Bizarre (TV series)

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1980 Canadian TV series or program

Bizarre

Directed by| Maurice Abraham (1980–1982)
Jack Budgell (1982–1986)
Starring| John Byner
Bob Einstein
Philip Akin
George Allen
Harvey Atkin
Billy Barty
Cynthia Belliveau
Tanya Boyd
Dave Broadfoot
George Buza
Lally Cadeau
Christine Cattell
George Cowan
Jennifer Dale
Richard Dawson
Laura Dickson
Jack Duffy
Jayne Eastwood
John Evans
Astrid Falconi
S.J. Fellowes
Barry Flatman
Redd Foxx
David Fraser
Candace Frazee
Brian George
Luba Goy
Nonnie Griffin
Lori Hallier
Barbara Hamilton
Tom Harvey
John Hemphill
Laura Henry
Ken James
Keith Knight
Mimi Kuzyk
Don Lake
Kathleen Laskey
Carrie Leigh
Cec Linder
Ziggy Lorenc
Kate Lynch
David Merry
Jack Newman
Pat Marsden
Viki Matthews
Annie McAuley
Debra McGrath
Julie McLeod
Sherry Miller
Pat Morita
Mike Myers
Kathy Nagy
Mark Parr
Suzie Pellman
Earl Pennington
Donnelly Rhodes
Dar Robinson
Laura Robinson
Wayne Robson
Mary Beth Rubens
Saul Rubinek
Elijah Siegler
Sharolyn Sparrow
Beau Starr
Nancy Steen
Melissa Steinberg
Eric Taslitz
Dave Thomas
Theresa Tova
Billy Van
Mike Walden
Irene Walters
Roberta Weiss
Steve Weston
Michael Wincott
Music by| James Dale
Country of origin| Canada
Original language| English
No. of seasons| 6
No. of episodes| 141 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers| Allan Blye (1980–1982)
Bob Einstein (1980–1982)
Producers| Perry Rosemond (1980–1982)
Allan Blye (1982–1986)
Bob Einstein (1982–1986)
Running time| 22 minutes
Production companies| Shiral Productions
Showtime
Original release
Network| CTV (Canada)
Showtime (United States)
Release| September 18, 1980 (1980-09-18) –
September 1986 (1986-09)
Related
Super Dave

Bizarre is a Canadian sketch comedy television series that aired from 1980 to 1986. Hosted by John Byner, the series was produced by CTV at the CFTO's Glen Warren Studios in Scarborough, Ontario. It was initially broadcast in Canada on CTV and in the United States on Showtime.

## Synopsis

[edit]

Main article: List of Bizarre episodes

John Byner in 1976

The series featured slapstick sketches, monologues, parodies of television programs, and performances by guest stand-up comedians. John Byner's interactions with the studio audience and with producer Bob Einstein—who frequently interrupted sketches to halt them midway—broke the fourth wall, an uncommon technique at the time. Much of the humor was considered risqué during the show’s original run.

The show employed a rotating ensemble cast that supported Byner in sketches. In addition to Einstein, the cast included Philip Akin, Harvey Atkin, Billy Barty, Cynthia Belliveau, Jack Duffy, Jayne Eastwood, Barbara Hamilton, John Hemphill, Barry Flatman, Keith Knight, Don Lake, Kathleen Laskey, Kate Lynch, Pat Morita, Debra McGrath, Mike Myers, Earl Pennington, Melissa Steinberg, Billy Van, Steve Weston, and Wayne and Shuster alumnus Tom Harvey.

Guest stars during the series' run included Steve Allen, Frances Bay, Redd Foxx, Luba Goy, Victoria Jackson, Murray Langston (as The Unknown Comic), Howie Mandel, Dave Thomas, Willie Tyler & Lester, Marc Weiner, and Henny Youngman.

### Super Dave Osborne

[edit]

A regular feature of the show was Super Dave Osborne, a parody of daredevils such as Evel Knievel, portrayed by Bob Einstein. In these segments, Super Dave would attempt elaborate mock stunts designed to captivate viewers, a reporter (usually Mike Walden) would assist in framing the sketch. The stunts invariably ended in catastrophic failure, resulting in severe (but comedic) injuries to Super Dave. The sketches typically concluded with a wide shot of the aftermath, showing Super Dave in a humorous predicament, such as being buried, encased, or launched, while he feigned agony and provided commentary. This often included details about the next stunt, explanations for the failure, or threats directed at the reporter.

One memorable Super Dave sketch involved a stunt where he stood under a pile driver and attempted to remain unharmed by repeating the nonsensical phrase "balloon ball." As expected, the stunt failed, leaving Super Dave reduced to a helmeted head atop a pair of shoes. This sketch became so popular that in the following season, Showtime advertisements for Bizarre featured a cartoon logo of Super Dave’s helmeted head and shoes.

The popularity of the Super Dave sketches eventually led to a spin-off series, Super Dave, which adopted a more family-friendly tone.

### Content editing

[edit]

Two versions of Bizarre were produced. The episodes that aired on Showtime in the United States featured nudity and coarse language, while the versions broadcast on CTV in Canada, and later in syndication, had the nudity removed and the language censored using a horn-honking sound. The uncensored version also aired on a few independent U.S. television stations during the 1980s as late-night programming.

For Canadian broadcasts and syndication, sketches featuring nudity were censored by substituting reverse-angle shots filmed from behind nude actors (usually women appearing topless) or alternate takes where the actors wore bras. In rare instances involving nudity below the waist, the scenes were cut abruptly.

The uncensored version also aired regionally in the United Kingdom on ITV, typically after 11 pm, with some of the stronger language censored using conventional bleeps.

The uncensored version has not been aired since the original Showtime broadcasts and syndication ended in the late 1980s and have not been made available for syndication. The censored episodes have continued to be rebroadcast.

## Development

[edit]

Bizarre was originally developed for ABC. In 1979, ABC was looking into re-entering the late night television market amid reports of Johnny Carson potentially leaving NBC's The Tonight Show due to a contract dispute. ABC made overtures to Carson and to Richard Dawson, then working for ABC as the host of their daytime game show Family Feud and also serving as Carson's regular guest host.[1] Carson eventually renewed with NBC.[2]

Dawson taped the pilot for Bizarre at Television City Studios in Hollywood, which aired as a special on ABC on March 20, 1979.[3] However, neither Dawson nor ABC chose to proceed with the project. ABC ultimately pursued other late-night programming, including Fridays and Nightline.

Production of Bizarre later moved to Canada, enabling the series to qualify for Canadian content credits while retaining a predominantly American cast. Impressionist John Byner was brought in as the host. The premiere episode of Bizarre featured several sketches that had been part of the Dawson pilot.

## DVD release

[edit]

DVDs of the unedited version of Bizarre, titled The Best of Bizarre Uncensored, were released in late 2005 by Visual Entertainment. These DVDs are available for purchase through Canadian and U.S. retailers. Since July 2007, nine individual volumes have been released.

Although the episodes on the DVDs are uncensored in terms of language and nudity, most do not include the original end credits. These credits originally featured sponsorship plugs for the Royal York Hotel and Tilden Rent-a-Car. A generic "DVD credits" sequence is included on each disc to give credit to those who worked on the series. An exception is episode 47 (on Volume Five), where the sponsorship plugs remain due to a comment made by Super Dave Osborne. Episodes that featured live-action sketches during the end credits generally still include these sequences.

## Reruns

[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (May 2020)

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The uncensored version of Bizarre has not aired on television since the original Showtime broadcasts and syndication ended in the late 1980s. The censored episodes have continued to be rebroadcast in Canada, with airings as recent as 2003, primarily to meet Canadian content requirements.

Bizarre aired on The Comedy Network from 1997 to 2003. It was later broadcast on TV Land Canada, which rebranded as Comedy Gold, from New Year's Eve 2008 until August 2011.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Former 'Family Feud' host Richard Dawson dies". CNN. Retrieved 2018-11-15.
2. ^ Bushkin, Henry; Lewis, Andy (October 9, 2013). "How Johnny Carson Nearly Quit 'Tonight' and Scored TV's Richest Deal Ever". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
3. ^ Facebook page of The Museum of Classic Chicago Television, October 25, 2015.

## External links

[edit]

* Bizarre at IMDb

The Best of Bizarre - Uncensored at Archive.org

* v
* t
* e

Paramount+ with Showtime original programming

Current and upcoming

| Current|

* The Agency (since 2024)
* The Chi (since 2018)
* Couples Therapy (since 2019)
* The Curse (since 2023)
* Dexter: Original Sin (since 2024)
* Dexter: Resurrection (since 2025)
* Dreaming Whilst Black (since 2023)
* Yellowjackets (since 2021)

|

Former

| 1980s debuts|

* 33 Brompton Place (1982)
* Bizarre (1980–1985)
* Brothers (1984–1989)
* Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre (1982–1987)
* It's Garry Shandling's Show (1986–1990)
* Nightmare Classics (1989)
* The Paper Chase (1983–1986)
* Showtime Championship Boxing (1986–2023)
* Super Dave (1987–1994)
* Tall Tales & Legends (1985–1987)
* Thunderbirds 2086 (1983)
* Video Concert Hall (1980–1984)

|

1990s debuts|

* American Heroes and Legends (1992–1993)
* Beggars and Choosers (1999–2000)
* Beverly Hills Bordello (1996–1998)
* A Bunch of Munsch (1991–1992)
* The Busy World of Richard Scarry (1994–1997)
* Chris Cross (1994–1995)
* Dead Man's Gun (1997–1999)
* The Hoop Life (1999–2000)
* Linc's (1998–2000)
* The Outer Limits (1995–2000)
* OWL/TV (1992–1997)
* Picture Windows (1994)
* Poltergeist: The Legacy (1996–1999)
* Ready or Not (1993–1995)
* Red Shoe Diaries (1992–1999)
* Rude Awakening (1998–2001)
* Stargate SG-1 (1997–2002)
* Thanks of a Grateful Nation (1998)
* Total Recall 2070 (1999)
* Women: Stories of Passion (1996–1999)

2000s debuts|

* American Candidate (2004)
* Barbershop: The Series (2005)
* Big Brother: After Dark (2007–2012)
* Body Language (2008–2010)
* Brotherhood (2006–2008)
* Californication (2007–2014)
* The Chris Isaak Show (2001–2004)
* Dead Like Me (2003–2004)
* Deeper Throat (2009)
* Dexter (2006–2013)
* Elite Xtreme Combat (2007–2008)
* Family Business (2003–2006)
* Fat Actress (2005)
* Free for All (2003)
* Going to California (2001–2002)
* Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League (2009)
* Huff (2004–2006)
* Inside the NFL (2008–2021)
* Jeremiah (2002–2004)
* Kama Sutra (2000)
* The L Word (2004–2009)
* Lady Chatterley's Stories (2000–2001)
* Leap Years (2001–2002)
* Lock 'n Load (2009)
* Masters of Horror (2005–2007)
* Meadowlands (2007)
* Nurse Jackie (2009–2015)
* Odyssey 5 (2002)
* Out of Order (2003)
* Penn & Teller: Bullshit! (2003–2010)
* Queer as Folk (2000–2005)
* Queer Duck (2002–2004)
* Resurrection Blvd. (2000–2002)
* Street Time (2002–2003)
* Secret Diary of a Call Girl (2008–2011)
* ShoMMA (2009–2012)
* ShoXC (2007–2008)
* Sleeper Cell (2005–2006)
* Soul Food (2000–2004)
* Tracey Ullman's State of the Union (2008–2010)
* The Tudors (2007–2010)
* The Underground (2006)
* This American Life (2007–2009)
* United States of Tara (2009–2011)
* Weeds (2005–2012)

2010s debuts|

* 60 Minutes Sports (2013–2017)
* The Affair (2014–2019)
* Beach Heat: Miami (2010–2012)
* The Big C (2010–2013)
* Billions (2016–2023)
* Black Monday (2019–2021)
* The Borgias (2011–2013)
* City on a Hill (2019–2022)
* The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth (2016–2023)
* Dark Net (2016–2017)
* Dave's Old Porn (2011–2012)
* Desus & Mero (2019–2022)
* Dice (2016–2017)
* Escape at Dannemora (2018)
* Episodes (2011–2017)
* The Fourth Estate (2018)
* The Franchise (2011–2012)
* Gigolos (2011–2016)
* The Green Room with Paul Provenza (2010–2011)
* Guerrilla (2017)
* Happyish (2015)
* Homeland (2011–2020)
* House of Lies (2012–2016)
* I'm Dying Up Here (2017–2018)
* Inside Comedy (2012–2015)
* Inside NASCAR (2010–2012)
* Just Another Immigrant (2018)
* Kidding (2018–2020)
* The L Word: Generation Q (2019–2023)
* La La Land (2010)
* Look: The Series (2010)
* The Loudest Voice (2019)
* Masters of Sex (2013–2016)
* On Becoming a God in Central Florida (2019)
* Our Cartoon President (2018–2020)
* Patrick Melrose (2018)
* Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)
* Polyamory: Married & Dating (2012–2013)
* Ray Donovan (2013–2020)
* The Real L Word (2010–2012)
* Roadies (2016)
* Shameless (2011–2021)
* Shangri-La (2019)
* SMILF (2017–2019)
* Submission (2016)
* Time of Death (2013)
* Twin Peaks (2017)
* Web Therapy (2011–2015)
* White Famous (2017)
* Who Is America? (2018)
* Work in Progress (2019–2021)
* Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men (2019)
* Years of Living Dangerously (2014)

2020s debuts|

* American Gigolo (2022)
* American Rust (2021)
* Bellator MMA (2021–2023)
* Cinema Toast (2021)
* The Comey Rule (2020)
* Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court (2023)
* Dexter: New Blood (2021–2022)
* Everything's Gonna Be All White (2022)
* Fellow Travelers (2023)
* The First Lady (2022)
* Flatbush Misdemeanors (2021–2022)
* A Gentleman in Moscow (2024)
* George & Tammy (2022–2023)
* Ghosts of Beirut (2023)
* The Good Lord Bird (2020)
* Gossip (2021)
* I Love That for You (2022)
* Let the Right One In (2022)
* The Lincoln Project (2022)
* Love Fraud (2020)
* The Man Who Fell to Earth (2022)
* Moonbase 8 (2020)
* Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (2020)
* Super Pumped (2022)
* Vice (2020–2023)
* Waco: The Aftermath (2023)
* The Woman in the Wall (2024)
* Your Honor (2020–2023)
* Ziwe (2021–2022)

See also
Paramount+
Showtime (OTT)
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