The Sitcom Studies Podcast

Today we are covering our final member of the Simpsons family (sorry, Maggie), the one and only Bart Simpson! We're discussing two episodes that have Bart learn some hard lessons: “Bart Gets an ‘F” (season 2, episode 1) and “Bart Gets Famous” (season 5, episode 12). While we definitely see some of the pressures Bart faces, whether that's to do better in school or to "just say the line", we're glad to see how fortunate he is to have family who is there for him when he needs them most.  History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fort_Necessity

Today is all about the girl, the myth, the legend, Lisa Simpson! Whether you're struggling with those mid-week blues or feel energized enough to write an essay about the biggest issues facing our world, we hope you enjoy our discussion about these two fantastic Lisa-focused episodes, “Moaning Lisa" (Season 1, Episode 6) and “Mr. Lisa Goes To Washington” (season 3, episode 2). We discuss the pressures women and girls feel to take Aaron Burr's advice and "smile more," as well as the important differences between Marge's parenting and her mother's approach. Also...Homer is a fan of "Reading Digest"? History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Ward_Howe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Beecher_Stowe

We are joined by Marlessa's friend Adam to discuss the one and only Simpsons matriarch, Marge! This week's selection, “Itchy & Scratchy & Marge (Season 2, Episode 9) and “Marge vs. the Monorail” (season 4, episode 12), showcases Marge's deep desire to do right by her family and the Springfield community. Once again we have episodes filled with excellent parody (Psycho and Silence of the Lambs); top-tier guest stars (hello Leonard Nimoy!); and sharp social commentary, this time about censorship and mob mentality. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk all things Simpsons with us, Adam!  Historical Highlights:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_(Michelangelo) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music_Man https://www.imdb.com/list/ls085694280/  

We're starting off our Simpsons season with two Homer-centric episodes that focus on his best temporary jobs: “Mr. Plow” (season 4, episode 9) and “Deep Space Homer” (season 5, episode 15). We discuss Homer's rivalry with Barney; his iconic jacket and song; and his deep desire to earn the respect of his family. Oh, and none other than Adam West and Buzz Aldrin make appearances. History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzz_Aldrin

Season 4 of Sitcom Studies begins, but with a slightly different format, because we're discussing the longest-running American sitcom of all time: The Simpsons! In this intro episode, you'll find out why this one is so special to Marlessa and how we'll be tackling an incredibly nuanced show that has stood the test of time. Deep dives begin next week! https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/simpson-family-television-debut-30-years-ago-180962482/

The time has come to say goodbye to our beloved Darrin and Sam and the rest of the Bewitched crew. We rank our favorite and least favorite episodes of this season; discuss the enneagram types of these characters; and offer our final thoughts on viewing Samantha and Darrin's love and marriage from a feminist perspective. It has been nothing short of magical getting to discuss this charming and groundbreaking sitcom. And if you've disagreed with us at all this season, well..."try to understand...we're only mortal." Season 4 begins next week! 

It's our final two episodes of Bewitched! Darrin is once again really struggling with his insecurities, even to the point of believing that all of his success is due to Samantha's help - trust your wife, Darrin! Louis Kravitz is struggling with his own kind of trust issues as he looks to rediscover his love of performing. And of course, Alice Pearce maker her final appearance as Gladys. Historical Highlights:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jascha_Heifetz https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Stern https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Hurok https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stradivarius https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_Hall

It's just a bit busy this week: Charlie Leach is back; Darrin's client Toni is turned into a cat; and Endora is, as usual, planting some unfortunate seeds of doubt in her daughter's mind. And of course there's some time travel thrown in as well. Would you go back in time to find out what might have been? Historical Highlights: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/g60027790/celebrity-weddings-1960s/

This week, we discuss what some have considered THE episode of Bewitched! We discuss which episodes we think are most representative of this sitcom and the important commentary this episode makes about unconditional acceptance. And bravo as always, Dick York - you shine in this one!  As for the second episode that we have on tap for this week...let's just say we had "No" by Meghan Trainor on repeat... Historical Highlights: http://exhibits.library.miami.edu/miamidigital/1960s.html

We have an exciting two-parter this week - Samantha's very identity as a witch is at risk of being exposed! We're not entirely sure she handles the situation well, but at least there's so much to talk about here as we consider Sam's willingness to use her own magical abilities.  We hope your 2026 is off to a great start! History Highlights: https://asginvestigations.com/private-investigator/history-of-private-investigations/ 

What happens when there are magical forces at work that even Sam and Endora might not know how to handle? That and other questions will be answered this week...except we don't think we'll ever be able to answer why Samantha lets "Uncle Albert" into her home without picking up on any of the red flags. Wishing you and yours all the very best in 2026! History Highlights: https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-witches

Merry Christmas Eve! While we wish we could sprinkle some seasonal magic to...spruce up?...these two episodes, we had a great time thinking a bit more deeply about the different dynamic that we see here between Sam and Darrin. And for the very first time, we just might have a grievance with out dear Samantha!  We hope that you and yours enjoy a blessed and beautiful holiday.    History Highlights:  https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/voices-independence-four-oral-histories-about-building-womens-economic-power https://www.oneadvisorypartners.com/blog/the-history-of-women-and-money-in-the-united-states-in-honor-of-womens-history-month https://www.chase.com/personal/investments/learning-and-insights/article/women-in-wealth-throughout-history-a-united-states-timeline  

We certainly see the more competitive side of our beloved characters this week! Samantha turns a race horse into a human; a friend of Darrin's turns to sports betting to earn some extra money; and Endora lets her annoyance with Gladys get the better of her when she makes it seem like little Tabitha has already started to talk... History Highlights: https://guides.library.harvard.edu/c.php?g=1108872&p=8085578 https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/seabiscuit-horseracing-us/  

What would you do if you were granted three wishes for your birthday? We don't recommend wishing to be your boss for the day - of course, if you're like Darrin in these episodes, you wouldn't even know you had three wishes to begin with. We are also all for the body positivity that shines through here - but Samantha, did you really need to steal a famous fashion designer's work to finish your own?   History Highlights: https://daily.jstor.org/dressmaking-liberated-american-women-then-came-the-men/  

This week on Sitcom Studies, Darrin's parents meet Endora for the first time (yikes!) and Darrin becomes a new heavyweight champion? While these two episodes were not our favorites so far, we do think these episodes offer plenty of food for thought surrounding some interesting gender role discussions. We just wish Tabatha were able to enjoy her little teddy bear in peace!  Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison

We get another flashback episode this week and get to see what happened when Samantha met Darrin's parents for the first time. Is Phyllis overbearing from the very beginning? Should Darrin really feel guilty for the way he treats Aunt Clara? Oh, and then in the present day, there's also the possibility that Tabitha might be trying to influence the U.S. stock market... Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are! We are eternally grateful to you if you've been along with us for the ride over the past ten months. Let the holidays begin! History Highlights: https://www.nyse.com/history-of-nyse

Welcome to the world, sweet Tabitha. This week we finally get to meet the Stephens' little girl, as well as Sam's cousin Serena - and a nurse who gives Gladys a run for her money?  History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabitha  

This week, time away at Larry Tate's cabin is supposed to help ease Darrin's burnout and Samantha feels pressured to hire a maid as her due date approaches. While we noticed some significant plot holes this week, the visual gags continue to impress. We hope all of your meal prep during the upcoming holiday season goes much more smoothly than it does for our Bewitched families! History Highlights: https://www.tastingtable.com/1278237/important-differences-between-broth-consomme/

We have two episodes this week that surprisingly see everything turn out for the best. Some of our favorite characters' innermost thoughts are revealed; Samantha shows once again how golden her heart is; and the Stephens are able to bring the joy of Christmas to a young boy in desperate need of some holiday cheer. We wholeheartedly encourage you to listen to this episode while decorating for the holidays. But wait - did Santa just call Darrin the wrong name, like Endorra would?   Stream Marlessa's favorite I Married a Witch (1942) on HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime!   Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Leech_(caricaturist)

Happy Halloween! We are thrilled to be joined this week by Herbie J Pilato for a very special conversation about some important episodes of Bewitched not included in Season 2. Herbie is a renowned actor, writer, producer, and TV scholar who has devoted much of his career to preserving the history of Bewitched and other beloved classic sitcoms. He has written Bewitched Forever: The Immortal Companion to Television's Most Magical Supernatural Situation Comedy (2004) and Twitch Upon A Star: The Bewitched Life And Career Of Elizabeth Montgomery (2012), among many other authoritative books on this period in television history. Herbie graciously discusses the time he spent with the Bewitched cast while researching these books - what we wouldn't give to have watched an episode with Dick York! Herbie, we are so grateful for your time and for all that you do to make sure that future generations are able to discover this bewitching sitcom.    Please find out more about Herbie and all of this work at his website here: https://www.herbiejpilato.com/ and be sure to follow him on social media!    Bewitched Episodes Discussed: 1.17 A is for Aardvark 3.13 My Friend Ben 3.25 Charlie Harper, Winner 4.12 Samantha's Thanksgiving to Remember 6.11 Darrin the Warlock 7.13 Sisters at Heart