In 2001, Mercer co-produced a CBC special based on "Talking to Americans", which attracted 2.7 million Canadian viewers—the highest-rated television special in Canadian history. Later, the respected ABC News program "Nightline" would devote a show to it. This was his last major project related to "22 Minutes"—at the end of the 2000–2001 season, he announced his departure from that show. It was rumoured that he had decided to leave because of friction between Mercer and co-star Mary Walsh, although other reasons include focusing on his other television show, "Made in Canada". "Talking to Americans" was nominated for a Gemini Award, but following the 9/11 attacks, Mercer declined the nomination.