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.
Episodes

16 minutes ago
S1E1: The Mary Tyler Moore Show
16 minutes ago
16 minutes ago
"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 deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Love Is All Around".
Starring: Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight, Cloris Leachman, Valerie Harper, Angus Duncan, & Lisa Gerritsen
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Thursday May 08, 2025
S1E1: Joanie Loves Chachi
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
"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 a failed spin-off. Will the S1E1 boys disagree? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Chicago".
Starting: Erin Moran, Scott Baio, Al Molinaro, Ellen Travolta, Art Metrano, Tom Bosley, & Marion Ross
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Thursday May 01, 2025
S1E1: The Brady Bunch
Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
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 specials, and even feature films, cementing its place in television history. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy the story of a man named Brady...? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, The Honeymoon.
Starring: Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Barry Williams, Maureen McCormick, Christopher Knight, Eve Plumb, Mike Lookinland, Susan Olsen, & Ann B. Davis
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Thursday Apr 24, 2025
S1E1: Charlie Hoover
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
"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 show's premise as intriguing but poorly executed. Despite its short run, it holds a bit of cult interest today, especially for fans of Sam Kinison or oddball ‘90s sitcoms. Could that be enough to sneak a green-light from the S1E1 boys? Listen and find out.
Starring: Sam Kinison, Tim Matheson, Lucy Webb, Julie Hayden, Michael Manasseri, Leslie Engel & Kevin McCarthy
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Thursday Apr 17, 2025
S1E1: Whitney
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
"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 the S1E1 boys get behind this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Whitney Cummings, Chris D'Elia, Rhea Seehorn, Zoe Lister-Jones, Dan O'Brien, Maulik Pancholy, Jane Kaczmarek, & Loni Love
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Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
S1E1: The Charmings
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
"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 complaints from Disney about the unauthorized parody of Snow White which may have contributed to its challenges. Ultimately, low ratings led to its cancellation after two seasons. While the S1E1 boys enjoy this fairy tale turned sitcom? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Caitlin O'Heaney, Christopher Rich, Judy Parfitt, Cork Hubbert, Brandon Call, Garette Ratliff, Paul Eiding, Dori Brenner, Sam Anderson, & Paul Winfield
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Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

Thursday Apr 03, 2025
S1E1: St Denis Medical
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
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, "Welcome To St. Denis".
Starring: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Allison Tolman, Josh Lawson. Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper, David Alan Grier, Kaliko Kauahi, & Mindy Sterling.
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Thursday Mar 27, 2025
S1E1: Maron
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
"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 centers around podcasting? Listen as they cover the show's pilot episode, "Internet Troll".
Starring: Marc Maron, Dominic Burgess, Erin Daniels, Brian T Finney, Jessica Makinson, Erik Charles Nielsen, Tuc Watkins, & Dave Foley
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Thursday Mar 20, 2025
S1E1: The Thin Blue Line
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
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 sharp wit with classic sitcom tropes. Will this one land with the S1E1 boys? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "The Queen's Birthday Present".
Starring: Rowan Atkinson, James Dreyfus, Mina Anwar, Rudolph Walker, Serena Evans, David Haig, Kevin Allen, & Stephen Moore
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Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
S1E1: Laverne & Shirley
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
"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 during its run. The show's popularity was bolstered by the chemistry between Marshall and Williams, as well as memorable supporting characters like Lenny (Michael McKean) and Squiggy (David L. Lander). Will this one make the S1E1 boy's dreams come true? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, The Society Party.
Starring: Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Michael McKean, David L. Lander, Lyman Ward, Mary Treen, Richard Stahl, Kathryn Ish, Robert Ball, & Henry Winkler
www.S1E1POD.com
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD