'Corner Gas' hits brakes after five years - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 04-14-2009, 11:17 PM

TORONTO -- "Corner Gas," the little Canadian sitcom that dared to feature maple syrup and mounties before a wave of Canadian series hits like CBS' "Flashpoint" started crossing the border, comes to an end Monday after six seasons and 107 episodes.

Created by and starring Canadian comedian Brent Butt, "Gas" averaged 1.4 million viewers at home on the CTV network and sold into 26 markets, including to Superstation WGN stateside.

"It made Canadian audiences willing to give Canadian shows a shot," Butt said Monday.

Before the 2004 launch of "Gas," which revolved around a host of oddball rubes at a gas station in fictional Dog River, Saskatchewan, Canadian networks regarded homegrown series as a money-losing regulatory obligation.

But the sitcom, whose unapologetically Canadian first episode surprised by drawing 1.2 million viewers, so altered network development units that a resulting wave of Canadian dramas and comedies like NBC's "Howie Do It" and "The Listener" and CBS' "The Bridge," have since landed on U.S. network schedules.

"It's one of the things I'm perhaps most proud of, the number of Canadians I know who have pitches in front of the networks, and anticipate pilots and possible series orders -- 'Corner Gas' started that wave," Butt said.

Other game-changing elements for "Corner Gas" include the introduction of a mainstream series set on the rural prairies, rather than an edgy drama set in Toronto or Vancouver.

"It was wonderfully Canadian, to set it in Saskatchewan, it invigorated the Canadian comedy," Susanne Boyce, CTV president of creative, content and channels, said of "Corner Gas."

Canadian Prime Ministers Paul Martin and Stephen Harper had star turns on the Canadian sitcom, as did "24" star Kiefer Sutherland and singer Michael Buble.

Precisely because his sitcom wasn't trying to be edgy and dark, Butt said his ode to small town folks managed to connect with big city Canadian viewers.

Last week's penultimate episode garnered 1.7 million viewers, and network executives anticipate an even bigger blowout Monday night when the series finale is simulcast on CTV and A channel stations nationwide.

As "Corner Gas" lives on in reruns, Butt's production shingle, Vancouver-based Sparrow Media, has signed a development deal with Brightlight Pictures for Butt to write and topline his first feature, a comedy now in development.

And Butt has a new TV comedy development deal with CTV.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...03e37f594c2997

IloveLacey · 04-19-2009, 02:17 PM

The last episode was what I was hoping for. Not as funny as lots of past episodes, but fitting. All were true to their characters and they all stayed together at the end. Now all we have are reruns and

DVDs.

TripperFan · 04-19-2009, 04:43 PM

Funny, I watched only a few episodes, but always liked the show enough. I caught the two shows leading up to the finale (It's Been A Gas and a talk with the cast). I liked the way they did the last show. They kept it real and open for a reunion or even movie to come out later.

I can see myself now catching up on the entire series and watching it in reruns. Thankfully they've proved that Canada can put out a good comedy series that's a sitcom. We've come a long way from the days of The Trouble with Tracy!!!

Scoobiedoo30 · 04-19-2009, 08:20 PM

so the show will nolonger air on WGN America.

robyrob · 04-19-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobiedoo30

so the show will nolonger air on WGN America.

the reruns will still air on WGN, but they still haven't shown ANY of the final season yet.

Scoobiedoo30 · 04-20-2009, 12:00 AM

WGN airs the show at 3:00 am CT Time

IloveLacey · 05-05-2009, 06:35 PM

I believe they are releasing season six on DVD in June. Early this year. Thank goodness. I can't wait to complete the set.

robyrob · 05-05-2009, 09:00 PM

and meanwhile I have to avoid any spoilers for the unforeseeable future

IloveLacey · 06-07-2009, 11:51 AM

Two more days and season six will be out on DVD!!!

Schmoopie · 06-08-2009, 07:42 AM

I should rent these, because it sounds like a good show. I wouldn't have known about it had it not been for Sitcoms Online, so thanks, everyone!

Andrea

TripperFan · 06-08-2009, 10:19 AM

I didn't get into it at first, but after a while I did. It's a really good little show actually. Brent Butt is also a good standup - I saw him at Yuk Yuks before this series started.

IloveLacey · 06-08-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

I should rent these, because it sounds like a good show. I wouldn't have known about it had it not been for Sitcoms Online, so thanks, everyone!

Andrea

Just a little warning if you do rent them. I see you are from the States. American shows often include American cultural / politicall references in their humour. Corner Gas is no different. It has plenty of Canadian references and cameos that you may not catch into. It is still a great show, though, but these Canadian references add to it and make it more meaningful to us Canadians.

Schmoopie · 06-08-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IloveLacey

Just a little warning if you do rent them. I see you are from the States. American shows often include American cultural / politicall references in their humour. Corner Gas is no different. It has plenty of Canadian references and cameos that you may not catch into. It is still a great show, though, but these Canadian references add to it and make it more meaningful to us Canadians.

Thanks for the warning, but I actually watch the news and shows quite a bit on CBC, so I'm used to Canadian references and politics. Doesn't bother me at all. Kind of fun, seeing stuff from other countries anyway!

IloveLacey · 06-09-2009, 08:21 PM

First off, I love the name Schmoopie.

Secondly, I am glad to hear you watch CBC and enjoy stuff from other countries. I love Canadian content, but I, too, like to see "foreign" stuff as well. Have fun watching it.

IloveLacey · 06-28-2009, 12:35 PM

Some farewell pictures

04-14-2009, 11:17 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,108	'Corner Gas' hits brakes after five years TORONTO -- "Corner Gas," the little Canadian sitcom that dared to feature maple syrup and mounties before a wave of Canadian series hits like CBS' "Flashpoint" started crossing the border, comes to an end Monday after six seasons and 107 episodes. Created by and starring Canadian comedian Brent Butt, "Gas" averaged 1.4 million viewers at home on the CTV network and sold into 26 markets, including to Superstation WGN stateside. "It made Canadian audiences willing to give Canadian shows a shot," Butt said Monday. Before the 2004 launch of "Gas," which revolved around a host of oddball rubes at a gas station in fictional Dog River, Saskatchewan, Canadian networks regarded homegrown series as a money-losing regulatory obligation. But the sitcom, whose unapologetically Canadian first episode surprised by drawing 1.2 million viewers, so altered network development units that a resulting wave of Canadian dramas and comedies like NBC's "Howie Do It" and "The Listener" and CBS' "The Bridge," have since landed on U.S. network schedules. "It's one of the things I'm perhaps most proud of, the number of Canadians I know who have pitches in front of the networks, and anticipate pilots and possible series orders -- 'Corner Gas' started that wave," Butt said. Other game-changing elements for "Corner Gas" include the introduction of a mainstream series set on the rural prairies, rather than an edgy drama set in Toronto or Vancouver. "It was wonderfully Canadian, to set it in Saskatchewan, it invigorated the Canadian comedy," Susanne Boyce, CTV president of creative, content and channels, said of "Corner Gas." Canadian Prime Ministers Paul Martin and Stephen Harper had star turns on the Canadian sitcom, as did "24" star Kiefer Sutherland and singer Michael Buble. Precisely because his sitcom wasn't trying to be edgy and dark, Butt said his ode to small town folks managed to connect with big city Canadian viewers. Last week's penultimate episode garnered 1.7 million viewers, and network executives anticipate an even bigger blowout Monday night when the series finale is simulcast on CTV and A channel stations nationwide. As "Corner Gas" lives on in reruns, Butt's production shingle, Vancouver-based Sparrow Media, has signed a development deal with Brightlight Pictures for Butt to write and topline his first feature, a comedy now in development. And Butt has a new TV comedy development deal with CTV. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...03e37f594c2997
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04-19-2009, 04:43 PM	#3
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,087	Funny, I watched only a few episodes, but always liked the show enough. I caught the two shows leading up to the finale (It's Been A Gas and a talk with the cast). I liked the way they did the last show. They kept it real and open for a reunion or even movie to come out later. I can see myself now catching up on the entire series and watching it in reruns. Thankfully they've proved that Canada can put out a good comedy series that's a sitcom. We've come a long way from the days of The Trouble with Tracy!!!
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

04-19-2009, 08:20 PM	#4
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	so the show will nolonger air on WGN America.
	__________________ Who Dat

06-08-2009, 07:42 AM	#10
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I should rent these, because it sounds like a good show. I wouldn't have known about it had it not been for Sitcoms Online, so thanks, everyone! Andrea
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

06-28-2009, 12:35 PM	#15
IloveLacey Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 11, 2009 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 97	Some farewell pictures Attached Images

04-19-2009, 02:17 PM	#2
IloveLacey Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 11, 2009 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 97	The last episode was what I was hoping for. Not as funny as lots of past episodes, but fitting. All were true to their characters and they all stayed together at the end. Now all we have are reruns and DVDs.

04-20-2009, 12:00 AM	#6
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	WGN airs the show at 3:00 am CT Time

05-05-2009, 06:35 PM	#7
IloveLacey Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 11, 2009 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 97	I believe they are releasing season six on DVD in June. Early this year. Thank goodness. I can't wait to complete the set.

05-05-2009, 09:00 PM	#8
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,159	and meanwhile I have to avoid any spoilers for the unforeseeable future

06-07-2009, 11:51 AM	#9
IloveLacey Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 11, 2009 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 97	Two more days and season six will be out on DVD!!!

06-08-2009, 10:19 AM	#11
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,087	I didn't get into it at first, but after a while I did. It's a really good little show actually. Brent Butt is also a good standup - I saw him at Yuk Yuks before this series started.

06-09-2009, 08:21 PM	#14
IloveLacey Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 11, 2009 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 97	First off, I love the name Schmoopie. Secondly, I am glad to hear you watch CBC and enjoy stuff from other countries. I love Canadian content, but I, too, like to see "foreign" stuff as well. Have fun watching it.