The S1E1 Podcast

"I Love Lucy" is a classic American television sitcom that aired from 1951-1957. The show starred Lucille Ball and her real-life husband Desi Arnaz. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential sitcoms in television history. The show follows the misadventures of Lucy Ricardo, a quirky housewife with aspirations of stardom, and her Cuban bandleader husband Ricky Ricardo, who often finds himself caught up in Lucy's schemes. The Ricardos live in a New York City apartment building, where they interact with their landlords and best friends, Fred and Ethel Mertz (played by William Frawley and Vivian Vance, respectively). The show was the first to be filmed in front of a live studio audience using multiple cameras, a technique that became the standard for sitcom production. It was also one of the first television programs to portray an interracial marriage (Lucy being Caucasian and Ricky being Cuban). But will this groundbreaking show still hit over 70 years after originally airing? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive I Love Lucy's first episode, "The Girls Want to Go to the Nightclub". Starring: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, & William Frawley www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"The Trades" is a sitcom about refinery employees that first debut March 2024 on the Crave network in Canada. The show is a production of Trailer Park Boys Inc. and stars Rob Wells as Todd, a red seal welder working towards a promotion to site manager at his refinery plant. The Trades has a deep ensemble cast featuring the likes of Tom Green, Enrico Colantoni, and Jennifer Spence to name a few. The show offers a comedic behind the scenes view of the the antics of blue-collar workers getting through the day at a stressful workplace. Will the Trailer Park Boys machine driving this show come with its strong fan base? Will this gritty, down to earth comedy resonate with the S1E1 boys? Find out as they deep dive the shows pilot episode, "The German Robot". Starring: Rob Wells, Anastasia Phillips, Jennifer Spence, Enrico Colantoni, Susan Kent, Dan Petronijevic, Jesse Comacho, Brandon Oakes, & Tom Green www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"Bob Hearts Abishola" is a sitcom that aired on CBS from 2019-2024. Created by the legendary Chuck Lorre, the mastermind behind hit shows such as "Two and a Half Men", "The Big Bang Theory", & "Grace Under Fire" just to name a few. With this show, Lorre wanted to offer an interracial love story to a broad audience and by doing so gave us the first American sitcom to feature a Nigerian family. The series follows Bob Wheeler (played by Billy Gardell), a middle-aged compression sock salesman in Detroit who suffers a heart attack and ends up in the hospital. There, he meets Abishola Oluwakemi (played by Folake Olowofoyeku), a Nigerian immigrant who works as a nurse. Despite their cultural differences and initial misunderstandings, Bob becomes infatuated with Abishola, sparking a charming and unconventional love story. "Bob Hearts Abishola" has been praised for tackling important social issues with sensitivity and humor, while also celebrating the universal themes of love, family, and resilience. Will these themes resonate with the S1E1 guys who can often have offbeat senses of humor? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out. Starring: Billy Gardell, Folake Olowofoyeku, Christine Ebersole, Matt Jones, Maribeth Monroe, Shola Adewusi, Barry Shabaka Henley, Travis Wolfe Jr., Vernee Watson, & Gina Yashere www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"Herman's Head" was a sitcom that aired on the Fox network from 1991-1994. The show had unique concept, revolving around the inner thoughts and emotions of its protagonist, Herman Brooks (William Ragsdale), but here those thoughts and emotions were portrayed by 4 different characters that resided inside Herman's mind. Throughout its run, Herman navigated through various romantic relationships, friendships, and workplace scenarios, with his internal voices often providing conflicting advice and commentary. If you hear a couple familiar voices when Herman is at the office it's because two of his co-workers are played by long running Simpsons voice actors, Yeardley Smith (Lisa Simpson) & Hank Azaria (Moe, Apu, Chief Wiggum, etc). Despite its innovative concept and initial critical acclaim, "Herman's Head" faced challenges with inconsistent scheduling and changes in time slots, which led to fluctuations in viewership. After three seasons and 72 episodes, the show was ultimately canceled in April 1994. Will the S1E1 guys enjoy watching this somewhat forgotten '90s classic? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out. Starring: William Ragsdale, Hank Azaria, Jane Sibbett, Yeardley Smith, Molly Hagan, Ken Hudson Campbell Rick Lawless, Peter MacKenzie, Jason Bernard, Edward Winter, & Corinne Bohrer www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Extended Family" is a sitcom that premiered on NBC in 2023. The show is about Jim (Jon Cryer) and Julia (Abigail Spencer), a recently divorced couple that are trying to show the world that divorce doesn't need to have so much negativity attached to it. In the process they co-parent their two children and even take turns living in the house they once shared. The arrangement gets complicated when Julia starts seeing Trey (Donald Faison), who happens to be the owner of the Boston Celtics. As a matter of fact the show was loosely based on the life of the actual owner of the Celtics, Wyc Grousbeck. This Mike O'Malley created show has been met with less than stellar reviews thus far. With heavy criticism going towards the writing. But maybe the S1E1 guys will enjoy watching another show set in their hometown of Boston? Listen as they review the first episode of "Extended Family" and find out. Starring: Jon Cryer, Donald Faison, Sofia Campanna, Abigail Spencer, Finn Sweeney, & Lenny Clarke www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Undeclared" was a sitcom created by Judd Apatow that aired on the Fox network in 2001. It was the spiritual successor to "Freaks and Geeks," which had been critically acclaimed but canceled after just one season. The premise centered around a group of college freshmen as they navigate the challenges and adventures of college at the fictional University of Northeastern California. The show received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its humor, relatable characters, and realistic portrayal of college life. However, despite the critical acclaim, the show struggled to find a large audience and was canceled after just one season. Despite its short-lived run, "Undeclared" has had a lasting cultural impact and helped launch the careers of several actors and comedians who went on to become prominent figures in Hollywood. But is the show as good as critics say or did it deserve to get the boot after one season? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the pilot episode, "Prototype" and find out. Starring: Jay Baruchel, Carla Gallo, Charlie Hunnam, Monica Keena, Seth Rogen, Timm Sharp, Jason Segel, & Loudon Wainwright III www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"The Wayans Bros." was a sitcom that aired on the WB network (now The CW) from 1995 to 1999. Its mix of slapstick comedy, witty banter, and the chemistry between the two real-life brothers helped the show build a strong and loyal fanbase. It offered a more diverse and inclusive representation of family dynamics and everyday experiences than most other shows did on mainstream television at the time. "The Wayans Bros." helped solidify their reputation as comedic actors, writers, and producers, paving the way for future projects like "Scary Movie" and "White Chicks.". It remains a cult favorite among fans of '90s television. The show left a mark on television history as a charming and humorous sitcom that showcased the comedic talents of the Wayans family while providing representation for African-American audiences. But did this iconic show have its footing right from the start? Listen as the S1E1 guys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Goop-Hair-It-Is" and find out. Starring: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, John Witherspoon, Lela Rochon, Gary Coleman, & Garrett Morris www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"2gether" was a sitcom that aired on MTV in 2000 following the movie of the same name that released earlier that year. The show was a satirical take on the boy band phenomenon of the late '90s and early 2000s. The show followed the fictional boy band 2ge+her as they moved in with one another in a house provided by their new label "What-Ev Records". The series provided audiences with a humorous look behind the scenes of the music industry and the manufactured personas of boy bands. One of the notable aspects of "2gether" was its ability to blend scripted comedy with musical performances. The band's songs, including "U + Me = Us (Calculus)" and "The Hardest Part of Breaking Up (Is Getting Back Your Stuff)," became legitimately popular among viewers and even received airplay on MTV and other music channels. Overall, "2gether" remains a fondly remembered part of early 2000s pop culture. Will the show resonate with a group of guys who mostly distanced themselves from the boy band trends of the time? Listen as the S1E1 guys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Lorelei" and find out. Starring: Evan Farmer, Alex Solowitz, Noah Bastian, Kevin Farley, Michael Cuccione, Christine Chatelain, Roger Cross, Dave McGowan, Lauren Lee Smith, & Carson Daly www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place (Renamed "Two Guys and a Girl" in its third season) was a sitcom that aired on ABC from 1998 to 2001. The show is about three twenty-somethings who share a Boston apartment and hang around (and work) at a pizza place. A lot of the motivation from the show came from show creator Kenny Schwartz's experiences working at a Massachusetts pizza shop. Modern day this sitcom might best be remembered as the launching pad for a young Ryan Reynolds. In its premier, the show's pilot was watched by 17.94 million viewers. Unfortunately the pilot ended up being the shows most viewed episode. The show received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the chemistry of the cast and the witty dialogue, but criticized the formulaic plots and the frequent changes in tone and direction. But can that boy's attention? Listen as they deep dive "The Pilot" and find out. Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Richard Ruccolo, Traylor Howard Jennifer Westfeldt, Julius Carry, & David Ogden Stiers www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"How I Met Your Mother" is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 2005 to 2014. Created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, the show drew inspiration from their experiences as best friends living in New York City. Centered around Ted Mosby, who narrates the story of how he met the mother of his children to his two kids in the year 2030. The narrative is told through a series of flashbacks, with Ted recounting the events of his life, particularly his relationships with his close-knit group of friends. "How I Met Your Mother" left a significant impact on television and pop culture. Known for its iconic moments and catchphrases, including but not limited to, "Suit up!", and "legen...wait for it...dary". HIMYM remains a significant cultural touchstone in television history, and lives strong among its die hard fan base. Will the S1E1 guys follow "Bro Code" and give the show the green-light? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out. Starring: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan, & Bob Saget www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Living Biblically" was a sitcom that premiered on CBS in February 2018. The show follows Chip Curry (Jay R Ferguson), a film critic who, after the death of his best friend, decides to live his life exactly as it's written in The Bible. As result Chip has to overcome the difficulties faced with having a modern life that's based around the litteral interpertation of an ancient book.  Despite an interesting premise and talented cast, "Living Biblically" received mixed reviews from critics and struggled to find an audience. It was canceled by CBS after only eight episodes. Did the network get it right or will the S1E1 guys decide to give the show hige praise? Listen as they deep dive the pilot episode and find out. Starring: Jay R Ferguson, Lindsey Kraft, Tony Rock, Ian Gomez, David Krumholtz, Camryn Manheim and Sara Gilbert www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Blue Mountain State" is a comedy television series that aired on Spike TV from 2010 to 2011. Located at the fictional Blue Mountain State University, the show focuses on the wild lives of the "Mountain Goats" football team both on and off the field. The show follows Alex Moran (Darin Brooks), a laid-back second string quarterback, as he navigates college life alongside his eccentric teammates. Despite its short run, "Blue Mountain State" developed such a loyal fanbase that they even went as far as to crowd fund a movie continuation called "Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland" in 2016. Will the S1E1 guys be as willing to donate to this franchize? Listen as they deep dive the pilot episode, "It's Called Hazing, Look It Up" and find out.  Starring: Darin Brooks, Sam Jones III, Alan Ritchson, Chris Romano, Gabrielle Dennis, Chester Tam, & Ed Marinaro www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Trial & Error" is a sitcom that premiered on NBC in March 2017. It was conceived as a mockumentary-style comedy series, following a New York City lawyer (Nicholas D'Agosto) who travels to a small town in South Carolina to defend a poetry professor (John Lithgow) accused of murdering his wife. Inspired by true-crime documentaries the series employs a comedic blend of courtroom antics, absurd characters, and unexpected twists, providing a satirical take on legal proceedings while keeping viewers entertained with its lighthearted and witty humor. Despite critical acclaim, the show faced challenges with viewership ratings and was ultimately canceled after two seasons. Was this show a victim of bad marketing strategies or was Trial & Error guilty of simply falling short? Listen as the S1E1 guys dissect the pilot episode of this seemingly unknown sitcom. Starring: John Lithgow, Nicholas D'Agosto, Steven Boyer, Sherri Shepherd, Krysta Rodriguez, & Jayma Mays www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Malcolm in the Middle" is a sitcom that first premiered on the Fox network on January 9, 2000, and ran for seven seasons. The series revolves around the Wilkerson family (Their last name which is only disclosed in the pilot episode), with the central character being Malcolm, played by Frankie Muniz. Malcolm is a highly intelligent and gifted young boy who finds himself in a middle-class family with often chaotic and dysfunctional dynamics. "Malcolm in the Middle" received critical acclaim for its humor, writing, and performances. A pre "Breaking Bad" Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Hal earned him widespread recognition, and the show was praised for its realistic depiction of the challenges and dynamics within a large family. It won several Emmy Awards and Golden Globes during its run. The show remains fondly remembered as a standout sitcom from the early 2000s. Starring: Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson, Justin Berfield, Erik Per Sullivan, Catherine Lloyd Burns, & Craig Lamar Traylor www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Out of This World" was a sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1991. The premise of the show centers around a teenage girl named Evie who on her 13th Birthday discovers that her father is an alien. The show featured Donna Pescow as Evie's mother, and secretly featured Burt Reynolds as her father. The show followed Evie's adventures as she balanced teenage life with the secrets of her extraterrestrial heritage. While "Out of This World" may not be as well-remembered as some other sitcoms of the era, it had a dedicated fan base and was known for its blend of science fiction and family comedy elements. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy this one or is it better left on another planet? Find out as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Evie's 13th Birthday". Starring: Maureen Flannigan, Donna Pescow, Joe Alaskey, Doug McClure, & Burt Reynolds www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Greg the Bunny" is a television show that originally aired on the Fox network in 2002. The show uses a Muppet-like mix of live-action and puppetry, featuring both human and puppet characters interacting. In it, Greg is a puppet who's on his way to apply for a job as an assistant and somehow finds himself as the new star on the children's television show. Despite the unique concept, "Greg the Bunny" was canceled after its first season. However, it developed a cult following and has since become a favorite among fans who appreciate its irreverent humor. Will this show be a fast favorite of the S1E1 guys? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Welcome to Sweetknuckle Junction". Starring: Eugene Levy, Seth Green, Sarah Silverman, Bob Gunton, Dina Spybey-Waters, & Dan Milano www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Smart Guy" was a sitcom that aired on The WB network from 1997 to 1999. The show starred Tahj Mowry who had gained recognition for his role on the ABC sitcom "Full House" as T.J. Henderson, a child prodigy who moves up to high school at the age of 10 and has to try to fit in with his older peers. The show was generally well-received for its blend of humor and heart and is remembered fondly by those who watched it during its original run. Will the S1E1 guys also look back at Smart Guy with the same fondness? Find out as they do a deep dive of the show's pilot episode. Starring: Tahj Mowry, Jason Weaver, Essence Atkins, John Marshall Jones, Omar Gooding, Anne-Marie Johnson, & Venus DeMilo Thomas www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Get a Life" was a sitcom that aired on the Fox network from 1990 to 1992. The show starred comedian Chris Elliott as Chris Peterson, a 30-year-old paperboy who lived with his parents. The lose premise of the show being, "What if Dennis The Menace was an adult?". The series was a departure from traditional sitcom formats and embraced a more absurd and unpredictable style. Despite its cult following, "Get a Life" faced challenges in finding a mainstream audience and was eventually canceled after two seasons. Does Get A Life's unconventional humor line up with the somewhat offbeat humor of the S1E1 guys? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Terror on the Hell Loop 2000" and find out. Starring: Chris Elliott, Sam Robards, Robin Riker, Elinor Donahue, Bob Elliott, & Mike Hagerty www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"The Santa Clauses" is a show on Disney+ that serves as a legacy-sequel to The Santa Clause film series that originally started in 1994. Here we see Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) now in his 60s and coming to terms with the fact that he can't be Santa forever. He will now have to set out to find a suitable replacement Santa and also prepare his family for a life outside of The North Pole. Is this show the perfect complement to the original film series that came before it. Or is Disney just using nostalgia to cash in for their streaming platform? Listen as the S1E1 guys deep dice The Santa Clauses first episode, "Chapter One: Good to Ho" and find out. Starring: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Austin Kane, Elizabeth Allen-Dick, & Devin Bright www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Three's Company" is a classic sitcom that originally aired from 1977 to 1984 which was based on a British sitcom called "Man About the House." The show revolves around Jack Tripper (John Ritter), who shares an apartment with two single women, Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers). To address the societal norms of the time, where co-ed living arrangements were not widely accepted, Jack pretends to be gay in order to convince the landlords that there's nothing improper about the living situation. Three's Company became a cultural phenomenon and is remembered as one of the iconic sitcoms of the late 1970s and early 1980s. But 46 years after first premiering will the show come off as too dated for the S1E1 guys? Listen as they deep dive its first televised episode "A Man About the House" and find out. Starring: John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers, Audra Lindley, & Norman Fell www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD