You probably know Julie Nolke as the woman who went viral for explaining the pandemic to her past self. It was the video that basically defined 2020 for millions of people. But if you think she’s just another "internet personality" who got lucky during a lockdown, you're actually missing the best parts of her resume.
Honestly, her transition from a struggling Toronto actor to a Webby-winning creator and television staple is a masterclass in not taking "no" for an answer. For years, she was told she wasn't funny. Casting directors couldn't see past her "ingénue" look. They were wrong. Today, Julie Nolke movies and tv shows span everything from prestige vampire comedies to heartfelt Canadian sitcoms.
The Viral Bridge to Traditional TV
Before the 21 million views and the Webby Awards, Julie was grinding in the Toronto scene. She studied at York University’s acting conservatory, which is about as traditional as it gets. Think Shakespeare and high drama, not sketches about sweatpants. After graduation, she spent years auditioning for one-liners on shows like Suits or Rookie Blue. Most of those didn't land.
Then came the YouTube pivot.
It wasn't an instant success. She started with a food channel called Feeling Peckish. Eventually, she and her husband (and director) Samuel Larson realized that her comedy sketches were what actually moved the needle. When "Explaining the Pandemic to My Past Self" exploded, the industry gatekeepers who had ignored her for a decade finally started calling.
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Run the Burbs and the CBC Connection
One of the most significant entries in the list of Julie Nolke movies and tv shows is the CBC hit Run the Burbs. Julie didn't just walk onto the set; she actually helped write for the show before it was even greenlit.
She plays Sam, a recurring character who showcased that her comedic timing translates perfectly from a three-minute YouTube sketch to a structured half-hour sitcom. The show, created by Andrew Phung (of Kim’s Convenience fame), gave her the platform to prove she could hold her own in a professional ensemble cast.
Unexpected Roles in Big Productions
Most people are surprised to find out that Julie has popped up in some pretty major cult-favorite series. Because she often wears so many hats—writer, editor, star—it’s easy to forget she’s a gun-for-hire actress too.
- What We Do in the Shadows (FX): She appeared as "Witch No. 1" in the second season. It’s a "blink and you’ll miss it" role for some, but for fans of her channel, it was a huge "I know her!" moment.
- Workin' Moms (Netflix/CBC): She had a guest spot as a bank manager. It’s a small role, but it placed her in one of the most successful Canadian exports of the last decade.
- The Boys (Amazon Prime): While she is often credited with a role in the universe of The Boys, her involvement is frequently debated among fans because her scenes are sometimes brief or part of the broader satirical world-building the show is famous for.
- Secret Society of Second-Born Royals (Disney+): Julie was cast as an English Lit teacher. Interestingly, she has mentioned in interviews that much of her part was unfortunately trimmed in the final edit. That’s just the reality of the business.
Lead Roles and TV Movies
Lately, she’s moved into "leading lady" territory, specifically in the world of romantic comedies and television films. If you’re looking for her more substantial screen time, check out these titles:
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- The Wedding Rule (2023): Julie takes the lead as Gemma. It’s a classic rom-com setup that lets her lean into the charm she’s honed on her channel.
- May the Best Wedding Win: She plays Amber in this competitive bridal comedy.
- Cabin Connection: Another starring vehicle where she plays Hannah, a lifestyle writer who inherits a family cabin.
- A Firefighter's Christmas Calendar (2025): One of her most recent projects, playing Valerie Petrillo.
Why Her Projects Work
The thing about Julie Nolke is that she isn't just "playing a character." She writes with a specific female perspective that feels authentic because she actually is the writer behind much of her best work.
Take Pulp Comedy, for example. In 2022, she launched this sketch troupe on YouTube to spotlight other Canadian talent. It wasn't just about her; it was about building a collective. It featured actors from Kim's Convenience and Workin' Moms, proving she’s deeply embedded in the "Great White North" comedy scene.
She often talks about the "ingénue trap." In acting school, she was told she had to play the pretty, serious girl. Her entire career has been a middle finger to that idea. Whether she’s playing a witch, a stressed-out mom, or a time-traveling version of herself, she brings a weirdness that makes the performance stick.
Factual Highlights of Her Filmography
| Project Type | Notable Titles |
|---|---|
| TV Series (Recurring/Guest) | Run the Burbs, What We Do in the Shadows, Workin' Moms, Coroner, Murdoch Mysteries, TallBoyz |
| Feature/TV Movies | The Wedding Rule, Cabin Connection, Oil Men, May the Best Wedding Win |
| Short Films/Digital | Hashtag Apocalypse, Are We Bad Feminists?, Explaining the Pandemic series |
What's Next for Julie?
As of 2026, Julie is continuing to balance the "traditional" world of Julie Nolke movies and tv shows with her massive digital empire. She’s currently working with Canadian production companies to bridge the gap even further, developing long-form content that maintains the sharp, satirical edge of her early sketches.
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If you want to see her best work, don't just stick to the viral hits. Watch Run the Burbs to see her ensemble chemistry, or check out The Wedding Rule if you want to see her carry a full narrative.
To really follow her career, you should start by watching her "Excellence in Writing" award-winner Are We Bad Feminists? on YouTube. It’s the perfect primer for her style before you dive into her television work. From there, keep an eye on CBC Gem and streaming platforms like Hulu or Netflix, where her Canadian projects often land for international audiences.
The "YouTube girl" label is long gone. She’s just an actor now—and a damn good one.