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.

As soon as I saw that "Ricky" from TPB (Robb Wells) was headlining this show, I raced over to IMDB and was shocked to see but a single user review. What???

After having watched two episodes, I can say that this show was a bit wobbly at first, but it really has the potential to go somewhere. Heck, I remember when Letterkenney started, and it was a little rough around the edges as well, and now every dingbat on Youtube is in love with that show.

The Trades is less about, you know, people working blue collar jobs than it is a modern-day sitcom. Besides Ricky, you've got McMurray from LetterKenny (playing a character named "Backwoods"), Tom "my bum is on your lips" Green as perhaps the most substance-addicted human being on the planet, and a full bench of deep talent. There's also a little CGI raccoon (Snax) who's only played a small part, but I think he'll get worked into future storylines.

Unfortunately, IMDB's listing is incomplete, and I can't remember the name of the character played by Jesse Comacho, but he's been absolutely stealing every scene he's been in. And I love all the character names of the cast, including "Taser." Last, but not least, the washroom and its detailed graffiti is a separate character in its own right, so props to whoever did the art on that.

Are you gonna guffaw with laughter at this show? No, at least not right now. But it's got that magical spark that Canadian shows like TPB and Letterkenny shared, so I think it'll gain a loyal following over time. And honestly, props to "Tater Todd" aka Robb Wells for looking a lot healthier and more fit than he did during his Ricky days. Genuinely a charismatic lead.

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 🦃

First, I actually try to find "home grown" shows. I LOVED Trailer park boys, up until it was taken over by Netflix and "Americanized". (Historically TBP only started Canadians, then they brought in American money, American actors..).

I actually enjoy Canadian shows, with Canadian actors.

This is a fantastic show and I hope it is picked up for additional seasons.

I did not like the "Susan" character on TPB, but they brought Susan Kent in for "The trades" and WOW, she's fantastic.

Not a "kid friendly" show, but MAN is it funny.

So far, "Sensitivity Training" is my fav episode. They have taken this absurdity we see in the workplace and made a mockery out of it on TV and did a great job doing so.

The producers did an amazing job bringing in a stellar set of actors/actresses to make this show what it is. You will be hard pressed to find a character you dont enjoy.

It is interesting seeing "Ricky" (Robb Wells) playing another character, which he does very well.

If you like Canadian comedy and don't mind "how people talk in the real world" give it a try...

No Political preaching, no attempting to brainwash you with propaganda, just some great comedy.

It is nice watching a bunch of Canadian actors working together to provide a great show.

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.