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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2025 • 38min
Is meeting the parents important? And is Victoria, BC cool?
We’re deciding if meeting the parents is a major milestone, and whether Victoria, BC has the cool factor.Featuring: Syd Bosel, Abdul Aziz, Ivan Decker, and Katie-Ellen Humphries.Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input!
Sep 25, 2025 • 35min
Does Velcro beat laces? Do dress codes at work matter?
We have a fasten-ating debate on Velcro vs. laces, then, we get down to business when we discuss dress codes at work.Featuring: Lisa Baker, Sean Cullen, Chad Anderson, and Brittany Lyseng.
Sep 18, 2025 • 35min
Is wireless better than wired? And do you actually need a driver’s license?
We’re deciding if Bluetooth just makes you blue, and if everyone should be driven to get a driver’s license.Featuring: Arthur Simeon, Matt Falk, Jackie Pirico, and Derek Edwards.
Sep 11, 2025 • 35min
Should married couples renew their vows? And is living up North worth it?
We’re deciding if it makes sense to say “I do” all over again, and whether we should give living in the North the cold shoulder.Featuring: Charlie Demers, Erica Sigurdson, Gavin Clarkson, and Quincy Thomas.
Sep 4, 2025 • 36min
Is 20 Years a long time? And do names need to have meaning?
It’s the premiere of our 20th season! So we’re asking: Is 20 years a long time? Then, what’s in a name? We’re deciding if these signifiers need significance.Featuring: Derek Seguin, Lara Rae, Ola Dada, and Wes Borg.
Sep 2, 2025 • 35min
20 Years of Debates: An Anniversary Special!
For the start of our 20th season, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes interview with our host Steve Patterson and Richard Side, creator of The Debaters! We'll be bringing you some of our most unforgettable debates, hearing from your favourite comedians, and getting the facts behind the funny!
Jun 26, 2025 • 36min
Is Canada’s national anthem the best? And does everything happen for a reason?
It’s all about true patriot love when we ask if Canada’s national anthem is at the top, and a fateful debate questions whether everything happens for a reason.Featuring: Jon Steinberg, Ali Hassan, Courtney Gilmour and Nour Hadidi.
Jun 19, 2025 • 37min
Are shopping carts better than baskets? And is an invitation to the cottage the secret to summer fun?
Our season finale episode is a grocery grudge match and a real re-treat!Featuring: Matt Wright, Jan Caruana, Laurie Elliott, and Tamara Shevon.
Jun 12, 2025 • 35min
Which is better: Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? And do coaches matter?
We’re pitting parental holidays against each other, and deciding if coaches are a make or break mentor.Featuring: Dave Hemstad, Elvira Kurt, Emmanuel Lomuro, and Patrick Dussault.
Jun 5, 2025 • 38min
Are jeans the best pants? And is food delivery easier than ever?
We decide if wearing denim is a dream and whether ordering delivery is a breeze.Featuring: Stacey McGunnigle, Myles Anderson, Graham Clark and Lachlan Patterson.
