The Debaters

CBC

The Debaters is the hit show where comedians go toe-to-toe in a battle of laughs and logic. Hosted by award-winning funnyman Steve Patterson, the program is a combustible combination of sharply crafted comedic rants and hilarious ad libs. The engaging format is part stand-up, part quiz show and part comedy competition, with the live audience picking the winners.

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22 episodes
weekly
Avg 37 min
English

Episodes 22

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S20 · E17
Thursday · 35 min
Do museums make you smarter? Are rules meant to be broken?
This week, we’ve got a brainy battle on whether museums are the secret to smarts. Museum-goer Isabel Zaw-Tun is ready to exhibit her knowledge, but Wassim El-Mounzer is against these displays. Then, are rules meant to be broken? Deborah Kimmett brings a criminally funny argument, but Don Kelly says rules have reasons. Featuring: Isabel Zaw-Tun, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wassimsokay/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wassim El-Mounzer</a>, Deborah Kimme
S20 · E14
August 20 · 37 min
Do candles deserve more appreciation? And is Tom Cruise the greatest movie star?
This week, we’re waxing on about the pros and cons of candles. Jon Steinberg says candles light up his life, but Jan Caruana is ready to snuff out her opponent’s argument. Then, is Tom Cruise really the Top Gun? Adam Cawley agrees and he’s got the need for speed, but David Pryde says supporting this star is Risky Business. Featuring: Jon Steinberg, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jancaruana/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jan Caruana</a>, Adam Cawley, and
S20 · E5
August 13 · 37 min
Is meeting the parents important? And is Victoria, BC cool?
This week, we’re deciding if meeting the parents is a major milestone. Syd Bosel believes this meeting matters, but Abdul Aziz says it’s all relative. Then, does Victoria, BC have the cool factor? Ivan Decker gives this coastal city cool points, but Katie-Ellen Humphries says her hometown is more ho-hum. Featuring: <a href="https://www.sydbosel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Syd Bosel</a>, Abdul Aziz, Ivan Decker, and Katie-Ellen Humphries. T
S20 · E1
August 6 · 35 min
Is 20 Years a long time? And do names need to have meaning?
Last year, to kick off The Debaters’ 20th season, we asked: Is 20 years a long time? Derek Seguin says two decades is long, but Lara Rae believes they pass in the blink of an eye. Then, what’s in a name? Ola Dada claims there should always be significance behind a name, but Wes Borg is ready to tear down meaningful titles. Featuring: Derek Seguin, Lara Rae, Ola Dada, and Wes Borg. This episode of The Debaters first aired on Sept. 4, 2025. We’ll be back with b
S20 · E4
July 30 · 35 min
Does Velcro beat laces? Do dress codes at work matter?
This week, we have a fasten-ating debate on Velcro vs. laces. Lisa Baker is ready to let ‘er rip when she argues for Velcro, but Sean Cullen is prepared to declare his love for laces. Then, are dress codes at work important? Chad Anderson says yes, and he’s all business but Brittany Lyseng defends dressing down for the job. Featuring: Lisa Baker, Sean Cullen, Chad Anderson, and Brittany Lyseng. This episode of The Debaters first aired on Sept. 25, 2025. We’ll
S20 · E10
July 23 · 36 min
Is pool superior to darts? Does nothing beat growing up on PEI?
Right on cue, we’re pitting pool against darts. Kelly Taylor says pool is the preferable pub game, but Clare Belford hits the mark when she supports darts. Then, two Prince Edward Islanders go potatoe-to-toe on whether their home province is the best place to grow up. Meg MacKay is ready to go to Charlotte-town when she defends her PEI upbringing, but Patrick Ledwell believes there’s better places to make your start. Featuring: Kelly Taylor, <a href="clarebelford.com" rel="no
S20 · E11
July 16 · 34 min
Are night owls superior to early birds? Does dogsledding bring the excitement?
Does being a night owl beat being an early riser? Don Kelly supports the late night life, but Yumi Nagashima believes the early bird gets the worm. Then, we decide if dogsledding is paws-itively thrilling. Graham Clark is ready to gush about mushing, but Jenny Hamilton is dog-tired of this winter activity. Featuring: Don Kelly, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yumicomedy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yumi Nagashima</a>, Graham Clark, and Jenny Hamilton.
S20 · E2
July 9 · 34 min
Should married couples renew their vows? And is living up North worth it?
This week, we’re deciding if it makes sense to say “I do” all over again. Charlie Demers vows to support vow renewals but Erica Sigurdson says these ceremonies are superfluous. Then, is living up north worth it? Gavin Clarkson is all for living north of sixty, but Quincy Thomas is ready to give the North the cold shoulder. Featuring: Charlie Demers, Erica Sigurdson, Gavin Clarkson, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quincytcomedy " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank
S20 · E3
July 2 · 34 min
Is wireless better than wired? And do you actually need a driver’s license?
Is wireless technology superior to wired? Arthur Simeon says all signals point to yes, but Matt Falk believes Bluetooth just makes you blue. Next, does everyone need a driver’s license? Jackie Pirico has never been driven to get one, but Derek Edwards says it’s time to hit the road. Featuring: Arthur Simeon, Matt Falk, Jackie Pirico, and Derek Edwards. This episode of The Debaters first aired on Sept. 18, 2025. We’ll be back with brand new episodes Sept.
S20 · E9
June 25 · 34 min
Is having a plan superior to winging it? Are small airports a delight?
This week, we’re deciding if it’s better to plan ahead or play it by ear. Graham Chittenden is all for flying by the seat of your pants, but Nour Hadidi says winging it never wins. Then, are small airports the best? Shawn Hogan says when it comes to airports, the smaller the better, but James Mullinger refuses to get on board. Featuring: <a href="Instagram.com/nourhadidi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nour Hadidi</a>, Graham Chittenden, <a href="https://www.instag
S20 · E33
June 18 · 35 min
Are backyards better than front yards? Is travelling with kids worth it?
For The Debaters’ season finale, we’re finding out if the grass is greener on the other side in “Backyard vs. Front Yard.” Matt Wright believes the backyard is best, but Patrick Dussault argues the front yard should be the front-runner. Next, is travelling with kids part of your summer plans? Julie Kim is pro-parenting on holiday, but Sammy Farid says you might need a vacation from your vacation. Featuring: Matt Wright, Patrick Dussault, Julie Kim, and Sammy Farid.
S20 · E32
June 11 · 34 min
Should everything be enjoyed in moderation? Is texting the best way to talk?
Is “everything in moderation” good advice? Erica Sigurdson argues it’s best to live your life in moderation mode, but Derek Seguin is ready to say yes to excess. Then, when it comes to communication, does texting reign supreme? Chad Anderson gives texting two thumbs up, but Big Daddy Tazz is tired of the tyranny of typing. Featuring: Erica Sigurdson, Derek Seguin, Chad Anderson, and Big Daddy Tazz.
S20 · E31
June 4 · 37 min
Is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Should everyone go to therapy?
Is copying the ultimate compliment? This Hour Has 22 Minutes’s Chris Wilson makes a good impression with his pro-plagiarism argument, but Sean Cullen says there’s nothing worse than a cheap imitation of the real thing. Next, we’re asking if everybody needs therapy. Nikki Payne claims we could all use some time on the counselling couch, but Ashwyn Singh refuses to talk it out. Featuring: Chris Wilson, Sean Cullen, Nikki Payne, and Ashwyn Singh.
S20 · E30
May 28 · 39 min
Does dipping sauce complete a meal? Do boycotts work?
This week, we’ve got a saucy question: Is no meal complete without dipping sauce? Matt Falk’s pro-dip argument is a slam dunk, but Charles Haycock claims these sauces just don’t cut the mustard. Then, we’re taking on boycotts. Martha Chaves believes in the power of a boycott, but Abdul Aziz champions other ways to make change. Featuring: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfalkcomedy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matt Falk</a>, Charles Haycock, Martha Chaves,
S20 · E29
May 14 · 37 min
Is London, Ontario superior to London, England? Does Facebook Marketplace rule?
On this week’s new episode, London’s calling, when we pit London, Ontario against London, England. Ron Sparks says Canada's London is a city after his own heart, but Arthur Simeon believes the British version is better. Then, we’re deciding if Facebook Marketplace is the best place to buy and sell. Graham Chittenden gives this platform a five-star rating, but Kaitlin Shuvera refuses to use Meta’s marketplace. Featuring: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ronsparks.ca" rel="noo
May 2 · 56 min
Weekend laughs from The Big Five
The Big Five answers the most pressing question of our time: what are the “Big 5” of any given category? Not the best 5. Not the top 5. Not anyone’s favourite 5. But objectively, the Big 5. In each episode, Donovan Woods, Tom Power, and a celebrity guest tackle new topics and debate things like: what are the Big 5 farm animals? Types of hats? Slang terms for “butt”? Ways to cook a potato? Guys named Paul? Guests in this season include Vivek Shraya, Jordan Canning, William Prince, Lindsay Ell,
S20 · E28
April 30 · 37 min
Does table service beat a buffet? Is Toronto a great place to live?
In this week’s all-you-can-laugh episode, we’re asking if table service is better than a buffet. Simon Rakoff serves up his best jokes in support of table service but Wassim El-Mounzer is ready to make us believe in buffets. Then, does Toronto offer the best quality of life? Juno award-winner Adam Christie says yes, his city CN Towers above the rest, but Clare Belford thinks the “T-Dot” has lost the plot. Featuring: <a href="www.simonrakoff.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" targ
S20 · E27
April 23 · 35 min
Do millennials make the best parents? Is rain superior to shine?
This week, we’re covering a topic from A to Gen Z. Do millennials win the parenting prize? Levi McCachen says millennials have totally won parenting, but Simon King says other generations do it better. Next, it’s rain versus shine. Charles Haycock says rain rules, but Katie-Ellen Humphries is ready to argue her position with a sunny disposition. Featuring: Levi McCachen, Simon King, Charles Haycock, and Katie-Ellen Humphries.
S20 · E26
April 16 · 40 min
Is carpet superior to hardwood? Does nothing beat living in a university town?
Prepare to be floored! This week, we’re deciding if carpet conquers hardwood. Jan Caruana’s on a roll when she argues in favour of carpet, but Sean Cullen says wood floors are best, plank you very much! Then, from London, Ontario, home of Western University, we’re asking: does nothing beat living in a university town? Courtney Gilmour's in-tuition says yes, but Rob Bebenek believes it’s better to live far away from any campus. Featuring: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jan
S20 · E25
April 9 · 39 min
Are scammers getting smarter? Should everyone join a book club?
Is avoiding scammers mission imposter-ble? Craig Fay argues that it’s easy to fall for a scam these days, but Elvira Kurt is a born skeptic. Next, we’re talking book clubs. Martha Chaves says they’re a novel idea, but Kyle Brownrigg refuses to join the club. Featuring: Craig Fay, Elvira Kurt, Martha Chaves, and Kyle Brownrigg.

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