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IMDbPro

Today's Special

  • TV Series
  • 1981–1987
  • TV-Y
  • 30m
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
933
YOUR RATING
Jeff Hyslop, Clive VanderBurgh, and Nerene Virgin in Today's Special (1981)
FamilyFantasyMusical

The night staff of a major department store explore topics for young viewers.The night staff of a major department store explore topics for young viewers.The night staff of a major department store explore topics for young viewers.

  • Creator
    • Clive VanderBurgh
  • Stars
    • Jeff Hyslop
    • Nerene Virgin
    • Bob Dermer
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.0/10
    933
    YOUR RATING
    • Creator
      • Clive VanderBurgh
    • Stars
      • Jeff Hyslop
      • Nerene Virgin
      • Bob Dermer
    • 42User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 nominations total

    Episodes94

    Browse episodes

    Photos4

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    Top cast70

    Edit
    Jeff Hyslop
    • Jeff
    • 1981–1987
    Nerene Virgin
    • Jodie
    • 1981–1987
    Bob Dermer
    • Sam…
    • 1981–1987
    Nina Keogh
    Nina Keogh
    • Muffy…
    • 1981–1987
    Robyn Hayle
    • TXL…
    • 1981–1987
    Nikki Tilroe
    • Mime Lady…
    • 1981–1986
    Bob Stutt
    Bob Stutt
    • Mort…
    • 1983–1987
    Cheryl Wagner
    • Mrs. Pennypacker…
    • 1984–1987
    Barry Baldaro
    • Waldo the Magnifficent…
    • 1985–1987
    Deborah Fallick
    • Storyteller
    • 1981
    Madeline Paul
    • Elf…
    • 1982–1984
    Bram Morrison
    • Bram
    • 1983–1985
    Sharon Hampson
    • Sharon
    • 1983–1985
    Lois Lilienstein
    • Lois
    • 1983–1985
    Monica Gaylord
    • Today's Special Guest…
    Canadian Brass
    • Today's Special Guest
    • 1982
    Oscar Peterson
    Oscar Peterson
    • Self
    • 1982–1985
    Mark Carpenter
    • Storyteller
    • Creator
      • Clive VanderBurgh
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews42

    8.0933
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    Featured reviews

    dootuss

    This show rocked!!!!

    I remembered watching this show as a little kid back when it was on Nickelodeon. It took place in a department store, and it had this manequin who had a magic hat that could make it come to life. I also remember that if he lost it, he would turn back into a manequin. There was also a lady in a hot-pink jumpsuit (I think her name was Jody), a security guard that had a face like Walter Matthau and a Hobo's face combined, and Muffy the mouse who always said a rhyme, and had a cool two-story mouse hole. Pure genious!!!

    I really liked this show. It's a shame Nickelodeon dosen't air it anymore. If they didn't air so many stupid Nicktoons (like Spongebob Squarepants), or any other dumb show for that matter, this show probably would still be on. Nickelodeon has really lost it. All these stupid shows they air now have ruined this network after this show (and shows like "You can't do that on television" "Danger Mouse", and "Pinwheel) and many other good ones made it something for kids to watch, and learn from.

    This show ruled 10/10.
    devstk

    A little piece if History

    This was a show that was very cute and funny. I was about 7 or 8 when it was on. I can remember the characters Jodie and Jeff, Sam the security guard and Muffy the mouse. It was pretty funny, the stuff that they would do when the store closed down. The show was all about a mannequin who came to life when a magic hat was placed on his head. I think the store was supposed to be in Canada. One episode I remember well, was when they decided to have a Cafe' on the roof, and it started to rain. All the bread sticks got wet! As with the last person's comments, no one that I have asked remembers the show either. I think this was one of the first shows I watched on Nickelodeon. Hopefully, someday, they can recover the series, and bring it out on DVD for children today.
    chastity779

    A great show!!

    I rank this show in the top ten shows of my childhood. I was very young when I watched this on Nickalodean. I have asked countless people if they remember it and no one has, except my father. I remember there was a word of the day every episode. I loved Muffy the mouse, I thought she was beautiful. I would do anything to be able to see an episode of this show.
    maxvaughn

    I'm not crazy!!!!!!!!!

    I used to watched this show when I was so young that I could barely talk. But I remembered it. I always thought the mannequin and the woman store clerk should end up together, cause well, I was just a a weird kid. But anyway, for the past two decades every time I mention this show people look at me like I've been smoking something and I couldn't remember the name of it for the life of me so I couldn't prove anything. But here it is!!! I really loved this show. I liked how they always had so much imagination and all of the games they played became reality. Children's TV today doesn't have as much thought put into it. They focus more on the learning part of it as opposed to the story or way kids should be able to pretend things about a show like I did with this one. I miss television like this for children.
    jootsyfruit

    Best Canadian children's show

    Today's Special is an under-rated, top quality children's show, the likes of which are not exposed to today's children which is a shame. I remember watching this in the 1980s and although I made fun of it as a kid (only to look cool while watching it) I liked it then and in retrospect, I see how excellent this show is.

    The show consisted of Jeff (mannequin), Jodie (department store display builder), Sam (night watchman) and Muffy Mouse (rhyming mouse resident). Jeff Hyslop was a triple threat star, with a marvelous singing voice and dancing ability. The fact he starred in this makes this show above what is offered on TV today. Directed at children, the dialogue and stories never talked DOWN to them and dealt with issues like moving, disability, honesty and even alcoholism with sensitivity and respect to kids. As a Canadian, I especially liked the references to our country's culture too. I can still sing the songs and the only regret I would have is that this show is not available for my future kids. I hope someone at TVO will wake up and resurrect Today's Special.

    My favorite memories include Jeff taking a bite out of a lemon and when Muffy's butterfly, Hazel died. By the way, the dialogue was incredibly witty... some truly funny moments occurred throughout the 7 year run!

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The store in the series is based on the Toronto outlet of the now defunct Simpson's department store chain, a major Canadian retail business that was ultimately purchased and subsumed by the Hudson's Bay Company. In addition, many scenes were filmed on location in that store.
    • Quotes

      Muffy the Mouse: And now it's time to introduce a nursery rhyme by Mother Goose.

    • Connections
      Referenced in The Leftovers: Certified (2017)

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    FAQ16

    • How many seasons does Today's Special have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 1, 1981 (Canada)
    • Country of origin
      • Canada
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Canada
    • Production companies
      • Simpsons Limited
      • TVOntario
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 30m
    • Color
      • Color

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