The S1E1 Podcast

"The Monkees" is a sitcom that premiered on NBC in 1966, following the misadventures of a struggling four-piece rock band as they chase fame but somehow stumble into chaos wherever they go. Starring Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, the series blended slapstick comedy and music videos years before MTV existed. Inspired by the success of A Hard Day's Night, the show quickly became one of the most energetic and inventive sitcoms of the 1960s.

Although initially dismissed by some critics as a manufactured attempt to cash in on Beatlemania, "The Monkees" became a cultural phenomenon and helped launch the group into genuine music superstardom. The show's groundbreaking visual style earned it a devoted fanbase that continues to discover it decades later. Will the S1E1 boys go bananas for this musical sitcom classic, or should this TV band have stayed in the garage? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Royal Flush," and find out.

Starring: Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, & Peter Tork

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"Just Shoot Me!" is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1997-2003. The show stars Laura San Giacomo as Maya Gallo, an outspoken journalist who reluctantly goes to work at her father's fashion magazine. Surrounded by an eccentric staff, Maya finds herself constantly clashing with the superficial world she's been thrown into. With its sharp ensemble cast and fast-paced writing, the series carved out its own place during NBC's legendary Must See TV era.

Just Shoot Me! was both a critical darling and a commercial hit, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations while consistently delivering top-tier ratings across its seven-season run. Though it often lived in the shadow of NBC heavyweights like Friends and Frasier, the show proved it had plenty of laughs of its own. Will the S1E1 boys think this fashion magazine is cover-worthy, or should this issue have stayed on the newsstand? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Back Issues," and find out.

Starring: Laura San Giacomo, George Segal, Wendie Malick, Enrico Colantoni, & David Spade

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"The Unicorn" is a sitcom that premiered on CBS in 2019 starring Walton Goggins as Wade Felton, a recently widowed father who's reluctantly encouraged to jump back into the dating world. Much to his surprise, Wade quickly discovers he's exactly what many single women are looking for, a rare "unicorn". The series manages to explore themes like grief without ever losing its sense of humor.

While "The Unicorn" only lasted two seasons, it earned praise from critics and audiences for its warm storytelling. Rather than relying on over-the-top sitcom antics, the show leaned on using genuine emotion with relatable laughs. Will the S1E1 boys fall for this rare television "unicorn," or should this dating comedy have stayed off the market? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out.

Starring: Walton Goggins, Rob Corddry, Omar Miller, Maya Lynne Robinson, Ruby Jay, Makenzie Moss, Devin Bright, Michaela Watkins, & Natalie Ceballos

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"Newhart" is a sitcom that aired on CBS 1982-1990, starring comedy legend Bob Newhart as Dick Loudon, a New York author who trades city life for a quiet Vermont inn. Alongside his wife Joanna, Dick quickly discovers that running a country inn means dealing with an endless parade of eccentric guests and even stranger locals. Anchored by Newhart's signature dry wit and deadpan delivery, the series turned a simple fish-out-of-water premise into one of television's most beloved comedies.

Over the course of eight seasons, "Newhart" became a sitcom staple, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place in TV history with one of the most famous series finales of all time. The show remains a favorite among classic sitcom fans. But does the pilot live up to the legendary reputation that followed, or should the Stratford Inn close its doors for good? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot "In the Beginning" and find out.

Starring: Bob Newhart, Mary Frann, Steven Kampmann, Jennifer Holmes, & Tom Poston

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"Son of a Critch" is a Canadian sitcom that premiered in 2023 on CBC. Based on comedian Mark Critch's bestselling memoir, the series follows him as an 11-year-old growing up in 1980s St. John's, Newfoundland. He possesses an "old soul" that makes him seem mature beyond his years, yet he remains vulnerable to the classic pitfalls of adolescence. Mark is often left feeling like an outsider in his own junior high.

While "Son of a Critch" may not be as well known in the United States, it has become one of Canada's most acclaimed modern sitcoms, earning multiple seasons and praise for its humor and heart. Can this charming Canadian import win over the S1E1 boys, or should this trip back to the '80s have stayed in the yearbook? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Pilot," and find out.

(Special Guest: Jay's Brother, Chris)

Starring: Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Mark Critch, Claire Rankin, Colton Gobbo, Sophia Power, Mark Rivera, & Malcolm McDowell

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