1981 in Canadian television

Debuts

Ending this year

1950s

• Country Canada (1954–2007)
• The Friendly Giant (1958–1985)
• Hockey Night in Canada (1952–present)
• The National (1954–present)
• Front Page Challenge (1957–1995)
• Wayne and Shuster Show (1958–1989)

1960s

• CTV National News (1961–present)
• Land and Sea (1964–present)
• Man Alive (1967–2000)
• Mr. Dressup (1967–1996)
• The Nature of Things (1960–present, scientific documentary series)
• Question Period (1967–present, news program)
• Reach for the Top (1961–1985)
• Take 30 (1962–1983)
• The Tommy Hunter Show (1965–1992)
• University of the Air (1966–1983)
• W-FIVE (1966–present, newsmagazine program)

1970s

• The Beachcombers (1972–1990)
• Canada AM (1972–present, news program)
• Celebrity Cooks (1975–1984)
• City Lights (1973–1989)
• Definition (1974–1989)
• the fifth estate (1975–present, newsmagazine program)
• The Great Detective (1979–1982)
• Headline Hunters (1972–1983)
• Let's Go (1976–1984)
• The Littlest Hobo (1979–1985)
• Live It Up! (1978–1990)
• The Mad Dash (1978–1985)
• Marketplace (1972–present, newsmagazine program)
• Polka Dot Door (1971-1993)
• Read All About It! (1979–1983)
• Second City Television (1976–1984)
• Smith & Smith (1979–1985)
• This Land (1970–1982)
• You Can't Do That on Television (1979–1990)
• V.I.P. (1973–1983)
• 100 Huntley Street (1977–present, religious program)

1980s

• The Alan Thicke Show (1980–1983)
• Bizarre (1980–1985)
• Home Fires (1980–1983)

Debuts