Picture Credit: Prime Video
Happy 1st of the month! As part of Netflix’s massive September 1st roster refresh, we saw the addition of a true television comedy landmark. As we previously reported, for the first time ever, all six seasons of Second City Television (SCTV) are now streaming on Netflix in the United States, the United Kingdom, plus most other regions around the globe.
If you’re a fan of comedy, today is a banner day. The beloved Canadian sketch series, which originally ran from 1976 to 1984, served as the launchpad for some of the most iconic names in comedy, including John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Rick Moranis, Harold Ramis, Martin Short, Dave Thomas, Andrea Martin, and Joe Flaherty. Set at a fictional TV station, the show masterfully spoofed everything from sitcoms to the nightly news.
But Netflix isn’t just dropping the classic series and calling it a day.
This drop comes perfectly timed to whet our appetites for a major upcoming Netflix Original documentary event. Arriving on October 30, Netflix will premiere SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of. Directed by Jason Hehir (The Last Dance), with executive producers Jimmy Kimmel, Scott Lonker, and Hehir himself, the upcoming feature looks to be a tear-jerking, laugh-out-loud tribute to the legendary troupe.
Here is the official synopsis for the documentary provided to What’s on Netflix:
“SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of” chronicles the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of one of the most influential sketch comedy series in television history. Through intimate interviews with surviving members of its legendary cast and an emotional reunion in Toronto, the film explores the creative partnership that transformed a small Canadian television production into a cultural phenomenon that launched some of comedy’s most celebrated icons.
Featuring candid reflections, never-before-shared stories, and rare archival material, the documentary examines the artistic innovation that made SCTV a trailblazer while revealing the extraordinary friendships that have endured for more than fifty years. The film is a testament to the timeless power of collaboration and the lasting influence of artists whose work continues to influence comedy around the world.”
The only first look we’ve got so far is this collage of characters, which looks touched up by AI if you ask me, but I digress.
SCTV, clockwise from top left: Joe Flaherty as Guy Caballero, Andrea Martin as Edith Prickley (center), Catherine O’hara as Lola Heatherton, John Candy as Johnny LaRue, Eugene Levy as Bobby Bittman, Martin Short as Ed Grimley, Rick Moranis as Bob MacKenzie, 1976-1981
The Unofficial SCTV Alumni Movie Marathon
As if getting six seasons (and 134 episodes) of classic sketch comedy and a brand-new documentary wasn’t enough, Netflix’s massive 65-movie drop today clearly had the SCTV legacy in mind.
Whether intentional by the Netflix programming gods or just a beautiful licensing coincidence, a bunch of movies featuring SCTV alumni landed on the service today. If you want to do a deep dive into the cast’s incredible film careers after binging the series, here is your unofficial watch guide:
The John Candy Collection
The late, great John Candy dominates today’s movie additions. You can now catch him in four absolute classics:
- Uncle Buck (1989) – Candy shines in arguably his most heartwarming role as the clueless but loving babysitter tasked with watching his brother’s kids.
- The Great Outdoors (1988) – Candy goes toe-to-toe with Dan Aykroyd in this quintessential ’80s family vacation comedy.
- Brewster’s Millions (1985) – Candy plays Spike Nolan, the loyal best friend to Richard Pryor’s Montgomery Brewster, who is tasked with spending $30 million in 30 days.
- The Blues Brothers (1980) – Keep an eye out for Candy’s brilliant supporting turn as Burton Mercer, the police detective hunting down Jake and Elwood.
Rick Moranis in The Flintstones (1994)
Moranis brought Bedrock to life playing Barney Rubble alongside John Goodman’s Fred Flintstone in this live-action ’90s staple, perfectly capturing the cartoonish physical comedy he honed on SCTV.
Harold Ramis in Knocked Up (2007)
The late Harold Ramis, an original SCTV head writer and performer, makes a touching appearance in Judd Apatow’s hit comedy as Ben’s (Seth Rogen) incredibly supportive and laid-back father.
Martin Short in The Prince of Egypt (1998)
SCTV legend Martin Short lends his voice to this DreamWorks animated epic. He voices Huy, teaming up with Steve Martin (Hotep) to provide some spectacular musical villainy as the Pharaoh’s high priests.
Will you be diving into SCTV today? Are you looking forward to the documentary in October, or will you be kicking off September with a John Candy movie marathon? Let us know in the comments down below!