It’s a Hamilton Thing: Crafting Identity Through Comedy

The city of Hamilton, Ontario has a rich history of many major milestones and complexities. It is home to the Tiger-Cats CFL team, several craft breweries, as well as the very first Tim Horton’s restaurant – a proud collection of achievements that some may call The Holy Trinity of Canadian stereotypes. But what else is there to Hamilton? Comedian Manolis Zontanos went as far to describe Hamilton as “where dreams go to fight.” When it comes to identifying what it is that makes Hamilton Hamilton, there are no easy answers. 

This week, a new television show on FibeTV1 looks to put Hamilton in the spotlight.

Say hello to This Is The Thing: a television show that was shot and filmed in Hamilton that actually takes place in Hamilton. 

This Is The Thing tells the story of Mike and Tim, a pair of record store employees with dreams of making it in show business. Mike dreams of becoming a successful standup comedian, and Tim yearns for that sweet dollop of viral YouTube fame. Through the pair’s misadventures, the viewers are taken on a journey around Hamilton that highlight various facets of the city’s comedy and music culture. 

“This Is The Thing is very Canadian and very Hamiltonian,” says show co-creator, Mike Mitchell. “When people think of Canada they think of cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal – these are places that have a very distinct personality. But being a Hamiltonian and growing up in Toronto’s shadow for lack of a better term, we wanted to use this show as a showcase to say “Hey cool stuff happens in Hamilton.””

The concept of the show originated through a YouTube series featuring series star and co-creator Tim Ford. The Vinyl Countdown with Tim Ford was a comedy web series presented by Sunrise Records where Ford offered shared his wit and wisdom about his personal record collection. Along with fellow comedy collaborator Tyler Shazma, the trio began to brainstorm how the YouTube series’ premise could be expanded into a full program. 

“I discovered that Bell was accepting pitches for a series just before the pandemic,” says Mitchell. “I was told I’d get to have a fifteen minute meeting, but then when it ended an hour I later I started thinking “we might be on to something here!”

Sunrise Records at Hamilton’s Lime Ridge Mall serves as the day-time backdrop for the series. The working-day shenanigans of record store employees Mike and Tim are on full display as they exchange quick witted dialogue at the expense of each other, their customers, and ABBA. Mike’s “straight man” presence foils nicely against Tim’s eccentricities, making their friendship both authentic and relatable. 

The record store does more than offer a setting for Kevin Smith-esque storytelling. Doubling as a music venue, pop-up concerts were filmed at Sunrise Records to showcase some of the best acts in the Hamilton scene today while also providing the series soundtrack that is a blend of Hamilton’s trademark gritty rock and pop punk. Among the featured musical acts include B.A Johnston, The Dirty Nil, Terra Lightfoot, and The Redhill Valleys.

“I’d say this series is aimed at the ‘Much Music generation’” says Mitchell. “Basically the generation that grew up with music videos and buying music at record stores. But this show could totally resonate with a younger generation that is interested in the nostalgia of that era.” 

“A record store? I thought these things died in the 90s,” says Ed the Sock, in a cameo that is definitely an example of the pot calling the kettle black.

Hamilton’s comedy scene also plays a principle role in the series, with many notable Hamiltonian comics making cameos throughout. With scenes filmed at Levity Comedy Club and Winking Judge, viewers catch a glimpse of what happens inside comedy shows (“coming up next to the stage...”) and outside of comedy shows (“hey do you got a smoke?”) while following Mike’s progress as he continues to work his material.

Perhaps the biggest strength of the premise of the series is that it takes an honest look at the challenges faced by artists attempting to “make it” in show business. While the pursuit of success and artistic achievement is not without its difficulty, the show reveals the sense of comradery and community that is fostered among a collective of like-minded creators faced with the same share of challenges. 

While the series has not been released yet, it is already generating a lot of attention. Earlier this winter, a trailer was released highlighting the plethora of locations and cameos featured within the series, while effectively presenting the overall tone. Part of the overwhelming initial response to the series was from Hamiltonians excited to see their home presented in such an authentic way. While it is described as a “love letter to Hamilton” it includes its fair share playful jibes at the expense of their home city.  “I got so many messages from people telling me it’s their favourite show and they haven’t even seen it yet,” laughs Mitchell. 

There is no singular way to define the typical understated excellence that exists within everyday Hamilton. Where This Is The Thing thrives is taking an honest look at some of the hilarious nuances of the city and the challenges faced by people chasing a dream. While the series is Hamilton-centric, the story remains relatable to audiences because the showrunners understand that the key to unlocking a universal message is through a personal (and painfully specific) lens. 

Besides, you probably recognize most of these landmarks from films and TV shows that claim to be set in New York, Detroit, or Everytown, USA. 

Season one of This Is The Thing consists of five twelve minute episodes that are available now on FibeTV1. Beyond its first season, This Is The Thing hopes to produce future episodes and continue to tell stories about about the Hammer. To show your support for this new Canadian series follow them online at www.thisisthething.ca