Thanks to a recent episode of SNL referencing an old Canadian show called You Can't Do That On Television, my mind has not stopped racing with wonder about what other old Canadian children's shows time has forgotten.
These shows are definitely before my time, but wow am I now nostalgic for something I never knew! So without further ado, let's get into appreciating some of Gen X's childhood!
1. Starting with an actual clip from You Can't Do That On Television:
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You could've sold me anything with Nickelodeon slime involved as a child. This is a show I'd love a reboot of.
You can find episodes of this on: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
2. The Raccoons
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This show just seems like it was so cute! Put it on Disney+ now please!
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube
3. Mr. Dressup
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Inspired by THE Mr. Rogers? Obviously I didn't grow up with this, but I'm comforted by it all the same.
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube
4. Breaker High
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Mini Ryan Gosling is adorable, that's all I have to say.
You can find episodes of this on: Amazon Prime Video
5. Doctor Snuggles
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Oh, this just looks really cute and it's giving me warm feelings!
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube
6. Fables of the Green Forest
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I know if this was on when I was growing up, I would've loved seeing the adventures of those cute forest animals!
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube
7. Polka Dot Door
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A friend of mine actually did somehow watch this one growing up — I was told it was a great time.
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube
8. Dear Aunt Agnes
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I won't lie, the theme song gives me a slight unsettling feeling... but I'm sure there were fun life lessons galore in this show.
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube
9. Danger Bay
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This looks so cool! He's a vet! There are boats! I'll watch it all right now!
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube
10. Barbapapa
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The art-style of this children's book turned animated series is so comforting.
You can find clips of this on: YouTube
11. The Friendly Giant
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I mean I've loved miniature things my entire life — from dollhouses to people on TikTok making tiny food. So this is a pretty fun concept to me.
You can find clips of this on: YouTube
12. Fred Penner's Place
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A king of the forest singing songs? I love Hozier too much to not also love this.
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube and the CBCKids website
13. Student Bodies
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My past as a junior high school newspaper writer vibes with this show. Thank you.
You can find episodes of this on: Encore+ and YouTube
14. Degrassi Junior High
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I actually watched this entire show on YouTube when I was younger... and then Degrassi High... and then Degrassi: The Next Generation. So, safe to say I think this is a great series!
You can find episodes of this on: Degrassi - The Official Channel on YouTube
15. Street Cents
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It fills me with a great sadness that I didn't get to experience this teen-led talk show when I was growing up, because I know I would've just loved every second of it.
You can find some episodes of this on: YouTube
16. Today's Special
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Who wouldn't love an educational version of Night at the Museum?
You can find episodes of this on: Tubi, AppleTV+, and Amazon Prime Video
17. Lastly, The Big Comfy Couch
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This was on during my childhood, and I'm still not flexible enough to do the full "clock stretch" like they did. Great show though!
You can find episodes of this on: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, and Vudu