Is It Actually Possible to Watch Canadian TV in Michigan?

Ask anyone who grew up in the pre-streaming era of network TV and the choices of viewing were ABC, CBS, NBC and later Fox. For some Michigan residents you could have added CBC. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has a surprisingly large reach into Michigan.

And those who had CBC available often found themselves watching quite a bit of Canadian fare.

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The question came up recently on Reddit with a Canadian asking if the CBC was available across Michigan. The answer greatly varies depending on where in Michigan one lives.

Detroit area residents were quick to say that, yes, the CBC was a standard part of their TV diet. Hockey Night in Canada and curling for sports as well as shows that grew beyond their Canadian roots like Red Green, Kids in the Hall and Degrassi.

Many shared that their cable systems carry the CBC in southeast Michigan. The broadcasts are spotty but available in many parts of Central Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The broadcast channels of the CBC can also be picked up easily by antennas in areas of the state closest to the border.

READ MORE: The Trans-Canada Highway Once Crossed the Upper Peninsula of Michigan + Strange But True: Michigan is North, South, East and West of Canada

The experience is very different for those who live on the west side of Michigan. Having the CBC available on cable is virtually unheard of on the opposite side of the state.

No... And I miss it. Had it on the east side of the state, and up in the UP, standard in my cable package. Its not an option where I live now.

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It's not universal but for those who have access to Canadian TV, it is likely a treasured part of their media consumption to be able to view something that very similar but distinctly different than American broadcasting.