4.8 / 10 (based on 359 reviews)
After her time at Handy Car Rental, Shannon takes on a new career in Hamilton, Ontario.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Nicole Power, Frank Cox-O’Connell, Tina Jung, Nikki Duval
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1 season, 10 episodes
Shows Most Like Strays (2021)
Moonshine (2021)
6 / 10 (based on 676 reviews)
Moonshine is a raucous one-hour dramedy that tells the story of the Finley-Cullens, a dysfunctional family of adult half-siblings battling to take control over the family business.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Jennifer Finnigan, Anastasia Phillips, Emma Hunter, Tom Stevens
Creators: Sheri Elwood
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2 seasons, 16 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime
Sort Of (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 1774 reviews)
Follows a gender-fluid millennial who straddles various identities, exposing the identities and labels that are no longer applicable.
Genre: Comedy
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Creators: Bilal Baig, Fab Filippo
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1 season, 8 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Kim’s Convenience (2016)
8.2 / 10 (based on 20067 reviews)
The misadventures of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang, Simu Liu
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5 seasons, 65 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Ghosts (2021)
7.9 / 10 (based on 20907 reviews)
A young couple’s dreams come true when they inherit a beautiful country house, only to find it’s both falling apart and inhabited by many of the deceased previous residents.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Richie Moriarty
Creators: Joe Port, Joe Wiseman
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1 season, 14 episodes
The Lost Symbol (2021)
6.4 / 10 (based on 12347 reviews)
Based on the 2009 Dan Brown novel of the same name, The Lost Symbol is the story of a young Robert Langdon (Ashley Zukerman) being tasked by the CIA to solve a number of puzzles when his mentor (Eddie Izzard) is taken.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Ashley Zukerman, Eddie Izzard, Valorie Curry, Beau Knapp
Creators: Jay Beattie, Dan Dworkin
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1 season, 10 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
With Love (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 2102 reviews)
Follows the Diaz siblings, Lily and Jorge, who are on a mission to find love and purpose. The Diaz siblings cross paths with seemingly unrelated residents during some of the most heightened days of the year -the holidays.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Emeraude Toubia, Mark Indelicato, Isis King, Vincent Rodriguez III
Creators: Gloria Calderón Kellett
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1 season, 5 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Girls5eva (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 4384 reviews)
A one-hit-wonder band from the ’90s gets a second shot at fame when a young rapper samples their song.
Genre: Comedy, Music
Main Cast: Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell, Renée Elise Goldsberry
Creators: Meredith Scardino
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1 season, 9 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Only Murders in the Building (2021)
8.1 / 10 (based on 110909 reviews)
Three strangers who share an obsession with true crime suddenly find themselves caught up in one.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
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2 seasons, 11 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
4400 (2021)
4 / 10 (based on 4907 reviews)
4400 overlooked, undervalued, or otherwise marginalized people who vanished without a trace over the last hundred years are all returned in an instant, having not aged a day and with no memory of what happened to them.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Brittany Adebumola, Joseph David-Jones, Ireon Roach, T.L. Thompson
Creators: Ariana Jackson
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1 season, 10 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime
In the landscape of contemporary television, amidst a sea of reboots and spin-offs, stands a unique Canadian sitcom that has managed to carve out its own niche. “Strays” premiered in 2021, introducing audiences to a fresh narrative and a diverse cast of characters, each bringing their own quirks and charms to the screen. The show, a spin-off from the popular series “Kim’s Convenience,” follows the life of Shannon Ross, played by Nicole Power, as she embarks on a new journey in Hamilton, Ontario, taking up the role of the executive director of the Hamilton East Animal Shelter.
The Premise
At its core, “Strays” is about new beginnings and the humorous challenges that come with stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Shannon Ross, having left Toronto and her role at Handy Car Rental, finds herself in the unfamiliar territory of animal welfare. The show does a commendable job of weaving together the themes of personal growth, workplace dynamics, and, of course, the love for animals.
Characters and Cast
The strength of “Strays” lies in its ensemble cast, each member bringing a unique flavor to the mix. Besides Nicole Power’s Shannon, the show features a range of characters:
- Kristian Bruun as Kristian, the shelter’s lovable but somewhat clueless vet, whose heart is as big as his lack of common sense.
- Frank Cox-O’Connell as Liam, the shelter’s handyman with a mysterious past and a heart of gold.
- Tina Jung as Nikki, a shelter employee whose deadpan humor and practical skills make her an invaluable team member.
- Kevin Vidal as Paul, the upbeat and optimistic animal control officer whose enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of him.
- Tony Nappo as J-Ster, a character whose tough exterior masks a deep love for animals and a commitment to the shelter.
The dynamics between these characters create a rich tapestry of interactions, from comedic misunderstandings to heartfelt moments of support and camaraderie.
The Humor
What sets “Strays” apart is its approach to humor. Eschewing the low-hanging fruit of slapstick and one-liners, the show opts for a more situational comedy style, where the laughs come from the characters’ reactions to the absurdities of their day-to-day life at the animal shelter. This approach not only provides a steady stream of chuckles but also allows for character development, as each humorous scenario reveals more about the characters’ personalities and backgrounds.
Themes and Messages
Beneath the humor, “Strays” tackles several themes that resonate with its audience. The show explores the idea of finding one’s purpose through the lens of Shannon’s journey from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector. It also delves into themes of community, teamwork, and the importance of compassion, both towards animals and fellow humans.
Moreover, “Strays” subtly addresses the challenges faced by animal shelters, from funding issues to the emotional toll of caring for abandoned and abused animals. By incorporating these themes, the show raises awareness and encourages viewers to reflect on their relationship with animals and the environment.
Why Watch “Strays”?
For those on the fence about diving into another sitcom, “Strays” offers several compelling reasons to give it a chance:
- Fresh Perspective: Unlike many sitcoms that retread familiar ground, “Strays” offers a new setting and premise, providing a refreshing change of pace.
- Character Development: The show takes its time to develop its characters, ensuring that viewers become invested in their journeys and growth.
- Humor with Heart: “Strays” balances its comedic elements with heartfelt moments, creating a show that’s both entertaining and emotionally engaging.
- Social Commentary: Without being heavy-handed, the show touches on important social issues, making it relevant and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
“Strays” is a testament to the power of simple storytelling, memorable characters, and a unique setting. It’s a show that doesn’t rely on cliches or over-the-top antics to draw in its audience. Instead, it offers a genuine look at the lives of its characters, their struggles, and triumphs, all wrapped up in a package that’s as heartwarming as it is humorous.
In a television landscape often criticized for its lack of originality, “Strays” stands out as a beacon of creativity and charm. It’s a show that doesn’t just aim to entertain but also to enlighten, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for something that’s both light-hearted and meaningful. Whether you’re an animal lover, a fan of workplace comedies, or simply in search of a show that feels different, “Strays” is sure to deliver.