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Switchback (1981)

Reality

"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.

First Air Date
November 1, 1981
Seasons
1
Episodes
1
Rating
7.0/10 (1 votes)

Cast: Stan Johnson, Rick Scott, Richard Newman, Andrew Cochrane, Stu Jeffries, Shawn Thompson, Howard Busgang, Dale Martindale

Production: CBC
IMDb

Seasons

Full Cast (21 people)

Recommended Shows

Switchback

Switchback

"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.

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Show Information
StatusReturning Series
TypeScripted
First Aired11/1/1981
Last Aired11/1/1981
Seasons1
Episodes1
LanguageEnglish
Currently in production
Creators & Crew

Directed by

,

Written by

1

Seasons

1

Episodes

1981

First Aired

Languages

External Links

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Cast

SJ

Stan Johnson

as Host (Halifax)

RS

Rick Scott

as Host (Vancouver)

RN

Richard Newman

as Host (Vancouver)

AC

Andrew Cochrane

as Host (Vancouver)

SJ

Stu Jeffries

as Host (Vancouver)

ST

Shawn Thompson

as Host (Toronto)

HB

Howard Busgang

as Host (Toronto)

DM

Dale Martindale

as Host (Toronto)

Seasons

1 seasons
Watch Now

Season 1

1981

1 episodes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Switchback about?

"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 ot…

How many seasons does Switchback have?

1

How many episodes does Switchback have?

1

Is Switchback still running?

Yes, it is currently running.

When did Switchback first air?

November 1, 1981

Who created Switchback?

Rick Scott

Who stars in Switchback?

Stan Johnson, Rick Scott, Richard Newman

What genre is Switchback?

Reality