The S1E1 Podcast

S1E1: The Hotwives of Orlando

The Hotwives of Orlando is a 2014 Hulu Original comedy series. The show spoofs on reality shows like The Real Housewives, focusing on a fictional group of women in Orlando who lead extravagant, dramatic lives. Each character embodies a different reality TV stereotype, from the ditzy trophy wife to the volatile diva, and the show follows their ridiculous feuds, parties, and over-the-top personal dramas.
Critics generally appreciated The Hotwives for its clever satire and comedic performances, especially by the ensemble cast, though it remained a niche favorite. Its commitment to skewering reality TV conventions earned it praise from fans of parody and satire. Can a show like this be appreciated by a group of guys who generally don't watch the genre that The Hotwives of Orlando is parodying? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Meet The Hotwives".
Starring:  Casey Wilson, Angela Kinsey, Danielle Schneider. Tymberlee Hill, Andrea Savage, Kristen Schaal, Matt Besser, Jerry Minor, Joey McIntyre, Paul Scheer, Stephen Tobolowsky, & Jeff Hiller
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S1E1: Splitting Up Together

"Splitting Up Together" is a comedy series that aired on ABC from 2018 to 2019. The premise revolves around a married couple, Lena (Jenna Fischer) and Martin (Oliver Hudson), who decide to divorce but choose to continue living in the same house for the sake of their three children. The unique arrangement has the two taking turns living in the house with the kids, while the other stays in the garage apartment. The show humorously explores the challenges and benefits of their unconventional living situation, while highlighting the importance of communication and compromise in relationships. ABC cancelled the series after two seasons. Listen as the S1E1 guys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Jenna Fischer, Oliver Hudson, Bobby Lee, Diane Farr, Lindsay Price, Olivia Keville, Van Crosby, Sander Thomas, Kelsey Asbille, & Geoff Pierson
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BONUS: Comparing Pilots, Ghosts (UK) vs Ghosts (US)

We have a special bonus episode this week. Due to us now covering both the original UK and US adaptation versions of "Ghosts" we thought it would be fitting to take a little time to compare the two. So listen in as we focus on the major differences between the two pilots and find out which we thought was the better of the two.
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S1E1: Ghosts (US)

"Ghosts" is a sitcom that premiered on CBS in 2021 that was adapted from the British series of the same name. The story centers on Sam Arondekar (Rose McIver) and her husband Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), who inherit an old mansion. After a near-death experience, Sam starts seeing and interacting with ghosts from various time periods who inhabit the house.
The US version aimed to create a more optimistic tone and highlight the achievements of the main characters, Sam and Jay, rather than their failures. "Ghosts" has received a positive reception from both viewers and critics. After being fans of the UK version after covering it the year before, will the S1E1 guys give this adaption the green-light as well? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Danielle Pinnock, Richie Moriarty, Asher Grodman, Sheila Carrasco, Devan Chandler Long, Rebecca Wisocky, Román Zaragoza, & Hudson Thames
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S1E1: Death Valley

"Death Valley" is a comedy horror mockumentary series that aired on MTV in 2011. The show follows the Undead Task Force (UTF), a newly formed division of the Los Angeles Police Department, as they combat supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, and zombies in the San Fernando Valley. The series is presented in a documentary style, with a camera crew filming the task force's encounters with these monsters.
Despite Death Valley's unique concept (created by Powerman 5000 frontman Spider One) and interesting cast, including Bryan Callen, Caity Lotz, and Bryce Johnson, MTV decided not to renew it for a second season. Did this one just fail to find its audience or was MTV right in driving a steak through its chest? Listen as the S1E1 guys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Bryan Callen, Charlie Sanders, Bryce Johnson, Caity Lotz, Tania Raymonde, & Texas Battle
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S1E1: Struck By Lightning

Struck by Lightning is a short-lived American sitcom that aired on CBS in 1979. The plot revolves around Ted, a modern-day science teacher who inherits an inn in Maine. Soon after Ted arrives he finds out that he is a descendant of Dr. Frankenstein and the inn's groundskeeper "Frank" is the legendary reanimated monster.
Struck by Lightning struggled to find an audience and was canceled after only 3 of the 11 episodes made it to air. Though it wasn't a success, Struck by Lightning remains a quirky footnote in television history for its unusual blending of sitcom humor and the Frankenstein mythos. Should this show stayed burried in the past or should it be brought back to life? Find out when the S1E1 guys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Jack Elam, Jeffrey Kramer, Millie Slavin, Jeff Cotler, Richard Stahl, & Bill Erwin
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S1E1: Holliston

"Holliston" is a horror-comedy television series that aired on FEARnet from 2012-2013. The show revolves around two down and out aspiring filmmakers, Adam and Joe, who struggle with life, career, and the opposite sex as they attempt to make it out of the small town they're trapped in and into the big time.
"Holliston" is set in show creator Adam Green's actual hometown of Holliston, Massachusetts, and features various cameos from horror icons. The main cast also features Twisted Sister's Dee Snider and Dave Brockie from GWAR playing his classic alter ego "Oderus Urungus". All the pieces are there to match the interests of the S1E1 boys, but will they give it the Green-light? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "The Hooker".
Starring: Adam Green, Joe Lynch, Laura Ortiz, Corri English, Nick Ballard, Michele Santopietro, Dave Brockie, Dee Snider, & DeAnna Pappas
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S1E1: Stark Raving Mad

“Stark Raving Mad” is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1999-2001. The show stars Tony Shalhoub as Ian Stark, an eccentric horror novelist known for his practical jokes, and Neil Patrick Harris as Henry McNeely, a neurotic book editor who is assigned to work with Stark. The series revolves around the odd-couple dynamic between the two main characters.
Despite the star power of its lead actors and being ranked 19th among all programs with an average of 15.5 million viewers, the show was canceled after one season. Stark Raving Mad even won a People's Choice Award for Favorite New Television Comedy. Was the cancelation of this show a wild mistep by its network? Listen as the boys deep dive the show's pilot episode to find out.
Starring: Tony Shalhoub, Neil Patrick Harris, Eddie McClintock, Heather Paige Kent, Stanley DeSantis, & Harriet Sansom Harris
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S1E1: English Teacher

English Teacher is an American comedy drama television series created by Brian Jordan Alvarez for FX. Alvarez stars as Evan Marquez, a high school teacher in Austin Texas who finds himself at the intersection of personal, political, and professional aspects of working at a high school.
The series has been met with mostly positive reviews with The New York Times saying the show "Finds Surprising Humor in Polarizing Subjects". Will the S1E1 boys share that sentiment? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Brian Jordan Alvarez, Stephanie Koenig, Enrico Colantoni, Sean Patton, Carmen Christopher, & Langston Kerman
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S1E1: Head of the Class

“Head of the Class” is a sitcom that aired from 1986 to 1991 on ABC. The show centers around a group of academically gifted students, and their laid-back history teacher, Charlie Moore (played by Howard Hesseman). Charlie’s unconventional teaching methods and his efforts to show the students that there’s more to life than just academics form the crux of the series.
“Head of the Class” received positive reception during its run, particularly for its unique premise focusing on exceptional students, which was a departure from the typical high school sitcoms of the time. The show spawned a spin-off series "Billy" and had a 2021 Reboot. Will the S1E1 boys, a group of non intellectual prodigies enjoy this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Howard Hesseman, William G. Schilling, Jeannetta Arnette, Leslie Bega, Dan Frischman, Robin Givens, Khrystyne Haje, Joher Coleman, Tony O'Dell, Brian Robbins, Dan Schneider & Tannis Vallely 
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