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

4 days ago
S1E1: Maron
4 days ago
4 days ago
"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
www.S1E1POD.com
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

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
www.S1E1POD.com
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

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
S1E1: Come to Papa
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
"Come to Papa" is a sitcom that aired on NBC from June 3rd to 24th, 2004. The show follows the life of Tom Papa, a New Jersey newspaper reporter who attempts to transition from his day job to his dream career in comedy writing. Due to poor reviews, he show was cancelled after airing only four episodes.
In today's world "Come to Papa" might best be known as the reason Steve Carell originally had to turn down "The Office". Luckily, due to the incredibly short run of the series, Steve was able to join before production started. Will the S1E1 guys enjoy this forgotten show from over twenty years ago? Listen as they deep dive Come to Papa's pilot episode, "The Tire Guy" and find out.
Starring: Tom Papa, Jennifer Aspen, Steve Carell, Rob Benedict, Jan Devereaux, Jayden Lund, Richard Riehle & John Salley
www.S1E1POD.com
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
S1E1: My Mother The Car
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
"My Mother the Car" is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1965-1966. The show is about a man named Dave Crabtree (Jerry Van Dyke), who discovers that his deceased mother's spirit has been reincarnated as a 1928 Porter automobile. His mother communicates to him through the radio of the car, offering advice and guidance as he navigates through life.
Despite the innovative concept, "My Mother the Car" was not well received during its initial run. Critics often ridiculed the show, and it struggled with low ratings, leading to its cancellation after one season. However, over the years, it gained a cult following despite often finding itself on most lists titled "Worst Sitcoms of All Time" Will the S1E1 guys have fun watching this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Come Honk Your Horn".
Starring: Jerry Van Dyke, Maggie Pierce, Ann Sothern, Cindy Eilbacher, Randy Whipple, George N Neise, & Avery Schreiber
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Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
S1E1: Shifting Gears
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
"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
www.S1E1POD.com
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

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
www.S1E1POD.com
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

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
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

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
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

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