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PODCAST

The S1E1 Podcast

Join us every week where we’ll be picking a different sitcom and judging it solely on its very first televised episode. In doing so we’ll be challenging ourselves to erase any knowledge of future episodes so we can deliver an unbiased opinion. At the end of each show we’ll tell you if this is a show we would green light or cancel. Tune in to find out which mega shows wouldn’t make the cut, what forgettable mistakes we give a pass, and who started exactly where they should be.

tv & film tv reviews

All Episodes

01:38:37

S1E1: The George Carlin Show

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/06/19

"The George Carlin Show" is a sitcom that aired on Fox from 1994-1995. The show centers around George O'Grady, a curmudgeonly New York City cab driver in his 50s who hangs out at a neighborhood bar. While it follows a traditional sitcom format with a laugh track and episodic structure, Carlin's involvement ensured that the writing frequently touched on anti-establishment themes, and generational conflicts.In later interviews, George Carlin expressed disappointment with the creative process behind

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01:42:26

S1E1: Dads

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/06/12

"Dads" is sitcom that aired on FOX from 2013-2014. The series stars Seth Green and Giovanni Ribisi who play two successful video game developers in their 30s whose lives are turned upside down when their overbearing and dysfunctional fathers move in with them. Much of the show's comedic dynamic is based on culture clash, and boundary-pushing jokes."Dads" received largely negative reviews from critics upon its premiere for relying on racial stereotypes, crude humor, and lack of character

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01:42:44

S1E1: The Grinder

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/06/05

The Grinder is a sitcom that aired on FOX from 2015–2016 starring Rob Lowe as Dean Sanderson, a TV actor famous for playing a lawyer who returns to his hometown and attempts to practice law alongside his actual attorney brother, Stewart (Fred Savage). The show cleverly parodied legal dramas by contrasting Dean's melodramatic, fictional courtroom experience with the realities of practicing law.Critics praised the series, with many considering it to be one of the standout comedies of the season

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01:44:14

S1E1: Gilligan’s Island

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/05/29

"Gilligan’s Island" is a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1964-1967. The show follows the comedic adventures of seven castaways who become stranded on a deserted island after a tropical storm wrecks their boat, the S.S. Minnow. Much of the show's humor is driven from the contrast between the characters’ personalities and their adaptation (or lack thereof) to island life.Although it was originally met with mixed reviews from critics, Gilligan’s Island gained a massive fan following through syndication,

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01:40:22

S1E1: Alice

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/05/22

"Alice" is a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1976-1985. The show is based on the 1974 Martin Scorsese film, "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore". The story follows Alice Hyatt, a widow who moves from New Jersey to Phoenix, Arizona, with her son, Tommy. She then takes a job at a roadside eatery named Mel’s Diner. One of the show's catchphrases, "Kiss my grits!" remains a part of the cultural lexicon.The show was a ratings success, especially during its early seasons. Alice's nine season run made it one

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01:43:40

S1E1: The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/05/15

"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" is a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977. The show starred Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards, a single, independent woman working as a TV news producer in Minneapolis. More than a workplace comedy, it helped reshape how America viewed women in the 1970.The show was gigantic success winning over both critics and viewers alike. In its run "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" won a total of 29 Emmys. Will the S1E1 boys make this one a green-light after all? Listen as they

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01:38:22

S1E1: Joanie Loves Chachi

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/05/08

"Joanie Loves Chachi" is an ABC sitcom that aired from 1982-1983. It was a "Happy Days" spin-off that followed Joanie Cunningham and Chachi Arcola to Chicago where they pursued music careers and furthering their relationship.After the initial curiosity wore off, ratings declined rapidly. ABC decided to pull the plug, and both Joanie and Chachi were written back into Happy Days for its final season. "Joanie Loves Chachi" has become something of a punchline in TV history, often cited as an example of

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01:34:18

S1E1: The Brady Bunch

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/05/01

The Brady Bunch is a sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974. It begins with Mike Brady, a widowed architect with three sons marries Carol who has three daughters. Together, they form a family of eight, along with their live-in housekeeper, Alice. Despite the challenges, the Bradys always come together with love and understanding.Though it wasn't a major hit during its original run, The Brady Bunch gained immense popularity in syndication, becoming a cultural icon. Its success led to spin-offs, reunion

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01:29:51

S1E1: Charlie Hoover

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/04/24

"Charlie Hoover" is a short-lived 1991 Fox sitcom. The series starred Tim Matheson as Charlie Hoover and Sam Kinison as Hugh, a wild, outspoken manifestation of Charlie's inner voice. Its humor relies heavily on Sam Kinison’s signature loud, over-the-top comedic style. The contrast between Hugh's bombastic personality and Charlie’s meekness is the central comedic engine."Charlie Hoover" received mixed at best reviews and struggled in ratings, leading to its early cancellation. Critics cited the

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01:46:20

S1E1: Whitney

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/04/17

"Whitney" is a semi-autobiographical comedy created by and starring Whitney Cummings that aired on NBC from 2011–2013. It follows Whitney, a photographer, and her live-in boyfriend, Alex (Chris D'Elia), as they navigate their three-year relationship without the intention of getting married.Critics were mixed in their reviews but many felt the show lacked originality. NBC decided to not renew the show for a third season due to its declining ratings and struggles to find a consistent audience. Will

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01:38:40

S1E1: The Charmings

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/04/10

"The Charmings" was an ABC sitcom that aired from 1987-1988. The show followed the adventures of Snow White and Prince Charming, who after a thousand year spell found themselves in 20th-century Los Angeles. Along with their two sons, the wicked stepmother Lillian, and a wisecracking Magic Mirror, they tried to adapt to modern life while clashing with contemporary norms.While some viewers appreciated "The Charmings" quirky premise, it struggled to find a consistent audience. Additionally, there were

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01:48:50

S1E1: St Denis Medical

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/04/03

St. Denis Medical is a mockumentary-style sitcom that premiered on NBC in 2024. The show is set in an underfunded hospital in Oregon, where overworked doctors and nurses strive to treat patients while juggling their own personal and professional challenges.St. Denis Medical was created by Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer. Spitzer best known for creating the hit show, Superstore. Will the S1E1 boys rate this one as high as they did Superstore? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode,

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01:34:27

S1E1: Maron

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/03/27

"Maron" is a semi-autobiographical sitcom created by and starring Marc Maron. It spanned four seasons on IFC airing from 2013 to 2016. The show follows a fictionalized version of Maron as he navigates his life as a podcaster, comedian, and recovering addict.Critics and fans appreciated the show's unique voice and Maron's candid storytelling. While it didn't achieve mainstream popularity, "Maron" garnered a loyal fanbase and solid reviews throughout its run. Will the S1E1 relate to a show that

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01:37:40

S1E1: The Thin Blue Line

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/03/20

The Thin Blue Line is a British sitcom that aired on BBC1 from 1995 to 1996. The show is about a police station in the fictional English town of Gasforth. The series stars Rowan Atkinson as Inspector Raymond Fowler, a by-the-book officer who often clashes with Detective Inspector Derek Grim (played by David Haig). The two represent opposing views on policing, traditional vs modern.Despite The Thin Blue Line's short run of two series, the show remains a memorable part of British television, blending

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01:35:11

S1E1: Laverne & Shirley

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/03/13

"Laverne & Shirley" is a sitcom that aired from 1976 to 1983. This "Happy Days" spin-off follows the antics of Laverne DeFazio (played by Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (played by Cindy Williams), two best friends and roommates who work as bottle-cappers at the Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee. The iconic opening theme song, "Making Our Dreams Come True," remains one of the most recognizable TV themes."Laverne & Shirley" was a major hit and consistently ranked among the top-rated TV shows

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01:35:57

S1E1: Come to Papa

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/03/06

"Come to Papa" is a sitcom that aired on NBC from June 3rd to 24th, 2004. The show follows the life of Tom Papa, a New Jersey newspaper reporter who attempts to transition from his day job to his dream career in comedy writing. Due to poor reviews, he show was cancelled after airing only four episodes.In today's world "Come to Papa" might best be known as the reason Steve Carell originally had to turn down "The Office". Luckily, due to the incredibly short run of the series, Steve was able to join

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01:22:26

S1E1: My Mother The Car

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/02/27

"My Mother the Car" is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1965-1966. The show is about a man named Dave Crabtree (Jerry Van Dyke), who discovers that his deceased mother's spirit has been reincarnated as a 1928 Porter automobile. His mother communicates to him through the radio of the car, offering advice and guidance as he navigates through life.Despite the innovative concept, "My Mother the Car" was not well received during its initial run. Critics often ridiculed the show, and it struggled with low

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01:30:08

S1E1: Shifting Gears

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/02/20

"Shifting Gears" is an ABC sitcom that premiered in 2025. The show follows the story of Matt Parker (Tim Allen), a widower who owns a restomod shop. One morning at the shop his estranged daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings) and her two children show up, and due to recent circumstances end up moving into Matt's house and attempt to rebuild their relationship.The series has been met with mixed reviews in its short existence. Viewers have given "Shifting Gears" credit as being a welcomed return to classic

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01:41:42

S1E1: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/02/13

"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" is a sitcom that aired from 2012 to 2013. The show follows the life of June (Dreama Walker), a Midwestern girl who moves to New York City for her dream job, only to have her life turned upside down when said job falls through. She finds herself living with Chloe (Krysten Ritter), a wild, con-artist who thrives on creating chaos and exploiting others for personal gain. The show also features James Van Der Beek, playing a fictionalized version of himself, who is

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01:53:25

S1E1: The Office

The S1E1 Podcast ·

2025/02/06

"The Office" is a sitcom that follows the everyday lives of employees working at Dunder Mifflin, a mundane paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The show aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013 and is the American adaptation of the British show of the same name. The show is known for its mockumentary-style format, complete with talking head interviews, shaky camera work, and characters often breaking the fourth wall by looking directly at the camera.The show grew to become one television's biggest

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243 results

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