The S1E1 Podcast

S1E1: The Grinder

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. Despite its critical acclaim, The Grinder struggled with low viewership which led FOX to cancel the series after just one season, a decision that disappointed fans and cast members alike. Will The S1E1 guys object to FOX's decision? Listen as they deep dive The Grinder's pilot episode.
Starring: Rob Lowe, Fred Savage, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Natalie Morales, Hana Hayes, Connor Kalopsis, William Devane, Steve Little, Brian Huskey, & Kumail Nanjiani
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S1E1: Gilligan’s Island

"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, becoming a pop culture icon. Its characters and theme song became instantly recognizable. Does this classic hold up or is this one better lost at sea? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Two on a Raft".
Starring: Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr., Jim Backus, Natalie Schafer, Tina Louise, Russell Johnson, & Dawn Wells
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S1E1: Alice

"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 of the longer-running sitcoms of the '70s and '80s. Despite having such a long run the show didn't recieve much syndication and is rarely seen modern day. Will this show hold up with the S1E1 boys nearly 50 years since the show premiered? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Linda Lavin, Vic Tayback, Beth Howland, Polly Holliday, Dennis Dugan, Arthur Space, & Alfred Lutter III
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S1E1: The Mary Tyler Moore Show

"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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S1E1: Joanie Loves Chachi

"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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S1E1: The Brady Bunch

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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S1E1: Charlie Hoover

"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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S1E1: Whitney

"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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S1E1: The Charmings

"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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S1E1: St Denis Medical

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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