John Candy: I Like Me is a Must-Watch Tribute to a Canadian Comedy Legend

There’s just something about John Candy that today’s comedians can’t quite match. The man wasn’t just funny, he was maple syrup funny: sweet, warm, and instantly Canadian. From SCTV to Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Candy had that rare ability to be both larger-than-life and down-to-earth, like your goofy uncle who also happens to be a Hollywood star.

Now, fans finally get a serious, heartfelt look at the man behind the laughs. John Candy: I Like Me, a brand-new documentary directed by Colin Hanks and produced by fellow Canuck Ryan Reynolds, is coming to Prime Video on October 10. The film even features a fresh musical recording by Cynthia Erivo, adding another layer of soul to Candy’s story.

This documentary peels back the curtain on John Candy’s life, offering never-before-seen home videos, candid family moments, and behind-the-scenes memories from his collaborators. It shows the full picture: a son, husband, father, friend, and comedian who poured joy into every performance while navigating personal struggles and the pressures of Hollywood.

For anyone who grew up watching SCTV, you knew that cast was destined for greatness. But John Candy? He stood out. You could tell he was going to conquer the world, Canadian passport in hand. Sadly, he left us far too soon. One can only imagine the movies he might have brought to life had his story continued.

“If you go a whole lifetime eating your feelings, drinking your feelings, smoking your nerves, it shows up,” says Chris Candy, son of the late John Candy, in a powerful moment from the trailer. His words cut deep, offering a raw glimpse into the private struggles his father faced behind the laughter. It’s a reminder that even those who bring the most joy to the world often carry hidden burdens of their own.

SCTV legends Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Eugene Levy, Canadian comedy royalty in their own right, also appear in the trailer, sharing heartfelt reflections on John Candy’s life, career, and lasting impact on the comedy world. Their stories highlight not only Candy’s brilliance as a performer but also the tight-knit community of Canadian comedians who shaped North American comedy for generations. Losing John Candy at such a young age was more than just the loss of a star; it was the loss of a national treasure whose humor and heart continue to inspire.

John Candy: I Like Me reminds us why John Candy was a man who could make you laugh until your face hurt, and then turn around and break your heart with tenderness in the very next scene.