The S1E1 Podcast

S1E1: Buddies

Buddies is a short-lived sitcom that aired on ABC in 1996, serving as a direct spin-off of the massive hit Home Improvement. The series followed Dave (Dave Chappelle) and John (Christopher Gartin), two best friends and business partners trying to get their video production company off the ground in Chicago. The series is often remembered more for its behind-the-scenes drama than its on-air run, specifically the controversial casting change that saw Jim Breuer replaced by Christopher Gartin just before filming began.
Despite Chappelle's obvious star power, the lack of authentic rapport and a shifting time slot led to its cancellation after only five episodes. As result Breuer's removal will forever be linked to the lack of success the show found. Despite Buddies' short run is there enough here to earn a green-light from the S1E1 boys? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Lights, Camera, Yuck!" and find out.
Starring: Dave Chappelle, Christopher Gartin, Paula Cale, Tanya Wright, Richard Roundtree, Judith Ivey, & Amy Hill
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S1E1: Quick Draw

Quick Draw is a Western comedy that premiered on Hulu in 2013. The show follows Sheriff John Henry Hoyle (John Lehr), a recent Harvard graduate who attempts to bring the "cutting-edge" science of forensics to the Wild West. The show’s most distinctive feature was its largely improvised dialogue, which gave the historical setting a fast-paced, modern, and often absurdist comedic energy.
Critics and viewers praised Quick Draw for its fresh take on the Western genre. While it never reached massive mainstream heights, it garnered a loyal cult following over its two-season run for its blend of slapstick and historical parody. Will the S1E1 boy find Quick Draw to be a real sharpshooter or a just a dud? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Murder at the Webb Ranch," to find out.
Starring: John Lehr, Nick Brown, Allison Dunbar, Bob Clendenin, Tasha Ames, Michael Anastasia, & Brian O'Connor
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S1E1: The Sinbad Show

The Sinbad Show is a sitcom that aired on FOX from 1993 to 1994, during the height of the titular comedian’s stand-up fame. The series centers on David Bryan (Sinbad), a carefree bachelor who must trade his lifestyle for the responsibilities of fatherhood after he adopts two orphaned siblings. The show’s DNA was built on Sinbad’s high-energy storytelling to navigate the hurdles of modern parenting and urban single-parent dynamics.
Despite Sinbad's massive popularity and a time slot following The Simpsons, The Sinbad Show struggled to find a consistent tone, with critics noting that the "cute kid" tropes often clashed with the star's boisterous comedic persona. The series was ultimately canceled after just one season as part of a controversial programming shift at FOX. Is this show going to be a forgotten gem or is it just a sin how bad it is? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out.
Starring: Sinbad, T.K. Carter, Erin Davis, Willie Norwood (Ray J), Lorraine Toussaint, & Salma Hayek
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S1E1: The Beverly Hillbillies

The Beverly Hillbillies is a landmark television sitcom that aired on CBS from 1962 to 1971. The series follows the Clampett family who find themselves overnight millionaires after oil is discovered on their property. With their newfound wealth the family decides to uproot themselves and head to Beverly Hills. The humor stems from the constant cultural clash between the Clampetts' backwoods simplicity and the superficiality of their high-society neighbors.
Despite being panned by critics of the era for its lowbrow humor, The Beverly Hillbillies was a massive ratings juggernaut, holding the No. 1 spot for its first two seasons. Is this show going to be "Black Gold" or just "Texas Tea" with the boys? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "The Clampetts Strike Oil," and find out.
Starring: Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, Max Baer Jr., Bea Benaderet, Raymond Bailey, Nancy Kulp, & Frank Wilcox
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S1E1: Going Dutch

Going Dutch is a comedy that premiered on FOX in January 2025. Starring Denis Leary as the loudmouthed and arrogant U.S. Army Colonel Patrick Quinn, who finds himself reassigned to a remote base in the Netherlands after his General hears an unfiltered rant at his expense. Far from the war zones of his past, Quinn is punished with a command position at the "least important Army base in the world", which happens to be led by his estranged daughter, Captain Maggie Quinn (Taylor Misiak).
Critics and audiences greeted Going Dutch as a sharp, satirical take on military bureaucracy that successfully weaponizes Leary’s signature "cranky charmer" persona. Reviews highlighted the strong comedic chemistry between the lead trio, particularly Danny Pudi as Quinn’s dry-witted executive officer, Major Abraham Shah. Is this show going to be more "Army Strong" or just "Base-ic" with the boys? Listen as they deep dive the show’s pilot episode and find out if this deployment is worth the tour of duty.
Starring: Denis Leary, Taylor Misiak, Danny Pudi, Laci Mosley, Hal Cumpston, Catherine Tate, Joe Morton, Dempsey Bryk, & Arnmundur Ernst Björnsson
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S1E1: D.C. Follies

D.C. Follies was a syndicated comedy series that ran from 1987 to 1989 that was created by Sid and Marty Krofft. The show featured puppet caricatures of real-life celebrities and politicians, spending their free time hanging out at a bar. Unlike traditional sitcoms, the series relied on things like topical humor and musical numbers, with human celebrity guests occasionally interacting with the puppet cast. The series was one of the more unusual entries in late-’80s television, arriving at a time when political comedy was far less saturated than it is today.
Critics were divided. Some appreciated the bold absurdity of turning some of Hollywood's elite into felt-faced vaudeville acts, while others felt the satire was broad and hit-or-miss. Still, D.C. Follies developed a cult following and even earned an Emmy Award during its run. Is this right up the S1E1 boy's alley or will the references be too dated? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Reagan Parachutes Into D.C. Follies".
Starring: Fred Willard, Martin Mull, & The Krofft Puppets
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S1E1: Toast of London

Toast of London is a British comedy series that originally aired on Channel 4 in 2012. Created by and starring Matt Berry who plays the eccentric Steven Toast, a pompous and perpetually frustrated voice actor navigating the peculiarities of show business. The series is known for its theatrical tone, and almost dreamlike reality.
Critically, Toast of London was widely praised for its originality and deadpan absurdity. While it never drew massive ratings, it developed a devoted cult fanbase. Will this unique comedy resonate with the S1E1 boys? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "The Unspeakable Play". 
Starring: Matt Berry, Robert Bathurst, Doon Mackichan, Harry Peacock, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Theresa Watson, Geoff McGivern, Adrian Lukis, & Shazad Latif
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S1E1: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins

"The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins" is a show that premiered on NBC in January 2026. The series follows Reggie Dinkins (Tracy Morgan), a former NFL superstar running back whose career was destroyed after getting banned for life from the league for betting on his own team. Desperate to reclaim his former glory Reggie hires Arthur Tobin (Daniel Radcliffe), a disgraced, high-brow British filmmaker to produce a "documentary" about his comeback.
The series has been praised for the surprising but effective chemistry between Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe. Critics have noted that while the "odd couple" dynamic is a classic trope, the specific combination of Morgan's unpredictable energy and Radcliffe's nervous, high-strung performance creates a fresh comedic rhythm. Despite having a lot of the creative team behind 30 Rock working on the show, can The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins find a similar success? Listen as the boys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe. Erika Alexander, Precious Way, Jalyn Hall, Bobby Moynihan, & Barry Hu
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S1E1: Just the Ten of Us

Just the Ten of Us is a sitcom that aired on ABC from 1988 to 1990. The show was developed by Steve Marshall as a spin-off of Growing Pains. The series follows high-school coach Graham Lubbock (Bill Kirchenbauer), who relocates his large family from New York to California after taking a job at an all boy Catholic school. Now the Lubbock's will deal with the chaos and culture shock of the move mixed with Graham having to keep an entire school away from his teenage daughters.
The series was part of ABC's successful TGIF lineup. However, despite decent ratings and winning its time slot, the show was abruptly cancelled in the Spring of 1990. This was largely in part to the networks growing relationship with Miller-Boyett, who produced every TGIF show except Just the Ten of Us. Over time, the show has settled into “deep-cut” sitcom status. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Move It or Lose It".
Starring: Bill Kirchenbauer, Deborah Harmon, Heather Langenkamp, Jamie Luner, Brooke Theiss, JoAnn Willette, Matt Shakman, Heidi Zeigler & Dennis Haysbert
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S1E1: Miracle Workers

Miracle Workers is a TBS comedy series that aired from 2019-2023, created by Simon Rich and based on his book What in God’s Name. The first season is set in Heaven, where God (Steve Buscemi) has grown bored and cynical about humanity and decides it might be time to wipe Earth off the board entirely. Standing in the way of total annihilation are two low-level angels—Craig (Daniel Radcliffe) and Eliza (Geraldine Viswanathan). The result is a workplace sitcom filtered through divine bureaucracy, with Heaven run like a deeply inefficient corporate office.
Critics responded positively to Miracle Worker's absurd premise and offbeat tone, praising its willingness to commit fully to big swings and philosophical jokes wrapped in dumb humor. While later seasons reinvent the series entirely, the first season stands out for its tight concept and clear emotional stakes. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the pilot episode, "2 Weeks".
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Geraldine Viswanathan, Karan Soni, Jon Bass, Sasha Compère, Lolly Adefope, Angela Kinsey, & Steve Buscemi
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