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{{more citations needed|date=June 2016}}

'''Bizarre''' was a weekly [[1980s]] [[Canada|Canadian]] [[Television|TV]] sketch comedy series. The first episode aired in [[1980]], and the final episode was broadcast in [[1985]]. The show was hosted by [[John Byner]], and produced by the [[CTV television network]] at the [[CFTO]] Glen-Warren Studios in suburban Toronto.

{{Infobox television

| image =

| caption =

| alt_name =

| runtime = 22 minutes

| creator =

| producer = [[Perry Rosemond]] (1980–1982)<br>Allan Blye (1982–1986)<br>Bob Einstein (1982–1986)

| director = Maurice Abraham (1980–1982)<br>Jack Budgell (1982–1986)

| music = [[Jimmy Dale (musician)|James Dale]]

| starring = [[John Byner]]<br>[[Bob Einstein]]<br>[[Philip Akin]]<br>[[George Allen (American football coach)|George Allen]]<br>[[Harvey Atkin]]<br>[[Billy Barty]]<br>[[Cynthia Belliveau]]<br>[[Tanya Boyd]]<br>[[Dave Broadfoot]]<br>[[George Buza]]<br>[[Lally Cadeau]]<br>[[Christine Cattell]]<br>George Cowan<br>[[Jennifer Dale]]<br>[[Richard Dawson]]<br>Laura Dickson<br>[[Jack Duffy]]<br>[[Jayne Eastwood]]<br>John Evans<br>[[Astrid Falconi]]<br>[[S.J. Fellowes]]<br>[[Barry Flatman]]<br>[[Redd Foxx]]<br>[[David Fraser (screenwriter)|David Fraser]]<br>Candace Frazee<br>[[Brian George]]<br>[[Luba Goy]]<br>[[Nonnie Griffin]]<br>[[Lori Hallier]]<br>[[Barbara Hamilton (actress)|Barbara Hamilton]]<br>[[Tom Harvey (Canadian actor)|Tom Harvey]]<br>[[John Hemphill (actor)|John Hemphill]]<br>Laura Henry<br>Ken James<br>[[Keith Knight (actor)|Keith Knight]]<br>[[Mimi Kuzyk]]<br>[[Don Lake]]<br>[[Kathleen Laskey]]<br>Carrie Leigh<br>[[Cec Linder]]<br>[[Ziggy Lorenc]]<br>[[Kate Lynch]]<br>David Merry<br>Jack Newman<br>[[Pat Marsden]]<br>Viki Matthews<br>Annie McAuley<br>[[Debra McGrath]]<br>Julie McLeod<br>[[Sherry Miller]]<br>[[Pat Morita]]<br>[[Mike Myers]]<br>Kathy Nagy<br>Mark Parr<br>Suzie Pellman<br>Earl Pennington<br>[[Donnelly Rhodes]]<br>[[Dar Robinson]]<br>Laura Robinson<br>[[Wayne Robson]]<br>Mary Beth Rubens<br>[[Saul Rubinek]]<br>Elijah Siegler<br>Sharolyn Sparrow<br>[[Beau Starr]]<br>[[Nancy Steen]]<br>Melissa Steinberg<br>Eric Taslitz<br>[[Dave Thomas (actor)|Dave Thomas]]<br>[[Theresa Tova]]<br>[[Billy Van]]<br>[[Mike Walden]]<br>Irene Walters<br>[[Roberta Weiss]]<br>[[Steve Weston]]<br>[[Michael Wincott]]

| executive_producer = Allan Blye (1980–1982)<br>Bob Einstein (1980–1982)

| country = Canada

| language = English

| company = Shiral Productions<br>[[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]

| network = [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] (Canada)<br>[[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] (United States)

| first_aired = {{start date|1980|9|18}}

| last_aired = {{end date|1986|9}}

| num_seasons = 6

| num_episodes = 141

| list_episodes = List of Bizarre episodes

| related = ''[[Super Dave (TV series)|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 Television Network|CTV]] at the [[CFTO-DT|CFTO's]] [[9 Channel Nine Court|Glen Warren Studios]] in [[Scarborough, Toronto|Scarborough, Ontario]]. It was initially broadcast in Canada on [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] and in the United States on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]].

The series contained slapstick sketches, monologues, TV parodies, and performaces by guest stand-up comics. Interactions between John and members of the studio audience, or show producer Bob Einstein, who often came in to halt a sketch midway through, provided an early example of removing the [[fourth wall]].

==Synopsis==

Two versions of the show were produced: episodes that aired on the [[Showtime]] cable network in the United States contained nudity and coarse language. The versions that aired on [[CTV]] (and later in [[Television syndication|syndication]]) had the nudity removed and the language bleeped by a horn-honking sound. Although the "adult" version is most closely associated with Showtime, it did go out on a few independent TV stations during the 1980s, playing as late-night fare, although the "clean" version is the one that was more commonly found in syndication.

{{Main|List of Bizarre episodes}}

[[File:John Byner 1976.jpg|left|thumb|John Byner in 1976]]

The series featured slapstick sketches, [[Monologue|monologues]], [[Parody|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 (actress)|Barbara Hamilton]], [[John Hemphill (actor)|John Hemphill]], [[Barry Flatman]], [[Keith Knight (actor)|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 (actor)|Tom Harvey]].

Sketches containing nudity were [[bowdlerized]] by the inclusion of reverse angle scenes originally filmed from behind nude actors (generally women baring their breasts) or else alternate scenes that had been filmed with the models wearing a bra.

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 (actor)|Dave Thomas]], [[Willie Tyler|Willie Tyler & Lester]], [[Marc Weiner]], and [[Henny Youngman]].

The adult version hasn't been seen on TV since the Showtime airings and original syndication ceased in the late 1980s. The only version seen since that time was the clean one, despite the fact that Canadian TV has less stringent rules on indecency than US networks. It has been said that the likely reason the show continues to be broadcast to this day in Canada has to do with the country's "Canadian Content" rule, where Canadian TV stations are required to air so many hours of Canadian-produced product per week.{{fact}}

===Super Dave Osborne===

DVDs of the unedited version started appearing in late 2005 from a small, independent Canadian video label and are, thus, usually only available to buy from Canadian stores/resellers.

A regular feature of the show was [[Super Dave Osborne]], a parody of [[stunt performer|daredevils]] such as [[Evel Knievel]], portrayed by [[Bob Einstein]]. In these segments, Super Dave would attempt elaborate mock [[stunt]]s 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.

Much of the humour on the show was considered risque during the original run of the series.

The popularity of the Super Dave sketches eventually led to a spin-off series, ''[[Super Dave (TV series)|Super Dave]]'', which adopted a more family-friendly tone.

==Super Dave Osborne==

A regular feature of the show was '''[[Super Dave Osborne]]''', played by [[Bob Einstein]], in which ''Super Dave'' would perform elaborate mock [[stunt]]s meant to enthrall viewers; a reporter would assist in framing the sketch. Inevitably, the stunt would fail spectacularly, resulting in severe, hilarious injury to Super Dave. These sketches would usually finish with a view of the scene, in which Super Dave was buried, encased, launched etc., as appropriate for the sketch. Meanwhile, feigning agony, Super Dave would discuss sundry details: information about the next show; what he'd do to the reporter once he recovered from his injuries; or, why the stunt failed. After the humorous conversation between the reporter and Super Dave, it ends with a strange, humorous twist.

===Content editing===

Each Super Dave skit is not recorded in order, it takes about few hours to do the editing to make scenes go in order.

Two versions of the show''Bizarre'' were produced:. The episodes that aired on the [[Showtime]] cable(TV network)|Showtime]] in the United States containedfeatured nudity and coarse language., Thewhile the versions that airedbroadcast on [[CTV]] (in Canada, and later in [[Television syndication|syndication]]), had the nudity removed and the language bleepedcensored byusing a horn-honking sound. AlthoughThe the "adult"uncensored version isalso most closely associated with Showtime, it did go outaired on a few independent TVU.S. television stations during the 1980s, playing as late-night fare,programming. although the "clean" version is the one that was more commonly found in syndication.

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 original contained coarse language and the spin-off has a more friendly style.

The uncensored version also aired regionally in the [[United Kingdom]] on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]], typically [[Watershed (broadcasting)|after 11 pm]], with some of the stronger language censored using conventional bleeps.

==See also==

*[[John Byner]]

*[[Bob Einstein]]

*[[Beau Starr]]

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.

[[Category:Sketch comedy shows in Canada]]

==Development==

''Bizarre'' was originally developed for [[American Broadcasting Company|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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/06/03/showbiz/richard-dawson-dies/index.html|title=Former 'Family Feud' host Richard Dawson dies |work=CNN|access-date=2018-11-15}}</ref> Carson eventually renewed with NBC.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-johnny-carson-quit-tonight-644508 | title=How Johnny Carson Nearly Quit 'Tonight' and Scored TV's Richest Deal Ever | first1=Henry | last1=Bushkin | first2=Andy | last2=Lewis | work=The Hollywood Reporter | date=October 9, 2013 | access-date=September 4, 2014}}</ref>

Dawson taped the [[television pilot|pilot]] for ''Bizarre'' at [[Television City|Television City Studios]] in Hollywood, which aired as a special on ABC on March 20, 1979.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/FuzzyMemories.TV/videos/10153623568465336/ Facebook page of The Museum of Classic Chicago Television, October 25, 2015.]</ref> However, neither Dawson nor ABC chose to proceed with the project. ABC ultimately pursued other late-night programming, including ''[[Fridays (TV series)|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==

DVDs of the unedited version of ''Bizarre'', titled ''The Best of Bizarre Uncensored'', were released in late 2005 by [[Visual Entertainment Inc.|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 [[Fairmont Royal York|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==

{{Empty section|date=May 2020}}

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 (TV channel)|Comedy Gold]], from New Year's Eve 2008 until August 2011.

==References==

{{reflist}}

==External links==

* {{IMDb title|id=0080200|title=Bizarre}}

[https://archive.org/details/The-Best-of-Bizarre-Uncensored/ The Best of Bizarre - Uncensored at Archive.org]

{{Showtime Network programming}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bizarre (Tv Series)}}

[[Category:1980s Canadian sketch comedy television series]]

[[Category:1980 Canadian television series debuts]]

[[Category:1986 Canadian television series endings]]

[[Category:CTV Television Network original programming]]

[[Category:Canadian English-language television shows]]

[[Category:Nudity in television]]

[[Category:Showtime (TV network) original programming]]

[[Category:Television shows filmed in Toronto]]

[[Category:Television series by Glen-Warren Productions]]