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 Oct 05, 2023
S1E1: Bewitched
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
"Bewitched" is a classic sitcom that originally aired from 1964 to 1972. It revolves around the life of Samantha, a charming and lovely woman who also happens to be a witch with supernatural powers. Samantha marries a mortal man named Darrin Stephens, who at first is unaware of her magical abilities.
The central premise of the show revolves around the comedic situations that arise from Samantha's attempts to live a normal, suburban life while keeping her witchcraft a secret from the world around her. This often leads to humorous misunderstandings and magical mishaps.
"Bewitched" was an instant hit and soon became ABC's number one show in its first season. The show remained extremely popular throughout its entire eight season run and nearly 60 years after it first premiered is still enjoyed through streaming and syndication. But was the show a hit right from episode one? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the shows pilot episode, "I, Darrin, Take This Witch, Samantha".
Starring: Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, & Agnes Moorehead
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Thursday Sep 28, 2023
S1E1: Strangers with Candy
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
"Strangers with Candy" is a dark comedy television series that originally aired from 1999 to 2000. Created by Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, and Amy Sedaris, the show is a satirical take on the after-school specials of the 1970s and 1980s.Known for its dark humor, the series follows the misadventures of Jerri Blank, a 46-year-old, who after living as a prostitute and drug addict, decides to go back to high school in a misguided attempt to restart her life. Jerri's return sets the stage for a series of absurd situations as she navigates the challenges of being a high school student.
Nearly 25 years after it premiered will the S1E1 guys enjoy this satiracle take on after school specials? Find out as they deep dive the pilot episode, "Old Habits, New Beginnings".
Starring: Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, Greg Hollimon, Roberto Gari, Deborah Rush, Larc Spies, Orlando Pabotoy, & Jenna Lamia
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Thursday Sep 21, 2023
S1E1: Abbott Elementary
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
"Abbott Elementary" is a workplace comedy series created by Quinta Brunson that premiered in 2021. The show is set in an underfunded Philadelphia public elementary school and follows a group of dedicated, but often quirky, teachers as they navigate the challenges of their profession. The series uses a mockumentary-style format to provide a fresh perspective on some of the unfortunate realities of public schooling while delivering laughs along the way.With high user ratings amongst all platforms Abbott Elementary became a fast hit with a large and dedicated fan base. But was episode one what hooked everyone? Listen as the S1E1 boys do a deep dive of their pilot episode.Starring: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, & Sheryl Lee Ralphwww.S1E1POD.comInstagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
S1E1: A.P. Bio
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
"A.P. Bio" is a television sitcom that originally aired from 2018 to 2021. The show follows the misadventures of Jack Griffin, a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor who ends up teaching Advanced Placement Biology at a high school in Toledo, Ohio. Jack's unconventional teaching methods and his pursuit of personal vendettas against his academic rivals create hilarious and chaotic situations. The series explores themes of redemption, friendship, and personal growth while delivering sharp humor and memorable characters.
The show had its detractors, but it also had a dedicated fan base that appreciated its humor and unique approach to storytelling. Which side to the S1E1 boys stand on? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Catfish".
Starring: Glenn Howerton, Jacob McCarthy, Jean Villepique, Lyric Lewis, Mary Sohn, Tom Bennett, Charlie McCrackin, Aparna Brielle, Nick Peine, Allisyn Ashley Arm, & Patton Oswalt
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Thursday Sep 07, 2023
S1E1: Mr. Iglesias
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
"Mr. Iglesias" is a Netflix original sitcom that revolves around the life of Gabriel Iglesias, a high school teacher with a passion for education and a knack for connecting with his students. Gabe returns to his alma mater, Woodrow Wilson High School, as a history teacher. Despite his unconventional teaching methods, Gabe is determined to make a difference in the lives of his students.
Will this be the first time the S1E1 guys green-light a Netflix original sitcom or will this one fall short like all the others. Listen as they deep dive the pilot episode for Mr. Iglesias, "Some Children Left Behind" and find out.
Starring: Gabriel Iglesias, Oscar Nunez, Oscar Nunez, Sherri Shepherd, Jacob Vargas, Tony Ochoa, Maggie Geha, Richard Gant, Cree Cicchino, & Fabrizio Guido
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Thursday Aug 31, 2023
S1E1: The Norm Show
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
"The Norm Show" is a sitcom that aired from 1999 to 2001. It stars comedian Norm Macdonald as Norm Henderson, a former NHL hockey player who becomes a social worker as part of his community service after being banned from the league for his gambling and tax evasion.
While "The Norm Show" didn't achieve the same level of popularity as some other sitcoms of its time, it has developed a cult following and is remembered for its unique premise and Norm Macdonald's distinct comedic style.
Was The Norm Show ahead of its time or not as good as some would like to remember? Find out as the S1E1 guys do a deep of the show's pilot episode, "Norm and the Prototype"
Starring: Norm Macdonald, Laurie Metcalf, Ian Gomez, Bruce Jarchow, Nikki Cox, & Kyle Sabihy
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Thursday Aug 24, 2023
S1E1: Aliens in the Family
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
"Aliens in the Family" was a unique sitcom that combined elements of science fiction and family comedy. It aired on the ABC network as part of the TGIF lineup. It debuted in 1996 and only had a brief run with a total of eight episodes. The show focused on a blend of live-action and puppetry. In it, a man ends up falling in love and marrying the alien that abducted him. Both have children of their own and start a blended family when they move in together.
While the show's run was short-lived, it was a creative and imaginative attempt to combine the sci-fi and family comedy genres in a unique and entertaining way. The involvement of Jim Henson's production team brought a distinctive charm to the show, appealing to both fans of science fiction and those who enjoyed the family-friendly humor of the TGIF programming block.
Was this forgotten sitcom a diamond in the rough find or was there a reason it was canceled so soon after it premiered. Find out as the S1E1 boys do a deep dive review of Aliens in the Family's pilot episode, "Meet The Brodys".
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Thursday Aug 17, 2023
S1E1: Spin City
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
"Spin City" is a witty and lighthearted television sitcom that offers a hilarious peek into the inner workings of New York City's City Hall. The show revolves around the chaotic yet endearing team of Mayor Randall Winston, lead by Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty (Michael J. Fox), as they navigate the challenges of city governance while dealing with their own personal quirks and relationships. With a blend of sharp humor, clever political satire, and heartwarming moments, "Spin City" explores the intricacies of politics, friendships, and romance in a fast-paced urban environment. The ensemble cast's chemistry and Fox's charismatic performance make this show a delightful and entertaining exploration of the world behind the scenes of a bustling metropolis.
Will the S1E1 boys enjoy watching Flaherty grapple with a garbage strike while also trying to smooth things over with his girlfriend who is ready to move in together before him. Listen as they do a deep dive review of Spin City's first episode "Prototype".
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Carla Gugino, Richard Kind, Alan Ruck, Michael Boatman, Connie Britton, Alexander Chaplin, & Barry Bostwickwww.S1E1POD.comInstagram & Twitter: @S1E1Pod
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
S1E1: Happy Together
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
"Happy Together" was a sitcom that aired on CBS in 2018 that followed the life of a married couple, Jake and Claire, whose routine suburban life takes an unexpected turn when a young pop star named Cooper unexpectedly moved in with them. A premise which was based on a real life situation in which Harry Styles moved in with the show's executive producer Ben Winston and his wife. Once he moves in, Cooper helps the couple reconnect with their younger, cooler selves. The show explores the clash of different lifestyles while also highlighting the importance of finding happiness in the midst of life's unpredictable moments.Will the S1E1 guys enjoy this show with such an unbelievable yet actually true premise? Listen as they deep dive Happy Together's pilot episode and find out.Starring: Damon Wayans Jr., Amber Stevens West, Stephnie Weir, Victor Williams, Chris Parnell, Felix Mallard, Peyton List, & Mary Hollandwww.S1E1POD.comInstagram & Twitter: @S1E1Pod
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
S1E1: Growing Pains
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
"Growing Pains" is an American television sitcom that originally aired from 1985 to 1992. The show revolves around the Seaver family, led by psychiatrist Jason Seaver (played by Alan Thicke) and his journalist wife Maggie (played by Joanna Kerns), who raise their three children: Mike (played by Kirk Cameron), Carol (played by Tracey Gold), and the youngest, Ben (played by Jeremy Miller).
The series follows the Seaver family as they navigate the ups and downs of everyday life, dealing with typical teenage and family issues while living in Long Island, New York. Themes of love, friendship, adolescence, and parenting are explored throughout the show's seven seasons.
Is "Growing Pains" a timeless classic like we remember or are we just looking through the lenses of nostalgia? Find out as we do a deep dive review of the pilot episode.
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Instagram & Twitter: @S1E1Pod