Rent-A-Goalie: Canada's TV success

Christopher Bolton is the creator, executive producer, writer, and star of the new Canadian television series Rent-A-Goalie. This comedy portrays a slice of life from the cultural haven of Toronto, featuring a company that literally employs the services of substitute goaltenders in downtown Little Italy.
Rent-A-Goalie is currently in the midst of filming their third season, which will premiere on Showcase in the fall. The show's premise revolves around Bolton's main character, Cake, who runs a goalie service out of a family coffee shop in downtown Toronto. This diverse cultural atmosphere becomes a comfortable home for Cake, who enjoys the urbane customs of everyday life.
"I really wanted to have a main character who would do some good in the world, even if it's just his little corner of the world," said Bolton. "I also liked the idea of a guy who could conceivably grow quite bored in the world he has adapted to."
Rent-A-Goalie is filled with quirky characterization that provides the comic force of the show. The notorious antics of local goaltenders and Cake's friends, Goth Girl and Short Bus, initiate entertaining sub-plots. Moreover, the show includes Cake's relationship with Francesca, a French love interest who becomes involved with the business.
"The number one driver in terms of relationships is Francesca," said Bolton. "He is kind of in love with her, but he cannot do anything because he does work with his father."
Rent-A-Goalie has been widely accepted among Canadian audiences and continues to gain support across the country. Hockey fans will certainly be pleased with surprising cameos from Phil Esposito, Darryl Sittler, Tie Domi, and more. According to Bolton, the show's only main criticism has been its profanity.
"The only criticism we received is that there was too much swearing, and we kind of came to that conclusion on our own. We have cut that back a little bit, just to make it a little more pointed when there is swearing," said Bolton. "We just wanted to make that work more in our favour, and the only way to do that was to pull it back."
Bolton seems to relate to his character Cake, as they both maintain a very optimistic outlook on their life and work. Bolton said that Rent-A-Goalie will continue to adapt and become better, and that he is thankful for the reviews of the show thus far.
"Anything that people have to say that could be considered as negative, it seems really constructive from how we view it. Our goal is to make the show better and better, and we can use feedback to do that," said Bolton.
Overall, Rent-A-Goalie takes the values of a small-town community and applies it to life in the city. The show's intimacy and character development will make fans laugh and quickly become attached to the chaotic lives of the goalies, baristas and their assortment of patrons.
"You really want to go in feeling the show. It's not about down moments. It makes you feel good. It's there to make you laugh, there's love, and it's all just good. That should be a good enough reason to spend half an hour a week watching it.