After the success of its debut season, Ryan Lindsay’s comedy series The Trades is set to return for a second season later this year, continuing its journey of exploring the lives of skilled tradespeople in a fictional refinery town. The show, which has garnered attention for its blue-collar storytelling, will once again stream on Crave starting in March.
Lindsay, a Sarnia native, created the series alongside Robb Wells, famous for his role as Ricky on Trailer Park Boys. The pair also stars in The Trades, which originally premiered last March. The second season was filmed last fall in Hamilton, Dartmouth, and Halifax, and is expected to build on the success of its first season. Although Crave has not disclosed specific viewership numbers, Lindsay confirmed that the show had been a top performer for the platform.
Reflecting on the journey to bringing The Trades to the screen, Lindsay shared that it had been a “20-year journey” to reach this point. “The focus was always to write and to get something produced,” he said. Now, with the show gaining traction, Lindsay expressed his excitement to continue creating. “I can’t wait to do this forever,” he added.
Lindsay, who spent 14 years working in Toronto’s film and television industry before returning to Sarnia, found inspiration for the show in the stories shared by his brothers, both of whom work in skilled trades. He began conducting interviews with local tradespeople about six years ago, gathering material for the series. The idea was pitched to Wells, who immediately joined the project as lead actor, producer, and writer.
During a private screening of the first season in Sarnia last March, Wells noted the significance of portraying blue-collar workers on screen. “Other than The Simpsons, I don’t think it has ever been represented properly,” he said, expressing his eagerness to be part of the project from the moment it was pitched to him.
The creative process for the second season took place in a writers’ room set up in downtown Sarnia, where Lindsay, Wells, and several other writers, including Lindsay’s brothers, Tyson and Kellan, worked on the new episodes. Lindsay credited his brothers’ hands-on experience with trades for lending an authentic voice to the series, which he believes has contributed to its appeal with blue-collar audiences. “Our job is to provide them with some easy viewing, some laughs and chuckles, and hopefully something relatable,” Lindsay explained.
New writers joining the team for the second season include Sarnia native Andrew McMichael, Neha Kohli, and Laura Cilevitz. Despite the option to hold the writers’ room anywhere, Lindsay emphasized the importance of doing it in Sarnia, where the industries that inspired the show are located.
The second season will feature the return of the original cast, including Tom Green, and will introduce new faces such as Pat Roach (known for his role as Randy on Trailer Park Boys), Jenn Irwin, and Dave Lawrence. Lindsay, who also directs an episode this season, worked closely with Wells, who brought his vast experience from Trailer Park Boys to the project. “He brings that wealth of experience,” Lindsay said. “It was awesome to have him in Sarnia.”
The production faced a logistical challenge when a college location in Eastern Canada, used for interior scenes in the first season, was no longer available. A Sarnia connection, however, led them to a new venue: the training center and offices of the Local 56 pipefitters union in Dartmouth, introduced to the production by James Williamson of the UA Local 663 pipefitters union in Sarnia.
With its grounded portrayal of skilled trades and relatable humor, The Trades continues to resonate with audiences. The second season promises more laughs and heartfelt moments, keeping the focus on the hardworking people behind the scenes. Fans can look forward to the next chapter of this beloved series when it streams on Crave in March.
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