Network: CBC Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1986
Broadcast Medium: Television
Aired weekly from January to August, 1986.
This half hour comedy program featured The Frantics, a Canadian quartet
of comics who wrote and performed their own material. The group, which
was formed in 1979, had had a successful run on community television before
being offered a regular CBC radio show [Frantic Times] and eventually a
television show.
The Frantics were Paul Chato, Rick Green, Dan Redican and Peter
Wildman. Their most popular creation was Mr. Canoehead who had an
aluminum canoe welded to his head in a bizarre accident.
While the series only lasted one season, with repeats, 4 On The Floor
has to be considered important in the history of sketch comedy
television shows, on CBC. CODCO, the Kids in the Hall and the Vacant
Lot, the latter co-created by Paul Chato, were natural follow-ups.
Dan Redican later appeared in Puppets Who Kill on the Comedy
Network, while Rick Green made his mark as Bill on the Red Green
Show on CBC.
For more information, visit www.thefrantics.com
Written by John Corcelli – November, 2005