CBC’s Still Standing Brings Comedy and Resilience to Armstrong
The city of Armstrong is stepping into the national spotlight as CBC’s long-running comedy-reality series, Still Standing, begins filming in town. The show, known for its unique blend of humor and heart, focuses on small Canadian communities that have faced significant hardships but continue to persevere.
What is Still Standing?
Premiering on CBC Television in the summer of 2015, Still Standing is a hybrid series that explores the grit and resilience of small-town Canada. The show’s core premise is captured in its tagline: “towns that are against the ropes but still hanging in there.”
Led by actor and comedian Jonny Harris, the program follows a specific format in every episode:
- Community Immersion: Harris visits a financially struggling community to get to know the residents and their unique lifestyles.
- The Stand-Up Show: The experience culminates in a stand-up comedy performance for the locals, where Harris integrates his insights about the town into his routine.
- The Narrative: While the comedy show happens at the end of the trip, the television edit intersperses clips from the performance throughout the episode.
The Road to Season 11
The series has evolved over 11 seasons and 121 episodes, with production handled by Frantic Films. To be featured, communities must submit a proposal to the producers, who then select a subset of towns for the season’s programming.
Recent episodes and Season 11 highlights include visits to diverse locations across the country, such as:
- Osoyoos Indian Band, B.C.: Highlighting the success of Canada’s first Indigenous-owned vineyard.
- Glace Bay, N.S.: Exploring the birthplace of Canada’s underground coal mining industry.
- Elliot Lake, Ontario: Examining the town’s transition after the closure of its uranium mine.
- Windsor, Nova Scotia: Celebrating its reputation as the home of massive pumpkins and the “birthplace of hockey.”
Key Takeaways: Still Standing Series Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host | Jonny Harris |
| Network | CBC Television / CBC Gem |
| Format | Comedy-Reality Hybrid |
| Core Mission | Telling stories of small towns overcoming struggles |
Looking Ahead
As filming continues in Armstrong, the series maintains its commitment to proving that Canadians can laugh at themselves even in the face of adversity. Viewers can catch up on previous episodes and recent releases via CBC Gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a town get featured on Still Standing?
Communities must submit a formal proposal to the show’s producers, who then decide which towns fit the programming for the upcoming season.
Where can I watch the show?
Still Standing airs on CBC Television and is available for streaming on CBC Gem.
Related reading