Package Deal has real laughs….literally.

I can’t believe it’s finally happening. More than a year after announcing that it was going into production, City’s comedy Package Deal is finally hitting the airwaves, or digital-waves, well, whatever they are called nowadays.

But besides the long delay, Package Deal has people talking for another reason: the series is shot in front of a live studio audience!  Who knew they did that anymore?!  Well, that’s because they hardly do, especially on Canadian television.   According to TVTickets.com, there are about 26 American shows that tape in front of a live studio audience, that’s not very many considering how many comedies there are on all the networks.  Narrowing the pool even more, when is the last time a Canadian comedy had a live studio audience?  Sure, there’s shows like 22 Minutes and Air Farce, but besides sketch comedies, can you think of one?

I’ll give you a minute.

Nope, I can’t either.

Oh wait, You Can’t Do That On Television!

Never mind, that was a sketch comedy too.

But real laughter is just one of the reasons I’m excited to see Package Deal, which follows three overly-close brothers and the woman who comes between them.   The show’s biggest star, Harland Williams, is undoubtedly another reason. He’ll also welcome a slew of guest stars like Pamela Anderson and Eugene Levy. 

The series is launching right in the middle of the Fall premiere season, so I’m a bit worried that Package Deal will get lost in the shuffle, but City proved to be patient with Seed, so I’m hoping the same holds true for their newest series.

Pacakage Deal premieres Monday night 8:30pm ET/PT