This Hour Has 22 Minutes

"This Hour Has 22 Minutes" is a revered institution in Canadian comedy, taking to the airwaves on CBC Television and offering a weekly dose of satirical humor. Since its inception in 1993, coinciding with the fervor of Canada's 35th general election, the show has become a staple for those looking to digest their news with a side of laughter. At its helm were four incredibly talented comedians: Cathy Jones, Rick Mercer, Greg Thomey, and Mary Walsh, each bringing their unique brand of wit to the forefront of Canadian political satire. The series has fearlessly tackled the week's news and political foibles through a mix of news parody, sketch comedy, and biting satirical editorials. Its format, a mock news program, is ingeniously interwoven with comic sketches, parody commercials, and light-hearted yet revealing interviews with public figures, often shot with a playful, slanted camera angle that adds to the show's offbeat charm.

The moniker "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" is not just a nod to the show's comedic timing but also a direct homage to the groundbreaking CBC newsmagazine "This Hour Has Seven Days" from the 1960s. The "22 Minutes" part of the title winkingly acknowledges the standard length of a half-hour television program in North America, which typically consists of 22 minutes of content and eight minutes of commercials. This self-aware title sets the stage for the show's meta-commentary on the medium of television itself, a trait that has endeared it to its legion of fans over the years.

The ensemble cast of "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" has roots in the rich soil of Canadian comedy. Cathy Jones and Mary Walsh, both alumni of the sketch comedy series "CODCO," brought a wealth of experience and chemistry to the show, with Greg Thomey occasionally guest-starring on their previous endeavor. Rick Mercer, a formidable talent in his own right, had already made a name for himself as a young writer and performer, captivating audiences with his one-man shows that blended comedic flair with political commentary. Together, this quartet of comedians created a legacy of laughter that has consistently held a mirror up to Canadian society, reflecting its quirks and complexities with intelligence and irreverence. As the series evolved, other comedic talents like Gavin Crawford joined the ranks, ensuring that the show's satirical edge remained sharp and relevant for new generations of viewers.