1981 in Canadian television
Encyclopedia
| List of years in Canadian television: 1978 1978 in Canadian television - Events :- Debuts :- Ending this year :-1950s:*Country Canada *CBC News Magazine *The Friendly Giant *Hockey Night in Canada *The National... 1979 1979 in Canadian television - Events :- Debuts :- Ending this year :-1950s:*Country Canada *CBC News Magazine *The Friendly Giant *Hockey Night in Canada *The National... 1980 1980 in Canadian television - Events :- Debuts :- Ending this year :-1950s:*Country Canada *CBC News Magazine *The Friendly Giant *Hockey Night in Canada *The National... – 1981 – 1982 1982 in Canadian television - Events :- Debuts :- Ending this year :-1950s:*Country Canada *The Friendly Giant *Hockey Night in Canada *The National *Front Page Challenge... 1983 1983 in Canadian television - Events :- Debuts :- Ending this year :-1950s:*Country Canada *The Friendly Giant *Hockey Night in Canada *The National *Front Page Challenge... 1984 1984 in Canadian television - Events :- Debuts :- Ending this year :-1950s:*Country Canada *The Friendly Giant *Hockey Night in Canada *The National *Front Page Challenge... |
Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| NABET employees working at CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... go on strike. The strike lasts for months disrupting programming. |
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| February 5 | Juno Awards of 1981 Juno Awards of 1981 The Juno Awards of 1981, representing Canadian music industry achievements of the previous year, were awarded on 5 February 1981 in Toronto at a ceremony hosted by Andrea Martin at the O'Keefe Centre.... . |
| March 12 | 2nd Genie Awards 2nd Genie Awards The 2nd Genie Awards were held March 12, 1981, honouring Canadian films released the previous year. The ceremony was held at the Royal Alexandria Theatre and were hosted by Brian Linehan. The most notable sight of the evening was Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau escorting starlet Kim Cattrall... . |
| June 28 | Full coverage on the death of Terry Fox Terry Fox Terrance Stanley "Terry" Fox , was a Canadian humanitarian, athlete, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research... airs on all the main television networks. |
| July 29 | The wedding of Prince Charles Charles, Prince of Wales Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1958 his major title has been His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In Scotland he is additionally known as The Duke of Rothesay... and Lady Diana Diana, Princess of Wales Diana, Princess of Wales was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, whom she married on 29 July 1981, and an international charity and fundraising figure, as well as a preeminent celebrity of the late 20th century... airs live on all the main television networks. |
Debuts
| Show | Station | Premiere Date |
|---|---|---|
| Canada: The Great Experiment Canada: The Great Experiment Canada: The Great Experiment was an educational television show which was produced and broadcast by TVOntario in 1981-82. The series was narrated by Sir John A. Macdonald, played by veteran actor Colin Fox.-Episode list:13 or 14 episodes were produced... |
TVOntario TVOntario TVOntario, often referred to only as TVO , is a publicly funded, educational English-language television station and media organization in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is operated by the Ontario Educational Communications Authority, a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Ontario... |
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| The Frantics | CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
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| Switchback Switchback (CBC) Switchback was a Canadian television show for children and teens broadcast on CBC Television in the 1980s. It was produced regionally from Vancouver, Winnipeg, Regina, Halifax, Calgary and Toronto.-The first Switchback: Vancouver:... |
CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
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| Thrill of a Lifetime Thrill of a Lifetime Thrill of a Lifetime was a television reality series created by Sidney M. Cohen and Willie Stein. It was telecast from 1981 to 1988 in Canada on the CTV network. Thrill of a Lifetime gave viewers the chance to live their dreams, with thrills ranging from daredevil adventures to the romantic... |
CTV CTV television network CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival... |
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| Hangin' In Hangin' In Hangin' In is a Canadian television sitcom which aired on CBC from 1981 to 1987. It also aired briefly in syndication in the United States. Canadian producer Jack Humphrey developed Hangin' In and served as executive producer for the show.-Synopsis:... |
CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
January 7 |
| Leo and Me Leo and Me Leo and Me is a Canadian television sitcom that was originally produced in 1976 but did not air until 1981.It starred a 15 year old Michael J. Fox, in his television acting debut, playing Jamie, the 12 year old younger brother of Leo .... |
CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
May 29 |
| Pitfall Pitfall (game show) Pitfall was a Canadian game show that aired in American and Canadian syndication from September 14, 1981 to September 1982. The host was Alex Trebek and the announcer was John Barton... |
Global Global Television Network Global Television Network is an English language privately owned television network in Canada, owned by Calgary-based Shaw Communications, as part of its Shaw Media division... |
September 14 |
| Seeing Things | CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
September 15 |
Ending this year
| Show | Station | Cancelled |
|---|---|---|
| CBC News Magazine CBC News Magazine CBC News Magazine was a weekly Canadian news television series which debuted on CBC Television on September 8, 1952. The series presented the week's international news highlights and documentaries from CBC correspondents around the world... |
CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
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| Flappers Flappers (TV series) Flappers was a Canadian television sitcom airing on the CBC from 1979 to 1981. It was set in a Montreal night club during the Roaring Twenties. It followed the people who work in and around the club.The title refers to the 1920's term Flappers.... |
CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
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| Grand Old Country Grand Old Country Grand Old Country was a Canadian television variety series airing on CTV from 1975 to 1980. The show was hosted by country music singer Ronnie Prophet.The show featured a variety of canadian country music performers with a mix of others.... |
CTV CTV television network CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival... |
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| Leo and Me Leo and Me Leo and Me is a Canadian television sitcom that was originally produced in 1976 but did not air until 1981.It starred a 15 year old Michael J. Fox, in his television acting debut, playing Jamie, the 12 year old younger brother of Leo .... |
CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
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| North America: Growth of a Continent North America: Growth of a Continent North America: Growth of a Continent was an educational television show which was produced and broadcast by TVOntario in 1980-81. The series was narrated by Gordon Pinsent.-Episodes:# "From the Beginning"# "Mapping the Land"# "Patterns and Climates"... |
TVOntario TVOntario TVOntario, often referred to only as TVO , is a publicly funded, educational English-language television station and media organization in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is operated by the Ontario Educational Communications Authority, a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Ontario... |
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| The Watson Report The Watson Report The Watson Report was a Canadian current affairs television series, seen nationally on CBC from 1975 to 1981. The titular host was Patrick Watson, previously of This Hour Has Seven Days whose interviews for the show included national political leaders. More elaborate filmed features appeared in The... |
CBC Television CBC Television CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are... |
May 25 |
1950s
- Country CanadaCBC News: Country CanadaCBC News: Country Canada was a Canadian television series broadcast on CBC Television, hosted by Reg Sherren...
(1954–2007) - The Friendly GiantThe Friendly GiantThe Friendly Giant is a popular Canadian children's television program that aired on CBC Television from September 1958 through to March 1985...
(1958–1985) - Hockey Night in CanadaHockey Night in CanadaHockey Night in Canada is the branding used for CBC Sports' presentations of the National Hockey League...
(1952–present) - The National (1954–present)
- Front Page ChallengeFront Page ChallengeFront Page Challenge was a long-running Canadian panel game about current events and history. Created by comedy writer/performer John Aylesworth and produced and aired by CBC Television, the series ran from 1957 to 1995.-Synopsis:The series featured notable journalists attempting to guess the...
(1957–1995) - Wayne and Shuster ShowWayne and ShusterWayne and Shuster were a Canadian comedy duo formed by Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster. They were active professionally from the early 1940s until the late 1980s....
(1958–1989)
1960s
- CTV National NewsCTV National NewsCTV National News is CTV's flagship newscast, which airs at 11:00 p.m. local time on the CTV stations across Canada, and live at 10:00pm ET, with repeats hourly up until 2 a.m. ET on CTV News Channel, CTV's 24-hour cable news television channel, and the previous day's can be seen on the Internet. ...
(1961–present) - Land and SeaLand and SeaLand and Sea is a locally-produced Canadian documentary television show broadcast in Newfoundland and Labrador on CBNT in St. John's, and on all CBC Television outlets throughout the province...
(1964–present) - Man Alive (1967–2000)
- Mr. DressupMr. DressupMr. Dressup is a Canadian children's television series produced by CBC Television that ran from 1967 to 1996.The series starred Ernie Coombs as Mr. Dressup. The show aired every weekday morning, and each day Mr...
(1967–1996) - The Nature of ThingsThe Nature of ThingsThe Nature of Things is a Canadian television series of documentary programs. It debuted on the CBC on November 6, 1960. Many of the programs document nature and the effect that humans have on it. The program was one of the first to explore environmental issues, such as clear-cut logging...
(1960–present, scientific documentary series) - Question PeriodQuestion Period (TV series)Question Period is a Canadian television newsmagazine which airs weekly, currently excluding the summer months, on CTV at 11:00 AM ET in Ontario and east, and 4:00 PM local on stations in Western Canada. It also airs on the CTV News Channel at 5:00 PM EST...
(1967–present, news program) - Reach for the TopReach for the TopReach for the Top is a Canadian game show in which teams of high school students participate in local, provincial and eventually national trivia tournaments...
(1961–1985) - Take 30Take 30Take 30 was a Canadian television newsmagazine series, which aired on CBC Television from 1962 to 1983...
(1962–1983) - The Tommy Hunter ShowTommy HunterThomas James "Tommy" Hunter, CM, O.Ont is a Canadian country music performer, known as "Canada's Country Gentleman".-Career:...
(1965–1992) - University of the Air (1966–1983)
- W-FIVEW-FIVEW5 is a Canadian news magazine television series produced by CTV News. The program is currently initially broadcast Saturday nights at 7 p.m...
(1966–present, newsmagazine program)
1970s
- The BeachcombersThe BeachcombersThe Beachcombers is a Canadian comedy-drama television series that ran from October 1, 1972 to December 12, 1990 and is the longest-running dramatic series ever made for English-language Canadian television...
(1972–1990) - Canada AMCanada AMCanada AM is a Canadian breakfast television news show, which has aired on the CTV Television Network since 1972. It is currently hosted by Beverly Thomson and Seamus O'Regan, with Marci Ien reporting from the headline news desk and Jeff Hutcheson presenting the weather forecast and sports...
(1972–present, news program) - Celebrity CooksCelebrity CooksCelebrity Cooks was a Canadian cooking show independently produced by Initiative Productions and aired on the CBC from 1975 to 1979 and on Global from 1980 to 1984. It was syndicated throughout Canada and the United States from 1980 to 1989. It was hosted by Bruno Gerussi who introduced various...
(1975–1984) - City Lights (1973–1989)
- DefinitionDefinition (TV series)Definition was a Canadian television game show, which aired on CTV from 1974 to 1989, and filmed at its flagship studio of CFTO-TV in the former Scarborough, Ontario . For most of its run, it was hosted by Jim Perry....
(1974–1989) - the fifth estateThe fifth estatethe fifth estate is a Canadian television newsmagazine, which airs on the English language CBC Television network. The name is a play on the fact that the media are sometimes referred to as the Fourth Estate, and was chosen to highlight the program's determination to go beyond everyday news into...
(1975–present, newsmagazineNewsmagazineA news magazine is a typed, printed, and published piece of paper, magazine or a radio or television program, usually weekly, featuring articles or segments on current events...
program) - The Great DetectiveThe Great DetectiveThe Great Detective is a Canadian television drama, which aired on CBC from 1979 to 1982. It starred Douglas Campbell and James Dugan.-Background:...
(1979–1982) - Headline HuntersHeadline HuntersHeadline Hunters was a Canadian game show that appeared on CTV from 1972 to 1983. It was originally created by Nick Nicholson and E. Roger Muir...
(1972–1983) - Let's GoLet's Go (CTV TV series)Let's Go was a Canadian children's TV series filmed at CKY studios in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It premiered September 1, 1976 and ran for 214 episodes through 1987....
(1976–1984) - The Littlest HoboThe Littlest HoboThe Littlest Hobo is a Canadian television series based upon a 1958 American film of the same name directed by Charles R. Rondeau. The series first aired from 1963 to 1965 in syndication, and was revived for a popular second run on CTV from October 11, 1979 to March 7, 1985.All three productions...
(1979–1985) - Live It Up! (1978–1990)
- The Mad DashThe Mad DashThe Mad Dash is a television game show created by Sidney M. Cohen. It first appeared in 1978 on Canada's CTV network and proved to be a family favourite based on Canada's BBM ratings. It was also popular in parts of the northern United States because CTV affiliates were available to Americans ...
(1978–1985) - MarketplaceMarketplace (TV series)Marketplace is a Canadian television series, broadcast on CBC Television. Launched in 1972, the series is a consumer advocacy newsmagazine, which shows investigative reports on issues such as product testing, health and safety, fraudulent business practices and other news issues of interest to...
(1972–present, newsmagazine program) - Read All About It!Read All About It!Read All About It! was a Canadian educational television series produced from 1979 to 1983 by TVOntario that aired during the early to mid 1980s; It also aired in repeats in the 1990s. It starred David Craig Collard as Chris, Lydia Zajc as Lynne, Stacey Arnold as Samantha, and Sean Hewitt as...
(1979–1983) - Second City TelevisionSecond City TelevisionSecond City Television is a Canadian television sketch comedy show offshoot from Toronto's The Second City troupe that ran between 1976 and 1984.- Premise :...
(1976–1984) - Smith & SmithSmith & SmithSmith & Smith is a Canadian sketch comedy series, which aired from 1979 to 1985 on Hamilton, Ontario's CHCH-TV, and through syndication on other Canadian television stations...
(1979–1985) - This LandThis LandThis Land was a Canadian television series, which aired from 1970 to 1982 on CBC Television. Evolving from the earlier series This Land of Ours, a documentary series about Canada's agricultural and natural resources, This Land expanded its focus to include environmental and conservation...
(1970–1982) - You Can't Do That on TelevisionYou Can't Do That on TelevisionYou Can't Do That on Television is a Canadian television program that first aired locally in 1979 before ultimately airing internationally in 1981...
(1979–1990) - V.I.P.V.I.P. (talk show)V.I.P. was a Canadian talk show that aired from 1973 to 1983, generally during the Canadian summer months. Lorraine Thomson was host/interviewer.Guests included:* Group of Seven artist A. J...
(1973–1983) - 100 Huntley Street100 Huntley Street100 Huntley Street is a Christian daily talk show and the flagship program of Crossroads Christian Communications based in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Created in 1976 by Rev. David Mainse, it first aired on June 15, 1977 from its first studios located at 100 Huntley Street in the St...
(1977–present, religious program)
1980s
- The Alan Thicke ShowThe Alan Thicke ShowThe Alan Thicke Show was a Canadian talk show hosted by Alan Thicke. It aired on CTV between 1980 and 1983. The show aired in different versions also re-titled as Prime Cuts and as Fast Company....
(1980–1983) - BizarreBizarre (TV series)Bizarre is a weekly Canadian sketch comedy series, airing from 1980 to 1985. The show was hosted by John Byner, and produced by CTV at the CFTO Glen-Warren Studios in suburban Toronto for first-run airing in Canada on CTV and in the United States on the Showtime premium cable network.-Synopsis:The...
(1980–1985) - Home FiresHome Fires (TV series)Home Fires was a Canadian television drama series, which aired on CBC Television from 1980 to 1983. It was a family saga set in Toronto during World War II, and took its name from the expression "keep the home fires burning"....
(1980–1983)