Network: CTV Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1972 to 1973
Broadcast Medium: Television
One of several productions which independent US producer Burt Rosen brought to Canada in the early seventies was the George Kirby Show, a one-hour musical-variety special starring comedian-singer-impressionist George Kirby. He had come to prominence as a frequent guest on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town, an early break-through opportunity for many black entertainers. A spin-off half hour series, whimsically titled Half the George Kirby Comedy Hour, made it into the CTV schedule for one season and enjoyed modest U.S. syndication success. Steve Martin was one of many new young comedians to get exposure on the series.
The Kirby series, like the special, was produced in the studios of CFTO-TV in Toronto, and was scheduled on Thursdays at 9:00pm during the 1972-73 season.
Written by Pip Wedge – July, 2002