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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30 episodes
weekly
Avg 36 min
English

Episodes 30

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S21 · E7
Today · 27 min
Is pumpkin overrated? Should everyone play in a band?
Can you never get enough pumpkin? Laurie Elliott is proudly pro-pumpkin, but Kyle Brownrigg says this overrated squash has him seeing orange. Next, do we all need to join a band? Wes Borg is ready to rock out, but Maddy Kelly believes this plan is bound to fall flat. Note, for all you keen Debaters fans, this is one from our vaults!  Featuring: Laurie Elliott, Kyle Brownrigg, Wes Borg, and Maddy Kelly. (Originally recorded in September 2019 and February
S21 · E6
October 15 · 36 min
Do Albertans have the most common sense? Are moustaches superior to beards?
This week, we’ve got a debate that might get as rocky as the Rocky Mountains: Do Albertans have the most common sense? Alberta-born Henry Sir claims his people are the most sensible, but Edmonton’s Lisa Baker is ready to Stampede over his argument. Then, we’re pitting moustaches against beards! Jan Caruana keeps a stiff upper lip when she defends moustaches, but Ola Dada is prepared to battle it out for beards. Featuring: Henry Sir, Lisa Baker, <a href="https://www.instagram.
S21 · E5
October 8 · 34 min
Is the best night out at the Legion? Should family obligations be optional?
Is the Legion hall the best place for a night on the town? Brittany Lyseng serves up the funny with her pro-Legion plea, but Ryan Williams believes there’s better places to party. Then, it’s Thanksgiving weekend and we’re asking: Should family obligations be optional? Emily Woods argues for freedom when it comes to family affairs, but Patrick Ledwell says these occasions are too special to miss. Featuring: Brittany Lyseng, Ryan Williams, Emily Woods, and <a href="https://www.
S21 · E4
October 1 · 32 min
Should you move back in with your parents? Does nothing beat a coupon?
Does the rising cost of living mean adult children should move back in with their parents? James Mullinger says there’s no better time to move back with mom and dad, but Hisham Kelati believes it’s better to leave the nest for good. Then, is there nothing better than a coupon? Lara Rae is prepared to vouch for vouchers, but Bruce Clark claims these discounts are no big deal. Featuring: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesmullinger/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blan
S21 · E3
September 24 · 37 min
Is it the thought that counts? And is it better to be rich or famous?
When it comes to gifts, is it the thought that counts? Charlie Demers brings a thoughtful argument in support of thoughtful gifts, but Deborah Kimmett refuses to wrap her head around it. Then, does wealth beat fame? Chad Anderson would bet money that it’s superior to be rich, but Sean Lecomber says it’s better to be a VIP. Featuring: Charlie Demers, <a href="https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/4hDmC09mmfkoVB6JswfPPi9GE13?domain=instagram.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" targ
S21 · E2
September 17 · 35 min
Is a clothesline superior to a dryer? Should Saskatoon be the capital of Saskatchewan?
This week, we’re putting everything on the line when we pit clotheslines against dryers. Katie-Ellen Humphries is pro-clothesline and she’s prepared to hang her opponent out to dry, but Myles Morrison is ready to get into a tumble when he defends dryers. Then, should Saskatoon be Saskatchewan’s capital city? Peter Brown claims this cultural hub is ready for a new title, but Cory Mack believes Toontown just isn’t capital material. Featuring: Katie-Ellen Humphries, <a href="htt
S21 · E1
September 10 · 39 min
Does a tent beat an RV? Are Saskatchewanians the toughest Canadians?
It’s the premiere of The Debaters’ 21st season and we want to know which camp you’re in: Tent or RV? Gavin Clarkson pitches a perfect argument for tents, but Yumi Nagashima champions the creature comforts of RVs. Then, do the toughest Canadians come from Saskatchewan? Kelly Taylor says his home province spawns strength but Myles Anderson believes toughies come from far and wide. Featuring: Gavin Clarkson, Yumi Nagashima, <a href="https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/klncCAm
S20 · E8
September 3 · 36 min
Are high school friends the best friends you'll ever have? And are nosy neighbours better than noisy neighbours?
Are high school friendships forever? Charlie Demers believes in these lasting bonds, but Heidi Brander says it’s high time to put high school friends aside. Then, does a nosy neighbour beat a noisy neighbour? Lisa Baker is prepared to eaves-drop a bomb when she argues for nosy neighbours, but Derek Seguin is ready to defend having a next-door noise-maker. Featuring: Charlie Demers, Heidi Brander, Lisa Baker, and Derek Seguin. This episode of The Debaters firs
S20 · E17
August 27 · 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.

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