Canadian Game Shows: The True North Strong And Cheap

[contestants on Canadian game shows] “always seemed to have moles and goiters and were filmed with cameras that were won in games of Rock, Paper, Scissors with Fidel Castro.” - Douglas Coupland

Yes, they were definitely made on the cheap, featured homely contestants, and starred lame hosts, but Canadian Game Shows of the 70s, 80s, and even 90s had a charm and watchability unmatched by glitzy American shows of today and yesteryear.

Decide for yourself. Check out these videos of my favourite shows:

Just Like Mom:


Bumper Stumpers:


Kidstreet:


There's one I can't remember though. It featured a panel of "celebrities" who are handed an object and each offer their interpretation of what it actually is, then the contestants have to guess whose story is the truth. I think it aired around the mid-80s. It's maybe the best of them all - or perhaps the worst. Anybody know it?

One thing's for sure. The prizes on Canadian shows couldn't hold a candle to their American counterparts. It was always a set of luggage or maybe a train trip to Ottawa, or check out the fancy prizes "Guess What" offers up in the beginning of this clip.