
Tuning In: Fifty Years on the CBC
Taking a deliberately post-modern approach to the CBC and Canadian culture, the series raids the bulging vaults of the national broadcaster. Viewers will see images of Canada’s past five decades, ranging from the long-running celebrity quiz show Front Page Challenge through ’70s pop star Rene Simard to stirring footage of legendary hockey icons. Deliberately using a stylistic melange, the series will use contemporary footage shot in Betacam video and Super 8 with old kinescopes from the ’50s, black-and-white footage of the ’60s and the more standard color format from the ’70s through the ’90s.
Cast: Rick Mercer
Miniseries
5 episodes
- 1. The 50s on CBCCBC-TV goes on the air; the coronation of Queen Elizabeth is the first CBC on-air event; Hockey Night in Canada; Front Page Challenge.CC55minSep 30, 2002
- 2. The 60s on CBCEntertainment programming like The Tommy Hunter Show and Singalong Jubilee flourishes; television as a leading force for social change; first color broadcast.CC55minOct 1, 2002
- 3. The 70s on CBCCBC's role in discovering the national identity; celebrities consider what it means to be Canadian; "The King of Kensington" and "The Beachcombers."CC55minOct 2, 2002
- 4. The 80s on CBCCanadians search for new heroes behind the glitz and glamour of the big-hair decade.CC55minOct 3, 2002
- 5. The 90s and Beyond on CBCThe network tries to shore up its uniquely Canadian niche in the ever-expanding television market; This Hour Has 22 Minutes; blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.CC55minOct 4, 2002
Tuning In: Fifty Years on the CBC
Taking a deliberately post-modern approach to the CBC and Canadian culture, the series raids the bulging vaults of the national broadcaster. Viewers will see images of Canada’s past five decades, ranging from the long-running celebrity quiz show Front Page Challenge through ’70s pop star Rene Simard to stirring footage of legendary hockey icons. Deliberately using a stylistic melange, the series will use contemporary footage shot in Betacam video and Super 8 with old kinescopes from the ’50s, black-and-white footage of the ’60s and the more standard color format from the ’70s through the ’90s.
Creators and cast
- Cast
- Rick Mercer
- Studio
- CBC
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.

















