YouTube Canada is expanding its local content library by bringing the viral series Subway Takes to Toronto. Hosted by comedian Kareem Rahma, the show is part of a broader push for creator-led programming that includes new projects from Matty Matheson, Tessa Virtue, and Sarah Nurse.
Kareem Rahma's 15-episode Toronto debut
Comedian Kareem Rahma is set to launch a Canadian version of his hit series Subway Takes on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) next month. According to a report from The Canadian Press, Rahma expects the Toronto edition to consist of approximately 15 episodes. the show's premise involves Rahma interviewing celebrities and notable figures about their opinions while commuting together on the subway.
The series has already cultivated a massive digital footprint, with YouTube Canada noting that the show has amassed more than 800 million views and attracted over 1.1 million subscribers. The format is designed for virality, often centering on the catchphrase "100 per cent agree or disagree," which has becoome a staple of the show's online engagement.
Matty Matheson's rural farm and Tessa Virtue's Virtuoso
Beyond the subway, YouTube Canada is diversifying its slate with high-proffile Canadian personalities. Actor and chef Matty Matheson, known for his role in The Bear, will star in a reality series titled Matty's Farm,which follows his efforts to build a farm in rural Ontario. This move signals a shift toward long-form, personality-driven reality content within the platform's Canadian strategy.
Simultaneously, three-time Olympic gold medallist Tessa Virtue is launching a video podcast called Virtuoso. As reported by The Canadian Press, Virtue intends to use the series to interview leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs about the habits and coping mechanisms that drive excellence. Additionally, Professional Women's Hockey League player Sarah Nurse will host Sarah's Side Quests, a series where the Vancouver Goldeneyes forward attempts to learn new skills from various experts.
800 million views and the global subway format
The arrival of Subway Takes in Toronto is part of a global trend of adapting hyper-local urban environments into scalable digital brands. Kareem Rahma has already successfully exported the format to other major international hubs, including London, Berlin,and Chicago. by leveraging the specific energy of city transit, Rahma has created a template that translates across different cultures while maintaining a consistent aesthetic of candid, short-form conversation.
This expansion reflects a broader industry shift where platforms like YouTube Canada are no longer just hosting user-generated content but are actively commissioning "creator-driven" programming. By pairing viral formats with established Canadian stars like Sarah Nurse and Matty Matheson, YouTube is attempting to bridge the gap between traditional celebrity appeal and the algorithmic nature of modern social media.
The missing Toronto-specific angles in Rahma's takes
Despite the move to the Toronto Transit Commission, a significant question remains regarding the local relevance of the content. kareem Rahma admitted that none of the episodes filmed so far are specifically focused on Toronto or Canada,describing them instead as "good old subway takes." It remains unclear whether the show will eventually pivot to address local Canadian issues or if it will remain a generic vehicle for celebrity opinions that happen to take place in Toronto.
Furthermore, while YouTube Canada mentions that celebrity guests will appear "every once in a while," the report does not specify who these guests are or how they were recruited. Whether the series can maintain its New York City momentum without a dedicated local narrative remains to be seen as the debut approaches next month .
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