Linear and hyperbranched ladder polymers are facilely synthesized by a Pd0-catalyzed Suzuki polycondensation and FriedelCrafts alkylation. The polymers show blue light emission with typical features of ladder polymers, such as well-resolved absorption and emission spectra, and small Stokes shifts. The polymers contain fewer structural defects and they exhibit good optical and thermal stability. No spectral change is observed after the films of ladder polymers are heated at 110 degrees C in air for 24 h.