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
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4 days ago
S1E1: Shifting Gears
4 days ago
4 days ago
"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 sitcoms while others have found the characters to be flat. How will the S1E1 boys rate this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Restoration".
Starring: Tim Allen, Kat Dennings, Seann William Scott, Daryl "Chill" Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins, Barrett Margolis, & Cynthia Quiles
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Thursday Feb 13, 2025
S1E1: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
"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 Chloe's best friend and confidant.
"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. After two seasons the show was canceled due to scheduling issues and its niche appeal. Despite that, the show still has a loyal cult following. Will the S1E1 boys be joining that group? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Krysten Ritter, Dreama Walker, Eric André, Liza Lapira, Michael Blaiklock, Tate Ellington, Eve Gordon, Peter Mackenzie, & James Van Der Beek
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Thursday Feb 06, 2025
S1E1: The Office
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
"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 sitcoms in its initial run. Years later, The Office's availability on streaming platforms introduced it to a new generation of viewers further boosting its popularity to new levels. It consistently ranks among the most-watched shows on these platforms. But was this one great right from episode 1? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B. J. Novak, Melora Hardin, David Denman, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, & Creed Bratton
www.S1E1POD.com
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Thursday Jan 30, 2025
S1E1: Gavin & Stacey
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
"Gavin and Stacey" is a British sitcom that first aired in 2007. Created by James Corden and Ruth Jones, the show revolves around the long-distance relationship between Gavin, who lives in Essex, England, and Stacey, who resides in Barry, Wales. Their budding romance brings together their families and friends, leading to a series of comedic events.
The show was praised for its witty writing, relatable characters, and the chemistry between the cast members. Critics appreciated the unique blend of humor and heart, as well as the authentic portrayal of everyday life and relationships. Viewers fell in love with the characters and their stories. Will the S1E1 boys share that love? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Episode 1".
Starring: Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, Ruth Jones, James Corden, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Larry Lamb, Melanie Walters, & Steffan Rhodri
www.S1E1POD.com
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Thursday Jan 23, 2025
S1E1: The Conners
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
"The Conners" is sitcom that serves as a direct continuation of the beloved series "Roseanne". It premiered in 2018, following the cancellation of "Roseanne" due to controversial tweets by its star, Roseanne Barr. The series follows the Conner family as they navigate life in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois, after the death of the family matriarch, Roseanne.
There were mixed reactions from fans when "The Conners" continued without Roseanne Barr. Some felt that the show lost its essence without its central character. On the other hand, some appreciated the new direction and felt that the show still maintained its humor and heart despite the changes. How will the S1E1 boys feel? Listen as they deep dive "The Conners" pilot episode, Keep on Truckin'.
Starring: John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Alicia Goranson, Michael Fishman, Emma Kenney, Ames McNamara, Jayden Rey, Maya Lynne Robinson, Mary Steenburgen, James Pickens Jr, Natalie West, & Estelle Parsons
www.S1E1POD.com
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
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Thursday Jan 16, 2025
S1E1: Rodney
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
"Rodney" is an ABC sitcom that aired from 2004-2006. The show stars Rodney Carrington as a fictionalized version of himself. The series is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and follows Rodney, a down-to-earth, aspiring stand-up comedian who balances his pursuit of a comedy career with his responsibilities as a husband and father of two young sons.
"Rodney" received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. The show struggled with ratings and was ultimately canceled after two seasons. Despite its short run, "Rodney" has maintained a certain charm and continues to be enjoyed by fans of Rodney Carrington's comedy. Was Rodney funny enough to have a more successful run? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Rodney Carrington, Jennifer Aspen, Amy Pietz, Nick Searcy, Oliver Davis, Matthew Josten, Jon Reep, Mac Davis, John Marshall Jones, & Eddie Montgomery
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Thursday Jan 09, 2025
S1E1: Quintuplets
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
"Quintuplets" is a FOX sitcom that from 2004-2005. The show starred Andy Richter and Rebecca Creskoff as Bob & Carol Chase, the parents of teenage quintuplets. The series follows them as they navigate the challenges of raising five distinctly different teenagers.
The show received mixed reviews from critics. Despite Richter’s comedic timing, many felt the humor was too broad with writing that lacked depth. The show struggled in the ratings and was canceled after one season. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy this show's quirky premise? Listen as they deep dive Quintuplet's pilot episode.
Starring: Andy Richter, Rebecca Creskoff, Jake McDorman, Johnny Lewis, April Matson, Sarah Wright, & Ryan Pinkston
www.S1E1POD.com
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
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Thursday Jan 02, 2025
S1E1: Him & her
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
"Him & Her" is a British sitcom that aired on BBC Three from 2010-2013. The show stars Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani as Steve and Becky, a lazy, twenty-something couple who spend most of their time lounging in Steve's cluttered flat in Walthamstow, London. The show is known for its intimate and relatable portrayal of a young couple's daily life.
"Him & Her" received positive reception from both critics and audiences. It won several awards, including the British Comedy Award for Best New Comedy Programme in 2011. The show ended after its fourth season when the creators felt they had told a complete story. Will "Him & Her" catch the eyes of the S1E1 boys or will it simply fall flat? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "The Toast".
Starring: Russell Tovey, Sarah Solemani Kerry Howard, Joe Wilkinson, & Ricky Champ
www.S1E1POD.com
MERCH
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Thursday Dec 26, 2024
S1E1: George
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
"George" is an ABC sitcom that was co-produced by Tony Danza and premiered in 1993. The show starred former professional boxer George Foreman as George Foster, a retired boxer who runs an after-school program for troubled kids.
The series is notable for featuring George Foreman in a leading television role, showcasing his charisma beyond the boxing ring. However, due to its short duration, "George" remains a lesser-known entry among 1990s sitcoms. Is this forgotten show a knock out? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive George's pilot episode.
Starring: George Foreman, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tony T. Johnson, Lauren Robinson, Crystal Cooke, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Anne Haney, Pablo Irlando, Cleandre Norman, & Doniell Spencer
www.S1E1POD.com
MERCH
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Thursday Dec 19, 2024
S1E1: Hot In Cleveland
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
"Hot in Cleveland" is a TV Land original sitcom that aired from from 2010-2015. The show follows three fabulous but down-on-their-luck women from Los Angeles who decide to move to Cleveland, Ohio, after their plane makes an emergency landing. They decide to make a fresh start by renting a house that comes with a feisty caretaker, Elka (played by the legendary Betty White).
"Hot in Cleveland" was well-received by both critics and audiences and became TV Land's highest-rated telecast in the network's history. Despite its success, TV Land decided to end the show after six seasons due to the network's desire to refresh its lineup and focus on new programming. Will this show be a hot one with the S1E1 boys? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot epiosde and find out.
Starring: Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, Betty White, John Schneider, Bil Dwyer, & Tim Bagley
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MERCH
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