Amazon Prime has taken over The Kids in the Hallway: Comic Punksa two-part documentary series about the canadian sketch comedy troupe The children in the roomahead of its world premiere at SXSW.

The Blue Ant Studios docuseries promises never-before-seen archival footage from the comedy troupe’s early years and interviews with members Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson.

“It is difficult to put into context the influence children have had on comedy. Captured in the documentary, the praise from some of comedy’s biggest names speaks volumes about the influence and timelessness of the cast’s groundbreaking success,” Christina Wayne, head of Canadian originals at Amazon Studios, said in a statement. communicated.

The series features interviews with Fred Armisen, Lauren Ash, Jay Baruchel, Lewis Black, Janeane Garofalo, Eddie Izzard, Mae Martin, Eric McCormack, Lorne Michaels, Mike Myers, Matt Walsh and Reggie Watts. Amazon’s decision to pick up the docuseries follows the streaming platform’s order for a new season of Children in the room; the eight-episode sketch comedy series will debut in 240 countries later this year.

“Being the snotty little brother of one of the troupe members, as well as a proud Canadian and lifelong fan of The children in the room, it was an honor to be entrusted with their history and their legacy,” added Nick McKinney, executive producer of the project, directed by Reg Harkema. “The result is a profound, moving and surprising film that spans the troupe’s more than 40 years of existence, their die-hard fans and their enduring cultural legacy.”

The five cast members join executive producer Michaels for the show’s sequel, which originally ran from 1988 to 1995 in Canada and the United States. Children in the room revival was the first Canadian original series commissioned by Amazon Prime Video, although the streaming giant has produced a host of its own originals in Canada.

Foley, McCulloch, McDonald, McKinney and Thompson have toured together several times since the original show ended. They also wrote and starred in the 1996 film brain candy and the 2010 miniseries Death is coming to townwhich aired on CBC in Canada and IFC in the United States. Children characters but told unique narrative stories.

The two-part documentary traces the comedy band’s post-punk era origins in the 1980s and their 40-year journey through five seasons of their cult TV series, the feature film and several sold-out tours. “The Kids in the Hallway: Comic Punks is a deep and intimate look at the world of the mythical troupe. It offers a fascinating insight into the cultural climate in which their groundbreaking comedy thrived,” added Laura Michalchyshyn, CCO of Blue Ant Studios and executive producer, in her own statement.