Jonovision

Jonovision
Jonovision Logo
StarringJonathan Torrens
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes225[1]
Production
Production locationsCanadian Broadcasting Centre
Toronto, Ontario
Running time25 minutes
Original release
NetworkCBC
Release1996 (1996) –
2001 (2001)

Jonovision was a Canadian television talk show aimed toward teenagers. The show aired for five seasons, from 1996 to 2001, on CBC Television. Jonovision was nominated for 7 Gemini Awards.[1] It reached the top of its popularity at the beginning of its fourth season, when it hosted a Degrassi reunion.[2] The host was Jonathan Torrens, who had previous been one of the hosts of Street Cents, and who went on to host and act in more television programs, including playing J-Roc in Trailer Park Boys.[2]

Popularity and Impact

The show reached the peak of its popularity in its fourth season when it hosted a reunion of the cast of Degrassi, a beloved Canadian teen drama. This reunion episode is credited with contributing to the revival of the Degrassi franchise, specifically Degrassi: The Next Generation.[3]

Notable Segments

Jonovision's segments ranged from serious topics, like high-school initiation practices, to lighthearted, such as sketches involving mock dramatizations using toys.[2][4]

One recurring segment was Jonopalooza, an indie music showcase that featured early television appearances by bands such as Sum 41[2] and By Divine Right, with some members of the latter going on to form Broken Social Scene soon after.[5]

A young Ryan Gosling was featured in a sketch on the show in which he played a character who was addicted to watching beauty pageants.[6]

Reception

John Allemang of The Globe and Mail praised Jonovision for addressing deep issues in a manner that resonated with teenagers, without talking down to them.[7] Jeremy Barker of The Globe and Mail highlighted how Jonovision integrated internet interactions with its audience, showcasing early examples of blending traditional TV with digital engagement.[8] According to Louise Leger of The Globe and Mail, Jonovision was part of a broader trend where children's programming began to receive more attention and respect in the television industry.[9]

Awards and Nominations

Jonovision was nominated for seven Gemini Awards during its run.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Jonathan Torrens". CBC.ca.
  2. ^ a b c d Young, Adria (2020-01-20). "The Oral History of 'Jonovision,' Canada's Perfectly Weird Teen Talk Show". Vice. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
  3. ^ Ellis, Kathryn (2005). Degrassi Generations. Simon and Schuster. p. 12. ISBN 978-1-4165-1680-4.
  4. ^ Allemang, John. "TELEVISION Jonovision best alternative to trashy talk shows." The Globe and Mail, March 27, 1997. Retrieved from ProQuest.
  5. ^ Barclay, Michael (2022). Hearts on fire: six years that changed Canadian music, 2000-2005. Toronto: ECW Press. ISBN 9781773059044.
  6. ^ "The steps that took Ryan Gosling from Canada to the on-screen moon". Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  7. ^ Allemang, John. "TELEVISION Jonovision best alternative to trashy talk shows." The Globe and Mail, March 27, 1997. Retrieved from ProQuest.
  8. ^ Barker, Jeremy. "TV programmers tune in to the Net: REMOTE CONTROL." The Globe and Mail, September 6, 1997. Retrieved from ProQuest.
  9. ^ Leger, Louise. "KIDS RULE: Children's programming is no longer prime time's poor cousin." The Globe and Mail, September 7, 1996. Retrieved from ProQuest.