Famous TV Shows Filmed in Toronto
5 min readToronto’s television landscape is filled with rich narratives, enthralling storylines, and impressive talent that will knock your socks off. Whether it’s gripping dramas that reflect the city’s many layers or comedic series that showcase our distinct humour, there’s something for every taste.
Think back to those nights spent riveted in front of the TV, rooting for beloved characters set against Toronto’s familiar streets. Spotting well-known landmarks makes watching all the more entertaining. It’s as if you’re seeing our city spring to life right before your eyes.
Discover a list of famous TV shows filmed in Toronto.
List of TV shows filmed in Toronto
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Schitt’s Creek
- Suits
- Orphan Black
- Kim’s Convenience
- The Umbrella Academy
- Titans
- Reacher
- Murdoch Mysteries
- The Expanse
- Nikita
- 12 Monkeys
The Handmaid’s Tale
Toronto turns into the eerie world of Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian series. You’ll spot Nathan Phillips Square transformed into a place of control and Casa Loma as the home of a high-ranking commander.
Elisabeth Moss captivates viewers as Offred, trapped in a life of forced surrogacy for the ruling class. The setting feels close to home as it tackles how people stand up to tyranny. This Emmy-winning show sticks with you after its final scenes.
Schitt’s Creek
Looking for Canadian humour? Check out Schitt’s Creek. The hit show, shot in various Ontario locales, follows the once-rich Rose family as they adjust to life in a small town.
Get ready for characters you can relate to, sharp banter, and lots of laugh-out-loud moments set among familiar sights like the Rosebud Theatre in Stratford and the well-known “Welcome to Schitt’s Creek” sign. There will be laughter mixed with happy tears during the Roses’ quest to find themselves.
Suits
Suits invites you into Toronto’s dynamic world of law. Watch how the Bay Adelaide Centre becomes Pearson Specter Litt’s polished office. Dive into Harvey Specter guiding Mike Ross through complex legal battles and office drama.
This show breaks away from traditional courtroom sagas with clever conversation, intriguing plot twists, and energetic scenes. Plus, you’ll spot the Ontario Court of Justice adding to that authentic legal vibe.
Orphan Black
Orphan Black is an enthralling sci-fi adventure. Sarah Manning learns she’s one of multiple clones worldwide, leading her on an intense journey full of surprises. Expect a plot packed with unexpected developments and numerous clones!
Look out for Toronto locations like the Distillery District, the University of Toronto, and even glimpses of the CN Tower. These locations play pivotal parts in Sarah’s quest.
Kim’s Convenience
Walk into the Kim family’s convenience store in Toronto and enjoy the funny mishaps and touching moments between Korean parents who’ve moved to Canada and their kids who were born there.
Have a laugh at how they deal with cultural differences through situations everyone can relate to and clever banter. This show won awards for its celebration of family, personal identity, and Toronto’s distinct vibe. Keep an eye out for the “Kim’s Convenience” sign in the store and the Gerrard Square library!
The Umbrella Academy
Are you into offbeat superheroes? This exciting Netflix series focuses on a strange family of adopted siblings with extraordinary abilities. They come back together to stop the end of the world.
Get ready for sharp humor, unexpected plot turns, and amazing visuals as they face history and battle adversaries. Look for Toronto’s Distillery District and Nathan Phillips Square featured in fantastic sequences. Comic book enthusiasts and those looking for something fresh will love this show.
Titans
Explore the darkest corners of the DC Universe with Titans, shot throughout Toronto. Tag along with Dick Grayson (Nightwing) as he leads young heroes against baddies like Deathstroke and Trigon.
Brace yourself for raw action, intricate characters, and serious themes as they take on adversity. See Toronto’s streets and landmarks that bring this superhero world to life. For those who love thrilling action with substance, Titans delivers.
Reacher
In this Amazon Prime series, Jack Reacher is entangled in a conspiracy in an American town. However, the TV show is actually filmed in Toronto.
Watch out for intense action scenes, nail-biting suspense, and a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing. You might even spot some of Toronto’s hidden treasures!
Murdoch Mysteries
If you love history and mysteries, you’re in for a treat! Step into the world of late 19th century Toronto with the Murdoch Mysteries. Follow Detective William Murdoch, a clever yet unorthodox investigator, as he solves complex crimes with cutting-edge forensics and sharp deduction.
Watch as Victorian-era Toronto comes alive, peppered with intriguing historical conundrums. Casa Loma becomes the police headquarters backdrop, the Distillery District teems with activity from the period, and you can spot St. Lawrence Market too.
The Expanse
Get ready for a science fiction journey that spans galaxies but has its roots here in Toronto! This widely praised show whisks you away to a future where humans spread across the solar system.
Join James Holden and his crew on the Rocinante as they deal with political rivalries, conflicts between planets, and an enigmatic alien menace. Get ready for spectacular visuals, deeply developed characters, and an expansive story that delves into the unknown, survival instincts, and what being human involves.
Nikita
In need of adrenaline-filled action featuring a powerful female protagonist? Nikita has got you covered, shot across various Toronto sights like Fort York and the Distillery District. Maggie Q shines as Nikita, an ex-assassin turned operative who aims to dismantle perilous groups.
Expect thrilling combat scenes, elaborate undercover operations, and a tangled tale of allegiance as Nikita faces her history and seeks redemption. Toronto’s familiar lanes and byways lend a genuine feel to this gripping spy drama, making every moment feel immediate.
12 Monkeys
Prepare for a thrilling time travel journey with a unique Toronto flavour in 12 Monkeys! Tag along with James Cole, who is sent back in time to stop a catastrophic pandemic. Work through the enigma and handle time travel twists. Anticipate intriguing concepts, emotional turns, and suspense that keeps you riveted.
Look for Union Station, which has been converted into a futuristic centre. You may also spot the famous CN Tower rising high in the altered cityscapes. Whether you’re into sci-fi or just love the thrill of mystery, 12 Monkeys will delight you.