January 9, 2012 (2012-01-09) – December 18, 2018 (2018-12-18)
Mr. D is a Canadian television series starring comedian Gerry Dee. The series follows the misadventures of an underqualified schoolteacher named Gerry Duncan, nicknamed Mr. D. It debuted on the CBC on January 9, 2012, and concluded after eight seasons on December 19, 2018.
Gerry Dee as Gerry Duncan:[1] an under-qualified high schoolsocial studiesteacher who prefers to be called Mr. D by the children and is jealous when the school's actual Mr. D (Paul Dwyer) returns to Xavier Academy. During Season 8, he is promoted to the role of principal of Xavier Academy.
Jonathan Torrens as Robert Cheeley:[2] Robert is the vice principal of the school but his bizarre character traits make it difficult for his colleagues to respect him. He becomes co-principal with Lisa in season 6 and sole principal at the end of season 6. In Season 8, he is co-vice-principal with Mr. Dwyer.
Lauren Hammersley as Lisa Mason:[3] a competent and responsible former teacher and principal, known for her traditional teaching style. She has a Masters in Education and a PhD in Medieval literature. In the seventh season, she is the school guidance counselor.
Bette MacDonald as Trudy Walsh:[4] the school secretary who runs much of the day-to-day business at Xavier Academy.
Naomi Snieckus as Bobbi Galka:[5] the confident and respected PE teacher at Xavier Academy.
Darrin Rose as Bill Cogill:[6] Gerry's roommate and a womanizing bachelor who works as the local bartender, until the bar closes in the final season. He then runs a smoothie bar at Xavier Academy.
Mark Little as Simon Hunt:[7] the science teacher of the school, he is weak and a typical science geek who is also assistant coach of the girls' basketball team.
Wes Williams as Paul Dwyer:[8] Paul is cool and loved by all the teachers, and was the original Mr. D to the children before he left. During the final season, he is the co-vice-principal of Xavier Academy with Robert Cheeley. Gerry is often jealous of Dwyer and feels that he is in competition with him.
Suresh John as Malik:[9] the mysterious school custodian with an unusual history.
Kathleen Phillips as Emma Terdie:[10] Emma is the librarian who runs a tight ship and demands that rules are followed and that things are always done by the book in her library.
Bill Wood as Frank:[11] the school's guidance counselor and assistant basketball coach to Mr. D. He uses crutches to walk.
Emma Hunter as Nisha Corcoran, who is hired in Season 5 to replace Mr. D when he's fired by Ms. Mason. She has a relationship with Mr. Hunt.
Booth Savage as Principal Mike Callaghan from Season 1 to Season 4. He retires at the end of Season 4 to be replaced by one of the teachers, Lisa Mason.
Creator, writer, executive producer and star Gerry Dee based Mr. D on his ten years teaching physical education in high school before he left for a career in stand-up comedy in 2003.[12][13] The pilot episode was directed by Steve Wright and produced by Gerry Dee and Michael Volpe.[14] The show is filmed on location at Citadel High School in Halifax, Nova Scotia.[15]
Mr. D was renewed for a third season on April 3, 2013, and for a fourth season on April 4, 2014.[16]
For the fourth season, the CBC included the series in a production deal with City.[17] Under the deal, Mr. D and City's new sitcom Young Drunk Punk will each air on their own originating network in the winter of the 2014–15 television season, then swap networks for a second run in the fall of the 2015–16 season.[17]
The CBC announced that Mr. D had been renewed for a fifth season in a press release dated March 4, 2015.[18]
16 February 2016, the CBC announced "Mr. D" had been renewed for a sixth season in a press release.[19]
On April 6, 2017 Dee confirmed the show had been renewed for a seventh season.[20]
On March 11, 2018 the show was renewed for an eighth season. Dee confirmed this would be the show's last.[21][22]
Gerry Duncan has finally gotten a full-time teaching position at the prestigious Xavier Academy after years of substituting. Unfortunately he'll be teaching social studies, which he knows nothing about, instead of his dream physical education (PE) job.
Gerry struggles to get his students to write his only version of the exam; Dwyer donates his father's foosball table and Simon's obsession goes a little too far.
Gerry convinces Lisa to act as his girlfriend when he is invited out by a rival basketball coach; Robert tries to organize a milestone celebration in honour of Mr. Callaghan.
Gerry tries to make a good impression when a member of the school board is sent to evaluate his teaching abilities. Robert tries to become more aggressive.
Gerry takes on a second job in order to afford a new car, but things get complicated when one of his students gets a job at the same place. Robert is in charge of negotiating budget cuts to the library.
Gerry brings his own personal beliefs to a lesson about world religions. Robert tries to outdo Trudy when she buys a better birthday gift for Mr. Callaghan. Simon has a crush on a substitute teacher.
16
4
"Overnight Trip"
Steve Wright
Andrew De Angelis
January 30, 2013 (2013-01-30)
N/A
Gerry organizes an overnight class trip to Boston where he plans to sneak off and go to a basketball game with Bill. However, his plans are put in jeopardy when Robert decides to be a chaperone.
The staff members get involved in a trust game that reveals their darkest secrets; Callaghan and Malik engage in some friendly competition.
23
11
"Culture Day"
Steve Wright
Gerry Dee
April 3, 2013 (2013-04-03)
N/A
It's Culture Day at Xavier and each teacher has been asked to model their classroom after a country.
24
12
"Strip Club"
Keith Samples
Gerry Dee
April 10, 2013 (2013-04-10)
N/A
Dwyer's after-hours activities catch a suspicious Gerry's attention; Lisa goes all out for Secretary Day.
25
13
"Slam Dunk"
Steve Wright
Mark Forward & Andrew De Angelis
April 17, 2013 (2013-04-17)
N/A
Gerry tries to get his girls' basketball team cancelled game to go on to try to win, so he can coach the Senior Boys volleyball team. Mr Cheely conducts teacher evaluations.
Season 3 (2014)
No. overall
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Canadian viewers (millions)
26
1
"Parent Teacher Night"
Steve Wright
Jonathan Torrens
February 23, 2014 (2014-02-23)
N/A
When Mr. D has only one opportunity to meet Paul Henderson and have his priceless Team Canada jersey signed, he won't let Xavier Academy's parent-teacher night get in the way.
Gerry decides he's going to make an impression on the runway of Lisa's faculty fashion show. Robert and Leung team up to find the vandal who has been defacing staff pictures.
28
3
"Donor Dinner"
Jacob Tierney
Gerry Dee
March 10, 2014 (2014-03-10)
N/A
When Gerry finds out that Robert is trying to charm Xavier Academy's most-generous philanthropist into continuing her support, Gerry decides he's going to show up Robert and take all the recognition for himself.
29
4
"Assistant Leung"
Steve Wright
Mark Forward
March 17, 2014 (2014-03-17)
N/A
Gerry is forced to appoint his arch nemesis Mr. Leung as his new assistant coach. His attempts to put Leung in his place as his subordinate end up backfiring and causing unforeseen problems. Robert's beloved pet bird quickly becomes a major nuisance when he starts bringing it to work.
30
5
"Food Drive"
Steve Wright
Gerry Dee
March 24, 2014 (2014-03-24)
N/A
It's Food Drive Month at Xavier Academy, and Gerry is determined to make sure he wins the prize for being the teacher with the class that contributes the most food. Robert and Bobbi are put at odds when the field hockey team and debate team are both counting on their star, Sheila, to attend practice at the same time.
31
6
"Gerry Gets Gym"
Steve Wright
Gerry Dee
March 31, 2014 (2014-03-31)
N/A
When Gerry is asked to temporarily fill in for an absent phys-ed teacher, he aggressively pursues what he sees as an "audition" to make a permanent move into the gymnasium.
32
7
"Self Defence"
Jacob Tierney
Andrew De Angelis and Jessie Gabe
April 7, 2014 (2014-04-07)
N/A
Gerry decides to "help" Bobbi with her girls' self-defence class, but feels emasculated when she physically dominates him. Lisa's lunch causes an uproar in the teachers' lounge, while Leung has mysterious packages delivered to reception.
After Gerry has a positive interview for Xavier's main rival school, he attempts to use it as leverage with Principal Callaghan for the phys-ed position. When Callaghan encourages Robert to take a bigger leadership role, Robert decides an elaborate musical number will show everybody that he has what it takes.
Season 4 (2015)
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Canadian viewers (millions)
34
1
"Mafia Dad"
Keith Samples
Gerry Dee
January 20, 2015 (2015-01-20)
N/A
Gerry has the chance to coach the varsity boys basketball team but ends up in an awkward position when an overeager gift-bearing dad insists that a reluctant Gerry should let his son play.
35
2
"Staff Hangover"
Jacob Tierney
Jessie Gabe
January 27, 2015 (2015-01-27)
N/A
During a school assembly, Xavier teachers have flashbacks of the previous night's staff party where some members let a little too much loose. Xavier's new Librarian has an unusual name.
Gerry's father visits Xavier, and Gerry decides to take a page from his father's book when dealing with an insubordinate student.
41
8
"Lockdown"
Jacob Tierney
Gerry Dee
March 10, 2015 (2015-03-10)
N/A
After encountering an attractive police officer during a lock-down drill, Gerry is determined to see her again. Bobbi does her best to end her recurring fling with Robert, while Simon shows Frank how he could use science to protect Xavier.
42
9
"Gerry's Kid"
Steve Wright
Gerry Dee
March 17, 2015 (2015-03-17)
N/A
Gerry bumps into an old fling and her daughter and becomes convinced he's met the child he never knew he had. Robert prepares for his chess club's 20-year reunion.
Gerry is assigned an educational assistant, Marty, who quickly becomes a new source of irritation in the classroom.
49
3
"Wrestling for Love"
Keith Samples
Jessie Gabe
February 2, 2016 (2016-02-02)
N/A
When Lisa asks Gerry to cover coaching duties for the upcoming wrestling tournament, Gerry promises to bring home two trophies. But when an unexpected ringworm outbreak threatens the team's success, he concocts an elaborate ruse to avoid certain disqualification.
50
4
"Gerry Runs a Sweatshop"
Jacob Tierney
Gerry Dee
February 9, 2016 (2016-02-09)
N/A
Gerry hatches a new "get rich quick" scheme selling counterfeit One Direction merchandise when he learns the band is in town. But making countless beaded bracelets at home is tedious work, and Gerry soon realizes he has a whole classroom full of potential unpaid labourers waiting to be exploited.
When Gerry is suddenly promoted from sub to full-time teacher, his initial thrill is quickly squashed by the realization that he's back to real teaching responsibilities.
When Gerry learns that former Olympic champion Donovan Bailey is coming to town, he's determined to seek retribution for a long-standing bone he has with the track "star".
When Gerry and Simon get student teachers, Gerry's hands-off approach fails; Bobbi starts taking supplements; Emma's characters bear a resemblance to some of the staff.
54
8
"Gerry Wants a Union"
Gerry Dee
Dane Clark
March 8, 2016 (2016-03-08)
N/A
Gerry decides to form a teachers union at Xavier; Malik bails on his janitorial duties; Lisa has a crush on Trudy's brother.
55
9
"Duncan Does Detention"
Jacob Tierney
Dane Clark
March 15, 2016 (2016-03-15)
N/A
Gerry is forced into covering Saturday detention; Robert and Lisa have a heart to heart.
56
10
"Gerry Coaches Fencing"
Steve Wright
Dane Clark
March 22, 2016 (2016-03-22)
N/A
Gerry is assigned to help Ricki prepare for a fencing tournament; Bobbi invites Dwyer over for dinner in an attempt to seduce him.
57
11
"Hell-icopter Mom"
Stephen Reynolds
Dane Clark, Jessie Gabe
March 29, 2016 (2016-03-29)
N/A
Gerry is confronted by his overprotective and obnoxious mother; Bobbi tries to pawn off the role of staff punching bag; Ricki sells pencils to Robert.
58
12
"Out Cold"
Michael Volpe
Dane Clark
April 5, 2016 (2016-04-05)
N/A
Gerry meets a beautiful woman while on a leadership retreat; Lisa learns of Trudy's gambling ring; Simon and Frank's game takes an ugly turn.
59
13
"Gerry Turns 40"
Stephen Reynolds
Jessie Gabe
April 12, 2016 (2016-04-12)
N/A
Upon his 40th birthday, Gerry finds a letter he wrote to himself 10 years ago; Simon's ferret goes missing; Lisa tries to impress the chairman of the board of trustees.
Season 6 (2016)
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Canadian viewers (millions)
60
1
"Gerry Does It Again"
Keith Samples
Jessie Gabe
October 18, 2016 (2016-10-18)
N/A
Gerry and Lisa attempt to navigate their new reality as a married couple. Meanwhile, Emma's library receives a shipment of e-readers and Nisha attempts to have a pleasant dinner with Simon and his mom.
61
2
"Gerry Wants to Stay Married"
Steve Wright
Jessie Gabe
October 25, 2016 (2016-10-25)
N/A
Lisa has second thoughts about the marriage, but Gerry isn't throwing in the towel so quickly. Meanwhile, Robert gives a new treadmill desk a try; and Bobbi is aglow after being called an "inspiration" by a former student.
62
3
"Gerry Gets a Kid"
Steve Wright
Dane Clark
November 1, 2016 (2016-11-01)
N/A
With Hayden's wealthy father on his deathbed and preparing to bequeath Hayden's favourite staff, Gerry attempts to ingratiate himself to the young student. Meanwhile, Lisa and Robert are named co-principals, shifting the balance of power; and Nisha ruins an innocent children's game.
63
4
"Gerry Goes to Prison"
Steve Wright
Gerry Dee
November 15, 2016 (2016-11-15)
N/A
Gerry, Simon and Nisha take on various teaching side jobs in an effort to save for their respective March break getaways.
64
5
"A Star is Born"
Keith Samples
Shebli Zarghami
November 22, 2016 (2016-11-22)
N/A
Gerry steps into the role of a lifetime and finds himself bitten by the acting bug and reveling in the new-found attention. Bobbi tries a new tactic in order to motivate her lethargic students and Nisha discovers a manipulative teaching technique.
65
6
"Gerry Throws the Game"
Gerry Dee
Gerry Dee
November 29, 2016 (2016-11-29)
N/A
Gerry takes on the senior girls' volleyball team. But when he realizes their semifinals will be interfering with his all-important social schedule, he sets out to sabotage them at the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Robert needs to increase the 'between class hustle' and Trudy posts a terrible photo on the allergy wall.
66
7
"The Man with Two Red Shoes"
Michael Volpe
Gerry Dee
December 6, 2016 (2016-12-06)
N/A
When Gerry learns of a lurker in the vicinity, he sets out to catch said lurker and earn the Teach of the Month title. Meanwhile, Robert creates a Xavier Academy montage, from which Bobbi is conspicuously lacking, and a new feud develops between Dwyer and Nisha.
67
8
"Gerry Has Hot Sub Anxiety"
Keith Samples
Gerry Dee, Michael Volpe
December 13, 2016 (2016-12-13)
N/A
Gerry is blown away by the hotness of the new subs and sets his sights on Mary, the likely love of his life. Meanwhile, Simon and Nisha ready themselves for their big first kiss, and Bobbi attempts a "kill 'em with kindness" method for dealing with a difficult student.
68
9
"Busploitation"
Derek Filiatrault
Gerry Dee, Michael Volpe
December 20, 2016 (2016-12-20)
N/A
When Gerry hears that a Kickstarter campaign raised a bundle of money for a bullied bus monitor, he sets out to victimize himself in a similar fashion. Meanwhile, Dwyer has a new "killer" girlfriend and Bobbi comes to a surprising realization.
69
10
"Gerry Charters a New Course"
Jason Shipley
Gerry Dee, Michael Volpe
December 27, 2016 (2016-12-27)
N/A
When Gerry isn't given a full-time contract for the following year, he makes a bold move that may change the course of his career. Meanwhile, Lisa attempts in vain to show her appreciation to the staff, and Robert and Bobbi plan for a major shift in the physical education department.
After finally achieving his goal of teaching physical education full time, Gerry sets out to teach the course the way it should be taught.
71
2
"Gerry Rigs PTA"
Keith Samples
Dane Clark
October 3, 2017 (2017-10-03)
N/A
Lisa runs for the unopposed Parent-Teacher Association president position as a way to punish the staff.
72
3
"Gerry Cuts a Footloose"
Keith Samples
Gerry Dee
October 10, 2017 (2017-10-10)
N/A
When Gerry meets a DJ at the gym, he offers her a job at the school dance, but Robert has banned dances and won't budge on his position.
73
4
"Gerry Coaches Hockey"
Steve Wright
Gerry Dee
October 17, 2017 (2017-10-17)
N/A
Gerry suspects Central High of cheating; Bobbi prepares for maternity leave.
74
5
"Formative Bulls..."
Keith Samples
Gerry Dee
October 24, 2017 (2017-10-24)
N/A
Gerry discovers that teaching phys ed comes up a lot of paperwork; Bobbi tries to juggle work and a newborn; Lisa becomes friends with some moms who may have dirt on Xavier.
Gerry takes control of the girls' soccer team to get back at Coach Meyers; an ambitious mom seduces Frank; Lisa's reign of terror seemingly comes to an end.
78
9
"Principal for a Day"
Steve Wright
Gerry Dee
November 21, 2017 (2017-11-21)
N/A
Gerry's least-favorite student becomes Principal for a Day; a harmless prank goes sour; Bobbi accidentally ruins a student's life.
79
10
"Gerry's Security Insecurity"
Jason Shipley
Jason Packer, Gerry Dee
November 28, 2017 (2017-11-28)
N/A
Robert hires a security guard after a string of thefts; Robert learns the truth behind his baby's name.
80
11
"Gerry's Insider's Look"
Michael Volpe
Jessie Gabe
December 5, 2017 (2017-12-05)
N/A
A team of reporters uses Xavier Academy to determine the true value of private schools and ends up exposing a deep, dark secret.
Season 8 (2018)
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Canadian viewers (millions)
81
1
"Big in Japan"
Gerry Dee
Gerry Dee
November 1, 2018 (2018-11-01)
N/A
Continuing from the previous season finale, the "Insider's Look" exposé on Gerry costs him his job and makes it impossible to get a new one, so he has no choice but to get as far away as he can to start a new life in Japan, leaving Xavier behind. However, after the Board of Directors want to do damage control and make the "Insider's Look" look like "fake news", Robert must bring Gerry back from Japan or risk being fired from the Board. Meanwhile, after Emma claims she was once a gymnast destined for the Olympics 20 years ago, Lisa goes out of her way to prove Emma is lying.
82
2
"Finnished Teaching"
Steve Wright
Gerry Dee
November 8, 2018 (2018-11-08)
N/A
When Gerry's officially introduced as Xavier's new principal, the staff's obvious disappointment leads Gerry to try and gain their trust by making some drastic moves he thinks everyone can appreciate. However, his proposal to adopt the Finnished School System proves to be challenging to Gerry's work life balance. After Nisha is scolded for not being able to play with a student's emotional support dog, she gets one of her own that causes problems at Xavier. After Barrels declares bankruptcy, Bill proposes to Robert to start a smoothie bar at Xavier.
83
3
"Breaking Slime"
Marsh Horodyski
Shebli Zarghami
November 15, 2018 (2018-11-15)
N/A
Slime is all the rage across Xavier, leading Gerry to ban it. Gerry also learns, however, that slime is actually a pretty lucrative business... and his ban just created a vacuum, which prompts him to recruit Simon, Amanda-Susan and the primary students into his enterprise. After becoming co-vice principals, Dwyer and Robert have a lottery to determine what students they will be responsible to deal with. Lisa gets a blonde dye job and Bobbi cannot explain why she finds herself suddenly attracted to Lisa.
84
4
"Mister D"
Gerry Dee
Dane Clark
November 22, 2018 (2018-11-22)
N/A
Gerry is approached by a producer who wants to use Xavier as a backdrop for a movie, but he gets too caught up in the details to see the big picture: they're filming a porn at Xavier. Lisa becomes jealous that Lucy is taking Bill's career advice at the Smoothie Bar, which prompts her to try and provide better advice as the Guidance Counsellor. After Emma takes Nisha to a magic show, Emma then expects repayment for the tickets that she actually received for free.
85
5
"Security Threat"
Michael Volpe
Jason Packer & Shebli Zarghami
November 29, 2018 (2018-11-29)
N/A
After a near life-and-death experience, Gerry doesn't believe the staff care if he's in mortal peril, so he stages a threat against him prompting Robert to rehire Ron as his security guard. Nisha once again intervenes in advice to Dwyer to break up with Donna, which Nisha fears that her life is in danger when Donna breaks out of prison and comes for Nisha. Frank starts to irritate Dave, the Economics Teacher.
When Gerry realizes how poorly he's been taking care of himself, he adopts Dwyer's strict diet. Diets require the kind of discipline Gerry lacks. Nisha tries recruiting Lisa, Bobbi and Emma to go to an Escape Room on Friday night, but when Lisa, Bobbi and Emma rescind their plans, Nisha makes all stops to get out of going to the Escape Room when it's only Frank and the lesser known staff members who are eager to go. Robert tells Trudy that staff believe she's mean, so he needs her to turnaround if she wants a raise on her performance review, so Trudy becomes so nice, it starts to creep out the rest of Xavier's staff.
87
7
"Wedding Story"
Keith Samples
Michael Volpe
December 12, 2018 (2018-12-12)
N/A
Bobbi and Robert's wedding day is approaching, which Gerry looks into online dating for his plus-1. Bill gives Gerry advice to go online and find a date. After speaking to Trudy, Gerry checks his spam mail and reaches out a Klaudia from Poland. After she flies to meet Gerry, he learns Frank can speak Polish, so unknown to Gerry, Bill is trying to woo Klaudia. Nisha is depressed that Simon hasn't proposed, so she takes advice seeing Bobbi proposed to Robert, so she asks Simon's mom for her blessing to marry Simon. Nisha finds out that Simon's mom ran off with him, which Simon attempts to reach out to her leaving it unknown whether they tied the not over an iPad.
In the end, Frank and Klaudia run off and steal Gerry's RV to ride off to the sunset. Bill reveals to Gerry he's made business deals to open smoothie bars in private schools across the country and hugs Gerry for the first time before leaving the series.
Nisha, depressed that another year is ending, tries to find methods to transform her emotional pain letting go her emotional attachment with students all year before the summer break and the departing graduate class. In the process, Nisha uses a gong after stopping in her hearing from using a gong to help ease her nerves.
Lisa feeling dejected being overqualified as a guidance counselor agrees to accompany Brandon to the University where she graduated to help him cope with his anxiety only to get a lucrative offer for a professor position based on her credentials. Lisa finds true love with a former classmate allowing her to finally find happiness after having the roughest years of her life after joining Xavier prompting her to resign.
All the while, Gerry is challenged by the graduating class, who he started teaching in grade 5 in the series premiere, to provide them a parting gift that they’ll remember him. Gerry seeks to do it better than the principals before him. Gerry plans on outdoing his predecessors, which he’s encouraged to break the world record for the largest time capsule using a dumpster. His contribution is that he believes he no longer needs his Bachelor of Education now that he's principal, so he throws it in the dumpster. Along the way, students and staff contribute to the time capsule, which revisits gags from previous episodes. Eventually, Gerry has the students digging up Xavier's grounds to bury the time capsule dumpster, only to stumble upon human bones prompting the local authorities to shut the school down indefinitely.
With Xavier now closed and the students now on their way, the remaining staff realize their fates: Lisa reveals Frank sent them a disgusting postcard after taking off in the previous episode; Simon returns revealing he's on the run from his mother after trying to break away from her permanently, as he returns to take off with Nisha into the sunset; since Robert is actually rich and doesn’t really need the job, he and Bobbi are set anyhow, so they walk off together; Dwyer confesses that despite Donna's anger issues, this all works out as they got back together and already is planning to move closer to the prison where she's incarcerated, so this works out for him, as "every day is a holiday"; Lisa boasts she already resigned is above them all now and is in love; Emma reveals she's crowning and going into labour for seven hours, which Lisa agrees to take her to the hospital; Trudy is finally bored of all this nonsense, so she's glad to finally walk off; leaving Malik who plans to finally meet his long-lost sister in Des Moines and is the only one who comforts and hugs Gerry goodbye with the parting words to keep the school clean. In the end, Gerry realizes he's got nothing now (as Bill left in the previous episode), so he walks off trying to figure out where and what he’ll do next.
Reception
The first episode of the show was watched by 1.23 million viewers, which was the biggest midseason debut for the CBC 2011–12 season.[23]
Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Teen Actor
Jordan Poole
Nominated
Best Performance in a TV Series -Supporting Young Actress
Alyce Donoghue
Nominated
Faith Donoghue
Nominated
Proposed U.S. version
On October 31, 2015, Gerry Dee and Mr. D co-creator Michael Volpe announced an agreement had been signed with Will Arnett's newly formed TV production company, Electric Avenue, to develop an American version of the show for American network CBS.[38]
Dee revealed the initial contact with Will Arnett came from a friend of a friend who went to school with Arnett. He stated that there had been small interest from American television in the past, but this was the first serious proposal to get an American version of the show up.[39]
Dee and Volpe originally pitched the show as an American reboot with Dee reprising his role. However, CBS was looking to use the show as a vehicle for an American star with Dee and Volpe getting executive producer credits. Veteran comedic actor Tom Arnold had been signed to the title role. CBS also mentioned hiring Tom Hertz as showrunner. Hertz was previously executive producer of popular American sitcoms Spin City and King of Queens.[39]
While Dee understands a show about his life as a teacher before he became a comedian will be adapted to suit American audiences, with changes including a multi-camera American sitcom system rather than the single camera Canadian system, he hopes the American version will retain Mr. D's mix of character humour, physical comedy and authenticity, along with its use of talented young actors for students instead of 25-year-olds playing teenagers.[39][40]
