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
May 22, 2025 • 35min
Which is better: Plastic or paper? And are you nobody until somebody hates you?
We decide if plastic beats paper and whether being hated has its benefits.Featuring: Ivan Decker, Martha Chaves, Nikki Payne, and Bruce Clark.
May 15, 2025 • 38min
Should you raise your family in Winnipeg? And is compromise the best solution?
When it comes to raising kids, does Winnipeg win? And is compromise a happy ending?Featuring: Chad Anderson, Lara Rae, Courtney Gilmour, and Jon Dore.
May 8, 2025 • 37min
Does nothing beat a day at the ballpark? And is Toronto the worst city in Canada to commute in?
It’s a homerun when we talk about a day at the baseball stadium, and whether commuting in Toronto is enough to drive you up the wall.Featuring: Patrick Dussault, Simon Rakoff, Isabel Zaw-Tun, and Don Kelly.
Apr 24, 2025 • 35min
Do butter tarts beat Nanaimo bars? And is there no shame in quitting?
Which Canadian confection are you sweet on: Butter tarts or Nanaimo bars? And do quitters never win?Featuring: Deborah Kimmett, Jon Steinberg, Graham Chittenden, and Leonard Chan.
Apr 17, 2025 • 37min
Shh! Is silence golden? Does a smoothie make a meal?
We decide if quiet is something to treasure, and whether a smoothie is meal-worthy.Featuring: Yumi Nagashima, Charlie Demers, Katie-Ellen Humphries, and Gavin Clarkson.
Apr 10, 2025 • 34min
Do billionaires have it harder than millionaires? And is there always something happening in Barrie, Ontario?
Which wealth bracket has it worse: Billionaires or millionaires? And we decide if Barrie, Ontario is the place to be!Featuring: Dave Hemstad, Don Kelly, Chris Quigley, Courtney Gilmour.
Apr 3, 2025 • 28min
Gulp, we're going there - should Canada be the 51st state?
In a debate that needed its own full episode, the elbows go up and the gloves come off when two of our favourite debaters take on Canada becoming the 51st state.
Mar 27, 2025 • 36min
Are rings better than bracelets? And is it always great to be a trailblazer?
Which jewels rule: rings or bracelets? And being a trailblazer is great…right?Featuring: Graham Clark, Heidi Brander, Faris Hytiaa, and Lara Rae.
Mar 13, 2025 • 28min
Should Americans move to the Maritimes? And does going to the dentist rule?
We debate if Americans should relocate to Canada’s East Coast, and whether a trip to the dentist is anything to smile about.Featuring: Jay Malone, Nikki Payne, Mayce Galoni, and Matt Wright.(Originally recorded in September 2017)
Feb 27, 2025 • 33min
Are virtual meetings superior to in-person meetings? Should everyone volunteer?
We decide whether meeting on Zoom beats brainstorming in the boardroom, plus we debate the virtues of volunteering.Featuring: Peter Brown, Julie Kim, Maddy Kelly, and Charlie Demers.
