Bizarre (TV series)

Bizarre was a Canadian sketch comedy television series that ran from 1980 to 1986, created by John Byner and based on an earlier stage show. It was known for its outlandish, and often shocking, humor that pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on television at the time.

The series featured a mix of slapstick, gross-out gags, and dark humor, often employing special effects and elaborate costumes to enhance the comedic impact. John Byner served as the host and often participated in the sketches. Recurring segments and running gags were common, contributing to the show's signature style.

One of the most notorious recurring elements was the "exploding head" gag, which became synonymous with the show. This involved characters' heads seemingly exploding in a shower of sparks, usually as a punchline to a joke. While visually striking, it was also a frequent target of criticism for its perceived gratuitousness.

The show's unconventional humor attracted a dedicated following, but also generated controversy due to its vulgarity and sometimes offensive content. It was broadcast internationally, gaining popularity in various countries. Despite its relatively short run, Bizarre remains a memorable, if somewhat polarizing, example of 1980s sketch comedy.