Hiccups is a Canadian television sitcom created by Corner Gas star Brent Butt, who is also the writer, show runner, and executive producer of the program. The series was produced by Laura Lightbown and David Storey and airs on CTV and The Comedy Network. The pilot was shot in late March 2009 with the rest of the series to begin shooting in September 2009. The show premiered on CTV on March 1, 2010; the same night as Dan for Mayor, a series starring fellow Corner Gas alumnus Fred Ewanuick. Hiccups returned for a second season on May 30, 2011, at 8pm ET. CTV did not renew Hiccups and Dan for Mayor for a third season.
Synopsis The series stars Nancy Robertson (a Corner Gas co-star and Butt's wife) in the role of Millie Upton. Millie is the successful author of a series of children's books about characters called "Grumpaloos". Millie has anger management issues, which are referred to as "hiccups," giant outbursts and could be described as a giant fit of depression. These outbursts are immediate, so they are prone to happen at any time. After being told that she needs some help controlling her anger issues, Millie finds a man named Stan Dirko (Butt), whom she hires as her life coach. Stan is significantly underqualified for his profession, which Millie never notices.
Characters Nancy Robertson as Millie Upton, a neurotic, emotionally-unstable children's author who is often happy but quick to anger. Brent Butt as Stan Dirko, Millie's life coach. Stan is a bit of a loveable loser, geeky, and quirky. Laura Soltis as Joyce Haddison, Millie's publisher; a serious, thriving businessperson surrounded by colourful characters. David Ingram as Taylor Rymes, Millie's literary agent; a slick, smooth-talking, conceited guy who is more interested in women than his job. Emily Perkins as Crystal Braywood, a spoiled, sarcastic rich girl who strongly dislikes her job as Joyce's receptionist. Paula Rivera as Anna Dirko, Stan's loveable wife, a professional gardener.
Episodes Season 1 (2010)
Season 2 (2011)
Webisodes A series of 10 webisodes was produced and premiered on the official Hiccups YouTube channel.
Home release Entertainment One released Season One on DVD in Region 1 on January 11, 2011.
Reception Rob Salem of the Toronto Star stated that, "What the network may perceive as Hiccups' greatest asset turns out to be its greatest liability. Butt's appearance onscreen – which he was, I gather, reluctantly persuaded to do by the network – is a distraction from this singular showcase for his wife's considerable comedic skills."Still a few Hiccups, Toronto Star, 01 March 2010, https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/article/773102--salem-still-a-few-hiccups-to-overcome
Canadian ratings
Seasonal ratings Season Timeslot Season premiere Season finale TV season Viewers (100'000s) Rank 1 Monday 8:00PM March 1, 2010 June 29, 2010 2010 9.72 #1
Episodic ratings # Episode Viewers(millions) Rank(Week) 1 "Millie, Meet Stan" 1.90 15 2 "Strata's Fear" 1.16 n/a 8 "Watch and Learn" 0.49 n/a 10 "Model Patient" 0.30 n/a 13 "You Schmooze, You Lose" 0.50 n/a
Awards and nominations Year Presenter Award Work Result 2010 Gemini Awards Best Photography in a Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series Anton Krawczyk 2011 Canadian Comedy Awards Best Performance By a Female - Television Nancy Robertson - Hiccups Leo Awards Best Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series Brent Butt, David Storey, Laura Lightbown, Nancy Robertson, Arvi Liimatainen Best Direction in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series James Dunnison Best Screenwriting in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series David Moses Best Picture Editing in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series Lisa Binkley Best Performance or Host(s) in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series Nancy Robertson 2012 Leo Awards Best Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series Brent Butt, Nancy Robertson, David Storey, Laura Lightbown, Arvi Liimatainen Best Screenwriting in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series Brent Butt Best Performance or Host(s) in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series Nancy Robertson Young Artist AwardsBest Performance in a TV Series - Guest Starring Young Actor 14–17Donnie MacNeil
References
External links
Official website Hiccups at CTV.ca