Royal Canadian Air Farce grounded after 24 years

by Rob Peters | April 1, 2008 at 09:06 am

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Maybe it's a generational thing, but I never got why people thought this show was funny. Tired Canadian cliches are funny once, maybe, but 24 years of them?

The Royal Canadian Air Farce, one of Canada's longest-running comedy troupes, will be grounded after next season, CBC announced on Tuesday.

The venerable weekly sketch comedy TV show, known for its topical mix of political and social satire, will produce nine episodes in the fall before ending with its traditional New Year's Eve special.

Originating with a Montreal comedy troupe in 1970, Air Farce debuted on CBC Radio in December 1973, eventually producing more than 600 broadcasts over 24 years.

Last year, to celebrate its 300th episode, the producers, cast and crew staged an hour-long, live-to-air show.

They subsequently decided that, beginning this season, all shows would continue with the live format. In addition to original members Abbott, Ferguson and Luba Goy, the current cast features Penelope Corrin, Jessica Holmes, Craig Lauzon and Alan Park.

Air Farce's current season finale airs Friday.