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

21 minutes ago
S1E1: Charlie Hoover
21 minutes ago
21 minutes ago
"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.
www.S1E1POD.com
Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

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
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
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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
www.S1E1POD.com
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