Television

What had us watching CBC Gem in 2022

In no particular order, here are the programs that had us watching CBC Gem in 2022.
Run the Burbs - Andrew Phung as Andrew Pham and Zoriah Wong as Khia Pham.
Run the Burbs - Andrew Phung as Andrew Pham and Zoriah Wong as Khia Pham. (CBC)

It's the end of 2022 and the dust has begun to settle on another year of television. As we reflect on the past twelve months, it's impossible to ignore the huge impact that streaming services have had on our viewing habits. From blockbuster hits on traditional networks to popular new releases on major platforms, there has been no shortage of must-see TV. 

For Canadians who watch CBC Gem regularly, many shows have risen above the rest to become the most watched of the year. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, unscripted, or something in between, CBC Gem had you covered over the past year.

In no particular order, here are the programs that had us watching CBC Gem in 2022:

Son of a Critch

Comedian Mark Critch stars in a series about his own childhood in 1980s Newfoundland. He plays his own dad! Look for Season 2 starting January 3.

Watch Son of a Critch

The Porter

Set primarily in Montreal, Chicago and Detroit as the world rebuilds after the First World War, The Porter tells the story of the Black community in St. Antoine, Montreal in the 1920s, fighting for change. Railway workers join together to form the world's first Black union. 

Watch The Porter

Sort Of

Critically acclaimed and loved by audiences, Sort Of gives us an intimate look into the life of gender fluid millennial, Sabi Mehboob (played by Bilal Baig). You can stream the first two seasons for free on CBC Gem and the series was recently renewed for a third season!

Watch Sort Of

Best in Miniature

This competition show follows skilled artists who are given challenges, each time adding elements to a tiny dream home. Who will win the "Best in Miniature" title?

Watch Best in Miniature

Run the Burbs

Run the Burbs is a family-friendly comedy about life in the suburbs, oddball neighbours, and a loving family that strives to stick together. Season 2 starts on January 4!

Watch Run the Burbs

Summit '72

This is the definitive story of the legendary 1972 Canada-USSR Summit Series of Hockey upon its 50th anniversary, and through a modern lens explore its legacy and lasting influence on Canadian national identity.

Watch Summit '72

Fakes

In Fakes, two best friends accidentally build one of the largest fake ID empires in North America. This YA series features Emilija Baranac (To All the Boys I've Loved Before), Jennifer Tong (Grand Army), and Richard Harmon (The 100)

Watch Fakes

Revenge Of The Black Best Friend

Revenge Of The Black Best Friend is an episodic series created, co-written, and co-produced by Amanda Parris that follows Dr. Toni Shakur, a self-help guru whose singular mission is to cancel the entertainment industry's reliance on token Black characters....before she gets canceled herself.

Watch Revenge Of The Black Best Friend

Patty vs. Patty 

Baker Michael Davidson was at the centre the media storm about the patty wars. He was interviewed for this 1985 Toronto Star article. (CBC / Patty vs. Patty)

Patty vs. Patty is a short documentary that takes a deep dive into Toronto's bizarre 'patty wars' in 1985, when the government tried to rename the beef patty. 

Watch Patty vs. Patty

Evil By Design: Surviving Nygard

An investigation into a murder-for-hire plot helped trigger Peter Nygard’s downfall | Evil By Design: Surviving Nygard

3 years ago
Duration 1:06
This Nygard survivor and a former Scotland Yard detective helped expose the Canadian fashion executive accused of sex crimes spanning nearly half a century. Nygard denies the allegations.

This three-part documentary is based on investigative reporting from The Fifth Estate and the CBC podcast Evil by Design. The series covers events that led to the downfall of the Canadian clothing mogul, Nygard.

Watch Evil By Design: Surviving Nygard

More popular shows from 2022 on CBC Gem:

PEN15

Showtrial

ANGAKUSAJAUJUQ: The Shaman's Apprentice

Ten Year Old Tom

The Head

Spreadsheet

Ghosts

Around the World in 80 Days

Hiccups & Hookups

Twenties

Trigger Point

The Dry

Love Me

Skymed

Sorry For Your Loss

Stath Lets Flats

The Dark Heart

Extraordinary Extensions

The Pizza City You've Never Heard Of

Brassic

War of the Worlds

Buffy Sainte-Marie Starwalker

Islands 

The Legacy Awards

Chivalry

My Life as a Rolling Stone

Documentary Now!

Stay Tooned

Question Team

People Just Do Nothing

Coming Soon: 2023 will bring a whole new year to discover new shows on CBC Gem. Take a look at the many new and returning titles joining in January. And you can browse and stream anytime for free.