Ten Years After
March 20, 2008
I have a plane ticket to Vancouver for this Monday. I was scheduled to fly there to tape Week 44 of The Lab with Leo. Except I’m not. After 645 Canadian episodes of Call for Help and The Lab, Rogers has decided to cancel the show.
It’s a decision I can’t help but agree with.
Our Australian affiliate, the How-To Network, had stopped running the show due to poor ratings. The Canadian ratings haven’t been so hot, either. The slide began a year ago when Amber left the show. The entire staff left in January and I was left the last man standing. I’m not good with slow fades. It’s time to move on.
Rogers is planning to replace it with a daily, live show which is, ironically, what Call for Help used to be, but unless I pack up and move to Canada there’s no way I could host it, so we’ve parted ways amicably. I will always be grateful to them for keeping Call for Help alive these past four years. I have worked with many wonderful Canadians both in front of and behind the camera, many of whom will continue to be friends and partners as I segue into new ventures.
TV, like all performing arts, is full of transitions. It’s graduation day over and over again. You know you’ll see some people again, and you also know that others, many of whom have been close friends, will drift away never to been seen again. It’s sad, but it’s inevitable. Every new beginning is also the beginning of the end. I guess that’s life.
There will be new shows through May; we were producing several months ahead. Repeats of both Call for Help and The Lab will continue indefinitely. Everything comes to an end except re-runs.
Call for Help launched on May 11, 1998. It was cancelled April 2004 and revived by Rogers two months later. Ten years after its birth, four years after its resurrection, and after nearly 2,000 shows, Call for Help is finally over.
Except, it’s not. I’ll talk about the next chapter tomorrow.
Andy Walker, Leo, and Amber MacArthur in better days
Some more memories….
Thanks to Tackie for this!
This is Call for Help the way it was meant to be - with a handsome young host (hey it was eight years ago!) and guests Martin Sargent and Andy Ihnatko.
(49 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
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RIP, Call for Help. You were a great show. Thanks to all involved.
i always loved watching call for help & screensavers back in the day when i first got familiar with you leo. sad to see this part of those memories fade away, but it is understandable and part of life.
Now on with the show! Long live TWiT live!
Sad to see you go
Heard so many wonderful things about the show from Snowball and it sounded like fun
Good job Leo
And to put a nerdy spin on this
Go rest our heroes
Leo, Its been a great run but I have a feeling bigger and better things are on the way.
Now you’ll have more time for TWIT Video… : )
Im sorry to hear that… I loved it when you were on techtv in the states. LONG LIVE TWIT!!!
Leo, Sorry to hear the show is over, but seems to make a lot of sense. I’ve been a loyal listener to TWiT, TWiM, and MacBreak Weekly since they’ve come out. Many of the topics end up on my own podcast that I do with a few of my friends from work. Tried to make it MacWorld Expo this year to meet you and Alex, but things got in the way. Keep up all the great work!
My family and i are with you through the next move. Much like buying local food, we’d rather consume our media directly from the source. we have faith in the next project. Thank you. Baltimore, Md.
Pesky cliffhanger endings!
I have cancelled my G4/tech tv channel, The Lab was the last show worth watching and without Amber, the chemistry was never the same.
I am thrilled however about your new venture Leo! I can finally get the Apple TV and have something worth watching on it. Especially as we still can rent/buy movie and tv shows up here in The Great White North.
Nice post, Leo. Hope TwitLive is everything you’re hoping it’ll be and more!
Very sad to see this happen. Leo you’re great at explaining difficult or technical things, in an easy to understand way.
You will be missed here in Australia.
p.s. I hope you still plan on coming out here for a visit sometime.
Thanks for all your hard work, Leo.
I was 13 years old when I fist discovered what was then ZDTV back in 1998. I initially watched it for Gamespot TV, but also got really interested in Call For Help and The Screensavers. I found that my interest grew and grew and became a loyal viewer just about every day. It was probably the thrill of my life to that point when you took a live call of mine back in 1999.
Ten years later, I’m fresh out of college and I’m now working professionally as a web developer. And in all honesty, I have your shows to thank. Amongst other factors, growing up on ZD/TechTV helped to teach me everything I know.
It’s unfortunate that the show got canceled but luckily when one door closes another opens, TWIT Live is going to be great!
The future is 100% online… TWIT Live! I’ll be watching. You keep me coming in Berlin Leo… thanks for that!
Wow… that was some crazy slip… “You keep me COMPANY in Berlin…”. Once I stop laughing the shame will kick in!
I’m so sorry to hear this, however I’m happy I still have a large repository of shows I can watch
If you ever need a new tech girl sidekick, I’m always available 
A very profound and sad post. No matter what the ratings were, you have always helped people to understand the world of tech and how it changes and transforms our lives year after year. I have followed you for many years and just wanted to say thank you for all that you do. You inform and entertain us all at the same. We, your true fans, will follow you where ever you may go. In a totally non stalking way of course.
You have a very powerful purpose Leo. It only has to be for the best and we all look forward to more wonderful work from you.
Jamie
Allthingsthatfly.com
That is pretty sad, Call for help and The Screensavers where both a big part of my education, to see them both finally kaput is rather shocking. Thankfully, we still have TWiT.
It’s often sad when a familiar chapter ends, but when one door closes, go find a window. In the US, we’ve missed the show for years, but we haven’t missed you. Why? Because the new internet media rocks, and we have you every week, ratings and corporate pressures be damned. Long live TWiT, indeed, sir.
Keep up the great work and thanks for all the fish!
Bob
Sorry to hear about the cancellation. I’ve been hearing tidbits on twitter the last week or so.
But, the bright side is the move to TWiT Live. I’m super excited about this. Throw in the new Tivo update and I’ll have Leo back on my TV soon!
Being from Argentina I could never watch these shows, but I always wanted to. All I know is that both you, Leo, and Amber were involved, and I already know it was good TV.
But as Michael said up there, one door closes and another one opens and TWiT Live! seems to be it - and I for one, am extremely happy and excited about this venture. Long Live TWiT!
It’s sad when something like call for help fades away but if it was slipping and with the following of TWIT I’m sure that you will have more then enough to do. Keep on making those shows that we love!
Dude–you can’t have a nerd show without a hot chick. Rule number one. Merlin didn’t take you aside and tell you this?
If content is king, the queen is the hot chick on the set.
Must follow Leo…must learn of his next show…all hail Leo
I’m looking forward to tWiT Live, and frankly, I see moving away from traditional media to New Media as just being ahead of the curve in what will happen to all things.
“When I was a kid, we had Networks, not like the tWiT Network–we had to wait for the show to be on and then TiVo it! None of this internet downloading stuff that’s spoiled all you young whippersnappers!”
But as long as there’s tech, there’ll always be demand for Leo “Tech Jesus” Laporte. (Don’t let the nickname go to your head, Leo–it came to mind when Veronica was talking about people “looking to you” on tWiT. Of course, it also brought several scenes from The Life of Brian to mind.)
Dear Leo,
Even though I’ve never seen The Lab –only heard about it from your podcasts– I can clearly see your pain over the cancelation of the show but also the admirable dignity of your character. I wish you best of luck on your new endeavour (TWiT Live) –I’m sure everything will work out fine!
Best regards,
Christos Varelas,
Athens,
Greece.
I look forward to your new LIVE video broadcast on TWiT. Any chance you can keep that cute Canadian girl in Petaluma, CA?
How is the first floor studio build out going?
Any pictures of the progress?
Best regards,
Ernie
Long Live TWiT!
Leo, you gave us Amber, you gave us Andy. The shows were funny, information, a learning experience and a time when we could listen to some friends.
Thanks for everything. I realize its not the end but as you say, a new chapter begins.
Can’t wait.
What a cliffhanger! We want details of the next chapter, Leo. More then just a fancy green room and free wine for your tech-head friends.
Although watched from a far (from Amsterdam, NL), I enjoyed the bits and pieces of The Lab on Google Video.
I feel sad for the Canadians, but rejoice for the transatlantic guys and girls like me, who now get the chance to subscribe to even more geek speak with Leo
Hope to hear more about your plans soon!
Perhaps a blow for Canada, but certainly Twit.TV will be a boost to the global community.
Exciting times for everyone involved, not least us!
Ian.
The best of luck to you and TWiT Live!
Never fear - (pod|net)casting is hands down _the_ way.
(net@night, mbw, twit-proper, etc will get us through - those of us hooked on leoware - until life streaming in Petaluma kicks in).
I don’t think of myself getting caught-up in fandom, but here I am gushing away. Thanks, Leo !?!
It’s sad to hear it’s officially dead but it is better to have called and ended than to have never called at all eh?
I’m going to say congratulations Leo, I believe in you and will continue to support your ventures.
now you will have more time to devote to TWiT!
I am out in the UK and have never seen the show, so only know you from the TWiT network.
But good luck. You have a huge opportunity with Live
Rock On Leo! I look forward to what comes next. Thanks
Leo,
It was great working with you for the last few years. I can’t wait to see the new live show…we’ll definitely stay in touch:)
-Matt
I PVR’d it every day, and actually enjoyed the Lab even more than Call for Help! Reruns in tech seem odd, but I look forward to TWiT Video.
Best of luck Leo!
Excellent recap, Leo. You know what they say, for everything there is a season, and the end of one season is the beginning of another.
I’m really looking forward to TWiT Live. With the new flexibility and power of the net, it can surpass anything you’ve done before.
Thanks for always pushing ahead, Leo.
Speaking of new seasons, Spring starts tomorrow. If only I didn’t live at the 45th parallel…
Really looking forward to TWiT live Leo.. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Ah Leo. I know this was your baby for soo long. The key ingredient here is “how we get tech news.” I’m absolutely positive that the way we want to get that is from your podcasts..both the audio and video casts. TV is soo yesterday…TODAY is the net. See you there!
Hi Leo. Coming to Vancouver to meet you, be on your show and hang out with Alex back stage was the highlight of 2007 for me! I look forward to seeing what you do next. Go well. Take care.
- Randy
You put on an amazing show and I am really going to miss you up here in Canada. Cheers Leo!
I’m deeply saddened by this. It feels as though just as a chapter of TechTV has finally come to a close, so has a deeply rooted portion of my childhood.
Although, at the same time, this leaves me with extreme excitement to see where TWiT will go from here.
The TechTV community is stronger than ever right now and we all owe it the death of the TV network.
It’s been one hell of a ride so far Leo, and I thank you for it. I can’t wait to see where we all go from here.
Sorry to hear about your show, Leo, but you should still use that plane ticket!
I hope this leads to the expansion of video for some of the Twit programming. I wonder what Leo exactly has in store for us.
Its sad.. But the sadness fades away as TWIT LIVE is coming !…
Leo your show - and you - were both pioneers - you stayed on in one form or fashion for a great deal longer than some well-known, prime-time, national network dramas.
You’re to be congratulated. It was groundbreaking work that influenced those of us who now follow in your footsteps and who are lucky enough to work with you.
Leo, congrats on the good run. Keep up the great work with TWiT - you’re certainly one of the leaders.
Wow, that’s so sad, yet satisfying/rewarding as well to know that you were apart of a great staff! I’m excited to see what’s in store for you next in the television world!
I was a huge fan back in the TechTV days. While I haven’t seen the show in nearly 4 years, it is sad to see another part of tech history die. But you guys at TWiT and those at Revision3 have done a killer job at almost reviving the old days. I will follow you where ever you go mister Laporte. Lead on.
Photos! Photos! Photos! of the next step.
I’ve been an avid Canadian viewer for just over a year. I often found it useful to have my laptop open during the show, as I’d invariably be inspired to try something new or read up on something. The show will be missed.
It’s also too bad that it’s stopping now, just as you recently started showcasing various medical imaging modalities on the show — you guys never got around to ultrasound, my particular research field. I was going to volunteer to come on and talk about it!
I cannot wait for TWiT Live! As a geek/tech nerd living in New York, I haven’t seen any of the Canadian shows since G4 stopped showing Call For Help after the 12 second it picked it up. This will give everyone the opportunity to watch Leo and friends on a regular basis, regardless of where you live. That is a pleasure indeed. RIP Lab, hello the future!
Leo and the gang at The Lab,
As someone who has seen every Canadian CFH/Lab episode (thanks to the guys who maintain the torrent tracker, btw. I, too, eschew cable tv.), I just want to thank you for your work.
I continue to listen to all that comes out of TWiT HQ and am looking forward greatly to your new venture. If you produce it, I’ll consume it.
And once I figure out a way to make a recurring donation, I’ll be kicking in some coin, too.
Hey Leo, You know the old saw, “When one door closes anther one opens”! I think this will be a terrific opportunity! Not to mention a chance for your American horde of fans to actually WATCH you new show!!! Personally,,, can’t wait! I think this is a great thing!
Thanks for all your hard work!
A fitting tribute to the once but was. Call for Help, The Screen Savers, The Lab, etc… will all continue within our fond memories.
Here’s to TWiTLive \\ //_ Live Long & Prosper!
(I think I still have some of those ZDTV red cubes somewhere?)
I have signed up for audible because they are your sponsor and this news finally made me click on the recurring button for Paypal for Twit.tv because i am excited for the coming video episodes and want to help fund it.
Thanks Leo
Call for Help was always the best tech show on TV and I was really disappointed when it was canceled by G4. It’s a great format and it’s a shame G4 would rather show reruns of Cheaters and Cops. But it’s nice to know that Leo still has a call-in show on the radio. I hope to see you in video again soon!
I’m so excited about your new show, Leo!
Hi Leo. I’ve been listening to you for a few years now and although I know it’s hard to see something that you’ve put so much energy into go away, greater things are coming. I can feel it!
Keep up the great work and God bless,
David
Hi Leo — I’ve watched every episode of C4H and The Lab since we had the cable put in, so I was a bit shocked when it ended so abruptly. You and the show will be missed. At least I’ve found a source for the eps that weren’t/won’t be aired here in Australia. I’ll be looking out for whatever you do next. If it involves computers and tech generally, I’ll be a viewer — paying or otherwise. All the best for now — and extend my fond regards to any others from the Lab crew you happen to see. I guess everyone’s scattered to the four corners. I watch Sean and Andy’s, and Ambers podcasts every week, so I hope I can add yours to my Miro soon! Cheers!
To paraphrase, old blue eyes, you did it your way!!!
Hi Leo,
It is really a shame that CFH/The Lab is canceled. Thanks to you, I have discovered very cool and helpful things in the Tech world. I think I only missed very few of your shows since 2002/2003. You made technology more human and more fun thanks to your humor and enthusiasm.
Time for me to cancel my G4Tech as I have absolutely no interest in watching endless reviews of Video games.
Take care and I hope that we will see you soon on TV.
TechTV - back in the pre-G4 days, of course - was a viewing staple in my home. Call for Help, Screen Savers, et al. were unique and wonderful shows. The way I see it, however, is that the TV shows were a great recruiting drive for current and future TWiT programming. Keep doing what you do, Leo… and we’ll keep watching, listening and downloading.
The end of an era Leo
that is always sad
I personally want to thank you for all the great content over the years.
I am very excited about your new plans though,and really enjoy the interactivity with your streams and the Techguy chatroom.
Onward and upward
CFH is never really gone, it just keeps changing into different formats and media? mediums? medius? In any case, whatever and wherever the show goes, Ill be following along on my computer, my TV, my iPhone and my RSS reader.
The show is dead! Long live the show!
Whats TV? Love your podcasts Leo and thanks for pushing forward after techtv collapsed.
Sorry to hear you won’t be coming back to Vancouver Leo. Call for Help/The Lab were great shows. It’s hard letting go of something you love but I know you’ll be happier doing your own weekly video net cast. It is the future and Twit Live is gonna kick! Thanks for keeping our appetite hungry for tech. I wish only the best for you and you’re future endeavors.
Leo,
What can I say? You are a major pro in what you do. You will have new experience beside the podcasts in informing people of the benefits, uses, and the fun of technology.
I know you do that for me way back in 1998 and I will never forget it.
Again, thanks for all the info, humor, kindness, and knowledge you have shown your fans through the years.
To this day, I am your biggest fan.
peace
a
Leo, had the pleasure of being a video caller to the Lab the first week of your restart. Sorry to hear the show didn’t work out, but looking forward to TWiT Live! Who needs mass market when you own the niche!!
Onward and upward Leo, onward and upward. I’ve been a fan a long time, can’t wait to see what’s next.
They only cancelled it cuz I figured out how to get the download, lol!
I’ll miss that format–it was both entertaining and informative. As much as I love listening to you on KFI and your pod…..er….excuse, me, netcasts (lol!) I will miss seeing your pretty face on TV.
Leo, you have no how influential Call for Help and The Screensavers have been for me. It was soon after falling in love with those shows in high school that I realized I wanted to work in technology. Now I’m working in tech support and towards becoming a tech journalist.
Like many others here, I owe much of what I have today to those shows and your wonderful coverage. I’m glad to hear that it’ll be resurrected in some form, but it definitely won’t be the same.
Good luck with the new show, and you can be rest assured that I and all of your other fans will be watching.
loved the show when it was in the states. i’m way behind in my twit podcasts and need to catch up soon. us geeks are getting more and more of our tech programing on-line. besides twit i dwn load podcasts from cnet and revision.
danny
It’s my understanding that a big part of the reason the show was revived by G4TechTV Canada was that they were required to maintain tech content (rather than gaming content) as part of the channel’s charter and that they needed to have Canadian content. It sounds like the new show will qualify on both counts.
I found that when I watched CFH or The Lab, I usually skipped over the viewer question segments. Your podcasts and presumeably TWiT Live are much more interesting to a geekier niche.
I think I speak for every one when I say that TV networks just don’t get it. I hope that your new “TV” project will be the answer that I am looking for. Good look and I will make sure to support in any way that I can.
Leo, you must have always known the clock was ticking…. I know how excited you are to have more time in your new studio!
R.I.P Call For Help & THe Lab With Leo, Great Show, i love Leo Laporte and all the Tech TV’ers, sad to see it leave (i will watch Re-Runs to keep it alive), btw, i am excited for what is going to happen ti TWiT Live. It is always good to put old things to rest. R.I.P CALL FOR HELP & THE LAB WITH LEO LAPORTE, LONG LIVE TWiT LIVE!
Jordie (cooldude13233 in Leo’s DSL Extreme Chat)
p.s. i always Wish to Meet you (Leo Laporte) person to Person
The program “Call for Help” did give me a decent education on how to maintain my windows system before I took Leo’s advice and got a Mac for security reasons.
Thank you Leo for having such an informative agenda of technical advice. I wouldn’t have made it without you.
Forward march !!!
After TechTV was destroyed, I stopped watching, but I recently found Leo and all his podcasts and The Lab (thanks to Mininova I can still watch some re-runs). So, in a way, it’s sad that the show has ended right as I’ve begun watching it again.
I think you’ll have greater success with the new show, though, and you can definitely count me in as loyal viewer. Good luck on everything, Leo!
Leo,
I’m very sorry to hear this! We only just discovered you on The Lab in the past year or so. We’ve learned so much from you and your gang so we’ll be keeping an eye out for your next venture.
Onward and upward!
To some this will sound silly I know. But the news of your show being canceled does sadden me more that it should. Last Sunday my wife passed away, and for the last ten months I had to make countless long journeys back and forwards to Sydney. I also had to spend long nights at home without her. But the one constant and anchor throughout has been you, your net casts and The Lab.
I know I’m a silly old bugger, but among the many tears I shed for her, there will also be one for you.
Best of luck
Mick
Oh man! What’s wrong with Rogers? I’m pissed again. But then, I think for you, Leo, it’s probably not so bad since I always feel so bad for you to have to fly to Canada every time you need to do the show. It can be very tiring and stressful for you and your family.
I think the best thing is to start your own show yourself and do video casts like many others like Morgan Webb, Cali Lewis. You will still have your loyal fans and viewers and can do whatever you want.
Man, I’m so sorry to hear this again. My best wishes for your future endeavors. I’m just thankful again for the web workshop plug for my Palm Discovery website. I will always be thankful for that plus all the time you’ve spent for the tech community.
Cheers!
Love the picture with Andy and Amber. Those were great times at CFH in Canada. Things starting giving out when Andy left the show. Once Amber left, I kept thinking it was time for Leo to go completely solo.
The shows end, but Leo keeps on ticking. Looking forward the next chapter! Canada will miss you!
Thanks for all the help.
I really don’t know what to say I watched both your shows religiously and know it’s all over I feel so sorry for you Leo. I hope you will continue with your podcasts and maybe go it live. If you do so please notify me I will be there.
The Lab was way too Mac oriented, and was missing a good slice of potential viewers by miscaluclating viewer interests. The decline started with the vanishing of the PC tips, not Amber
Call For Help and TechTV may be gone, but so long as there are people with the passion for helping others with technology, the spirit of it all with continue. Like Leo said, it’s the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another.
Without G4TechTV Canada picking up Call For Help (and my having decided to “treat myself” to digital cable finally), I would have never known the joy of your wonderful show. Never would have seen the scary and wonderful inner workings of Andy’s fruit based mind. I would have eventually run into Amber when she became a CityTV’er, but wouldn’t know of her love of cool alt rock, iPods, and especially her right hook (usually directed at Andy). I would not have communicated with Sean Carruthers on occasion, about this that and the other thing. Would not have half the Free Files, if not for Mikey Laz. Would know significantly less about computers in general, if not for Mr Excel, Hak5, Steve Gibson, Merlin Mann, Alex Lindsey, Cali Lewis, Patrick Norton, and the list goes on and on. And while I have enjoyed “The Lab” for what it is, and what it meant to keeping you, Leo, coming to Canada, it has never been as must see as Call For Help was (and frankly still is). I will miss seeing your congenial face on my TV with new episodes Leo, but rest assured, much like a drug dealer, you let me have the first sample for free, and now I have to come back for more.
Plus you will get to see your family more. And they will see you.
I wish you all the best with TWiT Live whenever/wherever it happens. I will be in the queue awaiting the beginning, yet again.
Dang, I *finally* got Digital Cable last week. I was really enjoying The Lab.
I remember watching Call For Help back in the day when I had the DTV hookup, good times.
RIP
RIP Call for Help. You will be sadly missed! But welcome TWIT LIVE!
THE BEST IS YET TO COME LEO! TWiT LIVE 08
I find it ironic that 2 minutes prior to me clicking the link to get to this page, I signed up to donate my $2 every month to TWiT. I have been a long time fan of the Call for Help show and Lab with Leo and recorded many shows on my PVR. Lucky for me I’m in Canada and I could watch easily.
I can’t wait to see the up and coming video/TV you plan to make in your new studio.
Keep on “Doin’ the TWiT”
Lame. Vancouver tech needs you. You will remain our number 1# tech hero… if only in re-runs.
Leo, it was a pleasure working with you for at least 150 of those 2000 episodes.
Thank you. I will always remember the experience I had in Toronto.
Talk to you soon.
Snowball
I’ve been sort of monitoring leoville to see when you’d make it official, after seeing the Thanks for all the Fish posting on labwithleo.com a little while back. I got a little worried that there might be some fallout after seeing Kate & Matt’s announcement last December that they would be moving back to TO in the new year. So now its official. Too bad.
Of course I’ll tune in for Twit Live although, I have to tell you Leo, that audio-only podcasts are fantastic for me. I listen to them every day on the bus while going to/from work. I put on my bluetooth headphones, start up my Axim, launch Core Player, start a TWIT podcast, sit back, close my eyes and, before you know it, it’s time to get off & walk to my office/house. It’s actually better than video.
call for help was like chicken soup when I was sic
Leo, I need content for my AppleTv.
Well, so much for the Canadian phase of your career. Now it is time to do it from home.
I have been an avid fan since the early years.
I listen to all of your podcasts daily while I work out and enjoy them. In fact there are not enough of them to keep me working out as much as I require. Keep up the good work and put CFH on the internet daily. I will be waiting.
Thanks for everything you are doing.
Leo,
Words escape me at the moment.. as a long time fan, a long time viewer, and someone that has enjoyed all your tv shows, this news saddens me. The Lab with Leo was a great show. As a canadian, I was honored that you came up to Canada, did a great tv show and though I consider myself a advanced computer user, I would always find out something new, a idea, a tip, whatever it was, it was always from your show. I think that rogers decision is so short sighted, and you will be missed. I will await to see you soon and welcome your new adventures in the Wild of the Net.
I hope that you will be back on the air someday, and though I will view your podcasts, I will miss the TV times of the past
Peace..
A Real Canadian Fan
Well obviously you should have a goodbye vancouver fan meet-up!
I’m actually typing this while on hold with shaw to cancel my tehctv canada subscription. Your show was the only reason why I hadn’t cancelled it.
Hey, i’d love to see you turn the format into a weekly vodcast!
N
I will still enjoy watching Call for Help and The Lab on reruns. Wish you would consider using Mogulus for yor streaming. Soon they will let you upload up to one gig in video files at a time
I loved CFH from when I first saw it early in it’s history. Even though I knew most of the answers to the questions, I loved Leo’s answers and have learned so much about how to answer questions from listening to him do it. But all great things have a beginning and an end. Leo has outlived it and, I think, outgrown it. Looking forward to what’s next!
I’m sad that LAB W/LEO was canceled before anybody in the U.S. could legally watch it - but delighted you’re striking out w/a television show of your own.
Leo,
I wish we could have been a part of the show here in the USA but alas we weren’t.
Now TWITlive will be great!! I am looking forward to watching live and on my way to the office. Now that you (we) will be in control things will be much, much better!!!
ET aka AlmostaGeek
Sorry to see the show go, Leo. Even though we did not get it here in the states, it was always reassuring you were on TV somewhere.
Looking forward to TWiT live.
There are a great many of us who appreciate your talent and dedication to doing what you love.
BTW - MBW #81 is one of the best shows ever!
Well as long as you keep up TWIT (and your radio Show), you will always inspire us all. Good Luck!!!!
Wow. I just started to watch these shows, and was actually enjoying it. Unfortunatly The Techtv channel in Canada is really hard to find, and i was only able to watch the lab with leo like 5 times. I just started liking it and now its cancelled. I also wish Techtv was a little more accessable.
I’m pretty sure the “how to” channel would have very low ratings for all their shows, it’s one of the lesser known channels on the Foxtel platform in Australia.
Look forward to hearing any of your shows from Tasmania and don’t forget my interview request!
As in any relationship, you deserve to be with people who are smart enough to appreciate you for who you are. Television has always been too dumb for you, and your growing internet audience will always be smart enough to appreciate you and your talents. Long live TWiT live!
All good things must come to and end…I never missed an episode(or tried not to), of both CFH & TSS…I watched an episode or 2 of The Lab on YouTube…I enjoyed it, but missed the good ol’ days of watching live episodes of Call For Help every afternoon. I believe I have mentioned this in other comment posts, that I was on CFH doing a webcam promo for the show…back then, TechTV had people submit short webcam videos saying things like” We’ll be right back with Call For Help”…or whatever show they wanted to mention and it would air before the commercials…I believe I said,”Your watching the man himself, Leo Laporte, right here on Call for help.”..I did say a bit more but that was what they cut it down to…best of luck Sir Leo, with everything else that you do…I have learned a lot from you and keep up the great work!!
Leo, thanks for a great series and shows!
Well, maybe it was meant to be. I can remember watching Call for Help as a young teen, man I loved that show. Really got me into technology.
I’m sure your new Twit venture will be just great and finally bring some of your video content back to the US.
I am sorry to of the end. I enjoyed watch very much.
Can’t wait to see whats up next
GOOD LUCK LEO YOUR THE BEST.
CHUCK FROM FT.MYERS FL
It’s a crying shame that technology TV isn’t more popular. I get the feeling that the opportunity was hacked off in the prime of its life when commie-cast bought TechTV and we may not see the likes of it again. But thank goodness for high-speed internet and programming with little or no commercial interruption that can be viewed/heard whenever we want. Eventually, you will prove the bean-counters wrong.
By the way, Leo, did you offer to get a boob job to improve the ratings??? LOL!!!
May the Tech be with you,
Mark from MT
I guess its time to cancel G4 again - the only reason I subscribed was because of the The Lab - I’ve enjoyed all of your shows since I first tuned into Call for Help on C-band here in Canada back in 1998.
I have always like what you do and is quite entertaining. I can’t wait until the next level of Twit is launched.
This is a crying shame. I don’t understand viewing audiences. In this day-and-age of technology and computers, there are very little shows on the subject, and this was the ONLY one that wasn’t just a front for flogging products.
The thing that really killed this show from the start is that it would never be allowed to broadcast its unbiased message on larger networks that are influenced by commercial interests. At least while it ran, Toronto and Vancouver were beacons of free speech.
In my opinion, this was the best show on TV. Great topics, host, staff, and guests.
The nod has to go to Leo for making it interesting and entertaining. All the best in the future.
Like Danie above, I used to watch taped The Screensavers and Call for Help here in Net 25, a local channel here in the Philippines. That was 10 years ago. After I think a year or so, the local channel removed ZD/Tech TV replays in their show list. So I urged my mom to get a cable connection. But to my dismay, our local cable company doesn’t have ZD/Tech TV channel. So I have to follow Leo and the other guys via the web only. Now, I never failed to listen to their podcasts at twit. To all the Canadians and other viewers of this show, I totally understand how you feel as I too lost my favorite show 10 years ago. Thanks to the net, we can still somehow view what we always wanted..
Leo and the other hosts were such big influence to me to the point that I graduated with a Computer Engineering degree. Now I work as a software engineer.
Thanks Leo and the other guys! Your the best!! Your memory lives on!
Just saw the video of the new TWIT Live digs? Awesome woodwork!
Here’s to your success on TWIT Live.
Rogers are idiots and I bet they regret the whole thing when they see TWiT Live
Caesar is dead! Long live Caesar!
I think sending a “stretch” to pick up the talent in SF is a v. good idea…. esp. since you will be having boozehounds like Kevin Rose!
So you’ve been taking cues from Tom Green… I was watching back before he “whipped” the technology into submission. Shouldn’t be too hard to “borrow” what’s working for him (bitgravity? SkypePro?)
Looking forward to future developments…. In the meantime I hope you don’t mind me watching you eat your lunch!
-Richard
On demand TV (and audio) is where the world is headed. It’s almost all I watch (and listen to).
Looking forward to the future.
Never in the field of technology was so much owed by so many to so few. Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
I still haven’t gotten over the end of the Screen Savers… surely the best tech show ever on television. I didn’t see much of CFH after it moved to Canada, but still feels like the end of an era. We still have plenty of Leo in plenty of places, but it is sad to see you removed from mainstream television all-together. Looking forward to the next incarnation Leo!
Leo,
I have been a big fan of yours for a long time. I have watched your tv shows and enjoyed the TWIT Network of Netcasts. I have been in the computer business over 20 years and I still manage to learn something from you.
Please keep up the good work on all the other projects which you are involved in.
Call for Help was one of the first shows I used to TiVo regularly.
I think you did so many Call For Helps that they all blend in together. I was proud that twice WinPatrol was featured on Call For Help but in a recent Twit broadcast you acted like you never heard of it?
http://twit.tv/ww43
Guess we’re all getting old.
Thanks!
Bill Pytlovany
I keep watching things fade away,But,A rose may dis to bring forth more,so long line twit,,,
Everybody always says that all good things must come to an end but that does not mean that I have to agree. I remember when I could hardly turn on a computer. Now, thanks to Call For Help and The Lab I get calls from neighbors to help them with their computer problems. Leo,I have been a fan of your shows since the ZDNet days and will hope that someday we will see you back on TV. In the meantime, long live TWIT. Your show was the only reason I watched G4TV.
Thanks Leo……….. it was a great run.
You kept me company thru a long illness, thru 5 computers (I actually learned something) and then you were gone from Tech TV and I never watched them again. If only I known you might be on the internet-I just got off dial up and now I can do anything. I have your books and was gonna donate them but sat up all night rereading last night. What a crazy way to feed insomnia. Keep on keeping on. I will be here.
Long Live Twit, what a great resource! I listen to episodes at work.
I loved Call for Help on old Tech TV.
I did try to catch Call for Help when visiting family in Toronto.
The problem was my wife’s Uncle did not have it on his
cable line up. I did get to enjoy episodes on the web..
Twit is great and I listen to Leo on WMAL in Washington DC (only 3 hours a weekend (boo Hiss)) and at KFI on the web.
Thanks
Leo and keep up the good work.
Well, Leo, where to start. I was watching you on the big sattlelite dish years ago. Seemed like it was only you and kathy or katie, can’t remember her name now, all day long and I would watch every minute I could. My brother in law worked for IBm and he would say, “Liz how did you learn that or where did you get that program?” and I would say, I watch Leo every day and then the channel went to gaming and I tried to follow on the internet, but I’m not a young woman anymor and I can’t keep up with what goes on on the internet now a days. I listen to your radio show when I can, but seems like I miss it half the time. I live in Mississippi and we don’t get Canadian TV, but I wish you had another show here in the US, I would surely watch it. I learned so much from watching you and from time to time I visit your webpage just to see where and what you are doing these days. You are like an old friend.
I am redoing my webpage from top to bottom. Just today I deleted everything on there and started over. I’ve had one up for years, but since it’s genealogy, mostly, I try to keep it simple so folks my age can read and understand where I’m going with it.
Just one more thing, I hate Windows Vista. I don’t know what Microsoft was thinking. Here I’ve spent money for years for programs and they won’t work on Vista. I had to go back to XP.
I’ll be looking for you on my TV.
Liz
Well, there’s nothing good on TV anyway, you’re blessed to get out while you can. Feed the niche!
You taught me a lot.
Best wishes to you Leo our friend !! Your a great man of inspiration !! You have inspired me through the years and should be very proud of Call For Help and all you and the great staff have accomplished on our computer woesss and other topics. Better things are on the horizon I’m sure for you. One thing in communications I have learned all good broadcasting shows end in time, but you keep the talanted friends, co-workers, and fun memories with you in your heart as you continue into lifes new broadcasting adventures. All my best friend and thank you for everything you do
Click to play this video.
Hi, Leo,
It’s fun watching these two “Call for Help” videos. Man, I have missed watching TechTV these past for years. I retired in September 2001. I watched “Call for Help” and “The Screensavers” every day. I learned so much from you.
Good luck to you, Leo! See you on the radio!
Your buddy,
George Spink
Los Angeles
Leo I miss the days of tech tv for sure and have missed seeing you in a video oriented show since you haven’t done anything in the states for a while. I truly can’t wait for your new video shows and I know you will truly continue to innovate and revolutionize audio and video on the internet. You have always been a truly incredible inspiration and make me happy to work in the tech industry.
Thanks for your time Leo. I was on the show twice as a call in…thanks for coming up to Canada and being a great American Ambassador. Your welcome back at any time…..
Leo & Team
All the best for the future. I’m from Sydney. You and your team (and guests) taught me so much about technology in a fun and entertaining way. Not only the basics of how things are done but to give me confidence to “give it a go”.
Please keep everyone informed about any future shows that may be in the pipeline. I have started visiting all of your other sites.
I have already phoned Foxtel to voice my disgust at their decision to axe the show!
Hope to se you soon.
Regards,
Bob
Leo I have watched your shows since ZDTV many moons ago. I am close to retirement now and I want you to know that you had a strong infuence on my life. I enjoyed and learned so much from you and your friends, that I went into the IT field as a profession. I am working for the US Post Office as a Computer/Network Tech. I am an avid listener of Security Now on the net.
I think the World is a little Poorer from the loss of your shows. The only bright spot is the Podcasts, I hope you can make them until they shovel the last bit of dirt on my coffin.
GOD BLESS YOU
Who could be upset that a TV show will be Replaced by an even better Video Podcast. I barely watch tv anymore any ways. See you on TWIT…
Hey Leo,
Kind of a sad day in a way, but it is just a form of evolution. I owe you alot about what I learned from you and the others on ZDTV Call for Help & on down the line… when one day I stumbled on the that station some years ago. You made it easy to understand and in some strange way, made it fun. That kind of work is a labor of LOVE, and not for everyone. And though it is entertaining to the tech community, it does not fit with the broadcast idea of the masses that sports and reallity shows seem to draw. Not that I agree with that decision at all, but things change, nothing lasts forever but those first shows were classics and I will always remember them as well as the previous posts pointed out. It seems as though computers are starting to disappear into “gadgets”. iphones etc. have been slowly changing the way we comunicate. Before we know it, computers will fade to devices that we will just operate with no need to reboot, or restore, defrag, or upgrade. It will just do it. Which will leave us more time to watch you on TWIT so you can fill us in on those changes.
Keep up the good work Leo. We’ll keep tuned to you where ever you are. Atleast now I know where to get my Leo fix.
Even if we are in the minority, we are stronger together.
Thanks again LEO! God Bless ya!
Harry L
WOW, that’s really a bummer. I can’t believe the shows were getting low ratings. Technology IS the future… you will inevitably make a comeback, that’s for sure. LEO, I first saw your shows when I was around 13-14 on ZDTV… you were and will always be my greatest mentor in computers and technology (and if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have persued my bachelors in computer science). I look forward to seeing you in other great productions! You have my lifetime support!
I wasn’t aware of “Call for Help”, but two weeks ago I was made aware of your podcast Leo and I’m glad it’s not going anywhere. I hang on your every word Leo. Keep up the good work. I’m telling people everyday about these wonderful shows.
So sad. Thanks for the memories and the great shows. Leo!
Leo,
I really enjoyed being on your show. I promise to have the light bulb screwed in over my head next time I connect via Skype Video from Madison,WI
WT
when i re-emerged into the computer world (after a 20 year absence), Call for Help & then The Lab were my no.1 source of reliable tech information.
Leo laPorte is by far the best tech show hosts i’ve seen
It completely sux that the lab is no more
I had to say something
Peace
Sorry to hear that you’re going, especially now that I just got my neophyte uncle to subscribe to TechTV JUST FOR THE LAB!!! [Dear Rogers, Cancel my sub, Love, Me]. Now that the only show decent enough to watch [besides yours of course] is AOTS, it seems like such of a waste of a channel. Oh well, like all the previous posters, on to bigger and better things. Yours is a face the techworld can trust so I hope you can keep your sage wisdom coming in a form we can all enjoy!
Cheers,
Martin
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Well Leo…as of this morning I have canceled my subscription to G4. Only read I paid for it was to watch Lab with Leo. I have watched you since the first Call for Help days. Wishing you all the best and hoping that you are back on a big, or small, screen soon!
I’d say that this is yet another reason for me to hate Rogers (my ISP / TV Cable provider), but maybe this will allow you to pursue other avenues like focusing more on TWIT.
Thank you Leo!!! You will be missed. I was a big fan. I watched the screen savers, EVERY episode of Call for Help yes I said every! and EVERY episode of The Lab.I would record the show daily and then on Saturday mornings I would watch the whole week. I am very sad, you have taught me so much over the years. Your shows were the best on TV and G4 I paid extra just to get that channel to watch Screen Savers, Call for Help and then the Lab. Well now I have cancelled it why pay for the junk they have on there now.
Thanks again Leo for all your help and I hope to find you again on the TV, in the meantime I will be downloading the podcasts.
Best of Luck with whatever you do in the future.