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 Jul 11, 2024
S1E1: The King of Queens
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
“The King of Queens” is a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1998 to 2007. The idea for the show was inspired by the classic sitcom “The Honeymooners,” which also focused on a working-class couple dealing with everyday life. The show stars Kevin James, who had gained popularity through stand-up and his appearances on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” as a delivery driver named Doug. Standing at his side was his wife Carrie (Leah Remini) a New York paralegal. Together they share a great life until a wrench gets thrown into things and Carrie's father Arthur (Jerry Stiller), has to move in with them.
The show received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its relatable humor, strong performances, and its ability to balance comedy with heartfelt moments. The series maintained solid ratings throughout its run and remains a popular choice through streaming and syndication to this day. Will the S1E1 boys deliver a green-light on this one? Listen as they deep dive The King of Queens' pilot episode.
Starring: Kevin James, Leah Remini, Victor Williams, Patton Oswalt, Larry Romano, Lisa Rieffel, & Jerry Stiller
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Thursday Jul 04, 2024
S1E1: Making History
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
“Making History” is a sitcom that aired on FOX in 2017. The series stars Adam Pally as Dan Chambers, a janitor at a Massachusetts college who discovers a time machine made out of a gym bag. In his travels Dan takes a liking to colonial times where he meets and develops a relationship with Paul Revere's daughter, Deborah (played by Leighton Meester). This romance changes the course of American history because Deborah's father is too distracted to go on his infamous ride. Dan then recruits his co-worker Chris, (played by Yassir Lester) to help get the American Revolution back on track.
Despite decent reviews the show failed to find its audience and was canceled after one season. Is Making History a hidden gem or should it stay in the past? Find out as the boys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Adam Pally, Leighton Meester, Yassir Lester, John Gemberling, Neil Casey, & Brett Gelman
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Thursday Jun 27, 2024
S1E1: The Tony Danza Show
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
“The Tony Danza Show” was a 1997 sitcom starring Tony Danza ("Who's the Boss?", "Taxi") as Tony DiMeo, a single father and sportswriter who struggles with modern technology and raising his two daughters. The show also featured Shaun Weiss ("The Mighty Ducks", "Heavyweights") as Stuey, the apartment building's door man.
Despite Danza winning “Favorite Male Performer In A New TV Series” at the 24th People’s Choice Awards for his performance on the show, "The Tony Danza Show" aired only 5 episodes before being canceled, leaving 9 episodes unaired. Is this forgotten show a hidden gem, or was its early cancellation justified? Listen as the boys deep dive the pilot episode to find out.
Starring: Tony Danza, Majandra Delfino, Dean Stockwell, Maria Canals-Barrera, Ashley Malinger, & Shaun Weiss
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Thursday Jun 20, 2024
S1E1: Hudson Street
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
“Hudson Street” was an ABC sitcom that aired for one season in 1995. The show starred Tony Danza as a divorced detective in Hoboken, New Jersey. The series also featured Lori Loughlin as Melanie Clifford, an idealistic crime reporter with whom Tony starts a romance.
The show initially received good reviews and placed in the top ten (partly due to its placement between “Roseanne” and “Home Improvement”), however, it struggled to hold on to its lead-in audience. A decline in viewership ultimately led to its cancellation. Does "Hudson Street" live up to the standard of the Danza sitcoms that came before it? Listen as the boys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Tony Danza, Lori Loughlin, Jerry Adler, Christine Dunford, Frankie J. Galasso, Tom Gallop, Shareen Mitchell, & Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter
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Thursday Jun 13, 2024
S1E1: Who's The Boss
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
“Who’s the Boss?” is a sitcom that aired from 1984 to 1992 and became one of the most popular shows of the mid-to-late 1980s. The story revolves around Tony Micelli (Tony Danza), a former professional baseball player, who wants to leave Brooklyn to find a better environment for his daughter, Samantha (Alyssa Milano). He ends up taking a job as a live-in housekeeper for a divorced advertising executive in Connecticut.
The show was well-received for its humor, heartwarming moments, and progressive take on family and work life. It garnered several awards and nominations throughout its run and has since become a beloved classic in the sitcom genre. “Who’s the Boss?” also paved the way for similar shows that challenged societal norms. Will the S1E1 guys enjoy this show or was this one better left in the past? Find out as they deep dive, Who's The Boss' pilot episode.
Starring: Tony Danza, Judith Light, Alyssa Milano, Danny Pintauro, & Katherine Helmond
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Thursday Jun 06, 2024
S1E1: Taxi
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
“Taxi” is an iconic sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1983. It revolves around the lives of the staff at the fictional Sunshine Cab Company in New York City. The show primarily takes place in the company’s garage, where the drivers interact with each other and their cantankerous dispatcher.
The series was a critical and commercial success, winning 18 Primetime Emmy Awards, including three consecutive wins for Outstanding Comedy Series. The show has remained popular in syndication, and in 2007, Time magazine ranked it among their 100 All-Time TV Shows. But was Taxi able to captivate the S1E1 guys right from the first episode? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Like Father, Like Daughter"
Starring: Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, Randall Carver, Talia Balsam & Andy Kaufman
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Thursday May 30, 2024
S1E1: Tires
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
“Tires” is a workplace comedy from creators Shane Gillis, John McKeever, and Steve Gerben. The show was self funded but was soon picked up by Netflix and aired May 2024. Tires centers around the employees of Valley Forge Tires, a struggling auto-repair chain. The series centers around Will, the son of the Valley Forge's owner who is currently running one of the chain's underperforming locations. Will is attempting to turn the business around but keeps getting in his own way, that is when his cousin Shane isn't already in his way.
Originally a pilot for Tires was shot and uploaded to YouTube back in 2019. But now on the heels of Shane Gillis' rise to fame the show is now a reality with a home on the world's largest streaming site. Will the show live up to the hype, or is it just relying on the name recognition of one of the show's creators and stars. Find out as the boys deep dive the series first episode, "The Initiative".
Starring: Shane Gillis, Steve Gerben, Chris O'Connor, Kilah Fox, Stavros Halkias, Tommy Pope, & Andrew Schulz
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Thursday May 23, 2024
S1E1: Brews Brothers
Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
"Brews Brothers" is a Netflix sitcom that premiered on April 2020. The series follows the exploits of two estranged brothers, Wilhelm and Adam Rodman, who reunite to run a brewery. The central theme revolves around sibling rivalry and the challenges of running a business with family. The show also delves into the inner workings of craft beer culture, which over the last decade has been on a constant rise. The show also takes advantage of its straight to streaming home by using a lot of language that wouldn't fly on network television.
The show received mixed to negative reviews from critics, which likely played a significant role in its short lifespan. Many felt that the humor relied heavily on crude jokes and lacked creative writing. Despite centering around a passionate hobby such as craft beer there didn't seem to be enough substance in the scripts to lure in the show's targeted fanbase Will the S1E1 guys who are known to also have a somewhat crude humor enjoy this one? Listen as they deep dive Brews Brothers pilot episode, "The Brothers Rodman".
Special Guest: Russell (IG: @abeerhasnoname)
Starring: Alan Aisenberg, Mike Castle, Carmen Flood, Marques Ray, Zach Reino, Inanna Sarkis, Toby Huss, & Steve Rannazzisi
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Thursday May 16, 2024
S1E1: Single Parents
Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
“Single Parents” is a sitcom that aired on ABC from 2018 - 2020. The series begins with Will Cooper, a single dad in his 30s who's become so engrossed in the world of parenting his daughter that he’s lost sight of his own identity. When a group of other single parents notice Will’s over-involvement at the school, they band together to help him re-enter the dating scene and regain his identity.
The show was well-received for its relatable characters and situations, and for touching on the challenges and joys of raising children alone. Despite its positive reception and a dedicated fan base, the series was canceled after its second season. Did this show deserve a longer run? Was it a victim of bad advertising? Or was it just not strong enough to break out? Listen as the boys deep dive Single Parent's Pilot episode
Starring: Taran Killam, Leighton Meester, Kimrie Lewis, Jake Choi, Marlow Barkley, Tyler Wladis, Devin Trey Campbell, Mia Allan, Ella Allan, & Brad Garrett
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Thursday May 09, 2024
S1E1: Mom
Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
"Mom" is a sitcom that premiered on CBS and had an eight season run from 2013-2021. The show stars Anna Faris as Christy, a single mother who is a recovering alcoholic and a waitress. Another series from the mind of creator Chuck Lorre, but "Mom" drew a lot of its inspiration from co-creator Gemma Baker's experiences growing up with a mother in addiction recovery. As result the show tackles themes that aren't often explored through the eyes of the main character. The show received positive reviews from critics throughout its run for its handling of sensitive topics while still being able to find a nice balance and keep the tone of the show generally fun and entertaining.
The show garnered several award nominations and wins, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and Critics' Choice Television Awards. But can "Mom" find a way to win over the S1E1 boys while tackling heavy issues in its pilot? Listen as they deep dive the shows first episode.
Starring: Anna Faris, Allison Janney, Sadie Calvano, Nate Corddry, Matt Jones, French Stewart, Spencer Daniels, & Blake Garrett Rosenthal
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