
Discover everything you need to know about Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe — including where to watch it, how to stream it for free from anywhere in the world, and a complete viewing guide to enjoy this heartfelt documentary without any restrictions.
How can I watch Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe outside Canada on CBC Gem for free
To watch Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe outside Canada, use CBC Gem, the broadcaster’s free on-demand service. Simply connect to a Canadian server with a premium VPN, to unlock and stream the content seamlessly from anywhere in the world.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to an Canada-based server.
- Visit the CBC Gem website, then log in or create a new account. During registration, you’ll need to enter a Canadian postal code — you can use an online Canadian postcode generator if you don’t have one.
- You can watch Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe restriction-free!
Note: If you don’t have the CBC Gem app, open it in a browser like Google Chrome on your PC or Mac instead — otherwise you’ll be prompted to download the app. The CBC Gem app isn’t available to download outside Canada.
Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe (2023) About
Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe celebrates the remarkable journey of Ernie Coombs, the beloved entertainer who brought wonder into Canadian homes. It explores the early days of the Mr. Dressup show and how it evolved into a generational favourite. The film reveals the creative process behind the puppets, crafts, and stories that defined the series. It highlights the gentle teaching style that made Mr. Dressup a comforting presence for millions of children. Interviews and archival moments offer a tender look at the friendships and collaborations that sustained the show. The documentary also reflects on the emotional connection fans still feel for the character and the man behind him. Ultimately, it captures the timeless spirit of imagination and kindness that continues to inspire viewers.
When does Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe premiere?
Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe premiered on October 9, 2023.
Cast
- Craig Baird – Appears as himself, offering insight into the cultural legacy of Mr. Dressup.
- Lilly Barnes – Shares reflections on the creative heart that shaped the beloved show.
- Sandra Beech – Adds warmth through stories connected to children’s entertainment.
- Deborah Bernstein – Provides thoughtful commentary on the show’s historical place in Canada.
- Yannick Bisson – Speaks on the lasting impact Mr. Dressup had across generations.
- Graeme Blatherwick – Offers personal reflections on the creative process behind the scenes.
- Chris Coombs – Shares family memories that deepen the emotional narrative of the film.
- Ernie Coombs – Appears through archival footage, embodying the true heart of the documentary.
- Laura Coombs – Reflects on her family’s connection to the legacy of Mr. Dressup.
- Mia Coombs – Adds touching personal stories that enrich the emotional landscape of the film.
- Glenn Copeland – Discusses the collaborative creativity that made the show memorable.
- Alyson Court – Highlights how the series impacted audiences across decades.
- Jim Creeggan – Reflects on the musical and cultural influence of the show.
- Bob Dermer – Shares recollections from his long career in children’s programming.
- Denise Dickin – Offers insight into key production moments and behind-the-scenes history.
- Michael J. Fox – Appears as himself, honouring the cultural importance of Mr. Dressup.
- Stu Gilchrist – Shares thoughtful reflections on the show’s evolution.
- Stuart Gilchrist – Adds meaningful commentary on the legacy of children’s entertainment.
Is the documentary suitable for children and families?
Definitely. Since the subject is a children’s entertainer and the tone is warm and nostalgic, it’s appropriate for family viewing and even helps spark discussion about creativity and media.
Where to watch Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe in Canada
As of December 3, 2025, Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe is officially available to stream on CBC’s free platform, CBC Gem, as well as on Prime Video in Canada. Viewers can watch the full documentary at no cost on CBC Gem by simply creating a free account. Those using Prime Video can also enjoy the film in high quality with a current subscription, making it easily accessible to Canadian audiences across multiple devices.
Is Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe free to watch?
Yes, CBC Gem offers the documentary for free. Simply create an account after connecting to a Canadian VPN server and start watching with no additional cost.
How to Sign Up for CBC Gem:
| Step | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit CBC Gem | Go to the CBC Gem website or download the CBC Gem app on your device. |
| 2. Start Sign-Up | Click on Create an Account or Sign Up from the menu or homepage. |
| 3. Enter Your Details | Add your email address, create a secure password, and complete the required fields. |
| 4. Verify Your Email | Check your inbox for a verification link or code and confirm your account. |
| 5. Log In and Start Watching | Sign in to your new CBC Gem account and enjoy streaming immediately. |
Why is this film relevant today?
In a world of fast-paced media and digital noise, the film’s message of simple wonder, imagination, kindness, and creative play feels especially powerful. It reminds us of the value of slowing down and connecting.
Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe Trailer
FAQs
- How long is Mr. Dressup The Magic of Make-Believe?
The film has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes, making it a single-sitting viewing experience. - Who directed the documentary?
The film was directed by Robert McCallum, who brings a thoughtful and intimate look at the subject and his impact. - What makes Mr. Dressup such a cultural icon?
Mr. Dressup (Ernie Coombs) guided children through crafts, songs, stories, and imaginative play for decades, embedding values like kindness, creativity, and patience into generations. His influence continues today.
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