‘Corner Gas’ calling it quits
TORONTO – After six years of pumping gas, pouring coffee and pontificating about life and love, the “Corner Gas” gang is packing it in.
The hit CTV comedy, one of the most successful Canadian sitcoms ever made, is coming to an end after the upcoming sixth season, the show’s star and creator, Brent Butt, said Thursday.
The final 19-episode season, about the hijinks at a small-town gas station in the fictional town of Dog River, Sask., begins shooting next month in Saskatchewan, with the series’ finale airing some time in the spring of 2009.
“It’s a very difficult decision, but the right decision, and one I felt I had to make,” Butt said in a news release.
“When I told CTV about my decision, they made it clear that they were keen to do more seasons. They didn’t want it to end yet. But for the good of the show, I wanted to exit gracefully, on top of our game, when we’re at our prime – because that’s how I want viewers to remember ‘Corner Gas’: at its very best.”
“Corner Gas” has been a ratings winner for CTV for years and has won numerous Gemini awards. It also airs in syndication in countries around the world, including Australia and the United States, where it outperforms shows like “Heroes” and “Prison Break” on the cable channel Superstation WGN.
CTV’s Susanne Boyce lauded the show.
“This is not goodbye, it’s see you later,” she said. “Brent and his team have accomplished something that has never been achieved before. They said it couldn’t be done, but ‘Corner Gas’ did it anyway. The series has paved the way for other Canadian productions by proving that if you make great TV, Canadians will watch.”
“Corner Gas,” which also stars Eric Peterson, is shot entirely in Saskatchewan and will end its run on its 107th episode.
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‘Corner Gas’ chronology
June 2003 Production begins on Season 1 of “Corner Gas.”
Jan. 22, 2004 – More than a million viewers tune into the series premiere.
Oct. 4, 2004 – “Corner Gas” is nominated for an International Emmy Award.
Oct. 5, 2004 – More than 1.5 million viewers tune into Season 2 premiere.
Oct. 1, 2005 – Finland becomes the first of 26 countries around the world to purchase the show for broadcast outside of Canada.
Oct. 31, 2005 – Prime Minister Paul Martin makes cameo appearance on “Corner Gas,” attracting a record audience of 2.2 million viewers. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson, Darryl Sittler and Ben Mulroney, among many other notable Canadians, also make appearances in later episodes.
Nov. 19, 2005 – “Corner Gas” wins two Gemini Awards.
Dec. 12, 2005 – “Merry Gasmas,” a “Corner Gas” holiday special, attracts record-setting audience of 2.43 million viewers.
Nov. 4, 2006 – “Tales from Dog River: The Complete Corner Gas Guide” is released and becomes a bestselling book across Canada.
Nov. 4, 2006 – “Corner Gas” wins its second Gemini Award for best comedy series.
Nov. 24, 2006 – “Corner Gas” secures U.S. broadcast deal with Superstation WGN.
Sept. 17, 2007 – “Corner Gas” premieres on Superstation WGN in the U.S.
Oct. 28, 2007 – “Corner Gas” takes home three Gemini Awards including its third for best comedy series.
April 10, 2008 – Brent Butt announces that “Corner Gas” will end at the conclusion of Season 6 in 2009.
Source: Prairie Pants Productions.
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