TORONTO – Comedian and former talk show host Mike Bullard is returning to Canadian TV.
Bullard enjoyed a measure of popularity in the late 1990s and early this century with Open Mike on CTV and the Comedy Network (the show ran for six seasons and earned a Gemini). However, when he took his act to Global Television in 2003, the new show didn’t last long, drawing C-list guests and poor ratings.
Bullard’s new gig is something completely different. Airing Sundays and Thursdays on SUN TV, HouseCapades "takes the sober business of selling a house, and turns it on its ear. It’s funny, irreverent, and sometimes downright silly – a show as much about human nature as the real estate market itself," says the web site describing the new program.
Every week the show showcases residences for sale in and around Toronto. It will also profile local home-service businesses, "which provides the show with its timely content and product integration material," says the release – not to mention ad dollars.
"But our signature look comes from the studio and on-site comedy sketches performed by Mike when he visits local communities and their neighborhood businesses, attractions, arenas, mayors or anyone, anywhere! No script here – Mike is at his wise-cracking best when he’s thinking on his feet!" says the site.
"HouseCapades combines the information and entertainment of those helpful home-buying programs with the tongue-in-cheek sassiness and warm family humour of classic TV variety shows. With Canada’s famous comedy host, Mike Bullard, at the controls, HouseCapades is sure to entertain."
Homes will be on air for free. "Our revenue is derived from show sponsors, product-placement and product-integration fees. For example, alarm companies, gardeners, realtors and mortgage brokers pay a fee in exchange for promotional consideration," says the web site.
