S1E1: Maniac Mansion

Maniac Mansion was a sitcom that aired on The Family Channel from 1990 to 1993. The show was created by Eugene Levy and produced by George Lucas’s Lucasfilm Television. Loosely based on the cult-favorite 1987 video game of the same name. While the series took its name from the cult video game, the show used little to none of the source material, opting instead for a domestic sitcom laced with surreal, science-fiction twists. The premise centered on Dr. Fred Edison (Joe Flaherty), a well-meaning scientist whose home experiments often created bizarre predicaments for his family. The mix of conventional family humor and absurdist elements gave the show a tone that was equal parts sitcom, parody, and sketch comedy. Critics and audiences received Maniac Mansion with curiosity but mixed feelings. Fans of the video game were surprised by the lighter, kid-friendly direction, while TV reviewers highlighted its eccentric humor and offbeat charm from the show's SCTV roots. Though it never broke through as a mainstream hit, the series gained a modest cult following. Is this this show going to be more Spooky or Dookie with the boys? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "The 10th Anniversary Special" and find out. Starring: Joe Flaherty, Deborah Theaker, Kathleen Robertson, Avi Phillips, George Buza, John Hemphil, & Mary Charlotte Wilcox www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

“Good Grief” is a sitcom that aired on Fox from 1990 to 1991. It centered around a very unusual setting for a comedy: a family-run funeral home. The show’s offbeat concept was part of Fox’s early push into unconventional sitcom territory during the network’s formative years. The premise revolved around Warren Pepper, a straight-laced mortician who ran the “Sincerity Mortuary” with his sister Debbie. Their operations were disrupted when Debbie’s flamboyant, wisecracking husband Ernie Lapidus became a partner in the business. Good Grief received a very mixed reception. Ratings were modest at best, and after thirteen episodes, Fox opted not to renew it. Though largely forgotten today, it remains a curious example of early '90s television experimenting with taboo subjects in a sitcom format. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive Good Grief's pilot episode, "Ladies and Gentlemen... Ernie Lapidus!". Starring: Howie Mandel, Joel Brooks, Sheldon Feldner, Wendy Schaal, Ruth Manning, Jack Yates, & Danny Silver www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

“Bust Down” is single-camera sitcom created by and starring Langston Kerman, Jak Knight, Chris Redd, and Sam Jay that premiered on Peacock in 2022. It centers on four friends who work low-wage jobs at a casino in Gary, Indiana. The show leans heavily into raunchy humor and over-the-top scenarios, with the creators noting they wanted it to be “raunchy, irreverent, and complicated". Critics generally responded positively and praised Bust Down's bold comic voice and willingness to push boundaries. Sadly, months after the show's release, Jak Knight passed away. It's unclear if this factored into the end of the show. Bust Down now exists as a 6 episode show that may have never realized it's full potential and floats on various streamers. How did the S1E1 boys feel about the show? Listen as they deep dive the pilot episode, "Bad Hang". Starring: Chris Redd, Sam Jay, Langston Kerman, Jak Knight, DomiNque Perry, Freddie Gibbs, John Douglas, & Dan Bakkedahl www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

Welcome to Sweden was a sitcom that aired from 2014-2015. The series was produced in collaboration between Sweden’s TV4 and NBC in the U.S., making it one of the rare cross-Atlantic sitcoms of the 2010s. The show follows Bruce Evans, an American accountant who leaves his career behind in New York to move to Sweden with his Swedish girlfriend, Emma Wiik. Much of the comedy stemmed from Bruce’s struggle to adapt to Swedish culture. Welcome to Sweden earned an International Emmy nomination and developed a small cult following, especially among expats and viewers interested in cross-cultural stories. However, ratings in the U.S. struggled, leading NBC to cancel the series during its second season in 2015. Did NBC do the right thing or did they fail to help the show find it's audience? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Välkommen". Starring: Greg Poehler, Josephine Bornebusch, Lena Olin, Claes Månsson, Christopher Wagelin, Per Svensson, & Amy Poehler www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

That’s My Bush! was a Comedy Central sitcom that aired in 2001. It was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the duo behind South Park. The show, which was a satirical look at life in the White House was green lit with the understanding that the show would focus around whoever ended up winning the 2000 presidential election. The show’s premise was less about politics and more about lampooning the conventions of the American sitcom. Although reviews were generally positive, praising the show as a clever parody of both politics and sitcom clichés, That’s My Bush! proved unsustainable. High production costs led to cancellation after just eight episodes. Parker and Stone later admitted the series likely wouldn’t have worked in the political climate after September 11, 2001. Listen as the boys deep dive That's My Bush's pilot episode, "An Aborted Dinner Date".  Starring: Timothy Bottoms, Carrie Quinn Dolin, Kurt Fuller, Kristen Miller, Marcia Wallace, Lisa K. Wyatt, & John D'Aquino www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"It’s Garry Shandling’s Show" was a sitcom that aired on Showtime from 1986 to 1990 where Garry Shandling plays a fictionalized version of himself living in a suburban condo. The series was notable for breaking television conventions at the time, with Shandling directly addressing the audience, acknowledging that he was in a sitcom, and routinely mocking the artificial structures of television comedy. Its theme song even playfully narrated itself (“This is the theme to Garry’s show…”), further underlining its meta, self-aware style. Reception was largely positive, with critics praising Shandling’s wit, originality, and the show’s willingness to lampoon television itself. The series helped establish Garry Shandling as a unique comedic voice, paving the way for his later, even more acclaimed HBO series The Larry Sanders Show. In retrospect, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show is remembered as a cult classic that pushed sitcom boundaries and inspired a new generation of TV comedy writers. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy a sitcom poking fun at sitcoms? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "The Day Garry Moved In". Starring: Garry Shandling, Molly Cheek, Michael Tucci, Scott Nemes, Jason Bernard, Suzanne Kent, Shawn Ora Engemann, Geoffrey Blake, & Vanna White www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"Corner Gas" is a sitcom that aired from 2004 to 2009 on CTV. The premise centers around Brent Leroy (played by show creator Brent Butt), who runs the town's gas station. Known for its dry humor and character-driven storytelling, the show avoids traditional sitcom laugh tracks and instead leans on witty dialogue and understated situational comedy rooted in Canadian small-town life. Reception for Corner Gas was overwhelmingly positive and became one of the highest-rated Canadian television comedies ever. Critics praised its relatable humor, and strong ensemble cast. Even after its finale, Corner Gas remains a beloved cultural touchstone, often cited as the Canadian equivalent of Seinfeld in its ability to find humor in everyday, “about nothing” situations. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy this comedy from the north? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Ruby Reborn". Starring: Brent Butt, Gabrielle Miller, Fred Ewanuick, Eric Peterson, Janet Wright, Lorne Cardinal, Tara Spencer-Nairn, & Nancy Robertson www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"The Building" is a CBS sitcom that premiered in 1993. It was created, written, and executive-produced by Bonnie Hunt. The show centers on Bonnie Kennedy a commercial actress who returns to Chicago and moves into her old apartment building across from Wrigley Field after separating from her fiancé. "The Building" was theatrical in tone with many Second City alumni as cast members. Episodes featured improvisational dialogue, overlapping speech, and even the occasional mistake left intact to preserve an authentic feel  Critics praised "The Building" for its freshness and charm. The Los Angeles Times praised Hunt’s intelligent writing and the cast’s comic timing. Yet reception from audiences was less enthusiastic. Despite critical acclaim, the show struggled in the ratings. CBS aired only five of the six produced episodes before canceling the series. Where will the S1E1 boys sit with this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out. Starring: Bonnie Hunt, Mike Hagerty, Richard Kulhman, Don Lake, Tom Virtue, Holly Wortell, & George Clooney www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

"227" is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1985 to 1990, spanning five seasons and 116 episodes. Created by C.J. Banks and Bill Boulware, it was adapted from a 1978 stage play of the same name. The show was set in a middle-class apartment building in Washington, D.C., and became one of NBC’s popular Saturday night staples in the mid-to-late 1980s. It was notable for being a vehicle for Marla Gibbs, who had gained fame on The Jeffersons, and for introducing Jackée and future star Regina King in her television debut. 227 was generally well-received during its early run, praised for Gibbs’s lead performance and the strong ensemble cast. Ratings were solid in the first few seasons, though they dipped in later years, leading to cast changes and retooling before the series ended in 1990. In syndication, 227 retained a loyal audience and is remembered as an important sitcom of the 1980s. Listen in as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Honesty". Starring: Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Alaina Reed, Regina King, Curtis Baldwin, Helen Martin, Ken Foree, & Jackée Harry www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996. The show was produced by Quincy Jones and Warner Bros. Television and introduced Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, who moves from West Philadelphia to live with his affluent relatives in Bel-Air, California. Upon its debut, the show was met with solid ratings and quickly gained popularity. Its humor, and iconic theme song made it a cultural staple of the 1990s. The legacy of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is substantial. It catapulted Will Smith into superstardom and remains a defining part of his career. The show continued to gain new fans through syndication and streaming, solidifying its status as a classic. Beyond entertainment, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" broke ground in mainstream media by blending hip-hop culture with traditional sitcom structure, making it one of the most influential shows of its era. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Will Smith, James Avery, Janet Hubert-Whitten, Alfonso Ribeiro, Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali, & Joseph Marcell www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD