canadiantvicons

While the United States has Saturday Night Live, or Mr. Rogers or any number of performers that everyone identifies as being American, we have our own special Canadian "icons" we've come to identify as classic Canucks!

CANUCK TV ICONS

Any Canadian kid who grew up in the 70's and 80's always knew that at 10:30am Mr. Dressup would come on. He was our answer to Mr. Rogers, and along with his friends, Casey, Finnegan, Alligator Al and Aunt Bird, Mr. Dressup would spend that half hour with us, drawing wonderful pictures, and playing make beleive with some costume he would pull out of his tickle trunk. Mr. Dressup recently passed away, but he will remain in the hearts of all Canadians who grew up watching him.

MR. DRESSUP

The original hosers, Bob and Doug MacKenzie were brothers who hosted their own version of a talk show called the Great White North on SCTV, a comedy troupe in Canada. These guys were the stereotypical Canadians, who's main concern were beer, hockey and the weather. While the 2 men who played Bob and Doug have gone on to success in the states, these characters are highly regarded Canuck icons.

BOB AND DOUG MACKENZIE

Canada's answer to Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, Red Green's motto is "If women don't find you handsome, at least they should find you handy" Along with his nephew Harold Green, he works magic with duct tape, and is a member of the Possum Lodge, the home of "the last real men on the planet" Watch for his upcoming movie, Red Green's Duct Tape Forever.

RED GREEN

Together since 1973, this political satire troupe have such characters as Mike From Canmore, Gilbert Smythe Bite-Me, Brenda the Bingo Lady, Jock McBile, and perhaps the favourite, Col Stacey and his chicken cannon, which is filled with ammo of a viewers choice and shot at the target of the week. What makes the air farce so unique is that despite the fact they poke fun at Canadian politics, the politicians themselves will do guest spots on the farce, more often then not, poking fun at themselves.

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE

Peter Mansbridge has been the anchorsman for the CBC's The National since 1988, though his career with the CBC has spanned nearly four decades. He is a fixture at all major national and international news stories including the funeral of Trudeau, the referendums and the events of Sept 11 among others. He was awarded with Best Newscaster in 2000 and recepient of many gemini awards.

MIKE BULLARD

Canada's answer to David Letterman, Mike Bullard is Canada's late night talk show host with his show, Open Mike with Mike Bullard.. Known for his dry sense of humour, Mike is great with interacting with his audience during his monologue and featuring great Canadian talent.

PETER MANSBRIDGE

LLOYD ROBERTSON

Canada's other top anchorman is CTV's Lloyd Robertson who has been at the anchor desk for CTV's National News since 1976. A member of the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame, he is the recepient of numerous awards and has covered many events including coverage of 9 Olympics, politic summits and other news stories. He is also the host of the news show W Five.

ED THE SOCK

Ed the Sock is a fixture on Canada's music station, MuchMusic. Known for his rather crude and obnoxious manner, he is nonetheless a hit among young people. Ed the Sock can be seen late night on City TV with his own show, complete with a hot tub, girls and special guests.

THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES

One of the most popular satire shows in Canada is This Hour Has 22 Minutes currently into it's 9th season. One of the funniest features of this show is the "Talking to American" segment, in which Americans are told unbeleivable accounts of Canada which they believe.

HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA

The pinnacle of Canadiana culture is none other then Hockey Night in Canada. Every Canadian can hum the theme song and polls have shown that more Canadians know the faces of the 2 commentators, Ron McLean and the outspoken Don Cherry, host of the Coach's Corner segment, then past Prime Ministers. Only in Canada!