Breaker High

Naomi and Aaron discuss the TV show Breaker High (1997-98). [This episode was originally paywalled, but here it is in its entirety for free!]

Ahoy, Sweater Wearers! This week we sail back to the late 90s and into the Canadian teen sitcom Breaker High, a much requested topic for our show. Airing from 1997 to 1998 on YTV, Breaker High captured the imaginations of young viewers by setting high school on a cruise ship. We explore many of the characters, including the wacky Sean, played by a young Ryan Gosling showing off his comedic chops in the role. Maybe we're biased by future knowledge of baby Gosling's success, but he stands out as a real talent. We discuss Breaker High's filming location in Burnaby, BC, and we examine the sometimes dated depictions of other cultures, languages, and cuisines that make the show a bit cringey to watch today. We end by musing about how Breaker High portrays a fantasy where kids from different social groups—whether nerd, cool, jock, or joker—are all friends. In fact, little Naomi had an on-going fantasy similar to Breaker High, except it took place on a spaceship, a show idea we'll be pitching to YTV soon enough.