“I hear about it everywhere, it’s stupid! Everyone told me about it. I am very happy. »
On the other end of the line, Patrick Huard is very enthusiastic about his latest project. The bye? It’s more the show LOL: who has the last laugh?
The Quebec adaptation of this popular international concept was released on Amazon Prime Video on Friday. And the success is there.
For the past three days, the show has – francophone, we recall – topped the top 10 on the platform in Canada, ahead of big names like Jack Ryan, Bullet Train, Yellowstone and Three Pines.
“It’s unanimous,” says Huard, who hosts the program, which notably features Laurent Paquin, Yves P. Pelletier, Christine Morency, Virginie Fortin and Arnaud Soly. “Everyone I know who saw it told me they laughed their cheeks off. »
“There is a huge buzz on social media, which confirms the excitement, notes the show’s producer Richard Speer. It’s super positive. We are very proud of this. »
“I’m proud of the show,” continues Patrick Huard. It’s super mainstream. It doesn’t pretend to be what it isn’t. The whole bill, the whole look, the music, the editing, it’s very high quality. If those cases come together, I think we have a chance of hitting home runs. »
Warmer version
LOL: Last One Laughing was first shown in Japan in 2016 and has since been recorded in several countries including Australia, France, Germany, Italy and Mexico. English Canada did a version of this last winter, with Jay Baruchel as the host.
The concept is simple: ten participants – mostly comedians – are locked in a loft and have to last six hours without laughing. All shots are allowed, or almost!
For Patrick Huard, the Quebec version is different from other countries because of the brotherhood between comedians. “It’s like nothing else in the world. Even if it remains a competitive environment, they love each other, know each other and have empathy for others. I think it gives a warmth to our version. »
According to Patrick Huard, if he had participated in the game, he would not have lasted long. “I’d be out in 21 seconds! [rires.] I’m really not good at not laughing. »
Although the concept has proven itself abroad, according to Richard Speer, there was still a major challenge with this adaptation. “You don’t want to be the one who misses. »
The producer has not yet spoken to Amazon about a second season. “It’s still early, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. »