The Trades

Just finished watching season two of The Trades on Crave and I'm seriously glad I stumbled on this gem. It's the kind of real-world comedy we don't get enough of-raw, hilarious, and full of heart. The cast absolutely delivers, with standout performances all around.

Tom Green's cameos? Legendary. And Robb Wells-what can I say? The man is a Canadian acting icon and proves it again here.

The show nails the vibe of everyday friendships and real-life situations with characters you can actually relate to and root for. If you're looking for something funny, honest, and uniquely Canadian, The Trades is 100% worth the watch.

I worked my whole career in jobs like this, power plants, shipyards, steel mills and machine shops. This is funny because it is so real. I know these people. It does not show the bad side of these jobs like injuries and the day to day drudgery and filth that nobody wants to see. But, there were so many fun and humorous times like this show, which makes this hit home. People who have never done this kind of work will not understand this show, but those of us who have been there will get a giggle out of it. And some people will be offended by the bad language, but @$&? Them. I talk like a Sailor on leave in Singapore all the time.

What I love so far about this show is it's hilarious situational comedy; simultaneously ridiculous & absurd yet striking a refreshing balance of being rooted in reality. Its another really great sitcom utilizing the single camera style to firmly plant itself within its character's world.

To that effect, the characters are very well developed and familiar. I feel like I am watching a slightly exaggerated version of so many people I knew growing up in small town Southern Ontario! I think this is what is giving the series to much heart for me. These characters are also brought to life by a well rounded ensemble cast and so the series does not lean too much on one actor/character either. I again find this...Refreshing!

This is the Canadian Content I love to see! Highly recommend you check it out if you are a fan of: Trailer Park Boys, Superstore, Letterkenny, FUBAR, Parks & Rec.

Started life as one of the top end trades, in the late 70's. We certainly had this kind of humour and pranks, but factories in those days had just as many women as men working in them, sometimes far more.

And there was almost no graffiti in bathrooms, it was a punishable offence even back then! Can remember a boss saying if you had time for toilet art you're not working hard enough, and we have an easy fix for that!

That said it's starting to find its feet and once the low hanging fruit schoolboy humour stuff is out of the way. The characters are starting to develop, keep going and you may have a blue collar version of The Office..which is no mean feat!

Edit: Season 2 first two opening episodes..oooh dear! Perhaps they need a new piece of graffiti in the scriptwriters restroom..How can you fly with Eagles when you work with Turkeys 🦃

This was a much anticipated show for me. I grew up surrounded by tradespeople. My mom was a carpenter in the 80's and my dad was an ironworker - they met on a bus in Calgary....these comedic stories are endless and I think this show is going to prove it. This just hits home for these tired-souls who grind away in these industries and professions just to keep the economy spinnin' round.

I crushed both episodes back to back and had to watch them again. Not only because I was laughing so hard, I wanted to take it all in.

I found myself pausing the show just to read the insults on the bathroom walls. Its raunchy, saucy and sweet, every character made me laugh. The writing and art department knocked this out of the park, the racoon is a nice touch.

I am very excited for the next episode this Friday and cant wait to see where this show progresses. It certainly is no Trailer Park boys - That show is hilarious in its own right, but this show has heart and it seems purposeful. I highly recommend giving it a view, worth the watch.