Why We Canadians Are So Darn Funny

Wherever you go in the world, you just have to say you’re Canadian and people laugh.
- John Candy

The first time I pitched a storyline for my writing for TV class, my professor made a remarkable comment. He said “Of course it’s funny, you’re Canadian.” It’s something I had never really thought about too deeply, but I had come to realize it was correct. So much of the American comedy industry has been pioneered by none other than their friendly neighbours up North — Canadians.

Living in America, I have gotten every single stereotype, “Do you say ‘aboot’ (about) or ‘sohrry (sorry)’” “Do you put maple syrup on everything?” I have even had someone tell me that they didn’t realize Canada was so close to America. Yes, sometimes I dread telling people I’m Canadian so much that I would rather say I’m from Minnesota. But of course, the last thing us Canadians need right now is the ones abroad saying they are not from their home and native land. And believe me, I’d rather take the annoying stereotypes about my nationality over those of my heritage any day, but I wish Americans were not so blind to the contributions we have made to their creative industries. 

It’s true, if you try and list some of the best comedians of all time, you’ll probably name at least one Canadian. Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Andrea Martin, John Candy, Dan Akroyd, Norm MacDonald, Eugene Levy, and Mike Myers are all big names that are known, at the very least, throughout North America. Even America’s most successful sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (or SNL), was created by two Canadians, Lorne Michaels and Rosie Shuster. It’s hard to ignore the fact that there are so many northern jesters in a country that’s practically turning into a Kingdom (although there is nothing royal about it).

But what makes us so popular? And what makes us so hilarious? It is a question that seems to be demanded of every Canadian comedian at some point in their careers. Martin Short chalks it up to the fact that we are halfway between American and British comedy, having access to both at the same time. On an episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend with Dan Levy as the guest, he says that both his father and Catherine O’Hara do not believe it to be something uniquely Canadian, more of a Canadian enthusiasm around said comedians. Both Levy and O’Brien disagree, and so do I. There is something in the air up here that enables our wit.

After living in America for some time, I’ve noticed that their humour is often more crude and anti-establishment – sort of like punk rock comedy. They satirize their government and their people, often disconnecting those who do not share the same values. Rather than establishing community through comedy, they divide. While Canada doesn’t have the advantage of a big industry or as many outlets to gain a following, I theorize that our biggest advantage is being forgotten. Everyone, especially Americans, forget that we exist. No one ever knows I am Canadian until I mention it. We live in stealth and we use that to our advantage. Because of this, many are bred to observe and create comedy about America and Canada. Shows that mirror SNL (1975-) like SCTV (1976-1981) and Kids in the Hall (1988-2021) had comedians making sketches about both countries and were often just as if not more beloved than their American counterparts. 

Another important aspect is embracing our ever-changing Canadian identity. While America may be a melting pot, Canada is not. We embrace all kinds of identities and never stick ourselves into one box. TV shows like Letterkenny (2016-2023), Trailer Park Boys (2001-2026), Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020) embrace the more rural aspects of our country and shows like Kim’s Convenience (2016-2021) and The Office Movers (2024-) embrace both the urban and multicultural aspects, while a show like North of North (2025-) represents life, well, up North. These shows represent the fact that being Canadian does not mean having one monolithic identity, but rather a variety of experiences we can share with one another. Since we can share these identities, we are able to jest about them too. Rather than getting offended, we are able to laugh at ourselves.

I grew up watching both American and Canadian television, but those never had more of an effect than the fact that I had always been surrounded by funny people. People of all different backgrounds and experiences, but one commonality — we were all Canadian. We all experienced the stereotypes, we all could observe and make jokes about down South, but most importantly, we can take jokes as much as we can dish them out.

Last November, I sat at the very back of the Wang, a theatre in Boston which often hosts comedy shows, and watched Steve Martin and Martin Short perform their Dukes of Funnytown show, and when Martin Short mentioned his upbringing in Canada, I had never felt a more overwhelming sense of pride. Being a Canadian in America is isolating. It’s hard to live in a place that feels so close to home yet so, so far away. However, moments like that one, when I realize that we are everywhere and our Canadian comedians bring so much joy to so many people, I can’t help but feel proud to be Canadian.

It is so much easier to say that American TV is better than whatever is playing in Canada. However, I can guarantee you that your favourite American Comedy has at least one Canadian involved, whether that be a performer or a writer. So, I would encourage you to watch any of the shows I mentioned above because believe it or not, Americans love them too. We may not be as assertive or self-centered as they are but we are always there, hiding where one least expects it. We are a funny nation and maybe that is what our national identity really is. After all, you can’t spell comedian without Canadian (if you switch out a few letters, of course).