22 Minutes writers share their favourite sketches of the season

This Hour Has 22 Minutes has been one of Canada's best-known and top-rated comedy shows for more than a quarter of a century, thanks to the talented comedic brains of the show's writers. Their provocative satire targets politics, culture, world events and so much more — in a mixed pot of sketches, parodies and weekly news — which you can stream for free on CBC Gem. 

We've seen stars Mark Critch, Cathy Jones, Susan Kent and Trent McClellan truly shine in their sketches and with the season finale just around the corner, we've asked the writers of 22 Minutes to share their ultimate faves of this season. 

Here's your behind-the-scenes look into the writers' favourite sketches as they explain how these hilarious moments came about.

Lipsync For Your Life (Episode 6)

Heidi Brander: During the post-election episode, we had to shoot multiple endings for sketches because we didn't know which party would win. It reminded me of how on RuPaul's Drag Race they always shoot multiple endings with different winners. So, I wrote a sketch where a Liberal Drag Queen and a Conservative Drag Queen lip-sync for their lives. I'd written a RuPaul's Drag Race sketch last season and it was such a blast to make. I never thought I'd get a second one on the show, especially during the most political episode of the season.

Carrie On (Episode 7)

Aisha Brown: Carrie On is another favourite. It's about Carrie — the homicidal teen with telekinetic powers — and her search for love. It's silly yet murder-y. Plus, it stars and was written by one of the nicest people in Canadian entertainment, Susan Kent! She is so much weirder than our audience knows and it's completely sincere and endearing. What also makes this sketch a personal fave is that our delightful head writer, Heidi Brander, is featured as Carrie's best friend in a rom com. And it's narrated by 22 Minutes writer Brandon Hackett who — fun fact — has vocal cords made of actual velvet. Also, look out for Trent McClellan in this, you won't be sorry. Or maybe you will....

Pants Are Bad (Episode 4) 

Sophie Buddle: It is the perfect metaphor for all womanhood at this point. We want equality! But mostly we want to be comfy and binge Netflix and snack.

Third Party (Episode 2)

Heidi Brander: This was the easiest sketch of the year to write and a true collaboration. Every writer contributed a beat. It was done in about 15 minutes and it looks great. Plus, I think it really spoke to what people were feeling around that time. 

Hamilton (Episode 4)

Heidi Brander: Jon Blair wrote this amazing parody of the musical Hamilton about the city of Hamilton. Jon plays a judge who is also a DJ and Brandon Hackett plays Count Frightenstein. I like it when working here feels like you're in The Muppet Show.

Aisha Brown: The Hamilton sketch was a definite favourite of mine. It heavily references Hamilton the musical, Hamilton the city, and the Hilarious House of Frightenstein. It involves elaborate choreography, props, and make-up. It was written by one of the funniest people I know, Jon Blair, who plays a turntable spinning judge. It features a rapping Trent McClellan and Brandon Hackett. And it is exactly the kind of sketch that our showrunner, Mike Allison, would normally read and say: "Of course not, stop this." But it got made! And it's glorious.

French is Hard (Episode 15)

Heidi Brander: Jordan Foisy wrote a sketch about Conservatives learning French that ends with the line "Words are Boys," which made me laugh A LOT. 

Stream these and more episodes of 22 Minutes on CBC Gem!