Canadian television has a knack for doing more with less, and Madeline is a prime example. It's currently available in Australia on Hoopla, and in the US on Pure Flix and Dove Amazon Channel, so there's no reason to keep putting it off. A 6/10 rating means the audience agrees.

Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Madeline from the crowd. A young girl embarks on a series of misadventures, causing her friends and teachers to be worrisome. Based on the children's books by Ludwig Bemelmans. Andrea Libman and Stevie Vallance lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. The series ran for 3 seasons (1988–2001), building a story that gave its audience time to invest properly.

Ideal for when you want something light without wanting something stupid. Madeline respects its audience — rarer than it should be.