# Trying Times
Who / What
**Trying Times** is a Canadian-American anthology comedy television series that aired on PBS as the first original comedy program on the network. It was co-produced with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and featured stand-up comedians, actors, and writers in self-contained episodes.
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Background & History
Developed by KCET, *Trying Times* premiered in 1987 during a period when PBS sought to expand its programming lineup beyond traditional dramas and documentaries. The series ran for two seasons (1987–1989) and was part of a broader effort to introduce comedy into public broadcasting. While it lasted only two seasons, it became a landmark in the history of PBS by pioneering original comedic content. The Canadian airing of its episodes was bundled under CBC’s *Lies From Lotus Land*, an anthology series.
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Why Notable
*Trying Times* holds historical significance as the first original comedy series on PBS, breaking ground for lighter, more accessible programming on the network. Its success helped pave the way for future comedic anthologies and standalone comedies on public television. The show’s ensemble cast—including stars like Candice Bergen, David Byrne, and Steven Wright—contributed to its cultural relevance during the late 1980s. Though short-lived, it remains a notable example of how anthology formats could blend humor with broader social commentary.
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In the News
As of recent years, *Trying Times* has been revisited in discussions about PBS’s evolving programming landscape, particularly regarding the network’s shift toward more diverse and genre-inclusive content. While no major updates exist on its revival or re-release, its legacy as a pioneer in public television comedy continues to influence modern anthology formats. The series remains a nostalgic reference point for fans of 1980s stand-up comedy and PBS’s early experiments with original storytelling.
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Key Facts
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