From a media release:
TRISH STRATUS HOSTS AS THE FUNNIEST UP-AND-COMING COMEDIANS COMPETE IN A HEATED BATTLE—ON STAGE AND OFF—FOR THE TITLE OF THE SECOND CITY’S NEXT COMEDY LEGEND BEGINNING TUESDAY, JULY 10 AT 9 P.M. ON CBC TELEVISION
First-class sketch comedy, Canada’s hottest new comedians, ruthless competition and biting satire come together under one roof as comedic hopefuls from across the country battle it out on CBC Television’s THE SECOND CITY’S NEXT COMEDY LEGEND, beginning Tuesday, July 10 at 9 p.m.
There are some pretty big shoes to fill! The Second City alumni list reads like a Who’s Who of comedy. Sketch comedy performers from all over Canada will compete and be judged by SCTV alumnus Joe Flaherty, comedienne Elvira Kurt and director Mick Napier for a chance to join the ranks of such legendary Canadian performers as John Candy, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd, Dave Thomas and Eugene Levy, all of whom got their start at The Second City. The series is hosted by Trish Stratus, the most decorated (and funniest) diva in WWE history.
Two winners from each of four audition cities—Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax and Toronto—will come together in Toronto for two weeks of competition, climaxing in a finale where the judges will select The Second City’s Next Comedy Legend! But while the competition is sure to be intense on stage, the contestants will also have to deal with their fellow comedians in the lodging they share. Personality clashes, jostling for special rewards, back-stabbing and hidden agendas will make the road to stardom rocky and hilarious. By capturing all the action on stage and off, viewers will see the tension and conflicts; the plotting and scheming; and the hilarity that comes from challenging up-and-coming comedians not only to be funny, but to be funny on the spot!
In the tradition of SCTV, THE SECOND CITY’S NEXT COMEDY LEGEND is no ordinary television show. The Second City judges and sketch comedy performers turn a satirical eye and direct a comical poke at every kind of talent search show, including themselves.
second city’s next comedy legend is just plain not funny. You would think with a country with so many talented people, you would not have to look to the south for inspiration. So so sad
Why is it that Canadians are always applauded and respected for their ability to poke fun at themselves
and others in a smart, cunning and on edge approach.
Yet we have to lower ourselves to search for the “next comedy legend” in a very borrowed and boring American approach. Very lacking in all that is Canadian
and all that is genuinly funny.