Reimagining CHCH classic Tiny Talent Time

For 35 years, it was a fixture of Canadian television. It’s been gone for more than two decades, but Tiny Talent Time has definitely not been forgotten.

In fact, here at CHCH we’re thinking about Tiny Talent Time in a whole new way.

It’s coming back — and this morning, as the new hosts, and producer began to move into their new office — and studio A — look ahead to an old favourite — that is definitely new again.

Tiny Talent Time and its genial host, Bill Lawrence, were television icons. So how do you top a legend? Well you can’t — but producer Jennifer Howe is drawing from its vibrant roots.

“I invited Steve Dunn, the original creator of the show. I called him and asked, ‘Would you have coffee with me?'”

That two hour conversation opened the door to a world of new possibilities.

Jason Agnew, host of the YTV kids show Splatalot was quick to jump on board. “I AM just a big kid!”

And Jaclyn Colville from our own Morning Live also drew from past experience. “I also have a background in singing and dancing so I know what it means to perform, and the courage it takes, especially being so young.”

They haven’t even had time to set up their new office yet — but they’ve already been hard at work :

“Well — we’ve already had over 500 video auditions…”

Some things have definitely changed over the years. “iPhone, Facebook, Twitter, we’re all over social media these days.”

And tastes have evolved: “Kids like to rap. The hippity-hop will be present on Tiny Talent Time this year.”

But the heart of the show is very much the same — as it was in 1957:

“Well we want it to be entertaining, but most importantly, and Bill Lawrence told us that — it’s not about us– it’s about the kids.”

“Personality was HUGE! Personality is huge, so if a child can just sell us on a song — again maybe they’re not hitting all the right notes, or maybe it’s a little pitchy — but if they’re just sellin’ it? That’s great TV!”

And great TV stands out in any era.

Tiny Talent Time proudly returns to the air Saturday, September 6th, right here on CHCH.