How a Canadian sitcom snared legendary Malcolm McDowell for lead role
Andrew Barnsley.Based on the eponymous memoir of Canadian comedian/actor Mark Critch, Newfoundland is miles away, thematically, from the onscreen work of British acting legend Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange,” “Caligula,” “Star Trek Generations”), who co-stars as crusty grandfather Patrick “Pop” Critch.McDowell loves the show so much that he agreed to speak to The Post about “Son of Critch” — until the SAG-AFTRA strike put the kibosh on that.Barnsley, however, can talk about the series, and about how McDowell jumped at the chance to co-star as “Pop,” who shares a small bedroom with his 11-year-old grandson, series protagonist Mark Critch (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) who, when the series opens, is anxiously entering a new school where he doesn’t know anyone.The ensemble cast includes Mark Critch as Mark’s earnestly goofy dad, Mike — a reporter at the local radio station next door to their house — Claire Rankin as Mark’s mother, Mary and Colton Gobbo as Mark’s annoying older brother, Mike Jr. It will return for a second season on The CW.Critch is an executive producer along with Barnsley, Tim McAuliffe and Allan Hawco.Barnsley said he was “as shocked as you are” that McDowell, 80, agreed to a leading series role in “Son of a Critch,” which airs Mondays at 8 p.m.