exposing political corruption in Newfoundland. In this unfamiliar territory, Fitz partners with Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault (Joséphine Jobert), a Parisian transplant with a complex past. Together, they investigate unusual crimes that challenge the seemingly idyllic island life while navigating cultural differences, personal secrets, and community dynamics.

Main Cast

Allan Hawco as Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick
Joséphine Jobert as Geneviève “Arch” Archambault
James Purefoy as Sean Gallagher

Themes

Saint-Pierre explores themes of justice, loyalty, and cultural adaptation. The series seamlessly blends crime-solving with humor and drama, capturing the unique environment of its island setting. It delves into the tension between past mistakes and future redemption.

Reception

The show has been praised for its engaging narrative, compelling performances by the lead actors, and the stunning backdrop of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. Critics have highlighted the dynamic chemistry between Allan Hawco and Joséphine Jobert as a standout feature.

Where to Watch

Saint-Pierre is available for streaming on CBC Gem.

Sources:

Hawco Productions
CBC Gem
ReelGood Blog