Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise visit to the set of the CBC comedy “Son of a Critch” recently with his youngest son, who shares his enthusiasm for the show. The 12-year-old Hadrien Trudeau will make a cameo appearance as an extra in an upcoming school scene when Season 5 airs in the fall. Creator Mark Critch revealed that the scene involves the main character’s classmates discovering their roles in a school play. While the elder Trudeau did not feature in any scenes, Critch humorously mentioned that they already had a drama teacher on set.
Trudeau and his son are avid fans of the show, and Critch extended an invitation for them to visit the set in Newfoundland. During their two-day visit to St. John’s, they interacted with the cast and crew, with Trudeau observing his son’s performance on the production monitors. Hadrien even impressed actor Malcolm McDowell, who portrays Pops, with his knowledge of trivial details about the show, engaging in friendly competitions about the show’s minutiae.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who plays the young Mark Critch, shared that Hadrien discussed acting decisions, blocking, and background tips with him. Ainsworth praised Hadrien for his insights and described him as a delightful individual. Notably, Trudeau documented their set visit on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the experience and praising the show’s authentic Canadian essence.
Critch and Trudeau have a history of collaboration, having appeared together on CBC’s political satire “This Hour Has 22 Minutes.” Their friendship blossomed when Trudeau attended Critch’s book launch in Ottawa last year, where he discovered the Trudeaus’ fondness for “Son of a Critch.” Trudeau, who has three children, including Xavier (Xav) and Ella-Grace, saw his son Xav venture into the music industry with the release of his debut R&B single “Til The Nights Done” in 2025, featuring vocals from his sister.
The growing popularity of filming in St. John’s was highlighted by producer Andrew Barnsley, known for successful shows like “Schitt’s Creek” and “Son of a Critch.” Barnsley emphasized the global appeal of character-driven narratives set in small towns, underscoring Newfoundland and Labrador’s potential as a hub for TV production. This narrative aligns with the creative vision shared by those involved in the entertainment industry in the region.
In conclusion, the convergence of political and entertainment spheres through collaborations like Trudeau’s involvement with “Son of a Critch” underscores the diverse cultural landscape that defines Canada’s media and arts scene. The Trudeaus’ support for homegrown productions and the vibrant filmmaking community in Newfoundland and Labrador exemplify the country’s commitment to fostering talent and creativity in the entertainment industry.