The Red Green Show was a popular Canadian television comedy that aired from 1991 to 2006 on various networks. It starred comedian Steve Smith as the title character Red Green, a handyman who frequently tried to cut corners with duct tape and other unconventional solutions. Each episode featured sketch comedy segments as well as special guest appearances. One of the most iconic parts of the show was Red’s closing segment where he would share words of wisdom or a funny saying before signing off. This often included the show’s famous catchphrase “Remember, I’m pulling for ya. We’re all in this together.”
Overview of The Red Green Show
The Red Green Show was set in the fictional town of Possum Lake and centered around Red Green, the leader of the local lodge called Possum Lodge. Red was known for his failed handyman projects involving duct tape as well as his words of wisdom which he shared at the end of each episode. Some key facts about the show:
– Ran for 15 seasons from 1991 to 2006
– Aired on various networks including CBC, PBS, and Fox
– Starring Steve Smith as Red Green along with other recurring characters from Possum Lodge
– Mix of sketch comedy and guest appearances related to the Handyman theme
– Featured Red’s closing segment with his catchphrases and sayings
The show became known for its quirky humor and DIY projects gone wrong. Red’s closing philosophical musings were a fan favorite segment.
Red Green’s Signature Closing Segments
At the end of each episode, Red Green would share words of wisdom, humor, or advice in his closing segment. He would start by saying “Remember…” and end with his signature sign-off “Keep your stick on the ice.” Here are some of his most famous recurring phrases:
– “Remember, I’m pulling for ya. We’re all in this together.” This was perhaps his most iconic line that embodied the overall spirit of the show.
– “Remember, if the women don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.” Red’s take on attracting the ladies.
– “Remember, it’s not the size of the duct tape, it’s how you use it.” One of his most famous duct tape-related quips.
– “Remember, if at first you don’t succeed, hide all the evidence you ever tried.” Classic Red advice on covering up your failures.
– “Remember, you can’t lose if you don’t quit trying.” An inspirational spin on never giving up.
– “Remember, wherever you go in life, there you are.” Red’s philosophical side.
– “Remember, you’re only young once, but you can be immature forever.” How to stay forever young at heart.
These signature Red Green sayings often reflected his unique brand of wisdom mixed with humor. They remain memorable quotes from the show even years after it ended.
Origins and Impact of Red’s Closing Segments
Red Green’s iconic closing segments grew out of Steve Smith’s early comedy career. He performed humorous monologues on Canadian radio under the Red Green character in the 1970s and 80s. These segments allowed him to expand the character’s humor and give him a platform to share Red’s offbeat observations in an engaging way.
When The Red Green Show launched in 1991, producer Rick Green decided to incorporate this into the TV show by having Red give closing monologues directly to the camera. This let Red give advice and commentary as his alter ego to wrap up each episode in a memorable fashion.
The closing segments became a fan favorite part of the show. Red’s unique slogans and sayings took on a life beyond the show, being quoted in pop culture and everyday situations. Many centered around universal themes like struggling with projects, embracing our flaws, persevering through challenges, and not taking ourselves too seriously – making them relatable and humorous at the same time.
Audiences looked forward to Red’s sign-off each episode to see what funny or inspirational phrase he would coin next. The segments ultimately helped make The Red Green Show so iconic in Canada and beyond.
Memorable Specific Examples
Here are some memorable quotes from Red’s closing segments over the years:
| Quote | Episode Details |
|---|---|
| “If you can’t be handsome, at least be handy.” | Season 2 Episode 13 |
| “Hindsight is the only exact science.” | Season 4 Episode 1 |
| “It’s not really work if you enjoy yourself.” | Season 6 Episode 6 |
| “Always put off till tomorrow what you shouldn’t do at all.” | Season 7 Episode 15 |
| “Remember, you’re going nowhere faster with friends.” | Season 9 Episode 2 |
| “The road to success? Always under construction.” | Season 12 Episode 3 |
These examples showcase the diversity of themes and humor that Red brought to his unique words of wisdom each episode. Some were funny twists on common sayings, while others offered tongue-in-cheek advice on life.
No matter the exact phrase, Red’s closing segments never failed to leave audiences laughing, nodding, and feeling like they learned something from Red’s unconventional perspective.
Red’s Signature Sign-Off Line
At the end of his closing monologues, Red Green had one final signature line to officially sign-off the show each episode:
“Keep your stick on the ice.”
This Canadian expression essentially means “stay cool” or “hang in there.” It was the perfect encapsulation of Red’s overall message to persevere with patience and positivity.
Red first used the “stick on the ice” line in Season 2 and then made it his official sign-off starting in Season 3. It became indelibly associated with Red and viewers looked forward to hearing the familiar phrase at the end of each show.
The saying tied back to Red’s roots as a quintessential Canadian bushman character. It painted a vivid image of playing hockey on a frozen pond, symbolizing the need to stay steady and balanced.
Like his other sayings, Red was able to take a common expression and make it fresh and meaningful. “Keep your stick on the ice” remains one of the most memorable Red Green-isms that fans still quote today when offering encouragement or perspective to others.
Conclusion
In the end, The Red Green Show was about more than just laughs. At its heart, it had an inherent humanity thanks in large part to Red Green’s closing monologues each episode. His unique turns of phrase, humility, and dry humor made audiences feel like Red was speaking directly to them as a friend.
Red Green’s closing segment sayings covered universal themes in a witty way that didn’t take themselves too seriously. His iconic catchphrase of “I’m pulling for ya, we’re all in this together” encouraged sticking together through life’s ups and downs. And his signature sign-off “keep your stick on the ice” motivated persevering in the face of adversity.
These memorable quotes from The Red Green Show remain an iconic part of Canadian pop culture. Red’s closing words of wisdom made audiences laugh, reflect, and feel a little bit wiser when facing their own sticky situations. Just like Red and the gang at Possum Lodge, we’re all just trying to figure things out – and knowing Red is “pulling for ya” makes the journey a lot more fun.
