For nearly two decades, Tom Green’s irreverent comedy was a mainstay of Hollywood. But these days, the Canadian comedian, actor, and producer has returned to his roots—both figuratively and literally—settling on a sprawling farm just outside Ottawa. Here, the wild antics that once defined The Tom Green Show have given way to quieter mornings with horses, chickens, and his steadfast mule, Fanny. Yet, true to form, Green has turned his rural retreat into a creative launchpad.
January marks another milestone for Green, with three new projects premiering on Amazon Prime Video. First up is a reflective documentary chronicling the rise of The Tom Green Show, tracing its origins back to Ottawa’s streets, cable-access charm, and an era when Green pioneered what we now call ‘reality comedy.’ For fans in Ottawa, the documentary offers a nostalgic trip, peppered with familiar landmarks and Green’s own reflections on the city that shaped his early career.
The second project, Tom Green Country, is a docuseries showcasing Green’s transition from Los Angeles to his 100-acre property just outside Ottawa. Equal parts earnest and comedic, the series captures Green’s journey into farm life—learning the ropes of equestrian care, befriending new neighbours, and settling into a slower, intentional rhythm. There’s a familiarity to Green’s on-screen presence, but here, it’s matched with a sense of grounded joy.
Finally, I Bought a Mule! brings Green back to his comedic roots with a stand-up special filmed at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. Shot in one take—Green’s preferred method for maintaining the natural rhythm of performance—it’s a celebration of full-circle storytelling. “I wanted to do it in Ottawa to pay homage to my hometown,” Green shares, blending fresh material with reflections on his formative years.
Together, these projects mark not just a creative renaissance for Green but a personal homecoming—one that embraces nostalgia, humour, and a life well-lived.
Your new documentary takes a deep dive into your life and career, and you directed it yourself. What was it like to take on that challenge?
I’ve always incorporated my real life into my shows, so it wasn’t completely out of the ordinary. But the documentary itself was more complex because I had to look back at my whole life—deciding what to put in and what to leave out. That was tricky. When it’s your life, it’s hard to make those choices. But I had a lot of good help from producers, and we made it a reflection of my life I’m really proud of.
Your docuseries, Tom Green Country, follows your move to the farm. What’s it been like settling into rural life?
It’s been incredible. The show is about everything happening on the farm—building fences, getting ready for the animals, and meeting new neighbours. During production, I got my mule, Fanny, who’s really become a huge part of my life. She’s a big, beautiful mule, and I’ve learned to ride her. At first, it was kind of a funny idea, but it turned into something much deeper. I have four animals now—a donkey…which is not the same animal as a mule…a quarter horse, her foal, and Fanny. There’s something really peaceful about being out in nature, riding through the woods on my mule’s back.
Your documentary dives into the origins of The Tom Green Show, but it also feels like a piece of Ottawa history. Why was that important to you?
Yeah, I think people in Ottawa are really going to connect with it. So much of The Tom Green Show started right here—there are clips from the Rogers studio, and a lot of the pranks were shot on Elgin Street, Rideau Street, and down in the ByWard Market. It was such a unique time, and we had audiences coming in from all over the city. It really captures what Ottawa was like back then, and I think a lot of people will see themselves in it—literally too, since there were so many people in the audience. It’s nostalgic, but it’s also a record of where it all began.
You’ve spent years working independently on vlogs and personal projects. What was it like returning to a production team for Prime Video?
It was great. I actually reincorporated my Canadian production company, so I’m producing everything myself with a team here in Canada. I’ve always loved cinematography and cameras, so getting involved in that process—setting up my own gear, and working with new technologies—was a lot of fun. I’ve assembled a really cool team, some people I’ve worked with for years and others I’ve just met.
The stand-up special feels like a return to your roots. Why was it important to film in Ottawa?
It’s full circle. Everything started in Ottawa, so I wanted to do my latest special here. The crowd at the National Arts Centre was amazing. We only did one taping, which I prefer. With stand-up, you create a natural flow and rhythm to a performance. If you film two shows and cut them together, it doesn’t work—it loses that energy. I just wanted to nail it in one shot, and we did.
You’re releasing these projects and still heading out on tour. What’s it been like balancing it all?
It’s just the nature of the business. I’m always touring—I’ve been touring for the last 20 years because I love it. With these projects coming out, it’s the perfect time to get out there. Plus, it’ll be nice to head south in my van this winter and do some shows where it’s sunny.
You’ve mentioned touring gets you out of your routine. How do you manage the nerves and the road life?
It’s about finding a rhythm. I focus on sleeping, eating well, getting some exercise, and not drinking too much. You do get some healthy nerves before a show, but most of your energy goes into getting to the next gig. It becomes routine—drive, fly, perform, repeat.
You’ve said that you sought out rural life for its calmness and nature, but where did the idea of donkeys, mules, and chickens come from?
Honestly, the property inspired it. There were two big barns here, and they were empty. I thought, “It’d be cool to get some animals for those barns.” I started with Fanny, thinking it would be funny to have a mule. Then I learned that mules are half-horse, half-donkey, and I ended up with this majestic, rideable mule from Thunder Bay. It started as a gag and turned into something meaningful. I’ve had some great help from friends and learned a lot—both online and hands-on.
Joe Rogan credited you as one of his inspirations when you were on his podcast. What was that like for you?
It’s always cool when Joe says that. His show is the most-watched in the world, so it’s pretty amazing to hear. Back in the early days of The Tom Green Show, we were doing reality TV comedy before that was even a thing. Later, with Webovision, I was essentially doing a podcast before podcasting existed. A lot of comedians came to my living room in L.A. to do the show, and it’s nice to be recognized for pushing those boundaries.
Finally, you’ve described this chapter as your “best decade yet.” What have you learned about yourself in this time?
I think moving back to Canada, being close to my family, and living on the farm has given me a real sense of balance. For the first time, I feel settled—I’m planting trees, watching them grow, and I know this is where I’ll spend the rest of my life. After years of living in different places and never knowing what’s next, that feeling of being grounded is something I didn’t realize I needed.
