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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Thursday Dec 12, 2024
S1E1: Hardball
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
"Hardball" was a 1994 sitcom that aired on Fox. The show centered around the Pioneers, a fictional American League baseball team struggling to stay out of last place. Hardball was originally intended to be released along side of that year's World Series but a real life MLB strike prevented that from happening and instead become part of the first FOX NFL Sunday.
Despite coming off the heels of multiple successful baseball movies and the show's ensemble cast which featured Mike Starr, Bruce Greenwood, and a very young Joe Rogan (in his first acting credit). Hardball was canceled after only 7 episodes. Many contribute the timing of the strike to being a factor behind the show's low viewership. 30 years later will the S1E1 crew call this one a homerun or will it strike out? Listen as they deep dive the pilot episode.
SPECIAL GUEST: Sarah (IAP RADIO & GENERATION MIXTAPE)
Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Mike Starr, Joe Rogan, Phill Lewis, Dann Florek, Alenandra Wentworth, Steve Hytner, Rose Marie, & Jim Breuer
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MERCH
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Thursday Dec 05, 2024
S1E1: The Middle
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
"The Middle" is an ABC sitcom that aired from 2009 to 2018. The show revolves around the Heck family, who live in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana. It focuses on the family as they navigate life's ups and downs. From financial challenges to school problems, "The Middle" captures the essence of a middle-class American family.
"The Middle" was praised for its relatable portrayal of family life. It developed a loyal fan base over its nine-season run and is often remembered for its heartwarming and realistic depiction of the struggles and triumphs of an ordinary family. Will this one land well with the S1E1 boys or will they want to fly straight to the end? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher, Atticus Shaffer, Chris Kattan, & Brian Doyle-Murray
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MERCH
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Thursday Nov 28, 2024
S1E1: The Mindy Project
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
The Mindy Project was a sitcom created by and starring Mindy Kaling that aired on Fox from 2012 to 2015 and later transitioned to Hulu, where it continued until its conclusion in 2017. The series follows Dr. Mindy Lahiri, an obstetrician-gynecologist in New York City who is determined to balance her career, friendships, and romantic aspirations all while she searches for her "happily ever after."
Initially well-received, The Mindy Project garnered praise for Kaling’s performance and the show’s humor. It has since become a beloved part of Kaling’s creative legacy, celebrated for its blend of romance and comedy and its fresh perspective on a female lead. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, Ed Weeks, Anna Camp, Zoe Jarman, Amanda Setton, Stephen Tobolowsky, Bill Hader & Ed Helms
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MERCH
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Thursday Nov 21, 2024
S1E1: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" is a 2015 Netflix sitcom created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. The show follows the life of Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper), a relentlessly optimistic woman who, after being rescued from a doomsday cult where she was held captive for 15 years, decides to start a new life in New York City.
After four seasons, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt ended when its creators felt that the story had reached a natural conclusion. Rather than stretching the premise or compromising the quality of the show, they decided to wrap it up while it was still fresh and beloved by fans. Will the S1E1 guys want to bunker up and binge this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Kimmy Goes Outside!" and find out.
Starring: Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane, Jane Krakowski, Lauren Adams, Sara Chase, Sol Miranda, Matt Lauer & Jon Hamm
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