Open Mike with Mike Bullard (1997–2004)

Canada's first successful late night talk show featuring comedian Mike Bullard.

Stars:

Mike Bullard, Orin Isaacs, Jonathan Torrens

Cast

Series cast summary:
Mike Bullard	...	Himself - Host (57 episodes, 1998-2004)
Orin Isaacs	...	Himself - Musical Director (53 episodes, 1998-2003)

Storyline

Mike Bullard, best known for his live act as MC at Mark Breslin's famed YukYuk's Comedy Club hosted this late night television show for five years, starting on the Comedy Network and then moving to CTV before jumping producers and networks for a final season on Global. Broadcast live before a studio audience in downtown Toronto's legendary Masonic Temple, Open Mike with Mike Bullard featured panel guests and one musical or comedy act. It featured both national and international stars but kept its focus on the interaction between Bullard and the audience.

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Plot Keywords:

late night | television | guest | canada | comedian | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Talk-Show

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Also Known As:

Open Mike

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 27,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

CanWest Global Communications, Insight Production Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Spin-off The Warm-Up Show with Sean Tweedley (1999)

User Reviews

Ugh

I never watched Bullard's CTV/Comedy Network show much, usually only tuning in if there was a guest that I wanted to see, but judging by his new show on Global, I didn't miss much.

His monologue is a bunch of lame jokes that usually fall flat mixed in with him throwing lamer insults at people in the audience. His comedy bits are even worse than the monologue though (Upside/Downside, Canada vs. America), with the possible exception of 'The Informer', which can be humourous at times.

The guests are C-level at best most of the time -- I think the only 'big' name he's had on in his few months so far at Global has been Kid Rock -- that I'm sure most of the people there have never heard of (supporting players on syndicated or cable shows).

Another problem I think the show has is the acoustics in the theatre he does the show from. It's hard to hear him and the guests talk a lot of the time, as well as whatever laughter he may get from the crowd. He would probably benefit from a more cozy environment where everything is more personal. As it is, the set has a very sterile environment which detracts from the show.

I'm not even going to touch his horrible banter with the band leader. Suffice to say it's quite horrible.

It's a shame, though, as I've heard Bullard's stand-up routine is quite funny. Unfortunately for him, it doesn't translate well to a late-night talk show setting.