“Just Like Mom” is now remembered less for its family appeal than for its host Fergie Olver’s controversial behavior.
Fergie Olver established himself as a prominent Canadian sportscaster and television personality whose career spanned several decades.
He began his professional journey as an athlete, playing as an outfielder in the baseball minor leagues and later with Saskatoon/Medicine Hat in the semi-pro Western Baseball League.
In the 1960s, Olver transitioned from playing sports to broadcasting, starting his media career in the Moose Jaw/Regina area.
His broadcasting career advanced when he moved to CFCF-TV in Montreal in 1969 and later to CFTO-TV in Toronto.
Olver gained significant recognition during his 15-year tenure (1981-1996) as a dugout reporter and broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays.
During this period, he covered games on major networks including CTV, TSN, and BBS.
His long association with the Blue Jays meant he witnessed their most successful era, including their World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.
His contributions to baseball broadcasting were notable enough that in 2004, he received a nomination for the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award.
Beyond sports reporting, Olver made a brief appearance in the 1971 film “Face-Off,” playing a member of the press.
Decades Later, Olver’s Actions On A Children’s Game Show Are Under A Harsh Spotlight
Olver’s most controversial work came during his time co-hosting the Canadian television game show “Just Like Mom,” which ran from 1980 to 1985 on CTV.
While the show began with Stephen Young as host in its first season, Olver joined from the second season onwards, co-hosting alongside his then-wife Catherine Swing, who was also the show’s creator.
“Just Like Mom” was designed as a family-friendly game show where children and their mothers participated in question-and-answer segments to demonstrate how well they knew each other.
Olver and Swing’s own children, including Emily and Alison, were also involved with the program.
However, Olver’s behavior on the show has been widely criticized.
Multiple sources describe his interactions with young female contestants as inappropriate, particularly his habit of requesting or forcibly giving kisses to young girls on the program, sometimes despite their visible reluctance.
Critics have described his behavior using terms ranging from “pervert” to more severe characterizations like “pedophile,” questioning the appropriateness of his conduct with minors.
What made the situation particularly troubling to many observers was that this behavior occurred on broadcast television, seemingly without intervention, and with his wife present as co-host.
Videos of these interactions have circulated on social media in recent years, prompting renewed discussion about how such behavior was permitted on a children’s program.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He was introduced on “Just Like Mom” by one of his children.
- He played in the old Western Major Baseball League before his broadcasting career.
- In 2004, he was nominated for the Ford C. Frick Award.
