Stories That MADE Us
The Stories That MADE Us is a vibrant journey through the past, present, and future of Canadian storytelling — a portrait of a nation seen through the films and television that have moved us most. Guided by host George Stroumboulopoulos, the series weaves together voices from across the country — stories of laughter, heartbreak, fear, and wonder. Each anecdote is a fragment of something larger: a living narrative revealing the soul of a young nation still defining itself. What is Canadian identity? Maybe it’s impossible to pin down. But in the stories we tell, we begin to see it more clearly. The series traces these threads across decades: the themes that endure, the questions that echo, and the new voices reshaping the conversation. We are at a threshold moment. Canadian storytelling, once overlooked, is now breaking onto the world stage. The Stories That MADE Us is offering a collective reflection on where we’ve been, who we are, and where our stories might take us next.
Episodes
Runtime: 19m
The first episode on this cross-country road-trip sees George Stroumboulopoulos travel across British Columbia and Alberta. We begin with the OG of Canadian TV, The Beachcombers, before exploring the stories of the past that influenced Prime Minister Mark Carney’s love of TV and film. The influence of Kim’s Convenience to Much Music, and everything in between draws Canadians together everywhere we visit in this opening episode. Acting legend Tantoo Cardinal says it best “Canada, we got stuff!”. Episodes 2 and 3 dropping in early 2026.
Runtime: 14m
Episode 2 brings us from the vibrant streets of Montreal to the Acadian shores of New Brunswick, exploring the children’s programming and cultural icons, like Mr. Dressup, that shaped generations. Along the way, we trace Quebec’s dual storytelling identity, the risks behind creative ambition, and the deep sense of national pride that carried Hockey Night in Canada all the way to space with Chris Hadfield.
Runtime: 16m
The final episode takes George from Toronto to Iqaluit, Nunavut, asking what it truly means to tell a Canadian story. Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire remind us that a culture unseen in its own art is no culture at all, while Ryan Reynolds explores why our stories are worth fighting for — not because they aren’t American, but because they are something entirely their own. And in Iqaluit, the creators and cast of North of North show us what’s possible when a community dares to build something from the ground up and bring Indigenous and Inuit stories to screens around the world. Canada’s stories are as vast and varied as the country itself, and this episode proves it.
