The Beachcombers

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 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.

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...

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)

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.