Maggie Blackbird

I did a previous post on TV shows, featuring the Brits.  This time it’s Canada’s turn.  Well, I am a Canuck LOL!  Over the years, the CBC has produced some good stuff, from Cold Squad and Trailer Park Boys to North of 60 and the Beachcombers.

Canada’s current roster doesn’t disappoint.  There are reality shows, period murder mysteries, and contemporary mystery thrillers for your viewing pleasure.

Love it or List It:  Interior designer Hilary Farr and real estate agent David Visentin compete for the affections of fed-up homeowners looking to either renovate or sell, as Farr transforms their worn-out space into a welcoming one while Visentin works to find them a new home. At the end of each hour-long episode, the homeowners decide if the changes designed by Farr are enough for them to stay in their current home, or if the new property Visentin has found better suits their needs. So whether they love it or list it, the homeowners come out on top. (Blurb courtesy of IMDb)

I searched for this show after coming across Love It or List It Vancouver by accident.  I’m not a reality show buff, but watching the design process and touring potential new homes was right up my alley.  Who doesn’t love interior design and gorgeous houses?  What made this work for me was the sparring chemistry of Hilary and David, hunky contractor Eddie Richardson, and savvy design assistant Desta Ostapyk.  I can’t forget the special guests for each episode–the home owners who come from all walks of life.

Love It or List It Vancouver:  Families in the largest city in British Columbia are struggling with homes that don’t fit their needs. In each episode, interior designer Jillian Harris and real estate agent Todd Talbot help homeowners decide whether to love it or list it. Harris attempts to revive the love the owners once had for their homes with a complete renovation, while Talbot tries to persuade them to relocate using the temptation of a dreamy new place. They weigh their options to keep their current — but remodeled — home, or to leave it for something better. (Blurb courtesy of IMDb)

This was the first reality show that sucked me in.  What did it was Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot.  Their chemistry is that of two rival siblings playfully wanting to outdo each other.  Since I have a soft-spot for the Vancouver area, the location was a bonus.  I must give a shout-out to contractor Kenny Gemmill who always gives Jillian a reality check.  Again, the homeowners are key since they come from all walks of life.

Jillian and Justin:  I adore Jillian Harris.  She is what a romance heroine should be:  perky, enthusiastic, funny, sweet, kind, independent, and ambitious.  This gal can even poke fun at herself.  When her personal show premiered with fiance Justin, I couldn’t resist.  Their series plays out like a romance novel.  It really does.

This four-part documentary series takes an in-depth look at the challenges & triumphs of first-time parenthood and the quest to “have it all”. Former Bachelorette and host of Love it or List it Vancouver Jillian Harris and longtime boyfriend/entrepreneur Justin Pasutto take on the biggest challenges of their lives: adjusting to their new roles as parents, building their forever home, keeping their careers afloat and their relationship intact. How will Jillian and Justin adjust to this new chapter in their lives where the only constants are challenge and change? (Blurb courtesy of the W Network)

Property Brothers:  I kept seeing this on the HGTV schedule whenever I’d record Love It or List It and Love It or List It Vancouver.  I decided to record an episode and give the brothers a try.  What a surprise I was in for, because the concept of the show and the twins’ personalities and talent hooked me.  I can’t forget the home buyers.  They are key to making each episode work.

Drew and Jonathan Scott have become household names in real estate and home renovation. And on Property Brothers, they’re as determined as ever to help couples find, buy, and transform extreme fixer-uppers into incredible dream homes. First, real estate specialist Drew tracks down hidden gems with untapped potential, and then it’s up to identical twin brother and contractor Jonathan to expertly overhaul these ramshackle properties. Convincing home buyers to take a radical risk is their first challenge. Then they have to deliver these ambitious renovation projects on time and on budget.  (Blurb courtesy of HGTV)

Murdoch Mysteries:  I’ve been watching this period show since its inception in 2006.  The series is based on author Maureen Jennings’ books.

Set in Toronto at the dawn of the 20th century, Murdoch Mysteries is a one-hour drama series that explores the intriguing world of William Murdoch, a methodical and dashing detective who pioneers innovative forensic techniques to solve some of the city’s most gruesome murders.

Murdoch’s circle of associates includes Constable George Crabtree, Murdoch’s eager and often naïve right-hand man; Inspector Brackenreid, Murdoch’s skeptical yet reluctantly supportive boss; and the love of his life, pathologist-turned-psychiatrist Dr. Julia Ogden, a staunch ally who shares the detective’s fascination with forensic science and innovative ideas. All are valuable allies who help Murdoch solve his varied cases and traverse the many stratums of Victorian-turned-Edwardian society. (Blurb courtesy of CBC)

Bellevue:  My husband started recording this show for me since it premiered after Murdoch Mysteries last fall.  I fell in love with it from the get-go.

An edgy, eerie 8×60 mystery thriller, Bellevue is set in a small blue-collar town with a lot of ‘good people’ who ‘live right’ and take it upon themselves to see that the neighbours do too. Driving the series is 28-year-old Annie Ryder a cop whose intense and brazen personality has always been at odds with her hometown. With the recent disappearance of transgender teenager Jesse Sweetland, she dives fiercely into unravelling the mystery, despite having to cast suspicion on people she’s known all her life. Just as Annie begins the search for Jesse, a stranger in a bar gives her a note – in the form of a riddle – with the message that the author of the riddle can help with the missing kid. Annie realizes there is nothing straightforward about this case. (Blurb courtesy of CBC)

What about you?  I’d love to hear what you’re currently watching and why you would recommend the show.