Network: TVA Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1985 to 1995
Broadcast Medium: Television
From 1985 to 1995, Jean-Pierre Coallier hosted this popular talk show that welcomed hundreds of guests, as well as a long list of well known and lesser-known artists. Ad Lib was a launching pad for several of them, who would later become celebrities in their own right. Alain Choquette, for example, was someone who gradually built up a very successful career as a magician, after making many regular appearances with Jean-Pierre Coallier over a seven-year period.
Even though Jean-Pierre Coallier was the key to Ad Lib’s success, he left all the room possible to his guests. He might actually talk between five and seven minutes at most during the 60-minute program. He had even made an arrangement with the Director that very few close-ups of him were to be shot.
Jean-Pierre won the Gémeaux award as the Best Male Host of a Variety Series or Special in 1990 and 1991. He left the helm of Ad Lib in 1995, and the program was then replaced by Chabada, hosted by Gregory Charles, which would only last one season.
Written by Yvon Chouinard – September, 2008