The legacy of SCTV, the iconic sketch comedy show that aired from 1976 to 1984, remains influential, with its Canadian storytelling resonating well beyond its original broadcast. The documentary “SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of,” recently released on Netflix, shines a light on various elements of the production, particularly its most memorable creations, the McKenzie Brothers, played by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas.
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Initially, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) approached SCTV’s co-creator Andrew Alexander with a request for a stronger Canadian identity within the show. This demand was somewhat puzzling, as Alexander noted that SCTV was already produced in Canada and featured predominantly Canadian talent. However, the suggestion prompted the creation of the characters Bob and Doug McKenzie, who would soon become an unexpected sensation.
Moranis vividly recalled his reaction to the CBC’s request for more overt “Canadian content.” With a touch of sarcasm, he recounted his disbelief, expressing frustration at what more could be expected of a show already steeped in Canadian culture. “You want us to sit in front of a map, put on a toque and a parka, fry back bacon, and drink beer and talk like hosers?” he recounted. Surprisingly, this improvised sketch launched the McKenzie Brothers into the spotlight, garnering widespread popularity that left the creators and cast in awe.
However, the ensuing fame of the brothers created an unsettling dynamic within the SCTV team. Moranis reflected on the peculiar situation; the sketch that was initially deemed ‘throwaway’ quickly overshadowed the extensive efforts of the cast on other segments of the show. “It was this weird double edge,” he said, questioning why a simple improvised segment achieved such acclaim compared to more crafted work. Thomas also felt the inequity, noting how the media’s focus disproportionately highlighted Bob and Doug rather than the complexities of the entire production.
Eugene Levy, a fellow cast member, expressed the uncomfortable reality of watching the media spotlight the McKenzie Brothers. “That was an uncomfortable kind of thing to read. You can’t do much about it,” he said, lamenting the lack of control over the narrative being spun. Catherine O’Hara, featured in the documentary, remembered the pressure escalated by NBC’s constant attempts to dictate character popularity and audience ratings, further complicating the creative atmosphere.
Despite the tensions that arose, Moranis did not feel isolated from his fellow cast members. As a relatively newer addition to the show, he maintained positive relationships with everyone, continuing to collaborate on various segments. “I was working with everybody,” he noted, and he didn’t perceive the jealousy or resentments brewing among the cast.
Levy offered some insight into the complex emotions at play, suggesting that while the feeling of resentment may be too strong, there was indeed envy at the success of the McKenzie Brothers. Thomas and Moranis themselves acknowledged that their behaviour, particularly in regard to their newfound wealth, might not have been well-received by their colleagues. Reflecting on their decision to buy luxurious cars, Thomas remarked, “We could have been a little better with the way we handled it.”
The situation grew more strained over time, eventually leading to discussions among cast members about Thomas potentially favouring his own characters over those of others in his role as head writer. “It hurt my feelings a little bit because I knew it came from the cast,” Thomas shared, elaborating on how these feelings culminated in his request to step down from the writing role.
Ultimately, the discord became insurmountable, resulting in Moranis and Thomas’s decision not to return for the show’s subsequent season. This bittersweet chapter in SCTV’s history is a poignant reminder of the complexities of creative collaboration and the unexpected turns fame can bring. Fans of the show can now revisit this chapter and more through “SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of,” streaming now on Netflix.
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