S1E1: Joanie Loves Chachi

"Two and a Half Men" is a CBS sitcom that aired from 2003 to 2015. The show was created by Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn, and became one of the most successful sitcoms during its run. The story begins when Alan (Jon Cryer), a neurotic and unlucky-in-love chiropractor, is kicked out of his house by his ex-wife, Judith, and shows up at the Malibu beach house of his older brother, Charlie (Charlie Sheen). Charlie, a wealthy bachelor and jingle writer, leads a carefree life filled with alcohol, women. Despite being polar opposites, the two form a dysfunctional co-parenting duo when Alan brings along his 10-year-old son, Jake (Angus T. Jones). The early seasons were a massive hit with audiences, thanks to sharp writing and the undeniable chemistry between Sheen and Cryer. Though often labeled “juvenile” or “lowbrow” by critics, viewers of "Two and a Half Men" embraced the crass humor and relatable family tension. Charlie Sheen’s erratic behavior, drug use, and public rants against producer Chuck Lorre led to his firing at the end of Season 8. Viewership dropped as result but remained strong enough for CBS to keep the show going. After another four seasons post Sheen creative fatigue finally kicked in and the decision to end the show was made. Listen as the we bring it back to Episode 1 when the boys deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Marin Hinkle, Melanie Lynskey, Holland Taylor, Kristin Bauer, & Tom Wilson www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"The George Carlin Show" is a sitcom that aired on Fox from 1994-1995.  The show centers around George O'Grady, a curmudgeonly New York City cab driver in his 50s who hangs out at a neighborhood bar. While it follows a traditional sitcom format with a laugh track and episodic structure, Carlin's involvement ensured that the writing frequently touched on anti-establishment themes, and generational conflicts. In later interviews, George Carlin expressed disappointment with the creative process behind the show, feeling that network interference diluted his vision and that the show lacked the creative freedom he needed to thrive. The show gave viewers a rare look at Carlin attempting to live within the bounds of a formula he often mocked. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy this or would they rather watch Carlin's classic Stand-Up instead? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "When Unexpected Things Happen to George". Starring: George Carlin, Alex Rocco, Paige French, Anthony Starke, Christopher Rich, Susan Sullivan, & Mike Hagerty www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Dads" is sitcom that aired on FOX from 2013-2014. The series stars Seth Green and Giovanni Ribisi who play two successful video game developers in their 30s whose lives are turned upside down when their overbearing and dysfunctional fathers move in with them. Much of the show's comedic dynamic is based on culture clash, and boundary-pushing jokes. "Dads" received largely negative reviews from critics upon its premiere for relying on racial stereotypes, crude humor, and lack of character development. FOX initially defended the series and ordered six more episodes beyond the original 13-episode commitment. However, the show never overcame its critical reception and was cancelled after the season ended. Is this show too much for even the S1E1 boys? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Seth Green, Giovanni Ribisi, Brenda Song, Vanessa Lachey, Tonita Castro, Peter Riegert, Martin Mull, & Dan Castellaneta www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

The Grinder is a sitcom that aired on FOX from 2015–2016 starring Rob Lowe as Dean Sanderson, a TV actor famous for playing a lawyer who returns to his hometown and attempts to practice law alongside his actual attorney brother, Stewart (Fred Savage). The show cleverly parodied legal dramas by contrasting Dean's melodramatic, fictional courtroom experience with the realities of practicing law. Critics praised the series, with many considering it to be one of the standout comedies of the season. Despite its critical acclaim, The Grinder struggled with low viewership which led FOX to cancel the series after just one season, a decision that disappointed fans and cast members alike. Will The S1E1 guys object to FOX's decision? Listen as they deep dive The Grinder's pilot episode. Starring: Rob Lowe, Fred Savage, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Natalie Morales, Hana Hayes, Connor Kalopsis, William Devane, Steve Little, Brian Huskey, & Kumail Nanjiani www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Gilligan’s Island" is a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1964-1967. The show follows the comedic adventures of seven castaways who become stranded on a deserted island after a tropical storm wrecks their boat, the S.S. Minnow. Much of the show's humor is driven from the contrast between the characters’ personalities and their adaptation (or lack thereof) to island life. Although it was originally met with mixed reviews from critics, Gilligan’s Island gained a massive fan following through syndication, becoming a pop culture icon. Its characters and theme song became instantly recognizable. Does this classic hold up or is this one better lost at sea? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Two on a Raft". Starring: Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr., Jim Backus, Natalie Schafer, Tina Louise, Russell Johnson, & Dawn Wells www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Alice" is a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1976-1985. The show is based on the 1974 Martin Scorsese film, "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore". The story follows Alice Hyatt, a widow who moves from New Jersey to Phoenix, Arizona, with her son, Tommy. She then takes a job at a roadside eatery named Mel’s Diner. One of the show's catchphrases, "Kiss my grits!" remains a part of the cultural lexicon. The show was a ratings success, especially during its early seasons. Alice's nine season run made it one of the longer-running sitcoms of the '70s and '80s. Despite having such a long run the show didn't recieve much syndication and is rarely seen modern day. Will this show hold up with the S1E1 boys nearly 50 years since the show premiered? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Linda Lavin, Vic Tayback, Beth Howland, Polly Holliday, Dennis Dugan, Arthur Space, & Alfred Lutter III www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" is a  sitcom that aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977. The show starred Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards, a single, independent woman working as a TV news producer in Minneapolis. More than a workplace comedy, it helped reshape how America viewed women in the 1970. The show was gigantic success winning over both critics and viewers alike. In its run "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" won a total of 29 Emmys. Will the S1E1 boys make this one a green-light after all? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Love Is All Around". Starring: Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight, Cloris Leachman, Valerie Harper, Angus Duncan, & Lisa Gerritsen www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Joanie Loves Chachi" is an ABC sitcom that aired from 1982-1983. It was a "Happy Days" spin-off that followed Joanie Cunningham and Chachi Arcola to Chicago where they pursued music careers and furthering their relationship. After the initial curiosity wore off, ratings declined rapidly. ABC decided to pull the plug, and both Joanie and Chachi were written back into Happy Days for its final season. "Joanie Loves Chachi" has become something of a punchline in TV history, often cited as an example of a failed spin-off. Will the S1E1 boys disagree? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Chicago". Starting: Erin Moran, Scott Baio, Al Molinaro, Ellen Travolta, Art Metrano, Tom Bosley, & Marion Ross www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

The Brady Bunch is a sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974. It begins with Mike Brady, a widowed architect with three sons marries Carol who has three daughters. Together, they form a family of eight, along with their live-in housekeeper, Alice. Despite the challenges, the Bradys always come together with love and understanding. Though it wasn't a major hit during its original run, The Brady Bunch gained immense popularity in syndication, becoming a cultural icon. Its success led to spin-offs, reunion specials, and even feature films, cementing its place in television history. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy the story of a man named Brady...? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, The Honeymoon. Starring: Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Barry Williams, Maureen McCormick, Christopher Knight, Eve Plumb, Mike Lookinland, Susan Olsen, & Ann B. Davis www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Charlie Hoover" is a short-lived 1991 Fox sitcom. The series starred Tim Matheson as Charlie Hoover and Sam Kinison as Hugh, a wild, outspoken manifestation of Charlie's inner voice. Its humor relies heavily on Sam Kinison’s signature loud, over-the-top comedic style. The contrast between Hugh's bombastic personality and Charlie’s meekness is the central comedic engine. "Charlie Hoover" received mixed at best reviews and struggled in ratings, leading to its early cancellation. Critics cited the show's premise as intriguing but poorly executed. Despite its short run, it holds a bit of cult interest today, especially for fans of Sam Kinison or oddball ‘90s sitcoms. Could that be enough to sneak a green-light from the S1E1 boys? Listen and find out. Starring: Sam Kinison, Tim Matheson, Lucy Webb, Julie Hayden, Michael Manasseri, Leslie Engel & Kevin McCarthy www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD