Lilly Singh is back in the spotlight this month with a new CTV show, Battle of the Generations, that pits millennials against gen-Xers in a family quiz battle for the ages.We checked in with this very funny Torontonian to ask her all about it and more.
What’s this show all about?
It is a pop culture trivia showdown that in- volves one contestant from each generation — a gen-Zer, a millennial, a gen-Xer and a boomer — all competing for their chance to win $25,000. It’s playful. It’s competitive. It’s loose. It’s fun, exciting and infuriating. Yeah. All of those things.
What attracted you to the gig?
A lot of things. I mean, I grew up watching game shows with my family. And I just love the idea of — it’s kind of like sports, right? You’re watching people competing, and you feel like you’re personally invested in this thing that’s happening. You feel like you could do it better. And that you know the answers. And so it’s just this really fun viewing experience. I love making content that families can watch together.
What will viewers most enjoy?
What I love about the show is that it’s pop culture. So it’s really accessible to almost everyone. And so everyone’s going to feel really great, because the first round is the money-maker where people answer questions about their own generations. And then you start to get into the rounds where you have to answer questions about other people’s generations. And that’s where you can have a lot of intergenerational comedy and feud onscreen but also in your home.
So which is the best generation?
I swear, I swear, this is not just a politically correct answer: my answer changed every episode. I would walk into an episode being like, “Oh, based on who these people are, I feel like gen Zs got this in the bag,” right. And gen X comes out of nowhere with so much knowledge about random stuff. It’s such a mixed bag in every episode.
What is one generational trait that you wish you had?
I love being a millennial. Don’t get me wrong. But there is something about boomers, where their outlook on life was always consistent on the show. They were like, “Listen, man. I’m here to have fun. I’m here to just make my grandkids proud.” Their outlook on life was really fun and cool. Whereas you would meet gen Z, who are awesome, but a bit delusional.
OK, here are some short answer questions for you. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
When your mind, body, heart and spirit all say the same thing.
What was your first job?
In Scarborough, at Harvey’s.
Worst piece of career advice?
In the beginning of my career, I did get encouraged to be a little bit of a diva on set. Every once in a while when something went wrong, I was very kind about it. Someone would call me and be like, ‘You know, you can just refuse to do the thing.’ I’m like, ‘I’m not going to do that!’
Your favourite Toronto view?
Me, holding an iced capp, sitting on the Humber River Bridge.
Your favourite Toronto restaurant?
I’d love to give a shout out to Rick’s Good Eats in Mississauga.
Which Torontonian would you most like to hang out with?
I’m pretty sure the only correct answer is Drake.
What is your greatest fear?
My basic answer for you is spiders. My biggest fear, if I’m going to get deeper for a second, is to become stagnant. I want to keep growing and learning and experiencing things.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to play an instrument, preferably the guitar.
What is your personal motto?
Right now, it’s that service is in the recipe to happiness.
