The People Across the Street: CBC's Lost Comedy Gem
Trivia: Recorded at CBC's Toronto studios, often after midnight when the building was empty!
From The Frantics to Suburban Satire
Before becoming Canadian comedy legends with The Red Green Show and History Bites, Rick Green and Peter Wildman honed their craft through two pivotal projects:
The Frantics (1980-1987)
- CBC Radio's anarchic sketch troupe
- Created the immortal "Boot to the Head"
- Featured Paul Chato and Rick Green
The People Across the Street (Summer of 1989)
- Satirical suburban humor
- Precursor to their TV chemistry
- Few recordings survive today
Both shows shared a signature blend of absurd premises and razor-sharp timing that would define Green and Wildman's careers.
Rediscovered Episodes
1. "The Freezer"
A household appliance becomes the battleground for neighborly one-upmanship.
2. "Death by Weed Whacker"
Lawn care escalates into a Shakespearean tragedy.
🎙️ Behind the Scenes:
"We'd write these in Peter's basement, fueled by instant coffee and leftover pizza. CBC paid us $300 per episode—enough for more pizza."
- Rick Green, 2008 interview
Why These Shows Matter
Comedy Legacy
Launched multiple Canadian TV careers
Rare Audio
Few recordings survive from this CBC era
Cultural Time Capsule
Captured 1980s Canadian suburban life
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