TORONTO – “Corner Gas” alum Eric Peterson says he’s saddened that CTV has scrapped two series featuring several of his former co-stars, and he hopes Canadian broadcasters don’t give up on homegrown programming.
CTV recently revealed that it has not ordered new seasons of “Hiccups” and “Dan for Mayor,” as well as the reality competition “So You Think You Can Dance Canada.”
“Hiccups” was the brainchild of “Corner Gas” creator Brent Butt and starred him and his wife, Nancy Robertson, who was also on “Gas.”
Another “Corner Gas” alum, Fred Ewanuick, starred in “Dan for Mayor,” which was created by “Gas” writers Mark Farrell, Paul Mather and Kevin White.
“I’m disappointed. … It was a hard act to follow, ‘Corner Gas,’ and both those shows got marketed that they were some follow-up to ‘Corner Gas,'” Peterson, 65, said Wednesday in an interview for “Billy Bishop Goes to War” at the Toronto International Film Festival.
“I’m sure they’ve all got new projects they’re working on and I hope CTV doesn’t give up in any way, shape or form on Canadian production.”
Peterson, who played curmudgeon Oscar Leroy on “Corner Gas,” added that broadcasters in this country need to “step up in Canadian production.”
“I know it’s an ongoing kind of conversation we have but I would hope that they keep going for it,” said the Saskatchewan-born stage veteran, who is also known for his roles in the Canadian series “Street Legal” and “This is Wonderland.”
“Billy Bishop Goes to War” is a filmed version of the Dora Award-winning musical in which Peterson and writer-composer John Gray – who both penned the stage production – tell the story of a First World War flying ace.
Peterson plays multiple roles, including that of an aged Bishop looking back on his life. He also sings along with Gray, who plays the piano.
The movie “Billy Bishop Goes to War,” directed by Barbara Willis Sweete, was to debut Thursday at the Toronto film fest, which runs through Sunday.
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