Proud to be known as 'cleanest comedian in Canada'

By Luke Johnson

THE UNCONVENTIONAL young host of NOWTV's afternoon show gives a modern twist to classic television. Leland Klassen, a standup comic known as 'The Cleanest Comedian in Canada,' has started a new career in television with one of the Lower Mainland's newest channels.

NOWTV's afternoon set of classic sitcoms, called Retro, features episodes of Leave it to Beaver, Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith and The Lucy Show. Klassen introduces each show and provides irreverent commentary during breaks. The host and his cameraman often leave the studio to do 'man on the street' interviews or explore interesting corners of greater Vancouver. On other days they stay in the studio to set up curling rinks, play with the stage props or joke around with special guests. "Whatever happens to me -- that's the show for that day." Klassen explains. "I was in a car accident the other day and we made it into a big part of the show."

Klassen is funny without being abrasive or crude, and his casual style has great appeal for young families and older viewers alike. Currently, the largest share of his audience is made up of men over the age of 53, followed by young women and families. Out on the streets of Vancouver though, he gets the most response from children and young teens.

"I like to get out and talk to people, because doing TV I miss out on the instant feedback you get doing standup. People let you know right away if you aren't funny."

While Klassen still does standup comedy occasionally, his time is focussed on making a success of the nostalgic Retro.

"I'm so excited to be working here, with these shows, because they take us back to a time when there was more innocence -- it's so lacking these days. I'm bothered by the stuff that's on now, because there's so much garbage. I don't mean that these classic shows are perfect, but it's a little better." Retro's classic sitcoms still enjoy a strong following decades after they were first shown.

Klassen's other program, Comedy Street, features weekly guests performing standup comedy and improv. 'Bumpers' -- skits between guests -- allow the comic to give a spiritual perspective on humour. In keeping with Klassen's style and NOWTV's mandate, the comedians entertain without offending.

Raised on a farm outside Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Klassen is still adjusting to life in the Vancouver area. He moved to Abbotsford in September, along with his wife Carrie and sons Cooper and Hunter, to prepare for NOWTV's launch.

Klassen says his first attempt at stand-up comedy was "not a very good experience" but he kept trying and was soon performing regularly in Saskatoon and on tour at major Canadian comedy clubs. He has per-formed at Montreal's 'Just for Laughs' festival and was a finalist in Canada's 'Search for the Funniest New Comic' in 1997.

Dean Cooper, station manager at NOWTV, says of Klassen: "I've been in the media for 30 years and I've never experienced a man as unusual and unique and quirky as Leland. He works very hard and he's crafted an interesting persona on the air. It's been fun to watch things develop."

Klassen cites Jim Carrey and Bob Newhart as comedic influences; Carrey for his insane antics and Newhart for his commitment to his faith. Newhart, a Catholic, maintained his faith during his long television career and Klassen strives to follow his lead. "What's funny is funny, so if I'm not compromising, why can't [the audience] be the same?"

Klassen seeks to model his career after Roaring Lambs, Bob Briner's book challenging Christians to involvement and excellence in secular culture.

"NOWTV has a similar focus and that's why I'm on board here." Klassen explains. "We have ministry shows, but we want to reach the unchurched."

NOWTV (channel 10, cable 66) is among the Lower Mainland's newest stations. It officially launched September 15, 2001. The faith-based station offers a wide variety of family-friendly shows including Touched by an Angel, Christy, Dateline and 60 Minutes. As mandated by the CRTC, the station also hosts programs from other faith groups, such as Muslims.

Obtaining permission to launch the religious station was a long and difficult process, but Klassen is excited about how NOW has developed over the past five months. "There's been a lot of faith involved, but God's been faithful to us. It hasn't been a smooth ride, but it's been a ride!"

When he's not serving as staff comedian, Klassen is also responsible for program development, and he continues to plan new programs and tinker with his current shows. He has big plans for the future, but for now he would be happy with one thing: "It would be great if people could pray for the channel, pray that we make the right choices."

Retro runs weekday afternoons from 4 - 5 and evenings 6 - 7, and Comedy Street can be seen Wednesdays at 8 pm. Klassen will be doing a local stand-up comedy tour in March, hitting Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver. Call NOWTV at 604-576-6880 for more info.