MADE | NOUS The Stories That MADE Us is a vibrant exploration of the past, present, and future of Canadian storytelling. Guided by host George Stroumboulopoulos, the series takes viewers on a cross-country road trip to uncover the films and television that have shaped our culture and connected us as a nation.
George Stroumboulopoulos, acclaimed broadcaster, producer, and filmmaker, brings unparalleled experience and insight to this project. Throughout his career, he has interviewed world leaders, cultural icons, and sports legends, making him one of North America’s most respected voices in media. In this series, he weaves together stories of laughter, heartbreak, fear, and wonder, creating a living narrative that reflects the soul of a young nation still defining itself.
Each anecdote is a fragment of something larger: a tapestry of Canadian identity told through decades of storytelling. From enduring themes to emerging voices, The Stories That MADE Us examines how Canadian content, once overlooked, is now breaking onto the world stage.
Across 14 cities, the production team conducted more than 50 in-depth conversations and over 100 street interviews in both official languages. They sat down with everyday Canadians and national icons alike—Chris Hadfield, Mark Carney, Ryan Reynolds, Jessie Reyez, Emily Hampshire, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jay Baruchel, Tantoo Cardinal, Atom Egoyan, Rob Baker from The Tragically Hip, Stanley Cup winner Sam Reinhart, and dozens more.
“Seven provinces, countless stories, and an exceptional crew led by our host, George Stroumboulopoulos – this project tested every aspect of our production capabilities. Navigating different languages, provincial regulations, weather conditions, and coordinating crews across multiple time zones while maintaining consistent standards was a lesson in itself.
Our team set out to make something exceptional – and we have to thank our crew and partners for taking a leap of faith and supporting a project with this level of ambition.” – Matt Lawrence Dix, Executive Producer
Behind the Scenes: A Production Like No Other
Episode 1: Cross-Canada Road Trip Begins
The first episode, released this December, kicks off in British Columbia and Alberta. Starting with an iconic Canadian TV series, “The Beachcombers”, we explore its lasting impact on the community of Gibsons, B.C., and beyond. From the cultural influence of “Kim’s Convenience” to the legacy of MuchMusic, this episode celebrates the stories that unite Canadians coast to coast. Along the way, George interviews locals, film industry professionals, and even Prime Minister Mark Carney, offering fresh perspectives on the power of Canadian storytelling.
Watch Episode 1 on YouTube now and discover the stories that shaped Canadian culture.
Episodes 2 and 3 will be released in early 2026. Stay tuned for more unforgettable stories from across the country, and check out their Instagram page for future announcements.
About MADE | NOUS
Canada is home to award-winning television, movies and digital entertainment that have captured audiences everywhere. The MADE | NOUS campaign shines a spotlight on the achievements of Canadians who bring exceptional stories to life, and encourages audiences to discover and celebrate their work. Learn more about it on their website.
This campaign is the result of a collaborative effort between Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada.
All images credit to Alice Best.
