For Justin Morissette, family television has created unforgettable moments over dinner. He retains many strong memories of the small Quebec screen.
Justin, which children’s programs have influenced you?
The shows that shaped me the most growing up are Cornemuse, Toc Toc Toc, Kaboum, Zooboomafoo and Les Parent. I was a big fan of Télé-Québec with its interactive programs for young people. My favorite show by far was Toc Toc Toc. The characters were endearing, the theme song made my sisters and I dance and we always remembered the little nursery rhymes.
Parent photo is from IMDB
What are your fondest TV memories from your childhood?
The sequence of my three favorite shows on Télé-Québec (Cornemuse, Toc Toc Toc and Kaboum) from Monday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It was dinner with my sisters, our daily meeting. We still remember it today. It reminds me how much television and children’s programs were a part of our lives when we were little. It’s family moments like this that I will always remember.
Kaboum photo from IMDB
Did you watch a lot of TV as a kid?
Daily. Shows were daily Monday through Thursday so we didn’t go a day without seeing at least one of our shows. I’m also thinking of Disney Junior or Télétoon, where cartoons were shown early in the morning, so we always had something to watch no matter what time of the day.
Would you say there is a character that has influenced you?
No, not a specific one. I adopted the facial expressions and demeanor of most of the characters I saw on TV growing up. I would say Youï [joué par Frédéric Bélanger, NDLR] in Toc Toc Toc particularly impressed me. He was my favorite because he wore blue clothes.
Is there another song from a show that sticks in your mind?
Bagpipe theme song 100%. I still sing it with my family. It’s certainly one of the songs on Quebec TV that represents my generation. Kaboum’s song wasn’t bad either.
Bagpiper Photo from IMDB
Is there a character you would have loved to play for children?
I think I would have liked to have played a Krashmal in Kaboum. These characters were the funniest. Playing an antagonist role in a teenage story like Kaboum must be a very cool challenge.
Which TV universe should young people discover?
Ideally, a simplified universe where freedom of expression prevails and where young people have the right to express themselves openly according to their tastes and needs.
What do you think of today’s youth television?
In my opinion, children’s television today fulfills the same functions as it did when I was 4 or 5 years old. I just think that the young audience is less present and less attentive because of the streaming platforms. However, our television in Quebec still manages to offer entertaining content for young people. I am thinking in particular of the new version of the Passe-Partout, which I would certainly have liked if it had been played when I was young.
Justin Morissette is part of first line, a series based on the novels of the same name. The first 13 episodes are available on ICI Tou.tv Extra. The other 13 will be accessible from July 6th.