This Hour Has 22 Minutes celebrates 22 years on the air

This Hour Has 22 Minutes is celebrating a milestone birthday.The satirical televisionseries has been a staple of CBC's prime-time lineup for 22 seasons.

The award-winning, record-breaking Canadian comedy institution will be recognized live at Torontos TIFF BellLightboxon Thursday night with a star-studded gala.

The event features current cast members MarkCritch, Cathy Jones, SusanKent and ShaunMajumder, as well as former cast members, writers, and the politicians theyve spoofed over theyears,all sharing their favourite moments.

The evening will be hostedbyCBCsJonnyHarris (Murdoch Mysteries, Of All Places).

Next week, 22 Minutes will celebrate its momentous birthday with a special hour-long retrospective episodeentitledThis Hour Has 22 Years.

The special will look back at the show's legacy andbest moments that made theaward-winning, savage satire a hotbed of Canadian comedy.

It airs Tuesday nightat8 p.m.(8:30 p.m.NT) on CBC Television.

Jean Chretien was 'amazing'

There's a lot of material to choose from after more than two decades of jokes, sketches and ambushes with politicians.

When asked about which politician was the best to work withShaun Majumder didn't hesitate and chose Peter MacKay and Bob Rae.

Critch added that former Canadian Prime MinisterJean Chretien was "amazing" and also cited the comedic stylings of former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams.

The cast also spoke about the challenges of keeping the material fresh after two decades and Critch reflected that "the great thing is having that news element."

"There's always something new happening," he said. "You got to be loose and just go with it and it takes care of itself."

As for the future of the program,Majumderis optimistic.

"Whoever comes through, whether it's us or new cast members," he told CBC, "this show should live forever in my opinion."