Son of a Critch is a Canadian comedy television series, created by Mark Critch and Tim McAuliffe, that premiered on January 4, 2022 on CBC Television.[1] Based on the memoir of the same name by Critch, the semi-autobiographical series follows an adolescent Mark as he grows up in the 1980s in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.[2]
Premise
The series is a coming of age story based on the childhood and adolescence of Canadian comedian Mark Critch. At the start of the series, 11-year-old Mark is growing up in 1980s Newfoundland, where he navigates starting junior high school (at St.Brigit's), making friends, and connecting with the small group of people in his limited world.[3]
In 2018, Critch published a memoir about his childhood in Newfoundland.[4] Following its release, McAuliffe suggested developing the book into a television series, which led to him and Critch creating scripts to pitch to various networks.[5] In June 2021, CBC announced they had ordered Son of a Critch to series.[2]
Production and distribution
The series made its Canadian broadcast premiere on CBC Television on January 4, 2022, as well as CBC's streaming platform, CBC Gem.[6]
Production companies involved with the series include Project 10 Productions, and Take the Shot Productions. Lionsgate distributes the series outside Canada.
On February 28, 2022, CBC renewed the series for a second season.[7]
On March 23, 2023, the series was renewed for a third season,[8] with The CW joining CBC and Lionsgate to co-produce.[9]
On May 23, 2024, the series was renewed for a fourth season; it will air in Winter 2024.[10]
11-year-old Mark goes to junior high in 1986 St. John's, Newfoundland. Mark meets Ritchie, a Filipino Canadian, and the only visible minority student at the school. Mark also meets a female bully named Fox, who comes from a family of bullies that all share the same nickname due to their red hair. Mark eventually defeats his bully with words rather than physical force.
While at a funeral parlour, Mark meets Tina, a classmate. They hit it off and Tina kisses him on the cheek. She later calls him to meet at the park. Mark's friend Ritchie tags along, helping Mark use the bus system. Fox is on the bus and decides to tag along as well. At the park, Mark and Tina hold hands again and Tina again kisses Mark. Later that night, Tina calls Mark to break up with him, at the instigation of Fox, who is standing outside Tina's house, threatening to punch Tina.
This episode is based on the visit of Princess Diana and Prince Charles to Newfoundland in 1983.[16] Mark is chosen by his Monarchist society to present a bouquet to Diana and Dick Dunphy flirts with Mary (raising Mike Sr.'s ire.)
6
6
"Candyland"
Deanne Foley
Anita Kapila
February 22, 2022 (2022-02-22)
N/A
Mark and Ritchie have an unusually eventful night of Halloween trick-or-treating.
7
7
"Father Critch"
Deanne Foley
Mark Critch & Tim McAuliffe
March 1, 2022 (2022-03-01)
N/A
This episode's theme is about protecting Mark, whom is preparing for his confirmation, from learning about the Mount Cashel Orphanage abuse scandal and the Catholic Church's role in it.[18]
8
8
"Merry Critch-mas"
Deanne Foley
Heidi Brander
March 8, 2022 (2022-03-08)
N/A
Mark's estranged uncle Brendan makes an unexpected Christmas visit.
Ritchie is conflicted by his heritage (Filipino-Canadian or Newfoundlander?), and Mark and Fox go on a "non-date" at a traveling carnival.
13
13
"Save the Last Dance for Me"
John Vatcher
Anita Kapila
April 12, 2022 (2022-04-12)
N/A
As the school year ends, Mark plans to ask Fox to the school dance, but is confused when he sees Ritchie spending time with her; he only later finds out that Ritchie was helping Fox study math so she can pass the grade. Mary is upset when she discovers Mike Jr. wants to move away to attend the University of New Brunswick, but eventually supports his plan. Mike Sr. worries for his job after Dick tells him that the station would be introducing an all-music format, but it turns out the format is for VOCM's new FM station.
St. Bridget's school holds a fast and sleep over for Lent, in part due to the famine in Ethiopia, and in an effort to win a bike (for selling the most boxes of chocolate covered almonds) Mark fashions himself as Live Aid organizer Bob Geldof.
17
4
"Beer Necessities"
Renuka Jeyapalan
Mark Critch & Tim McAuliffe
January 24, 2023 (2023-01-24)
Mark faces peer pressure to try his first beer during the great Newfoundland Beer Strike.[19]
Mark, with the help of Fox and Ritchie, discovers a dark secret of his family tree.
19
6
"Who Dares Dare Hudaro?"
Deanne Foley
Nadiya Chettiar
February 7, 2023 (2023-02-07)
Mark falls under the spell of a Vegas hypnotist.
20
7
"The Perfect Storm"
Deanne Foley
Heidi Brander
February 14, 2023 (2023-02-14)
This episode is based on the historic ice storm of 1984.[20] Mike and Mary miss their 20th wedding anniversary dinner, and Mike Jr mans the phone lines, on air, alone at VOCM.
Mark and Ritchie make new friends, girls who are Protestant.
24
11
"Pope Visit"
John Vatcher
Amanda Joy
March 14, 2023 (2023-03-14)
This episode revolves around Pope John Paul II's visit to Newfoundland in September 1984.[21] Fox has to do a reading from the Bible for the Pope and is worried she will mess it up, and a rival radio station tries to lure both Mike and Mike Jr. from VOCM.
Mark is fascinated by Halley's Comet but frightened by Ronald Reagan and nuclear war, Fox may move away, and a drive-thru Ches's Fish and Chips is being built next door to the Critch home.[22]
Mark needs to pee desperately, but every toilet is broken or unavailable. Mary calls her father, a plumber, to fix their toilet and he and Mike Sr have never gotten along. Fox finds herself parenting her 2 brothers.
30
4
"Growing Pains"
Renuka Jeyapalan
Story by : Tim McAuliffe Teleplay by : Mark Critch
January 30, 2024 (2024-01-30)
With all his friends playing arcade video games, Mark sells his comic book collection. Pop needs a hearing aide, and the Critch household gets a new, modern telephone.
Son of a Critch was watched by an average of 941,000 viewers on its January 4, 2022 Canadian debut, and was the 28th most-watched program in Canada that week.[12]
In the United States, the series premiered on July 24, 2023, on The CW (although some US markets near the Canadian border who receive CBC Television are ahead in episodes). Season two premiered on October 26, 2023.[26] Season three premiered on January 25, 2024.[27]
