Martin Scorsese set to direct a comedy special about famed sketch show SCTV

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

After landing a deal with Netflix to finance, produce, and distribute his upcoming mob film THE IRISHMAN, legendary director Martin Scorsese will be joining the streaming giant, once again, by helming an untitled original comedy special which will focus on the Emmy-winning Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV. The aforementioned program ran for six seasons between the years 1976 and 1984, and was created as an offshoot of Toronto's Second City troupe. During its time on the air, SCTV helped introduce viewers to the comedic genius of the late John Candy and Harold Ramis, in addition to such comedic legends as Catherine O'Hara, Rick Moranis and Martin Short.

For the special, Scorsese will gather former SCTV co-stars Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short and Dave Thomas (the comedian, not the Wendy's restaurant founder) in front of a live audience to celebrate SCTV's influence throughout the years. In terms of structure, Scorsese is arranging for viewers of the special to bare witness to An Afternoon with SCTV, a panel-style presentation set to be moderated by late night host and former co-host of Comedy Central's THE MAN SHOW, Jimmy Kimmel.

Filming of the event will take place at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre on Sunday, May 13 at 3 PM, and will be captured for the purpose of joining Netflix's growing list of comedy specials. With so many classically funny people all gathered under the same roof, there's no telling what will happen, or what stories will be told about the series that helped to make so many notable comedians a household name. Be sure to grab yourself a seat to the show when it arrives on Netflix.