Back to TV | End of Discussions

Earlier this year, while filming the final season of Discussions with my parentsdirector Jean-Carl Boucher sometimes saw François Morency pacing the sets. In silence. Looking thoughtful.

We did not observe any reflective wandering of this kind, last May, during our visit to the show’s set, at Studios Grandé. Tight schedule obliges, things were running smoothly. But Jean-Carl Boucher was telling the truth. And after seven years of work around the same project, we understand François Morency to be thoughtful.

“I’m soaking up the last moments,” the author and comedian, whom we met on site, confirmed. “I want to savor this season. I want to live the moments to the fullest.”

As already announced, Discussions with my parents will leave the air next December, after a successful run on ICI Télé. According to Numeris data provided by Radio-Canada, the comedy attracted an average of 1,147,000 viewers last fall, 300,000 more than when it debuted in 2018.

Producer Guillaume Lespérance (Everyone is talking about it, Bye Bye) firmly believed in the chances of success of Discussions. The proof? He opened his own wallet to allow the construction of a “hyperrealistic” and “ultra-solid” decor inspired by Parentbut a retro bungalow version. It was a financial risk that he hoped to amortize over two or three seasons, hoping for renewals. Six years later, we can talk about a good decision.

All for all

A big consumer of television and especially of humor, François Morency knows the importance of a successful series finale. A failed conclusion and the entire work can suffer retroactively.

The author decided to go all out when writing the last 13 episodes, which will show Jean-Pierre (Vincent Bilodeau) and Rollande (Marie-Ginette Guay) selling their house (through “guided open houses”) and, above all, exploring their options for the next step: apartment, condo, recycled container or nudist camp? Judith (Caroline Bouchard) and Earl (Karl Graboshas) will launch a cheese business. And Raynald (Blaise Tardif) will be wildly romantic with Chantal (Amélie Bernard).

François Morency will also bring back characters that we had lost sight of, like his former doorman and Gisèle (Nathalie Coupal), the girlfriend of Roch (Denis Bouchard). As for the outcome, the author reveals that he has found “a twist” that will surprise the audience.

“Everyone who knows the final told me: ‘We never saw that coming!’”

Morency nevertheless specifies that he wanted a happy ending. “Emotional, but happy. There are no houses that explode. There are no deaths. It was out of the question.”

The gang

Although he used to work alone as a comedian stand-upFrançois Morency will miss one thing, once the adventure is over: “The gang.”

“We got closer over time. Caroline [Bouchard] had his children while we were making the series. Vincent [Bilodeau] had health problems. My real parents died… Everyone has experienced everyone else’s events.”

The distribution of Discussions seems to be tightly woven indeed. For Vincent Bilodeau, the chemistry between the actors worked from the start, which explains – in part – why the series resonated so strongly with the public. An audience that can be described as heterogeneous, when we take a look at the different age groups loyal to the post. According to Cossette Media, a firm specializing in advertising placement, Discussions with my parents appeared in the top 5 favorite series of teenagers (12-17 years old) last fall.

“This show has changed the way people look at me,” says Marie-Ginette Guay. “Now, all sorts of people approach me, from grandchildren to grandparents.”

The aftermath

François Morency claims to have received several offers since the announcement of his departure Discussions with my parents. Four theatre producers approached him to concoct a stage adaptation. A film project was also suggested.

François Morency refused these proposals.

“You have to know when to step aside. When people want more, that’s perfect.”

François Morency claims to have nothing planned for the aftermathDiscussions. In an interview, he revealed that he was developing a variety show called Incredible! with Attraction (The bosses!, Live from the universe) for some time. He had even hosted the pilot, but since Radio-Canada wantedIncredible! be part of the 2024-2025 television calendar, François Morency has withdrawn.

“I said, ‘Hey, guys! This is too much. I can’t do both at the same time. I’m going to fail. In one or the other, or even both.'” (Eventually, Alexandre Barrette got the job.)

Today, François Morency is evaluating his options as a free agent. Back on stage? Radio? Television? The main interested party is not closing any doors. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, and that’s fine. After 30 years of career, I decided to treat myself to this luxury.”

ICI Télé presents the last season of Discussions with my parents starting Monday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m.