These dramas explored the theme of Canada as a nation built by immigrants, spanning from the era before Canada was founded until modern times.

The series was sponsored by Imperial Oil to mark the company's 100th anniversary in 1980.

[1] McClelland and Stewart published a related book in 1979.

[2] A French version aired on Radio-Canada with the title Les Arrivants.

The opening theme music for the series was composed by Hagood Hardy.