This week's new-to-DVD television programs are led by a hilarious Canadian sitcom that may be new to you … unless you frequent WGN in the dark recesses of your vast cable-channel system.

"Corner Gas: Season 1" (VSC, 2003, two discs, $19.98). "Corner Gas: Season 2" (VSC, 2005, two discs, $19.98). With the enormous success of so many TV reality shows, scripted programs seem to be an endangered species — especially the sitcom.

And most American sitcoms — even those that get a good start — quickly devolve into a string of tasteless (and unfunny) sex gags, accompanied by an audience laugh track that roars at each puerile innuendo. They also too often crib the way overused faux-documentary style of "The Office."

But "Corner Gas" is an old-fashioned (and that's a compliment), character-driven sitcom that earns its laughs through the quirky but endearing personalities of the residents of the fictional rural town of Dog River, Saskatchewan. Although, to call it a town is perhaps a stretch. The show is expertly cast and there is great chemistry among the ensemble players, as well as clever, witty writing that doesn't rely on cheap, sleazy gags.

Creator/star Brent Butt (yeah, that's his name; let it go) heads the cast as Brent Leroy, a sarcastic gas-station/convenience-store owner. The other regulars are Brent's childhood pal Hank (Fred Ewanuick); Lacey, the new owner of the local coffee shop (Gabrielle Miller); an employee in the store, Wanda (Nancy Robertson); Brent's parents (Eric Peterson, Janet Wright); and the local police force, comprised of Davis (Lorne Cardinal) and Karen (Tara Spencer-Nairn).

The show really is a hoot, with fall-down funny exchanges in every episode — especially from Brent's wacky dad, who used to own the station and has become the most crotchety geezer you'll ever see. Peterson obviously relishes the role, and he's a riot.

And you'll know the show is funny because there is no laugh track; the laughs you hear are coming from you.

Extras: full frame, 13 episodes ("Season One"), 18 episodes ("Season Two"), audio commentaries, featurettes, bloopers, promos, music videos, text character/cast biographies; DVD-Rom applications; eight-page booklets

"Merry Sitcom! Christmas Classics From TV's Golden Age" (Shout! 1954-67, color and b/w, $12.99). Last December, my wife and I dug out holiday episodes from some of the series that are on our DVD shelves and it was great fun to watch them in the days leading up to Christmas. This year, Shout! has done it for us.