This Hour Has 22 Minutes (1993)
Canada's sharpest political satire series, blending mock news, sketch comedy, and fearless interviews on CBC Television since 1993.
This Hour Has 22 Minutes - Series Information
- Original Title: This Hour Has 22 Minutes
- First Air Year: 1993
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Mary Walsh, Rick Mercer
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: News, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (26 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 33
- Number of Episodes: 494
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 11, 1993 (Canada - PG)
- Networks: CBC Television
- Alternative Titles: 22 Minutes (US)
This Hour Has 22 Minutes - Plot
This Hour Has 22 Minutes is a weekly Canadian television comedy that airs on CBC Television. Launched in 1993 during Canada's 35th general election, the show focuses on Canadian politics, combining news parody, sketch comedy and satirical editorials. Originally featuring Cathy Jones, Rick Mercer, Greg Thomey and Mary Walsh, the series featured satirical sketches of the weekly news and Canadian political events. The show's format is a mock news program, intercut with comic sketches, parody commercials and humorous interviews of public figures. The on-location segments are frequently filmed with slanted camera angles.
This Hour Has 22 Minutes - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the satire in action.
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This Hour Has 22 Minutes - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mary Walsh
- Rick Mercer
Main Cast
- Mark Critch
- Cathy Jones
- Gavin Crawford
- Shaun Majumder
- Geri Hall
- Mary Walsh
- Rick Mercer
- Trent McClellan
- Aba Amuquandoh
- Stacey McGunnigle
Writers
- Mark Critch
- Carolyn Taylor
- Albert Howell
- Christian Murray
- Barry Julien
Executive Producers
- Mark Farrell
- Jack Kellum
- Michael Donovan
- Tim McAuliffe
This Hour Has 22 Minutes - FAQs
What is This Hour Has 22 Minutes about?
This Hour Has 22 Minutes is a Canadian political satire series that parodies the week's news through sketch comedy, mock editorials, and humorous interviews with real public figures. Launched on CBC Television in 1993, it has spent over three decades skewering Canadian politics with sharp wit and irreverent humour.
Is This Hour Has 22 Minutes still on the air?
Still going strong after more than 30 years, This Hour Has 22 Minutes remains in active production and continues to air on CBC Television. With 33 seasons and 494 episodes under its belt, it holds the distinction of being one of Canada's longest-running comedy series.
Who are the main cast members of This Hour Has 22 Minutes?
The current and recurring cast includes Mark Critch, Cathy Jones, Gavin Crawford, Shaun Majumder, Geri Hall, Mary Walsh, Rick Mercer, Trent McClellan, Aba Amuquandoh, and Stacey McGunnigle. The original lineup featured Mary Walsh, Rick Mercer, Cathy Jones, and Greg Thomey.
When did This Hour Has 22 Minutes first air?
The show made its debut on October 11, 1993, on CBC Television — timed to coincide with Canada's 35th federal election. That politically charged launch set the tone for everything that followed, establishing the series as the go-to destination for Canadian political satire.
Has This Hour Has 22 Minutes won any awards?
Over its long run, This Hour Has 22 Minutes has earned numerous Canadian Screen Awards and Gemini Awards, including wins for Best Comedy Program or Series. The show and its cast members have been recognized repeatedly for writing, performance, and overall comedic excellence across Canadian broadcasting.
Where can I watch This Hour Has 22 Minutes?
This Hour Has 22 Minutes airs on CBC Television in Canada. For streaming availability and viewing options in your region, JustWatch provides an up-to-date overview of where the series can be accessed online, including any on-demand platforms currently carrying the show.
What makes This Hour Has 22 Minutes unique among comedy shows?
Few comedy series have endured as long while staying as politically relevant. The show's mock news format, combined with on-location segments shot with deliberately slanted camera angles, gives it a distinctive visual identity. Its willingness to confront sitting politicians directly — often ambushing them for candid interviews — sets it apart from most satire programs.
What are similar shows to This Hour Has 22 Minutes?
Fans of political satire and comedy news formats tend to enjoy Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and Who Is America? by Sacha Baron Cohen. These series share the same appetite for skewering politics through humour, though each brings its own distinct comedic voice.
More About This Hour Has 22 Minutes
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