For those of you who watch Last Comic Standing, you're probably familiar with Toronto native Gerry Dee from season 5. Like my husband, he was born in Scarborough, and like myself, he became a teacher. After nearly ten years of working as a high school phys-ed teacher, he chose a different career path and made the switch to full-time comedy. 

In 2002, Gerry Dee was the first Canadian in 27 years to win the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition. A year later, he made his US network debut on CBS' Star Search with Arsenio Hall. (Why do I feel like pumping my fist?) He also played "Donny" in Trailer Park Boys: The Movie in 2006. (Loved the show; can't believe I haven't seen the movie.) His success continued and in 2008, he was named "Best Male Comic” in Canada by the Canadian Comedy Awards.

MR. D is a half-hour weekly comedy that explores life in private school. Based on the stand-up comedy act of Gerry Dee, a former private school teacher for nine years, MR. D tells the story of an under-qualified teacher trying to fake his way in a teaching job, just as he fakes his way through life.

The show takes a look at the teacher’s perspective and is based on Gerry's real life experience in the profession. He even relied on teacher friends to help keep the show realistic.

Tonight, I am relying on one of my own teacher friends to accompany me to the CBC premieres of Mr. D and Republic of Doyle, hosted by Anne-Marie Mediwake and Dwight Drummond from CBC News Toronto. We get to walk the red carpet, meet the stars and maybe win some prizes. Speaking of prizes, I recently came across a Republic of Doyle contest over at Sea and be Scene where they're giving away autographed copies of the first two seasons as well as the Definitive Guide to Doyle. And don't forget to tune in on January 11 when Russell Crowe guest stars on Republic of Doyle.