- Best for
- Polished sketch comedy, improv shows and structured beginner classes
- Neighbourhood
- South Core
- Address
- 110 Harbour Street, Toronto, ON M5J 0B7
- Price
- Shows and multi-week classes are priced separately
- Phone
- (416) 343-0011
The Second City is Toronto's best-known improv and sketch comedy school. You can watch a polished main-stage show or take a beginner class that forces you to talk to strangers in a useful way.
The quick answer
It can be worth it for polished sketch comedy, improv shows and structured beginner classes. The strongest reason is talented casts and polished improv or sketch shows. The main warning is food and drink service draws repeated complaints. Google showed 4.5 out of 5 from 1,171 reviews when checked August 18, 2026.
- Best for: Polished sketch comedy, improv shows and structured beginner classes
- Price: Shows and multi-week classes are priced separately
- Location: 110 Harbour Street, Toronto, ON M5J 0B7
- Review evidence: 4.5 out of 5 from 1,171 Google reviews, checked August 18, 2026
Who will like it
- Adults who want a structured way to meet people.
- People who care about polished sketch comedy, improv shows and structured beginner classes.
- Audience participation can make the night feel different.
Who should probably skip it
- Anyone who cannot make the published schedule should find a closer option.
- Food and drink service draws repeated complaints.
- Show quality and humour depend on the cast and material.
How to have a better visit
- Read the current skill-level description before registering.
- Confirm equipment, clothing, waiver and arrival requirements.
- Check the cancellation rule before paying for a multi-week program.
- Choose the most convenient location and time, not only the most exciting activity.
What it does well
The cast, improvisation and audience participation are the strongest review themes. Classes also give nervous beginners a clear structure instead of asking them to invent a whole scene alone.
What can go wrong
Reviews of the food and drink service are much less consistent than reviews of the comedy. Eat before the show if dinner timing matters. Humour also changes by cast, topic and night.
Our verdict
Choose Second City for the most polished first taste of improv. Choose a smaller comedy room if you want a rougher, cheaper or more intimate night. For classes, the structured beginner path is the real advantage.
This place appears in our guide to hobbies for adults in Toronto.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Second City Toronto now?
The Toronto venue is at 110 Harbour Street near Union Station and the waterfront.
Does Second City have beginner improv classes?
Yes. Improv 1 is designed as a starting course. Schedules and tuition change by term.
Do Second City shows include dinner?
Food and drinks are sold separately. Service can be slow on busy nights, so do not depend on it for a quick full meal.
Is audience participation required?
Some shows ask the audience for ideas and may involve volunteers. You can usually enjoy the show without going onstage.
How current is this profile?
The address, official links and Google review themes were checked August 18, 2026. Hours, prices, menus and staff can change, so confirm time-sensitive details on the official site.
How should you use the Google rating?
Use it as one signal, not a promise. Read the repeated themes, check how many reviews exist, and give more weight to recent reviews that describe the same type of visit you are planning.
What Google reviewers say
These are recurring themes in public Google reviews checked August 18, 2026. They are not independently verified facts, and individual experiences vary.
Pros reviewers mention
- Talented casts and polished improv or sketch shows
- Audience participation can make the night feel different
- Improv classes give beginners a clear path
- Staff and front-of-house service receive frequent praise
- The activity gives adults a clear reason to meet other people
- A published schedule makes repeat visits easier to plan
Cons reviewers mention
- Food and drink service draws repeated complaints
- Show quality and humour depend on the cast and material
- Some visitors miss the charm of the older venue
- Some material may feel crude or uncomfortable to part of the audience
- Schedules, instructors and meeting points can change
- Busy sessions can reduce personal attention or comfort
What Toronto Reddit discussions say
Reddit comments are personal stories, not verified facts. We use them to show what people notice, including complaints that may not affect everyone. Discussions were checked August 18, 2026.
Evidence note: One detailed student comparison was found. It is useful, but it remains one person’s experience.
What people liked
- One experienced student called Second City the best-known starting point and described a clear path into its conservatory program.
- The commenter said instructors can overlap with Bad Dog and Comedy Bar, which suggests a connected local improv scene.
Concerns and limits
- The same commenter said Bad Dog and Comedy Bar can be just as good.
- A famous name does not guarantee that Second City is the best value for every beginner.
Sources: Reddit discussion 1