VideoJonathan Torrens is on more shows than you have on your PVR

If you've spent any time watching television, chances are you've seen Jonathan Torrens.

He got his start on CBC's teen consumer affairs show Street Cents and went on to host his own teen talk show, Jonovision. Since then, Torrens has appeared as J-Roc on Trailer Park Boys, on the reality show parody Joe Schmo 2, received multiple Gemini nominations and launched his own show on TVTropolios.

In fact, Torrens is involved in so many TV projects at the moment we don't know how he keeps track of them. So we asked. 

How many TV shows are you currently on? Can you name them all?
Hah. No problem. It would be much harder to name all the ones I wish I was on but would never have me...

Currently on Mr. D. (season 2 airing now) and Call Me Fitz (just finished season four), writing The Jenny McCarthy Show for VH1 and shooting Trailer Park Boys 3.

What's been your favourite TV character to play?

That's like asking me to pick a favourite child!

J-Roc from Trailer Park Boys holds a special place in my heart because it was like inventing a new language, plus it was a thrill that other people found the show as funny as we hoped it might be as we were making it.

Honourable mention to Gerald from Joe Schmo 2. It was a great challenge to stay in deep-cover character for weeks on end.

Do you watch television to inform your craft? Why or why not?
I do watch TV. Not to consciously inform my craft, moreso as an escape from it. When I see a great performance, I end up treading that fine line between being inspired and devastated that I could never perform at that level. It inevitably makes me think I should go back to school or get my realtor's license.

Is there a genre of TV you won't watch?
I'm not a fan of Mario Lopez. Is he a genre?

What's a current show that's sitting on your PVR?
There are three:
1) Nashville
Storylines that are just soapy enough without being schmaltzy coupled with a lush and lovely soundtrack by T-Bone Burnett. Great show.

2) Parenthood
The most underrated show on TV. Subtle, truthful performances and complex, relatable themes.

3) When the hockey strike was on, I recorded a Gretzky-era Edmonton Oilers rerun of Hockey Night in Canada. It's like Titanic - I know how it's going to end but it still gives me shivers to watch it go down.

You're a father of two, do you have a favourite kids show you watch with your little ones?
I love the "learn-tertainment" that kids watch these days! Reminds me of the early Street Cents days. The Cat in the Hat, Dora, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, they all have great takeaway. My kids even watch them with me sometimes too!