Not Canadian? Then perhaps you haven’t heard of the gem Being Erica, a CBC show following 30-something Erica Strange. To me, Being Erica is similar to Gilmore Girls, with it’s independent leading lady, cutesy atmosphere and feel-good moral lessons. But Being Erica is edgier than the WB family-friendly show and will surely leave your mouth agape after some dramatic storylines.

In season one, Erica Strange is single and unemployed. Her life seems to be leading nowhere until she meets Dr. Tom, an unorthodox therapist, who offers his services to the curly-haired brunette. Desperate, she accepts and Dr. Tom sends Erica to her past, where she faces her regrets.

I received a "Being Erica" snow globe for Christmas!

The second season of the CBC show features a happier Erica. She scored a dream job and a dream guy, but the season is far from boring. While a happy main character might make some shows boring, the writers of Being Erica keep viewers on their toes. Season two is darker, with each episode bringing a shock factor; Erica learns Dr. Tom’s history and relives her greatest regret- the death of her brother Leo.

Now in it’s third season, Erica enters group therapy; Instead of delving into her own past, she helps others undergoing the same treatment. Not only does Erica move forward in her personal life, but she moves forward in the treatment process- and we get to see what Erica’s future is in this bizarre otherworldly therapy.

It is rumoured that Being Erica will be remade for the U.S., but I think the Canadian series is excellent on its own. Unlike most Canadian shows, which aim to include as much Canadiana as possible (to please the CRTC), Being Erica is truly representative of urban Canadians. While there may be a few “eh”‘s and “poutine” shout-outs, I’m sure Americans will understand the original just fine, so I encourage you to watch it (Being Erica airs on SOAPnet).