Show overview
The Debaters launched in 2025 and has put out 43 episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 25 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 20th season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 35 min and 38 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-CA-language Comedy show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 4 days ago, with 22 episodes already out so far this year. Published by CBC.
From the publisher
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.
Latest Episodes
View all 43 episodesIs imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Should everyone go to therapy?
Does dipping sauce complete a meal? Do boycotts work?
Is London, Ontario superior to London, England? Does Facebook Marketplace rule?
Weekend laughs from The Big Five
Does table service beat a buffet? Is Toronto a great place to live?
Do millennials make the best parents? Is rain superior to shine?
Is carpet superior to hardwood? Does nothing beat living in a university town?
Are scammers getting smarter? Should everyone join a book club?
S19 Ep 26Shh! Is silence golden? Does a smoothie make a meal?
Is quiet something to treasure? Yumi Nagashima believes in the sanctity of silence, but Charlie Demers is ready to make some noise against that notion. Then, we’re deciding if a smoothie is meal-worthy. Katie-Ellen Humphries is prepared to do some smooth-talking, but Gavin Clarkson refuses to blend.Featuring: Yumi Nagashima, Charlie Demers, Katie-Ellen Humphries, and Gavin Clarkson.
S20 Ep 24Are 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: Dave Hemstad, Jon Steinberg, Kate Davis, and Faris Hytiaa.
S20 Ep 23Are 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.
S19 Ep 31Are jeans the best pants? And is food delivery easier than ever?
Is wearing denim a dream? Stacey McGunnigle is jazzed about jeans, but Myles Anderson says these pants just make him blue. Then, is food delivery a breeze these days? Graham Clark and Lachlan Patterson deliver the goods on ordering eats.Featuring: Stacey McGunnigle, Myles Anderson, Graham Clark and Lachlan Patterson.
S20 Ep 22Should we trust influencers? Are electric vehicles the way to go?
Are social media influencers trustworthy authorities? Elvira Kurt argues yes, and she’s prepared to influence us but Andrew Johnston downvotes that idea. Next, we’re debating the switch to electric vehicles. Jacob Samuel’s on board but Julie Kim believes we Musk not do it!Featuring: Elvira Kurt, Andrew Johnston, Jacob Samuel, and Julie Kim.
S20 Ep 21Does CBC have the best fans? Are coffee dates great?
The CBC has some great fans, but are they the greatest ever? Charlie Demers thinks yes, and Abdul Aziz says no way. If you’re a CanCon connoisseur, this one’s for you! Next, we tackle coffee dates. Are they the best kind of date? Faris Hytiaa thinks they'll perk you up but Shirley Gnome believes they're actually unromantic. Featuring: Charlie Demers, Abdul Aziz, Faris Hytiaa, and Shirley Gnome
Weekend laughs from Because News
Because News is Canada's funniest news quiz. Every week, host Gavin Crawford quizzes comedians and celebrities about the headlines.This week’s guests include Brandon Ash Mohammed, Leslie Seiler, and Emma Hunter. They’re talking about why health-conscious men are eating boy kibble, if Canadian curlers are the real villains at the Olympics, if ‘Janice’ is our best chance at negotiating with the US, and dive into the new awkward controversy that is shocking the ski jumping world.Find and follow to Because News wherever you get your podcasts, and here: https://link.mgln.ai/BNxTD
S20 Ep 20Are tourists the worst? Should people stop comparing themselves to others?
We’ve got a debate on tourists that’s fanny-packed with jokes, then, it’s a vali-date with destiny when we discuss comparing yourself to others.Featuring: Myles Anderson, Yumi Nagashima, Graham Clark, and Syd Bosel.
S20 Ep 19Should everyone love raisins? And are romantic comedies lovely?
We’re trail mixing it up with a debate on a classically contentious food: raisins. Then, do rom-coms rule? If you’re Bridget Jones-ing for a laugh this Valentine’s Day weekend, don’t miss this one. Note, for all you keen Debaters fans, this episode is from our vaults! Featuring: Deborah Kimmett, Ivan Decker, Katie-Ellen Humphries, and Levi McCachen.(Originally recorded in February 2020)
S19 Ep 29Should 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.
S20 Ep 18Is Ottawa more exciting than Montreal? Are sports the best way to meet people?
Canada’s capital takes on the crème de la crème when we decide if Ottawa is more exciting than Montreal. Then, we’re keeping score on whether it’s best to meet people through playing sports.Featuring: Ron Sparks, Derek Seguin, Rob Pue, and DeAnne Smith.
S20 Ep 17Do museums make you smarter? Are rules meant to be broken?
We’ve got a brainy battle on whether museums are the secret to smarts. Then, are rules meant to be broken? Stay tuned for a criminally funny debate.Featuring: Isabel Zaw-Tun, Wassim El-Mounzer, Deborah Kimmett, and Don Kelly.