98 reviews
I can't stop laughing. In the mode of Red Green. Subtle humor delivered by some seriously good actors. And thank God, no laugh track.
- tempest1956-753-470892
- Jan 14, 2019
- Permalink
I downloaded Corner Gas Animated which knowing nothing about it I thought was a decent funny animated show - after a few episodes I looked it up and found out it was animated version of this TV Show. Started watching it and its hilarious, love the wit and the occasional reference to things from the 70s and 80s.
- paulwattriley
- Feb 5, 2021
- Permalink
Such a great series. It's very funny and at the same time gentle and pure. No agenda whatsoever, which is so rare and precious at this day and age. I also enjoyed seeing First Nations actors, and I liked it that they were just actors and characters like everybody else without being turned into some sort of tokens. That is what equality is.
- Cold_Aqua_Tomato
- Aug 12, 2021
- Permalink
A friend recommended the show, streaming on Prime presently. What a fantastic, hilarious comedy about a small town in Saskatchewan where the little cafe and gas station is the hub of small-town interactions. Like all small towns, everybody knows everybody and the characters are fun and lovable. The writing is awesome! The acting & directing super! This is a great, light, fun, hilarious show.
I saw a re-run the other day and this show still makes me laugh. I wish they hadn't cancelled it. the corner gas movie was hilarious too. Best canadian show ever made.
I happened to catch an episode of this series when I was on holiday in Canada and became an immediate fan. The series is character driven, and similar in spirit to Seinfeld as a whole lot of nothing tends to happen in the small town of Dog River. There is quite a warmth about the characters and their interplay and the humour is generally good natured, focusing on human weaknesses and relationships. I am surprised it has never been shown on TV in the UK as I think a lot of people would appreciate the humour - there seems to be a lot of similarities between Canadian and Brit approach to comedy. If you've never seen it then it's well worth checking out
Love the jokes in this funny show. Was watching it on Prime and was devastated they removed it. Glad to find it on here. A lot of laugh out loud moments, and you really get to love the characters. Kind of like Cheers, same location and the characters carry the show. Thanks, IMDb for streaming it now. :)
- loveswillow
- Nov 7, 2019
- Permalink
But look closer baby, you're so wrong. This show is everything a sitcom should be. The entire cast is at the top of their game. Possibly the only people doing better than the actors are the writers. It's smart and true. I can watch it over and over again.
- crispin_13
- Oct 2, 2021
- Permalink
I really hate saying this about comedies but "this is a great little show". It actually reminds me a lot of Seinfeld in that it's really not about anything other than the people in it. The writing is above average as it relies heavily on snappy comebacks without sounding cliched. The situations are quite funny, some of the characters are a bit unrealistic (is there anyone dumber than Hank?)
That being said, it's just plain great entertainment. Highly watchable from the first to the last minute. It would be nearly impossible not to find at least one character in Corner Gas that doesn't remind you of someone you've known.
It's what I call relaxing comedy. It's not side-splitting but you do find yourself guffawing every once in a while mostly due to the consistency of the characters and the situations they either are placed in and most times they place themselves in.
I can honestly say that I watched every single episode prior to this review and if you're looking for light-hearted and with characters that are neither annoying or banal then it's required viewing.
That being said, it's just plain great entertainment. Highly watchable from the first to the last minute. It would be nearly impossible not to find at least one character in Corner Gas that doesn't remind you of someone you've known.
It's what I call relaxing comedy. It's not side-splitting but you do find yourself guffawing every once in a while mostly due to the consistency of the characters and the situations they either are placed in and most times they place themselves in.
I can honestly say that I watched every single episode prior to this review and if you're looking for light-hearted and with characters that are neither annoying or banal then it's required viewing.
So good. Great acting, great writing, great everything. All the characters are funny. I've seen it 3 times. Everyone should watch it
- wtarr-85699
- Dec 28, 2019
- Permalink
Been watching over lockdown and it has been a joy. But by season 5 the writers seem to have decided to alter a loveable bunch of small town screwballs into a parade of village idiots. Episodes now consist of the cast wading through increasingly dopey and unfunny scenarios. Such a shame. I'll stick with for now and give the animated version a try. Also loved the movie.
I have only just discovered this brilliant programme on amazon prime (i am english and only just seen it on prime). Watched the whole series in a few days as when i started watching i couldn't stop. I loved every episode, funny, witty and down to earth, it cheered me up no end. Just wish i had known about it years ago as when i started watching it i didn't realise it was nearly 17yrs old!! Love all the actors and the characters and Canada and love the Programme!!
- racheladams-53981
- Apr 10, 2021
- Permalink
People seem to love this show so much that I almost feel bad leaving a less-than-stellar review. I stumbled upon this show on Amazon Prime and decided to check it out since the premise sounded cute and the ratings are so high. I am nine episodes in and...I don't get it. At all.
This is a harmless show-it's not a bad show. But it is quite literally the most bland TV show I have ever seen. All of the accolades I see are quite befuddling, especially the reviewers who imply that you may actually strain yourself from laughing so hard. I do understand this is a Canadian show. So all I can imagine is that the television in Canada must be downright terrible and/or the very definition of "boring" if this is a program that stands out as being among the best Canada has ever produced (as multiple reviews imply). I have chuckled a couple of times but that is all.
There are no storylines or plots to speak of. I would be okay with that if there were anything funny or even halfway fascinating happening at all. But there isn't. You could put on any episode at random and it would be fine to watch because there is no story to keep track of or follow. Nothing happened in the previous episode so you didn't miss anything. You don't need to pay attention to anything because nothing happens. All of the characters are one dimensional. All of the situations are absolutely minimal in terms of any impact to any of the characters.
I am in no way someone who needs explosions or sex or cussing or anything like that to find a movie or show entertaining. But this show evokes nothing in the way of emotions of any kind. There's nothing particularly funny that happens and there is nothing heartwarming. Or scary. Or involving. I feel like I'm just watching people go through life but I'm only seeing the top later, nothing more. I can watch that at work and at the store. Sorry. :(
This is a harmless show-it's not a bad show. But it is quite literally the most bland TV show I have ever seen. All of the accolades I see are quite befuddling, especially the reviewers who imply that you may actually strain yourself from laughing so hard. I do understand this is a Canadian show. So all I can imagine is that the television in Canada must be downright terrible and/or the very definition of "boring" if this is a program that stands out as being among the best Canada has ever produced (as multiple reviews imply). I have chuckled a couple of times but that is all.
There are no storylines or plots to speak of. I would be okay with that if there were anything funny or even halfway fascinating happening at all. But there isn't. You could put on any episode at random and it would be fine to watch because there is no story to keep track of or follow. Nothing happened in the previous episode so you didn't miss anything. You don't need to pay attention to anything because nothing happens. All of the characters are one dimensional. All of the situations are absolutely minimal in terms of any impact to any of the characters.
I am in no way someone who needs explosions or sex or cussing or anything like that to find a movie or show entertaining. But this show evokes nothing in the way of emotions of any kind. There's nothing particularly funny that happens and there is nothing heartwarming. Or scary. Or involving. I feel like I'm just watching people go through life but I'm only seeing the top later, nothing more. I can watch that at work and at the store. Sorry. :(
- daughterofolaf
- Oct 3, 2019
- Permalink
corner gas is about a small town the hub of the town being the gas station/coffee shop diner.the main characters a couple police,2 gas station attendance,a diner owner,the gas station attendance's parents and a goof off with no job.i watched the first 3 seasons with pleasure.i found the show was exactly like the small Saskatchewan town i grew up in. it was witty and very accurate in the portrayal of small town life. but i believe the show has run its course and is losing momentum. I'm finding the story lines to be boring and uninteresting. its getting boring watching them try and come up with things to do in a gas station/diner.
- jory-and-sammie
- Feb 18, 2008
- Permalink
This show is a rarity in Canadian television - it's good! Too much of Canadian programing is slow, dry and boring - and aside from NHL hockey, there is not much else worth watching. A few shows have made attempts at being clever comedies, but have always failed because Canadian programming always tends to alienate the main audience by becoming too political, historical or just plain arrogant (vis-a-vis the CBC and CRTC).
But this show has succeeded and, more importantly, is extremely entertaining because its focus isn't on some political agenda, but rather on the art of entertaining. Brent Butt has figured out the formula that has made this series a hilarious success - and I think I can identify what some of those criteria are.
1. It has great characters - And character development. Just like other successful comedies (Seinfeld, The Office, Cheers, etc.) quirky characters are fun to watch.
2. It has great writing - The stories seem to be about nothing - but even nothing is something!
3. It has excellent pacing - It does not slow down at all, and continues to improve its pacing as the seasons go by. The more jokes you can fit in to the half hour, the better.
4. It is not sentimental - If anything, most of the characters are less than sympathetic, and that type of darkness of the human psyche is far more appealing and funny when you are making a comedy about quirky people in a quirky little town.
5. There is NO winter!! - Have you seen any snow yet in Dog River? This is critical for a successful Canadian comedy - because snow complicates things. It is bleak, uninteresting, and unfortunately too much of a reminder of reality for those of us who have to live with it for 10 months out of the year. In fact, with out the snow - it makes this small town in Saskatchewan look quite charming, and all the more interesting and lovable.
Now these are just my opinions - but if you want to take a chance on a Canadian TV show - this should be the one. Canadians should be (and are - for the most part, I think) proud of this series. I, for one, try not to miss it each week, and I own all the DVD's too...its just a fun show to watch, and I would rank it up there as one of the best new comedies on TV right now.
But this show has succeeded and, more importantly, is extremely entertaining because its focus isn't on some political agenda, but rather on the art of entertaining. Brent Butt has figured out the formula that has made this series a hilarious success - and I think I can identify what some of those criteria are.
1. It has great characters - And character development. Just like other successful comedies (Seinfeld, The Office, Cheers, etc.) quirky characters are fun to watch.
2. It has great writing - The stories seem to be about nothing - but even nothing is something!
3. It has excellent pacing - It does not slow down at all, and continues to improve its pacing as the seasons go by. The more jokes you can fit in to the half hour, the better.
4. It is not sentimental - If anything, most of the characters are less than sympathetic, and that type of darkness of the human psyche is far more appealing and funny when you are making a comedy about quirky people in a quirky little town.
5. There is NO winter!! - Have you seen any snow yet in Dog River? This is critical for a successful Canadian comedy - because snow complicates things. It is bleak, uninteresting, and unfortunately too much of a reminder of reality for those of us who have to live with it for 10 months out of the year. In fact, with out the snow - it makes this small town in Saskatchewan look quite charming, and all the more interesting and lovable.
Now these are just my opinions - but if you want to take a chance on a Canadian TV show - this should be the one. Canadians should be (and are - for the most part, I think) proud of this series. I, for one, try not to miss it each week, and I own all the DVD's too...its just a fun show to watch, and I would rank it up there as one of the best new comedies on TV right now.
Just started to watch this in 2019 as just appeared here in the UK on digital media. So so funny. Starts off slow but then gets better and better.Not often I laugh out loud without prompts and yet every single episode I have at least once. The coffin episode had me choking with laughter as who hasn't had or got a family member who goes on and on like the dad - ranting at the world? Easy comedy, no need for over sexing anything and very well observed characterization. In this world of over committed 'woke'comedies and over
CGI -ing everything this series is like a good dose of fresh air. Canadian air at that.
- judegraysmith
- Oct 30, 2019
- Permalink
- mack-clews
- Feb 14, 2021
- Permalink
Of all the shows still currently airing new episodes, this is the funniest show on TV. My Name is Earl comes close, but doesn't quite match it. Simpsons isn't as funny as it once was, so that too is out of the running.
It began airing 2 years ago (and both those seasons are available to own on DVD) and the third season has just wrapped.
It revolves around a core of 8(Brent, Wanda, Hank, Lacey, Officers Davis and Karen, and Brents parents Oscar and Emma) characters, tied together my the small town of dog River, Sask. Only rarely do any characters leave the confines on the local coffee shop (The Ruby), gas station (Corner Gas), local bar, the insurance and liquor store, or the Leroy home. The comedy is all situational and there is no laugh track or audience participation. If a comparison to another show is needed, think Seinfeld, but on the prairies.
After three years there have only been 2 or 3 bad episodes, but 10-15 fantastic ones--a great ratio. Rarely do the episodes have less then 4 or 5 wonderful belly laughs or classic lines.
I used to like the character of Oscar the best, but now I like Hank a little more. If you want to see Officer Karen naked in another movie...track down one of the Wishmaster movies (part 4 I think).
This is a good show.
It began airing 2 years ago (and both those seasons are available to own on DVD) and the third season has just wrapped.
It revolves around a core of 8(Brent, Wanda, Hank, Lacey, Officers Davis and Karen, and Brents parents Oscar and Emma) characters, tied together my the small town of dog River, Sask. Only rarely do any characters leave the confines on the local coffee shop (The Ruby), gas station (Corner Gas), local bar, the insurance and liquor store, or the Leroy home. The comedy is all situational and there is no laugh track or audience participation. If a comparison to another show is needed, think Seinfeld, but on the prairies.
After three years there have only been 2 or 3 bad episodes, but 10-15 fantastic ones--a great ratio. Rarely do the episodes have less then 4 or 5 wonderful belly laughs or classic lines.
I used to like the character of Oscar the best, but now I like Hank a little more. If you want to see Officer Karen naked in another movie...track down one of the Wishmaster movies (part 4 I think).
This is a good show.
- knifeintheeye
- Apr 11, 2006
- Permalink
I am greatly proud and happy to know this show is from the same country I am. It is absolutely genius and could end up being my favourite show of all time. There are laughs around every corner with this show and some of the humour is especially smart where you have to really pay attention to get it. It's been called "dry humour" but it is plenty juicy believe me. This show works best for people who can relate to its small town humour but I reckon anyone can get amusement from it. I think it contains something for everyone.
All the main characters are great with some being more memorable than others but all very good nonetheless. My favourites are Oscar, Brent and Hank which is almost half of the main cast. They (as in anyone and everyone) often make big deals out of nearly nothing and find things to do that most people would never think of. I would classify it as similar in some aspects to Seinfeld but yet still much different. I like that there is no laugh track which is one of the many things that make it different and unique from other shows. It truly is a gem and one of a kind.
Here is a summary of the show: Popular comedian Brent Butt returns to small town Saskatchewan to portray the life he would have led had he gotten a real job - pumping gas at Corner Gas. Each episode of Corner Gas delivers a half-hour of comedic voyeurism in a place where everyone knows everyone else's business. The series is set in the fictional town of Dog River Saskatchewan, and focuses on the life (or lack thereof) of gas station owner Brent LeRoy, coffee shop proprietor Lacey Burrows and the folks who populate the area. Dog River is a nice town, but far from the quaint and idyllic little burgs we're used to seeing on TV.
All the main characters are great with some being more memorable than others but all very good nonetheless. My favourites are Oscar, Brent and Hank which is almost half of the main cast. They (as in anyone and everyone) often make big deals out of nearly nothing and find things to do that most people would never think of. I would classify it as similar in some aspects to Seinfeld but yet still much different. I like that there is no laugh track which is one of the many things that make it different and unique from other shows. It truly is a gem and one of a kind.
Here is a summary of the show: Popular comedian Brent Butt returns to small town Saskatchewan to portray the life he would have led had he gotten a real job - pumping gas at Corner Gas. Each episode of Corner Gas delivers a half-hour of comedic voyeurism in a place where everyone knows everyone else's business. The series is set in the fictional town of Dog River Saskatchewan, and focuses on the life (or lack thereof) of gas station owner Brent LeRoy, coffee shop proprietor Lacey Burrows and the folks who populate the area. Dog River is a nice town, but far from the quaint and idyllic little burgs we're used to seeing on TV.
Now here's a fine comedy series. As the years went on, it lost a bit of steam - there was an element of repetition and thus of boredom creeping in - but it's easy to see how and why it became so popular.
I'm especially fond of the various cameos sprinkled through the series, particularly when these cameos come with a hefty dose of surrealism. (An example : an older lady, looking both frail and distinguished, is asked whether she is a Mrs. Clarkson, former governor general. When the lady replies that yes, this is indeed her name, she is immediately invited to help tear down a barn. Later she is shown mauling a barn, with all the fervent pleasure of a missionary tearing down pagan idols - because hey, that's what you do when you're a Canadian.)
Firmly recommended : the episode where Dog River engages in a twinning project with a Japanese counterpart. It all ends in tears, with innocent civilians fleeing in panic before the inexplicable cruelty of the Dogriverians. (Or Dogruperians. Or something.)
I'm especially fond of the various cameos sprinkled through the series, particularly when these cameos come with a hefty dose of surrealism. (An example : an older lady, looking both frail and distinguished, is asked whether she is a Mrs. Clarkson, former governor general. When the lady replies that yes, this is indeed her name, she is immediately invited to help tear down a barn. Later she is shown mauling a barn, with all the fervent pleasure of a missionary tearing down pagan idols - because hey, that's what you do when you're a Canadian.)
Firmly recommended : the episode where Dog River engages in a twinning project with a Japanese counterpart. It all ends in tears, with innocent civilians fleeing in panic before the inexplicable cruelty of the Dogriverians. (Or Dogruperians. Or something.)
- myriamlenys
- Aug 17, 2017
- Permalink
Corner Gas is a fun and quirky show, and I loved it 5 minutes into the first episode, but some people won't get it. Maybe it's Seinfeld for rural folks. It's a show about nothing, but it's great fun watching the characters live through it.
Comedian Brent Butt is the main character, running a gas station next to a cafe in a small town in Saskatchewan, but the show is about all the characters. If you need outlandish characters and a laugh track, this show isn't for you. Corner Gas is smart and well written so all of the characters are odd in a plausible way. People are nice, but not too nice. They try to do the right thing, but it usually doesn't work out.
If you stumble upon Corner Gas on a streaming service, you should give it a try. You'll know in one episode if it's for you. Currently, it's showing on IMDB TV in the US, and on Amazon Prime for the rest of the world.
Comedian Brent Butt is the main character, running a gas station next to a cafe in a small town in Saskatchewan, but the show is about all the characters. If you need outlandish characters and a laugh track, this show isn't for you. Corner Gas is smart and well written so all of the characters are odd in a plausible way. People are nice, but not too nice. They try to do the right thing, but it usually doesn't work out.
If you stumble upon Corner Gas on a streaming service, you should give it a try. You'll know in one episode if it's for you. Currently, it's showing on IMDB TV in the US, and on Amazon Prime for the rest of the world.
- Randomizer2600
- Mar 20, 2022
- Permalink
I agree with the others who say this is like Seinfeld - it's about nothing and every character is despicable at one time or another, and some are constantly. It swings between biting sarcasm to moronic jokes and situations. We found it perfect for lunchtime watching. I'm amazed there's a movie and an animated series as well, though.
I love living in the Pacific Northwest because it grants me access to a lot of Canadian music and television that the rest of the states have not.
This show is silly, a bit cheesy, but altogether very funny and entertaining. The characters are all very developed and relatable, especially to someone like me, from a small town. The shenanigans always gets a laugh out of me, and Hank's stupidity is just enough to be funny without being over the top.
This is a great show to just sit and watch with family and have a laugh or two.
This show is silly, a bit cheesy, but altogether very funny and entertaining. The characters are all very developed and relatable, especially to someone like me, from a small town. The shenanigans always gets a laugh out of me, and Hank's stupidity is just enough to be funny without being over the top.
This is a great show to just sit and watch with family and have a laugh or two.
Loved the slow humor. Certsin personalities have become more anoying than funny (hank, Lacey, Wanda, even Brent) Not sure what happened but it was fun evoke it lasted. Animated was better.
- filiesquivel-58274
- Dec 4, 2019
- Permalink
I only watched because it was a choice between this and Meet The Browns on a Monday morning. Corner Gas is a world where cops never see any action and a few people stand around in a gas bar and talk. It is a combination of standing and sitting with each character. The cops job is to stand around and talk, park the car, talk some more, and go to the diner to eat and chat. They will never have to worry about showing up to the scene of a crime because in this world the only people that exist are the cops and the people who work at the gas bar. The gas bar also never has any customers because I guess nobody wanted to appear as an extra in the series. I can promise you that if you sit down for an episode it will be the most bland half hour of your life. Thirty minutes felt like three years when watching this. I am not sure if the creators intentions were to make it this bland or not. Watching it felt like a day at work where the place is dead and you have no customers, so you stand around and talk for an 8 hour shift. Isn't that boring? Don't you wish you could see something happen? Well you won't see anything happen when watching Corner Gas. As for the comedy aspect of things... the annoying blonde character is full of one liners that sound like they were written up by a fourth grader. It is like watching Leno where he tells a really bad joke and the drummer hits you with a drum roll but nobody laughs it is just dead silence. I cannot even express how bad Corner Gas is. If you ever have the guts try and tune in. I just want to thank the creators of this show for inspiring me to only stick to watching my DVD collection. For those who can't afford a cable subscription I advise you to just leave the television off. Or go outside and watch some grass grow.. you are bound to see more action doing that.
- miketaylor2007
- Mar 11, 2012
- Permalink