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.

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.

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.

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 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.