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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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.
S20 · E24
March 26 · 35 min
Are trees overrated? Do you learn nothing from praise?
This week, we’re in London, Ontario, aka “The Forest City” and we’re asking if trees are overrated. Dave Hemstad says yes, it’s time to fir-get our forest friends, but Jon Steinberg believes he’s barking up the wrong tree. Then, we talk about the pros and cons of praise. Kate Davis disapproves of excess approval but Faris Hytiaa is ready to rave about recognition. Featuring: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davehemstad/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dave Hemsta
S20 · E23
March 19 · 39 min
Are massages the best? Does a dishwasher beat hand washing?
Everyone likes a massage, right? Emily Woods argues that we all knead one, but Ivan Decker says, “Can’t touch this!” Then, trouble bubbles up when we debate the best way to wash your dishes. Ryan Williams is Team Dishwasher and Sean Devlin is Team Hand Wash - which side are you on? Featuring: Emily Woods, Ivan Decker, Ryan Williams, and Sean Devlin.

Showing 21–30 of 30 episodes