Canadian Sketch Show ‘This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ Satirizes Trump-Canada Tensions, Beating U.S. Late Night

NY Times World · 2026-11-02
Canadian Sketch Show ‘This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ Satirizes Trump-Canada Tensions, Beating U.S. Late Night

The long-running CBC comedy ‘This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ is gaining renewed attention for its sharp satire of the fraught relationship between President Donald Trump and Canada. The show, which has been on air since 1993, is known for its political sketches and news parody, often featuring fake news anchors and correspondents. Recently, it has focused on Trump’s tariffs, trade disputes, and his comments about Canada becoming the 51st state, delivering punchlines faster than American late-night shows. The show’s ability to quickly produce topical sketches, often within days of real events, gives it an edge in the comedy news cycle. Its segments have gone viral, resonating with Canadian audiences who feel the strain of cross-border tensions. The show’s longevity and local perspective make it a unique voice in political satire, offering a Canadian counterpoint to U.S. late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, who may cover the same topics but from an American viewpoint. As U.S.-Canada relations continue to evolve, the show is poised to remain a key source of comedic commentary for Canadians and international viewers alike.