Second City Television (1976)
The legendary Canadian sketch comedy series that launched some of the biggest names in comedy history, from John Candy to Martin Short.
Second City Television - Series Information
- Original Title: Second City Television
- First Air Year: 1976
- Last Air Year: 1984
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 136
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBC Television, Global TV, Super Channel
- Alternative Titles: SCTV (US), Second City TV (CA)
- Production Companies: Old Firehall Productions, Second City Entertainment
- Production Countries: Canada
Second City Television - Plot
Second City Television is a Canadian television sketch comedy show offshoot from Toronto's Second City troupe that ran between 1976 and 1984.
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Second City Television - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Eugene Levy
- Andrea Martin
- Joe Flaherty
- Dave Thomas
- John Candy
- Catherine O'Hara
- Rick Moranis
- Martin Short
- John Hemphill
- Mary Charlotte Wilcox
Second City Television - FAQs
How did SCTV launch so many major comedy careers?
SCTV gave its cast near-total creative freedom to write, perform, and parody pop culture in an anything-goes environment. That autonomy allowed talents like John Candy, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, and Rick Moranis to develop bold, distinctive characters that became their calling cards in Hollywood.
Is Second City Television worth watching today?
Absolutely. SCTV is widely regarded as one of the greatest sketch comedy series ever produced. Its sharp parody writing, fearless character work, and ensemble chemistry hold up remarkably well. For fans of comedy history or anyone curious about where legends like John Candy and Martin Short got their start, it's essential viewing.
What is Second City Television about?
Second City Television is a Canadian sketch comedy series built around the fictional SCTV television network. Each episode parodies television programming itself — from talk shows and soap operas to news broadcasts and commercials — with a rotating cast of brilliantly drawn recurring characters played by the ensemble.
Where can you watch Second City Television?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Second City Television on JustWatch, where availability is listed by region. Physical media releases also exist for collectors. Availability may vary depending on your country, so checking your local streaming services for the latest options is recommended.
Did Second City Television win any major awards?
Yes. SCTV earned considerable recognition during its run, including multiple Emmy Award nominations and wins for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program. The series was celebrated for its exceptional ensemble writing, which was a genuine rarity for a Canadian production competing on the international stage.
Who are the main cast members of Second City Television?
The ensemble featured Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Joe Flaherty, Dave Thomas, John Candy, Catherine O'Hara, Rick Moranis, Martin Short, John Hemphill, and Mary Charlotte Wilcox. Harold Ramis also appeared in earlier seasons before departing to pursue his film career.
How many seasons and episodes does Second City Television have?
Second City Television ran for 6 seasons and 136 episodes between 1976 and 1984. Season lengths varied, with earlier seasons averaging around 26 to 27 episodes and the final two seasons running shorter at 12 and 18 episodes respectively as the show wound down.
What shows are similar to Second City Television?
If you enjoy SCTV's brand of sharp sketch comedy and pop culture parody, you'll likely appreciate Key & Peele, Portlandia, Not the Nine O'Clock News, The Fast Show, and A Black Lady Sketch Show. Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In is also a worthy classic-era companion piece.
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