Canadian television creator and actor Jared Keeso is currently directing and starring in a new six-part comedy series titled Cats in the Plateau on location in Montreal, according to a report by the Montreal Gazette on July 3, 2026.
The Crave series follows two men from Ontario who relocate to Montreal for a fresh start but are forced to work as garbage collectors in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough before turning to a life of crime.
Inspired by Keeso's Time in Montreal
Executive producer Kara Haflidson explained that the television show draws inspiration from the years Keeso spent living in the Plateau neighborhood while he was filming the police drama series 19-2.
"Jared spent quite a lot of time in Montreal," said Haflidson. "He lived here for quite a few years with 19-2 and his wife is from here.
Jared lived in the Plateau and he's been obsessed with it since he did."
"He's wanted to make a show based in the Plateau for years," she added.
"The thing is Letterkenny is (the fictional version of) his hometown of Listowel, Shoresy is Sudbury, and this is Montreal.
He's been able to make a show about every city that he loves."
Haflidson noted Keeso's attention to detail: "He's so specific. Every bar we shoot at is the actual bar in Montreal.
St-Sacrement. Les Torchés.
Le Rouge Gorge.
He really wanted to create something where the audience can step into the world of the Plateau because he thinks it's so special and unique."
The production filmed at Parc De Lorimier on July 2, 2026, utilizing actual local establishments to maintain geographic authenticity for the audience.
"I think with Jared's shows we've proved that the more specific it is, the broader it is," said Haflidson.
"I think Letterkenny is so specific to small town experience. Shoresy is set in Sudbury and it's so specific to Sudbury.
And so this is specific to Montreal."
She believes that when a show is based in a real place, the audience understands it better.
"I think maybe a decade ago, shows would be generic pretend cities and we wouldn't show off Canada.
But I think we've done a better job of showcasing Canada over the last few years."
Haflidson noted that English-language television shows rarely showcase Montreal as itself, but expressed optimism that the new series will change industry trends.
"Well, I think after they see our show, they'll definitely want to do it," she said. "Montreal is cool and sexy and the summer here is so fun.
And we do a nice job of showing that off. I think we'll start something."
Lead Actors Prepare for Roles
Lead actors Robert Bazzocchi and Alexander Calvert portray the two main characters, preparing for their roles by shadowing real municipal sanitation workers with the guidance of consultant Simon Paré-Poupart.
"People have a perception of what garbagemen do and how they do it, but they take so much pride in their work," said Bazzocchi.
"They're incredibly athletic and they're doing a job that no one else wants to do. And it was cool seeing that first-hand."
Bazzocchi recalled a quote from Paré-Poupart: "'G-men, we're one with trash.'
Every day when you're out there throwing trash, if it breaks on you, if something happens, you don't let it bug you.
G-men are able to take that in stride and get the job done."
Bazzocchi stated that Paré-Poupart jokingly told them they were lifting the lightest bags in Montreal, which turned out to be the heaviest at roughly 50 pounds each.
The city will also host the production of the second season of Heated Rivalry, an LGBTQ hockey drama created by Jacob Tierney, further expanding local filming activities this summer.
