Series synopsis
This Hour Has 22 Minutes is a Canadian news comedy television series that premiered on CBC Television on October 11, 1993. It was created by Mary Walsh, Rick Mercer. It stars Cathy Jones, Gavin Crawford, Shaun Majumder and Geri Hall.
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 commer ...
Premise
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.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Cathy Jones
- Gavin Crawford
- Shaun Majumder
- Geri Hall
- Colin Mochrie
- Mary Walsh
- Rick Mercer
- Mark Critch
Supporting cast
- Trent McClellan
- Aba Amuquandoh
- Stacey McGunnigle
- Chris Wilson
- Elisha Cuthbert
- Donovan Colan as Son
- Ashley Dingwell as Guest Performer
- Rob Ford as Self
- Mark McKinney as Mark Carney
- Alan Frew as Self
Guest cast
- Elisha Cuthbert
- Donovan Colan as Son
- Ashley Dingwell as Guest Performer
- Rob Ford as Self
- Mark McKinney as Mark Carney
- Alan Frew as Self
Episodes
This series spans 20 seasons with 285 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 14 | January 1, 1997 | November 4, 2024 |
| Season 1 | 20 | October 11, 1993 | March 28, 1994 |
| Season 2 | 21 | ||
| Season 3 | 2 | November 6, 1995 | November 13, 1995 |
| Season 4 | 17 | September 30, 1996 | March 3, 1997 |
| Season 5 | 0 | ||
| Season 6 | 7 | November 9, 1998 | |
| Season 7 | 10 | October 11, 1999 | January 31, 2000 |
| Season 8 | 13 | October 16, 2000 | March 30, 2001 |
| Season 9 | 4 | March 22, 2002 | April 12, 2002 |
| Season 10 | 21 | October 8, 2002 | May 13, 2003 |
| Season 11 | 18 | October 10, 2003 | April 2, 2004 |
| Season 12 | 11 | September 24, 2004 | December 3, 2004 |
| Season 13 | 21 | October 28, 2005 | April 14, 2006 |
| Season 14 | 20 | October 3, 2006 | April 10, 2007 |
| Season 15 | 20 | October 2, 2007 | March 18, 2008 |
| Season 16 | 19 | September 30, 2008 | March 24, 2009 |
| Season 17 | 14 | September 28, 2009 | February 9, 2010 |
| Season 18 | 12 | September 21, 2010 | December 14, 2010 |
| Season 19 | 21 | September 13, 2011 | April 3, 2012 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100th Episode Spectacular | January 1, 1997 |
| 2 | News Year '98 | January 5, 1998 |
| 3 | Direct Hits | January 6, 1999 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | October 11, 1993 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | October 18, 1993 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | November 1, 1993 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 21 | |
| 2 | Episode 22 | |
| 3 | Episode 23 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 45 Segments include: - Spoiled referendum ballots - .6% beer - Jerry Boyle on separation - Dakey Dunn with an open letter to Lucien Bouchard - Streeter: Close Enough For Ya? - The Quinlan Quints in Montreal - The two solitudes: French and English Canada |
November 6, 1995 |
| 2 |
Episode 46 Segments include: - Break-in at the prime minister's residence - J.B. Dickson on assignment in Ottawa - Weather from the future: November 2010 - The Right Answer - Streeter: Terror at 24 Sussex - People for the Ethical Treatment of Internet Users - ""Cooking with the Tories"" - Interview with Ernie Coombs (a.k.a. Mr. Dressup) |
November 13, 1995 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 64 | September 30, 1996 |
| 2 |
Episode 65 Segments include: - Princess Diana's video scandal - The new Liberal whip - Marg Delahunty talks with Donovan Bailey - Babe Bennett on sex changes - The Right Answer - Heritage Minute: The Sea-Doo - Streeter: Can a Bank Change? - To spank or not to spank? - The Campbell File - Dakey Dunn and Margaret Atwood |
October 14, 1996 |
| 3 |
Episode 66 Segments include: - Preston Manning's ""Fresh Start"" - The ""22 Minutes"" Curriculum Guide - Joe Crow on Brian Tobin - Pope John Paul II out of hospital - Marg Delahunty's Parliamentary Pajama Party - ""Overcurrents"" with Wendel Mesley - Streeter: Careers - Canada's first Hooters restaurant - ""Sex with Lou"" |
October 21, 1996 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 123 Segments include: - A turn of events at the APEC inquiry - Marg Delahunty at the Progressive Conservative Leader's Debate - A message from the Responsible Drinkers of Canada: Don't drink and vote - Canadian senior citizens in space - Talking to Americans: Washington D.C. - Streeter - ""Jane Hawtin Live"" |
September 28, 1998 |
| 2 |
Episode 124 Segments include: - CN layoffs - Brian Mulroney receives the Order of Canada - Frank MacMillan at the Press Club dinner in Ottawa - Mrs. Enid on television women - A new CBC game show: ""What D'ya Gotta Do To Get Fired?"" - Streeter - ""22 Talkback"" |
October 5, 1998 |
| 3 |
Episode 125 Segments include: - The National Post hits newsstands - Jerry Boyle in Ottawa - The Secondhand Stock Report - Streeter - Marg Delahunty confronts Don Cherry - A new Canadain made-for-TV movie: ""Life with the Butterbox Ponies"" - ""Anne & Abby"" - Connie Bloor on Conrad Black |
October 12, 1998 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 150 Segments include: - The Airline, The Man, The Money, and the Case of the Missing Cheque - ""The Blair Witch Project: The Series"" - Babe Bennett - Everybody in Plaid (Gap commercial) - Streeter - Connie Bloor - Thre new CBC series: ""Da Vinci's Conquests,"" ""Da Vinci's Requests,"" and ""Da Vinci's Bequests"" - Mrs. Enid and Eulalia |
October 11, 1999 |
| 2 |
Episode 151 Segments include: - Conference on federalism - Adrienne Clarkson becomes the Governor General - Talking to Americans: Mt. Rushmore - Heritage Minute: Complaining about people from foreign lands entering Canada - Tim MacMillan in Ottawa - ""22 Minutes"" NewsNet - Streeter |
October 18, 1999 |
| 3 |
Episode 152 Segments include: - Air Canada takeover - Bill 101 struck down - Disney and the RCMP end contract - Jerry Boyle - Trojanzz condoms commercial - Streeter - Talking to Americans: Chicago - ""Birding"" |
October 25, 1999 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 160 | October 16, 2000 |
| 2 | Episode 161 | October 23, 2000 |
| 3 | Episode 162 | November 6, 2000 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 189 | March 22, 2002 |
| 2 | Episode 190 | March 29, 2002 |
| 3 | Episode 191 | April 5, 2002 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 193 | October 8, 2002 |
| 2 | Episode 194 | October 15, 2002 |
| 3 | Episode 195 | October 22, 2002 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
October 10, 2003 Segments Include: Tucker T. Bartlett's tour of the California gubernatorial campaign trail. A parody of the most recent Viagra commercial warning about the potential for embarassment when used excessivly. (You have to see this segment to appreciate it. It is among the most over-the-top segments the show has ever done!!!) A parody of COPS, with East Coast cops engaging in flagrant racial profiling. (If you consider yourself politically correct, you won't know which part of this segment to correct first!) Sexual affairs correspondent Babe Bennett on the same-sex marriage debate. Dakie Dunn on what Schwarzennegger's election means to the feminist movement (You've come a long way baby, and now you're going back) A look inside Canada's minimum security prisons with ""OZ: Canada"" |
October 10, 2003 |
| 2 |
Episode 215 WANRING: To Stephen Harper! You realize you'll have to sit next to Elsie Wayne, right? Segments Include: The Al-Jazeera Video Music Awards (Osama bin-Laden wins for his hit single, ""Death to the Infidels"" Bass MacLaren's report on Canada's ailing Sea-King helicopters. An investigation into Allan Rock's fundraising practices. A paid advertisement for the Jack LaLande power juicer. A public service announcement concering Jean Chretien's apparent disappearance. A political commentary by Native Affairs Correspondent Joe Crow |
October 17, 2003 |
| 3 |
Episode 216 WARNING: To Liberal Cabinet Ministers! Please wait until the Irving Het comes to a complete stop before accepting your gifts. Segments Include: - Chretien snubbed by Bush at the APEC conference as he is no longer the most powerful man in Canada. - Investigation into the Governor General's expenses. - ""Juan Big Album"" for hurricane relief. - An interview with the developer of a new undetectable designer steroid. - A Saskatchewan tourism commercial brought to you by the government of Manitoba. - Hollywood North Squares. - Why same-sex marriage doesn't necessarily mean gay marriage. |
October 24, 2003 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
September 24, 2004 Segments Include: - A new ""60 Minutes"" style opening to boost credibility. - Adrienne Clarkson visits Vancouver's dark side. - Footage of Ralph Klein being his in the face with a pie. - Raj Bhinder at the Canadian Open. - ""Just 4 Laughs Gags"" - CNN coverage of Ronald Reagan cotinuing to be dead. - CRTC-SVU - A George W. Bush attack ad against John Kerry ""Would John Kerry's America eat kittens?"" - ""Frontiers in Science"" looks at hurricanes. |
September 24, 2004 |
| 2 |
12-2 Segments Include: - a Heritage Minute: using bad Scottish accents to sell mediocre products; a proud part of our heritage. - a less than successful Canadian attempt at the X-Prize. - a series of security breaches at Halifax airport. - Nicholas Campbell half-heartedly plugs DaVinci's Inquest's new timeslot. - an inside look at potential problems with Iraq's upcoming elections. - Tony Blair admitting that the WMD intelligence was flawed. - Independant candidate ""No Pun Intended"" and his first minister of funk, Cracker Jack. - Stupid reasons why ""I Am Canadian"". - Gavin Crawford rants on America's latest efforts to improve its image. - ""Inside Media CounterSpin"" examines the plight or Arab Canadians in foreign prisons. |
October 1, 2004 |
| 3 |
12-3 Segments Include: - Bas MacLaren's interview with Ralph Nader on the dangers of gambling on a long shot. - Stephen Harper challenges the throne speech. - Uwe Mayer covering fashion at the opening of Parliament's new session. - some new a useless tools from Canadian Tire. - Sydney Debizzinchik's patronizing interview with Kalen Porter. - insight into the US Vice-Presidential debate. - ""Frontiers in Science"" looks at volcanoes. - Tim MacMillan gets lost on his way to Mt. St. Helen's and ends up at the wrong volcano. - CSI: Yellowknife. - Babe Bennett on women's roles in men-only clubs. |
October 8, 2004 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | October 28, 2005 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | November 4, 2005 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | November 11, 2005 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 3, 2006 | October 3, 2006 |
| 2 | October 10, 2006 | October 10, 2006 |
| 3 | October 17, 2006 | October 17, 2006 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
October 2, 2007 In the first episode News Correspondent Raj Binder files a special report. Guest Geri Hall. |
October 2, 2007 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | October 9, 2007 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | October 16, 2007 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
September 30, 2008 Election fever is running high! Geri Hall ends up in handcuffs compliments of the Harper government and then chats with Stéphane Dion. Finally the real Elizabeth May demands to be part of the 22 Minutes sketch. |
September 30, 2008 |
| 2 |
October 7, 2008 The election coverage continues. Geri Hall spends time with Gilles Duceppe and Jack Layton. Also, 'The Hour' with George Stroumboulopoulis and guest Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. |
October 7, 2008 |
| 3 |
October 14, 2008 This was an Election Special featuring Rex Murphy and Ian Hanomansing. Also Geri Hall catches up with the Leader of the Green Party of Canada Elizabeth May. |
October 14, 2008 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 In the premiere show we get to know the real Stephen Harper, take a look at an obscure religious practice and help people prepare for the H1N1 virus. Special guest: Kathleen Phillips |
September 28, 2009 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | October 2, 2009 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 This week Mark Critch meets the youngest Mayor in Canada and we feature the new sequel to Flashpoint. Special guest, Susan Kent. |
October 13, 2009 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
September 21, 2010 Geri Hall gets up close and personal with "Talk Sex With Sue Johanson" about why baby boomers are having more sex. Mark Critch and Gavin Crawford go door-to-door conducting a Conservative Party version of the census. |
September 21, 2010 |
| 2 |
September 28, 2010 Mark Critch helps the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Danny Williams resolve his conflict with Quebec. Mrs. Enid (Cathy Jones) gets nasty about her fellow seniors. |
September 28, 2010 |
| 3 |
October 5, 2010 Geri Hall and NDP Leader, Jack Layton prepare John Baird's chocolate chip cookies and Stephen Harper's salsa, using a cookbook with Conservative Party recipes. Teen Correspondent, Mark Jackson (Gavin Crawford) speaks with David Suzuki about why the Conservative government doesn't think science is important. |
October 5, 2010 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
September 13, 2011 22 Minutes returns for its 19th season with Mark Critch giving career advice to one of Canada's most recognizable faces, Lloyd Robertson. |
September 13, 2011 |
| 2 |
September 20, 2011 22 Minutes visits the set of one of the most popular television shows of all time, Coronation Street. And with the 41st Parliament set to open, Mark Critch talks to some of the rookie NDP MPs leading up to their first day on the Hill. |
September 20, 2011 |
| 3 |
September 27, 2011 High-flying Peter Mackay defends his use of helicopters on the next episode of 22 Minutes, and Canadian musical icons band together to help fellow rockers, The Tea Party. |
September 27, 2011 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | CBC Television |
|---|---|
| First aired | October 11, 1993 |
| Last aired | April 7, 2026 |
| Runtime | 22 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Tuesday at 20:00:00 |