As 2014 approaches, The Mag offers its annual year end roundup of the best television shows. Here are ten favourites that defined the year for viewers in Canada and the United States. Was there a show missed that deserves a shout out? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
1. THE NEXT STEP on Family Channel
In early 2013 this Canadian pick stood out. The show follows a group of teen dancers training at the Next Step Dance Studio and taking part in numerous competitions. It is aimed at pre teens and blends drama, romance, music and dance. The series is uplifting and often inspiring, with the kind of energy that might even make a viewer want to take a dance class after one episode.
2. MR. YOUNG on YTV
MR. YOUNG centers on Adam Young, a child prodigy who becomes a high school teacher at the age of fourteen. The story threads through romance and the tension between adult and teenage worlds. Adam navigates a chaotic yet entertaining life, and the performances hint at bright futures for the young talent stepping into bigger stages in the years ahead.
3. GOOD LUCK CHARLIE on Family Channel
This family friendly comedy keeps delivering with its quirky humor and heart. Season after season follows Teddy, PJ and Gabe as they anticipate the arrival of a new sibling, and the adventures of Charlie as she grows up on screen continue to charm. The show remains a reliable source of laughter and warmth for viewers of all ages.
4. LAB RATS on Disney XD
This live action comedy centers on Leo, a boy whose mother marries a wealthy inventor. He discovers that his stepdad created three super powered teenagers in a secret lab, and it falls to Leo to introduce them to the outside world. The writing stays playful and the cast delivers energy, making it a standout pick in this list.
5. DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk on Teletoon
Fans of How to Train Your Dragon will find this series a perfect bridge between films. Riders of Berk links the first movie with the upcoming second, which arrived in 2014. The original voice cast returns, with Jay Baruchel as Hiccup and America Ferrera as Astrid. The adventures center on Hiccup and friends on the island of Berk, delivering a warm and engaging arc for dedicated viewers.
6. LIV and MADDIE on Family Channel
One of the newer entries on Family Channel, Liv and Maddie follows twins living parallel lives on screen. Dove Cameron plays both Liv and Maddie, showcasing impressive versatility. The supporting cast adds to the humor, and the concept resonates because many viewers recognize the pressure of balancing competing roles in life, even without a twin sister to share it all with.
7. SAM and CAT on YTV
The unlikely pairing of Sam from iCarly and Cat from Victorious brings two beloved Nickelodeon personalities together. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic duo that audiences quickly embraced. Sam reads as warm and friendly while Cat comes off as energetic and witty, and their on screen chemistry fuels creative, lighthearted adventures.
8. TEEN TITANS GO! on Teletoon
This animated spin off reinvents a classic as it follows the Teen Titans when they are not saving the world. The humor is sharper and the animation distinct from the original, with plots ranging from outrageous pranks to friendly sports showdowns. Importantly, the original voice actors return to voice their beloved characters, providing a familiar rhythm to the new episodes.
9. Mighty Med on Disney XD
This fresh series centers on two boys who discover a hospital for superheroes and become doctors for the heroes they admire. The blend of action and comedy comes through as they use their comic book know-how to diagnose and repair strange ailments, from haywire laser vision to invisibility diseases. Mighty Med has built a growing fan base and looks poised to rise further in the next season.
10. Shake It Up on Family Channel
The final season of Shake It Up marked the end of an era for many viewers who followed Rocky and CeCe as they danced on a local TV show. The show explored balancing school, friendships and rising social status while delivering catchy music and strong on screen chemistry. Disney Channel’s first major female buddy show left a lasting impression and will be remembered fondly by its audience.