The S1E1 Podcast

The Bob Newhart Show was a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1972-1978. The series stars Bob Newhart as Dr. Robert Hartley, a Chicago psychologist balancing the eccentric personalities of his patients with the equally colorful characters in his personal life. Unlike many sitcoms of its era, The Bob Newhart Show relied less on broad slapstick and more on sharp writing and dry wit.

Many fans consider The Bob Newhart Show to be Bob's finest work. Its realistic portrayal of adult relationships helped set it apart from the sitcom landscape of the time. More than fifty years after its debut, the series remains a staple of classic television. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Fly the Unfriendly Skies" to see if this one gets a green-light or cancel.

Starring: Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, Peter Bonerz, Bill Daily, Patricia Smith, Marcia Wallace, Noam Pitlik, Florida Friebus, Jack Riley, & Penny Marshall

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“Hank” was a sitcom that premiered in 2009 on ABC. The show starred Kelsey Grammer as Hank Pryor, a CEO whose lavish lifestyle comes crashing down after he loses his job and is forced to leave Manhattan behind for the small town of River Bend, Virginia. There he attempts to reconnect with his wife, kids, and a more grounded way of life. The series leaned heavily into the classic fish-out-of-water sitcom formula, mixing culture clash comedy with recession-era themes and Grammer’s trademark snobbish charm.

Critics were far less enthusiastic about Hank than ABC had hoped. Many reviews criticized the series for feeling dated and overly formulaic, especially compared to fresher single-camera comedies debuting around the same time. Ratings steadily declined after the premiere, and ABC canceled the series after airing just five episodes. Was this just an old-school sitcom released at the wrong time, or was ABC right to cut its losses? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the pilot episode and find out.

Starring: Kelsey Grammer, Melinda McGraw, Jordan Hinson, Nathan Gamble, & David Koechner

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The Goldbergs was an ABC sitcom that aired from 2013-2023. The show was based on the childhood of show creator, Adam F. Goldberg. Equal parts family comedy and time capsule, The Goldbergs packed nearly every episode with references to ’80s movies, music, trends, and the kind of parenting style that probably wouldn’t survive today.

Critics and audiences embraced the series for its mix of heart and nostalgia, helping it become one of ABC’s longest-running modern sitcoms. The fans connected with Adam’s real home videos that inspired many storylines. How will the S1E1 boys feel about this one? Listen as they deep dive The Goldbergs pilot episode, "The Circle of Driving" to find out if nostalgia can only carry you so far.

Starring: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Sean Giambrone, Troy Gentile, Hayley Orrantia, Jeff Garlin, & George Segal

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"Where I Live" is a sitcom that aired on ABC's TGIF block in 1993. The series follows Doug (Doug E. Doug), a Trinidadian-American teenager navigating life in Harlem alongside his best friends Reggie (Flex Alexander) and Malcolm (Shaun Baker). Inspired by Doug E. Doug’s own upbringing, the show navigates school, family expectations, and the everyday chaos of city life, with laid-back humor that gave the show a distinctly authentic personality.

Critics praised Where I Live for its authentic voice and realistic portrayal of urban teenage life. While the series struggled in the ratings and was short-lived, it earned respect for tackling real issues without losing its humor. Is this forgotten TGIF gem a hidden classic or just another sitcom lost in the shuffle of the ‘90s? Listen as the S1E1 boys head uptown and break down the pilot episode, "Occupant".

Starring: Doug E. Doug, Flex Alexander, Shaun Baker, Lorraine Toussaint, Yunoka Doyle, Jason Bose Smith, Sullivan Walker, & Tammy Townsend

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"Significant Mother" is a comedy that premiered on The CW in 2015. Starring Josh Zuckerman as Portland restaurateur Nate Marlowe, the series kicks off when Nate returns home from a trip to discover that his recently divorced mother Lydia is now dating his longtime best friend and roommate Jimmy. Now Nate has to come to terms with the horrifying realization that his best friend may become his stepfather.

Critical reception to Significant Mother was mixed, with many feeling the series relied too heavily on its uncomfortable central premise without developing the characters much beyond the initial shock value. Does this unconventional romance belong in the family photo album or should be grounded indefinitely? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Welcome To Bonetown" and find out.

Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Nathaniel Buzolic, Krista Allen, Emma Fitzpatrick, Jay Ali, & Jonathan Silverman

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