The S1E1 Podcast

S1E1: Mrs. Brown's Boys

“Mrs. Brown’s Boys” is a sitcom created by and starring Brendan O’Carroll who plays Agnes Brown, a loud-mouthed Irish matriarch who loves meddling in the lives of her six children. The show first premiered in 2011 on BBC1 and RTÉ1 but the character of Agnes Brown had already been established in stage plays, radio plays, books, and straight-to-DVD films.
The series is known for its informal production style, often breaking the fourth wall and including outtakes and intentional tomfoolery. While this style doesn't seem to land with critics who have often given the show poor reviews, it has been a ratings success in numerous countries and has won several industry awards. Will the S1E1 guys side with the critics or the fans? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "The Mammy".
Starring: Brendan O'Carroll, Dermot O'Neill, Jennifer Gibney, Paddy Houlihan, Derek Reddin, Fiona O'Carroll, Eilish O'Carroll, & Amanda Woods
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S1E1: Melissa & Joey

“Melissa & Joey” is a sitcom that aired on ABC Family from 2010 to 2015. The show stars Melissa Joan Hart as Melanie “Mel” Burke, a local politician and former wild child who takes in her teenage niece, Lennox (Taylor Spreitler), and nephew, Ryder (Nick Robinson). To help manage her new responsibilities, Mel hires Joe Longo (Joey Lawrence), a former commodities trader who lost everything in a Ponzi scheme, to be the family’s “manny” (male nanny).
“Melissa & Joey” received generally positive reviews during its run, particularly for the chemistry between Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence. The show was praised for its lighthearted humor which was reminiscent of classic sitcoms. Does this show pass the test of time or is it just a cheap copy of show like "Who's The Boss" and "The Nanny". Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the pilot episode and find out.
Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Joey Lawrence, Taylor Spreitler, Nick Robinson, Elizabeth Ho, Don Stark, & Vernee Watson
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S1E1: Amen

“Amen” is a sitcom that aired from 1986 to 1991 on NBC. The show stars Sherman Hemsley as Ernest Frye, the Deacon at the First Community Church, who also works as a personal injury lawyer. Ernest is known for his harebrained schemes and often finds himself in trouble due to his dishonesty. The dynamic at the Church starts to change after the hiring of the new pastor, Reverend Reuben Gregory (Clifton Davis). Upon arrival the Reverend quickly becomes the object of the Deacon's daughter's affection.
The show was set in Sherman Hemsley’s real-life hometown of Philadelphia and was part of a wave of successful sitcoms in the 1980s and early 1990s that featured predominantly black casts. Will the S1E1 boys have faith in Amen's ability to entertain you for 22 minutes? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out.
Starring: Sherman Hemsley, Clifton Davis, Anna Maria Horsford, Roz Ryan, Jester Hairston, Barbara Montgomery, Franklyn Seales, & John Hancock
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S1E1: 30 Rock

30 Rock is a sitcom created by Tina Fey that aired on NBC from 2006-2013. Set behind the scenes of a fictional live sketch comedy show. The series follows Liz Lemon (played by Tina Fey), the head writer of “TGS,” as she navigates the challenges of managing an eccentric cast and crew. This includes dealing with her arrogant boss, Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), and the unpredictable star Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) and a host of other quirky characters.
“30 Rock” is known for its clever satire of the television industry and corporate culture. The show received critical acclaim, winning several major awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series. Does this former pillar of NBC's Thursday Night Lineup hold up over a decade after the show's finale? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the pilot episode and find out.
Starring: Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander. Katrina Bowden, Lonny Ross, Keith Powell, Maulik Pancholy, Rachel Dratch, & Alec Baldwin
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S1E1: Selfie

“Selfie” is a sitcom that aired in 2014. The show stars Karen Gillan as Eliza Dooley, a sales representative obsessed with achieving fame through social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. After an embarrassing viral video, she realizes that online “friending” is not a substitute for real friendships. She seeks help from her co-worker, Henry Higgs (played by John Cho), a marketing image guru, to revamp her image in the real world.
The series is a modern adaptation of the classic story “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw, which was also popularized by the musical “My Fair Lady.” Despite being canceled mid-season by ABC, the remaining episodes were released online on Hulu. The show received mixed reviews initially but gained a following as more episodes were released. Is Selfie the kind of show that will get the S1E1 boys to hit the like button? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out.
Starring: Karen Gillan, John Cho, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Allyn Rachel, David Harewood, & Tim Peper
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S1E1: The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret

“The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret” is a 2010 black comedy television series created by and starring David Cross that aired on IFC (US), & More4 (UK). The show follows Todd Margaret, an inept American office temp who, through a series of misunderstandings, is promoted to head the London sales team for an energy drink called Thunder Muscle.
The series received mixed reviews, with praise for its dark humor and David Cross’s performance, but some criticism for its sometimes uncomfortable and cringe-inducing situations. On paper this looks like a show that's right up the S1E1 boy's alley, but will it meet expectations or is there a reason none of them ever saw it? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "In Which Claims Are Made and a Journey Ensues".
Starring: David Cross, Sharon Horgan, Blake Harrison, Will Arnett, & Spike Jones
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S1E1: Bosom Buddies

“Bosom Buddies” is a sitcom that aired on ABC from 1980 to 1982. The show starred Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari as two single men who disguise themselves as women to be able to move into a cheap apartment at a women-only residence. The show often explored themes of gender stereotypes and male/female relationships, using the characters’ disguises to create comedic situations.
Although “Bosom Buddies” started with good ratings, it struggled to maintain its audience and was canceled after two seasons. Despite its short run, the show is notable for launching Tom Hanks’ career, who went on to become an Oscar-winning actor. Is this a show worth checking out? Could this show even be made modern day? Listen as the guys deep dive the show's pilot episode.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Peter Scolari, Donna Dixon, Holland Taylor, Telma Hopkins, Wendie Jo Sperber, & Edie Adams
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S1E1: The King of Queens

“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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S1E1: Making History

“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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S1E1: The Tony Danza Show

“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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