Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise visit to the set of the CBC comedy series “Son of a Critch” alongside his youngest son, who shares his enthusiasm for the show. The 12-year-old Hadrien Trudeau is set to make a cameo appearance in the upcoming Season 5 of the show, playing an extra in a school scene where classmates are informed about their roles in a play.
During their visit to the Newfoundland set, creator Mark Critch revealed that he did not include the elder Trudeau in any scenes, humorously remarking that they already had a drama teacher on set. Trudeau expressed his appreciation on Instagram, describing the show as a quintessential Canadian production.
The father-son duo spent two days on set, meeting the cast and crew. Hadrien even impressed actor Malcolm McDowell, who plays Pops on the show, with his knowledge of minute details about the series, engaging in friendly competitions about show trivia.
British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, portraying a young Mark Critch on the show, shared that Hadrien discussed acting decisions and tips with him, showcasing his interest in the craft. Critch and Trudeau have a history of collaboration, having appeared together on CBC’s “This Hour Has 22 Minutes.”
Trudeau’s affinity for “Son of a Critch” was revealed during a previous book launch event in Ottawa, where Critch’s book “Sorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For” was featured. Trudeau, who has three children, including Xavier and Ella-Grace, has seen his son Xavier venture into a music career, releasing his first R&B track in 2025.
The thriving film industry in St. John’s, highlighted by producer Andrew Barnsley, underscores the potential for Newfoundland and Labrador in television production. Barnsley emphasized the global appeal of well-crafted character-driven shows set in small towns, contributing to the region’s growing TV-making opportunities.
