CTV’s newest homegrown comedies, HICCUPS and DAN FOR MAYOR, premiered to 1.9 million viewers each last night, becoming the most-watched premieres of any scripted Canadian series this season. The two new series won the 8 – 9 p.m. ET timeslot against both HOUSE (Global/FOX, 1.3 million) and the season finale of THE BACHELOR (City/ABC, 1.3 million, 8-9 p.m.). Head-to-head, HICCUPS delivered 240% more viewers than 18 TO LIFE (CBC; 558,000) at 8 p.m. ET, while DAN FOR MAYOR delivered 374% more viewers than LITTLE MOSQUE ON THE PRAIRIE (CBC; 404,000) at 8:30 p.m. ET.
HICCUPS and DAN FOR MAYOR delivered a big lead-in to their counterparts in CTV’s Monday night comedy block, with both TWO AND A HALF MEN and BIG BANG THEORY winning the night with 2.3 million viewers each at 9 and 9:30 p.m. ET.
Last night, CTV.ca hosted the site’s first ever live online chat during a premiere broadcast. HICCUPS star Nancy Robertson and DAN FOR MAYOR star Fred Ewanuick interacted with fans through the premiere of their respective shows. Both stars answered questions directly from fans, and responded to comments about their new shows, careers, Team Canada Men’s Hockey, and the legacy of CORNER GAS. Announced only days before broadcast, viewers responded with amazing enthusiasm, submitting almost 700 questions and comments.
Both HICCUPS Live Chat with Nancy Robertson and DAN FOR MAYOR Live Chat with Fred Ewanuick remain available for replay, and both premieres will be available on CTV.ca beginning Sunday, March 7, following encore broadcasts of HICCUPS and DAN FOR MAYOR on Saturday, March 6 at 8 and 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on The Comedy Network.
The laughs continue next week when HICCUPS and DAN FOR MAYOR return with new episodes, Monday, March 8 at 8 and 8:30 p.m. ET.
On HICCUPS, Stan comes to Millie’s aid when she gets in trouble with her condo council. At Haddison House, Joyce promises to look at some of Taylor’s clients if he promises to find someone to fix her dying plants.
On DAN FOR MAYOR, a tragic public transport accident leaves Dan thinking he is a shoe-in for the position of Mayor. But Dan is shocked to learn that the late Mayor is still ahead in the polls. Dan is also beginning to realize that the people close to him, like his campaign manager (and best friend) Jeff, don’t believe he’s qualified for the job.
