SCTV

In 1976, The Second City welcomed the chance to bring its trademark sketch format into the homes of global viewers with the creation of a television series. Andrew Alexander, along with Bernie Sahlins and partner Len Stuart, called upon the talents of the Toronto Mainstage cast and its associates to breathe life into this new TV project. Together with John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, and Dave Thomas, along with Harold Ramis, Del Close, and Sheldon Patinkin - came the idea to follow the exploits of a fictional television studio and the inimitable personalities who run it. From these sessions, the legendary SCTV - standing for the call letters of the aspiring station - was launched.

During its seven-year, 185 half-hour episode run, the show garnered 13 Emmy Award nominations and won two for best writing. It grew to be adored by audiences in its native Canada before spreading to American distribution, and is enjoyed by younger generations in syndication. More importantly, the show would prove to be an original template for the sketch comedy format on television, with ensemble work, structuring, and presentation that would inspire virtually all other sketch programs to come.