The Beachcombers (1972–2004) User Reviews

A Canadian Classic

[cyrenaica · 8/10 · 29 September 2004]

Sunday nights in Canada were never complete until "The Beachcombers" were over. Now, one can watch the show in all it's glory on TV Land Canada, Thank God for the CRTC and their Canadian Content rules or this could be a lost gem. While a graduate student in the US, I was surprised at the number of American students who were close to the border and fell in love with "The Beachcombers", I even remember the commercials that Bruno Gerussi used to do for McCain's back then. It is indeed sad that Nick, Molly, and Relic are no longer with us as that would have made for a better TV reunion movie. Thanks again to TV Land Canada, your continued support of "The Beachcombers" is graciously appreciated by the fans.

Canadian Classic

[reachkiramurphy · 8/10 · 29 September 2018]

This show is dated but it's still a Canadian classic. And who would have believed it would have stayed on anywhere near as long as it did? It's like Coronation Street but just about these people gathering wood on beaches and the adventures they fall into. Crazy.

Fondly remembered from childhood

[enochsneed · 7/10 · 14 June 2020]

The Beachcombers was broadcast on UK children's television in the mid-1970's and I grew to be quite fond of it. Even then I thought Bruno Gerussi seemed a bit long in the tooth to play an action-based role, but there seemed to be good chemistry between him and Pat John as his boat hand, Jesse. Seeing a few episodes which have been posted on the internet recently I find the performances quite wooden, and the character of Relic is such a caricature he's embarrassing. One particular episode I remember had Jesse saving all his money for a potlatch (a Native American ceremony where every guest much receive a gift, however small), then giving it away to someone down on their luck. Chief Dan George (who was the go-to actor for wise Native American elders after his role in "Little Big Man") turned up to say maybe this was a new way of potlatching, giving all you could for your friends. Thanks for the memories Beachcombers, but I think I will let you stay a fond memory.

Grew up watching this...

[gazzo-2 · 17 November 2002]

Wow. Until I stumbled across this entry on IMDB, I had no idea that 'Nick' and 'Relic' were both gone. That is sad. I watched this as a kid growing up in northern Maine, we got Channel 6 outta St John really clear, and of course this, 'Mr Dress Up' and 'the Friendly Giant' were staples of a kid's TV viewing at the time.

They don't make them like this anymore, 'Beachcombers' kinda fit in with the Waltons, Little House, Disney flix, all wholesome kinda family entertainments, nothing too scary or controversial. It was shot right there on location in Gibson's BC, it had many locals-Inuits, Japaneses, French, etc come and go too-which is Realistic for the BC Coast. Not tokenism, just-opening the window and showing what's out there.

Good show, good memories, 'Nick' vs. 'Relic' was always fun.

*** outta ****

This Really Takes Me Back

[happipuppi13 · 10/10 · 27 January 2006]

I almost can't believe it! I haven't seen hide nor hair about this show since my family departed Erie,Pennsylvania in Jan. Of 1977!! When I was in the above listed ages,I'd watch this show every once in awhile on Channel 11 out of Ontario. I had no idea what a "Beachcomber" was but I had a feeling it had something to do with the characters I saw.

I remember the wonderful outdoors/on the water scenes,I looked on in young curiosity as these "good guys" took it upon themselves to make their little part of the world better. Heck,I even remember seeing the commercials.

Wow,17 years! The last time a live action American show ran that long was Gunsmoke! These days,quality shows,like this one,are yanked after a few weeks if they garner no ratings! Only "The Simpsons" has run 17 seasons here lately!

It's always sad to read about those you watched on TV,in movies or whose music you listened too,having passed on. The good thing though,you always have the memories. I gladly rate this show 10 stars and recommend to anyone reading....if you get a chance to see it somehow,I 100% guarantee it's worth your while. It'll make you feel as good as a Gordon Lightfoot album (or CD) He's my favorite Canadian by the way! . (END)

A warm, cozy show with great scenery.

[galacticdebris · 10/10 · 10 April 2019]

This show reminds me a bit of Northern Exposure. I grew up watching The Beachcombers as a teenager in Arizona in the 80s. Luckily, they aired it every weekday for a few years and I loved being able to escape to the Canadian coast for a half hour. It was the only show of it's kind filmed outside on the docks, in boats, with a true grit and fun cast of people. Today it's still fun to watch because it's not over produced and although the picture quality seems lossy, I still love it.

brings back memories

[skybluewolf · 10/10 · 26 August 2006]

Like most of the other posters I remember watching this show as a kid. Every Sunday on the United Kingdoms Independent Telavision Channel (the U.K.s only commercial station at the time). Loved the characters especially Nick and Relic who's seemingly constant feuding was one of the aspects of the show that made it so engaging. Of course the scenery of the coast of British Colombia was also amazing. The main episode I remember is the one where two of the teenage characters get stuck on an Island and the girl goes into a Diabetic coma. Alos to the person who posted about the name of Nick's boat it was indeed the Persephone, named after the Greek Goddess I imagine. I am now going to try and get this series on D.V.D.

Typical, awful CBC dramatic fare

[bayboytwin · 1/10 · 9 January 2014]

In spite of the beautiful scenes of West Coast Canada, the Beachcombers is one of the worst TV programs I've ever had the misfortune to see. Acting by principal "star" Bruno Gerussi is bombastic and unconvincing. Watch as he sputters his lines, and walks as if he's trying to catch a chicken or other kind of fowl. A turkey, perhaps. The writing is sub par, even for the CBC. To say its' dull is being kind. The few attempts at humor are just not funny. Example: naming a character who is an RCMP officer, "Constable Constable" is about as funny as it gets. This officer, BTW, is played as a dimwit. Plus, his character was given that rarest of CBC rewards; a "spin off!" The mind boggles! Poor, poor, POOR excuse for entertainment. That it was on TV for more than 15 years is beyond my understanding. And I'm a Canadian! The only thing about all this wretchedness that I can recommend, besides the scenery, is that the Native American actors are actually played by Native Americans.

"A Beachcomber Christmas" A New TV Movie

[jacksondavies · 10/10 · 3 December 2004]

New movie for TV airing on Dec 6, 2004 at 8pm on the CBC "A Beachcombers Christmas" the new owner of Molly's Reach, Dave McGonigal (Dave Thomas) attempts to redeem his reputation as the town's notorious con-artist by planning a celebrity hockey game-Gibsons vs. ex-pro star players-that will raise funds for the struggling town at Christmas. Despite the efforts of team captain Sgt. John Constable (Jackson Davies), the Gibsons team doesn't stand a chance up against the ex-pro stars. The pressure is on as word begins to spread, thanks to town journalist Colin Reid (Graham Greene), who gets the game nation-wide press. But even with the help of Scott Rivers (Cam Bancroft), the only player with real hockey skills, it won't be an easy win. In an ironic twist of fate, the event organizers, Earl and Mickey (William McDonald and Michael Eklund), turn out to be even bigger scam artists than Dave is. They take off with his money and bring fake ex- pro star players. Without the celebrities, Dave faces an angry crowd and less money than he started with. But with the help of his young friend, Bernard (Mikhael Speidel), Dave manages to foil the crooks' plan. Bernard finds out that the famous female goalie, Manon Rheaume has moved to town, and Dave asks her to take his place on the ice. The whole country gets behind the event with the help of TV's Ron MacLean and Kelly Hrudey, and it looks like Gibsons may have a merry Christmas. Earl and Mickey come to the rink feeling smug, only to find that Manon has brought with her the authentic ex-pro star players everyone was expecting to help the Gibsons team. With the help of hockey legends Tiger Williams, Kirk McLean, Jyrke Lumme and Gary Nyland, the Beachcombers win in a nail-biting game. The scam artists are undone, much-needed cash goes to the town in time for Christmas, and Dave's redemption plan is successful. Better yet, he becomes a local hero and finds love when Constable Kelly Mah (Francoise Yip), once Dave's nemesis, begins to see him in a new light. Meanwhile Donna (Deanna Milligan) faces a difficult decision when Peter, an old flame from school, asks her to leave Gibsons to join him in a lucrative business venture. But Scott may have a thing or two to say about that…and everyone does have a merry little Christmas.

Only the scenery is worthwhile

[mikerichardson-63034 · 1/10 · 30 December 2021]

Typically awful Canadian TV series. The view of BC is nice but once you get past that the rest is horrible. It's a little sickening to realize we taxpayers funded such nonsense. It's no coincidence not one of these actors found work post Beachcombers. The Littlest Hobo is like Gone with the Wind compared to the Beachcombers. If you'd like to see what awful public television looks like this is it.

Like the surf upon the beach, life rolls on...

[huggys1 · 13 August 2004]

I grew up in the Muskoka area in Ontario and remember watching The Beachcombers every Sunday evening. It was one of the last shows of the evening we were allowed to stay up and watch before bed time. It really is hard to believe "Nick" and "Relic" are both gone. They will be forever remembered with a fondness that a lot of Canadians felt for the show. So many of our Canadian icons have fallen the last few years that it serves to remind us how quickly time passes. Nick, Relic, Mr. Dressup, Friendly Giant all legends in their own right to a generation of thankful youngsters who are quickly entering into the final leg of their own journey through life. Let the younger "Boomers" reflect on their own childhood and bring The Beachcombers back to Mollys Reach and Edmonton and Bracebridge and Halifax...

Lame Lame Lame

[mm-39 · 3/10 · 21 July 2019]

Lame Lame Lame! The usual lame C B C drama. No one watched The Beachcombers growing up in Canada. In fact The Beachcombers was the brunt of many jokes about the C B C. The only thing I watch on C B C is the sports! What am I going watch The Beachcombers! insert laughter after the comment. Well there was a few interesting episodes. Like the huge log which can not be moved, the model air plane one, but as one can tell the stories were on the lame side. The Nyck vs the Relic feud was cool. Well compared to the high budget police shows of the 70's and slick big acting, and sets of the 80's shows like Miami Vice I would change the dial on the T V back then! Yes we actually had a dial back the. Well The Beachcombers lack on budget, and sets hurt the show. Well it was a family show, but I still liked Disney as a kid. I give The Beachcombers 3 stars.

Why I'm proud to be a Canadian

[madsagittarian · 30 September 2002]

My public school days come flooding back to me all over again. Every Sunday night, I would watch this show religiously when I was a little kid. I used to call it "The Boat Show" before I ever knew what the name of it was. I thought it was so cool to see these guys ride around in their little boats and collect logs, then go drink coffee at Molly's Reach. Instead of Canadians portraying themselves as hard-drinking hosers, this show was a positive role model for our country. These life-loving vital people have a lot of humour and really share the expansive land. Man, they don't make them like this anymore. Too bad. Its simple love of life and people is totally endearing; it still towers above most of the crapola that crowds most of the tube today. Every Sunday night after I watched this, I would go take a bath, and play with my boats in the tub. Sometimes art and life are connected more closely than we think.

Classic Canadian Programming

[malton · 8 August 1999]

There is not a Canadian over the age of 25 that is not familiar with Nick and his life in Gibson's Landing as portrayed on The Beachcombers. To me, there is no CBC series that has become an icon as The Beachcombers have. The strongest was the first 5 season, 1971-1976, before the show lost Hughie and Jesse. Of course, as any long running series (Canada's longest), many original cast members left and in the end, it was only Nick and Relic. A bit hokey, but that was the CBC back then. Filmed on location on the British Columbian coast.

The most enjoyable television show ever made.

[s_grundy2 · 25 October 2000]

I grew up with The Beachcombers. As soon as the school holidays came I would excitedly check the tv guide to see if my favourite show would be on again. The Beachcombers is yet another example of the excellent quality of distinctly Canadian shows only the CBC could make. "Stoney Plains" and "Ritter's Cove" were also very enjoyable shows. I fell in love with The Beachcombers...even ol' Relic, and developed a fascination for stunningly beautiful Canada. The Beachcombers is a wonderful, feel good show...loads of good fun and laughs and a little sadness. It was very easy to become addicted to. I can honestly say it is still the most enjoyable series I have ever watched and I think always will be.

I miss the Beachcombers

[Angelica_Diablo · 30 November 2002]

I grew up watching the tv series. I used to go down to Lower Gibsons and watch them film some of the episodes when I was a kid. Now that I have moved to Ontario, I try to watch it whenever the reruns are on and even the tv movie "The New Beachcombers" I wish they would start up a new series like the old one.....I miss it so.

Those in the USA liked it too.

[STWARR · 24 August 2004]

My dad was in to electronics, we had a really good antenna for our TV, and on Sunday nights we could pick up Ch 11 out of Canada, I think it was Kingston. I'd watch this show every Sunday night as a kid, I thought it was great. I know this sounds old, but I don't think a lot of the TV shows today have the presence that this one did. The characters were good, especially in the early seasons, and I liked the seeing coastline and the boats. I had no idea it went on till 1990, I graduated high school and went away to college in 1981, between college and jobs I never got back in to an area where I could pick it up. I miss it, and shows like it. My hats off to Canada for making a really wonderful TV show.

Beachcombers

[valgin · 28 October 2005]

I grew up about 20 miles from the Canadian border, near Bellingham, in Washington State. The show was the first opportunity for us to see things outside our small town of ACME. The pontoon airplane was always the hit, and the inter cultural cast of characters helped us to see that there was more out there. I agree that it was a family show, and hence we were allowed to watch it as children. In that period, our region had a local tribe of Indians. I think they are still there. Being as confined as we were, I think I remember racial tensions, or in any case, school was were one saw the few Indians and the rest. Because my parents came from Europe, they didn't know anything about the situation. The TV show helped me understand the culture through Jesse, and I was one of the few kids who finished by having friends ( a friend) from the tribe in my Junior High School. Interesting how we can be positively affected by TV.

If they were ever to do a DVD of some of the episodes, I would like to hear about it. Best, Valgin

loved the show

[cmu28351 · 18 December 2005]

I loved the show and grew up watching TV shows like Beachcombers, Dr Who and Worzel Gummage on the ABC as that was the only channel we got, and it was always my favorite.

Nick was my favorite Character, but it would not have been the same without old Relic.

Can anybody remind me of the name of Nick's boat I think it is "The Precephanie" but I just can't be sure of it. I have recently purchased my very first boat of my own and I would love to name my boat after Nick's. I am not sure of the spelling.

Can any one help me?

Relic, Brother??????

[toink-1 · 16 January 2005]

I as a kid used to watch this all the time. I don't really remember to much of it other than us kids being all excited when my father had appeared on an episode as Relic's brother or something to that matter but then we would try not to miss an episode after that. We still talk about that one episode to this day and wonder our dad LOLOLOLOL.

So it was kinda neat coming across this post i just had to comment on it.

If anybody may recall that episode please fill in some of the blanks for me, would be thankful

Thanks