Switchback

ContinuingIMDb 7.0/10

Reality·1981·1 Seasons

"Switchback" was an hour-long interactive show for teens and preteens, featuring viewer calls, music videos, guest artists, and cartoons. Initially hosted by Stan Johnson in Halifax, it expanded to other cities, highlighting both regional talents and international acts. Airing from 1981 to 1990, it aimed to engage young audiences. In 1985, host Shawn Thompson faced arrest for throwing a doll named Kendini over Niagara Falls, in a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket during a show segment. (He used cole slaw to cushion the doll's fall.) This act resulted in charges by Niagara Parks Police for park dumping and attracting a crowd. Thompson intended to spotlight neglected toys in a parody titled 'Doll Aid.' By 1988, the series cut some editions and faced controversy by removing its cherished long-term host, Stan Johnson. By early 1990, all editions of the program concluded due to CBC's budget reductions.

Starring: Stan Johnson,Rick Scott,Richard Newman,Andrew Cochrane

Episodes

Season 1
Premiere

S01 | E01

Premiere

1981-11-01

Cast

Stan Johnson

Stan Johnson

Host (Halifax)

Rick Scott

Rick Scott

Host (Vancouver)

Richard Newman

Richard Newman

Host (Vancouver)

Andrew Cochrane

Andrew Cochrane

Host (Vancouver)

Stu Jeffries

Stu Jeffries

Host (Vancouver)

Shawn Thompson

Shawn Thompson

Host (Toronto)

Howard Busgang

Howard Busgang

Host (Toronto)

Dale Martindale

Dale Martindale

Host (Toronto)

Eric Tunney

Eric Tunney

Host (Toronto)

Laurie Mustard

Laurie Mustard

Host (Winnipeg)

Jim Ingebritsen

Jim Ingebritsen

Host (Winnipeg)

Howard Glassman

Howard Glassman

Host (Calgary)

Ian MacGillvray

Ian MacGillvray

Host (Calgary)

Keith Sandulak

Keith Sandulak

Host (Calgary)

Details

First Aired
1981-11-01
Last Aired
1981-11-01
Status
Continuing
Network
—
Production
CBC
Creator
Rick Scott