Matt Watts
Author
Matt Watts is a Canadian author, writer, and comedian with a career forged in the competitive fires of national broadcasting and television. Best known for his critically acclaimed work on the CBC series Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays (and its successor Michael: Every Day), Matt has earned multiple WGC and CSA Award nominations for his sharp, emotionally resonant writing.
At CBC Radio, Matt carved out a niche as a master of the dark, post-apocalyptic comedy, creating the cult-hit series Steve, The First, Steve, The Second, and the interstellar satire Canadia: 2056. Most recently, he served as a writer on the 2022 revival of The Kids in the Hall for Amazon Prime. His debut novel, Hope of the Wasteland, marks his first foray into long-form fiction, revisiting the themes of anxiety, survival, and the end of the world that have defined his career.
Matt’s Books
Hope of the Wasteland: The Chronicles of Huey “ABSORBING.” ~ Kirkus Reviews. In a world ravaged by disaster, 12-year-old Huey lives by one unbreakable rule: “DO NOT GO INTO THE WASTELAND ALONE.” But when his father fails to return from a supply run, Huey must choose between the safety of his bunker and a perilous journey into the unknown.
From the novel: “It’s been two weeks and Huey’s father still hasn’t returned from a supply run to the Square. His dad’s Number One Rule is posted on the wall of the bunker where they live: ‘HUEY DO NOT GO INTO THE WASTELAND ALONE’ – and Huey has no desire to break the rules because that might set off his anxiety. But he’s running out of food... and what if his father is in trouble? It’s time for him to take action.”
What’s scarier than a post-apocalyptic wasteland? For Huey, it's the uncertainty of the outside world, giant scorpions, and a feisty pre-teen girl named Hope. Written for a YA audience but possessing a nostalgic "8-bit" heart that will appeal to Gen X "grups," Hope of the Wasteland is a touching father-son story disguised as a high-stakes adventure. It balances signature Watts humor with a profound look at how we manage our fears when the world truly is broken.
Broadcasting & Media
Television & Radio Credits:
Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays / Michael: Every Day: Co-writer and co-star (CBC Television).
Canadia: 2056: Creator, writer and lead (CBC Radio).
Steve, The First / Steve, The Second: Creator, writer and lead (CBC Radio).
The Kids in the Hall (2022): Writer (Amazon Prime).
Portal to Hell!!!: Writer and star of the TIFF-premiered short film starring Roddy Piper.
Awards & Recognition:
Aurora Awards (2026): Hope of the Wasteland (Best Novel) - Official Eligibility List.
WGC Award Nominations: Best Writing in a TV Comedy (Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays).
CSA Award Nominations: Best Writing in a Comedy Series.
Bibliography
Novels:
Hope of the Wasteland: The Chronicles of Huey; Donovan Street Press Inc., 2025, editor Joe Mahoney.
Screenwriting (Selected):
The Kids in the Hall; Amazon Prime, 2022.
Michael: Every Day; CBC, 2017.
Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays; CBC, 2011.
The Newsroom; Writer/Actor, Ken Finkleman.
Radio Dramas:
Canadia: 2056; CBC Radio, 2007–2008.
Steve, The Second; CBC Radio, 2006.
Steve, The First; CBC Radio, 2005.
METADATA
Hope of the Wasteland A Strange Dimensions Book ISBN Softcover: 9798230076070 ISBN Paperback (Alternate): 9781069096517 ePUB: 9781069096524 Publisher/Distributor: Donovan Street Press Inc. Press Publication Date: March 21, 2025 Book Length: 338 pages
THEMES & STORY ELEMENTS: Anxiety and Mental Health in Survival Scenarios, The Persistence of Hope in Desolation, Father-Son Dynamics, Nostalgia for the "Old World."
TROPES: The Reluctant Hero (with Anxiety), Post-Apocalyptic Survival, The Lost Parent, Gruff Mentor/Spunky Sidekick, 80s Cultural Touchstones.