S1E1: The Middle

"Hardball" was a 1994 sitcom that aired on Fox. The show centered around the Pioneers, a fictional American League baseball team struggling to stay out of last place. Hardball was originally intended to be released along side of that year's World Series but a real life MLB strike prevented that from happening and instead become part of the first FOX NFL Sunday. Despite coming off the heels of multiple successful baseball movies and the show's ensemble cast which featured Mike Starr, Bruce Greenwood, and a very young Joe Rogan (in his first acting credit). Hardball was canceled after only 7 episodes. Many contribute the timing of the strike to being a factor behind the show's low viewership. 30 years later will the S1E1 crew call this one a homerun or will it strike out? Listen as they deep dive the pilot episode. SPECIAL GUEST: Sarah (IAP RADIO & GENERATION MIXTAPE) Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Mike Starr, Joe Rogan, Phill Lewis, Dann Florek, Alenandra Wentworth, Steve Hytner, Rose Marie, & Jim Breuer www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"The Middle" is an ABC sitcom that aired from 2009 to 2018. The show revolves around the Heck family, who live in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana. It focuses on the family as they navigate life's ups and downs. From financial challenges to school problems, "The Middle" captures the essence of a middle-class American family. "The Middle" was praised for its relatable portrayal of family life. It developed a loyal fan base over its nine-season run and is often remembered for its heartwarming and realistic depiction of the struggles and triumphs of an ordinary family. Will this one land well with the S1E1 boys or will they want to fly straight to the end? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher, Atticus Shaffer, Chris Kattan, & Brian Doyle-Murray www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

The Mindy Project was a sitcom created by and starring Mindy Kaling that aired on Fox from 2012 to 2015 and later transitioned to Hulu, where it continued until its conclusion in 2017. The series follows Dr. Mindy Lahiri, an obstetrician-gynecologist in New York City who is determined to balance her career, friendships, and romantic aspirations all while she searches for her "happily ever after." Initially well-received, The Mindy Project garnered praise for Kaling’s performance and the show’s humor. It has since become a beloved part of Kaling’s creative legacy, celebrated for its blend of romance and comedy and its fresh perspective on a female lead. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, Ed Weeks, Anna Camp, Zoe Jarman, Amanda Setton, Stephen Tobolowsky, Bill Hader & Ed Helms www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" is a 2015 Netflix sitcom created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. The show follows the life of Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper), a relentlessly optimistic woman who, after being rescued from a doomsday cult where she was held captive for 15 years, decides to start a new life in New York City. After four seasons, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt ended when its creators felt that the story had reached a natural conclusion. Rather than stretching the premise or compromising the quality of the show, they decided to wrap it up while it was still fresh and beloved by fans. Will the S1E1 guys want to bunker up and binge this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Kimmy Goes Outside!" and find out. Starring: Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane, Jane Krakowski, Lauren Adams, Sara Chase, Sol Miranda, Matt Lauer & Jon Hamm www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

The Hotwives of Orlando is a 2014 Hulu Original comedy series. The show spoofs on reality shows like The Real Housewives, focusing on a fictional group of women in Orlando who lead extravagant, dramatic lives. Each character embodies a different reality TV stereotype, from the ditzy trophy wife to the volatile diva, and the show follows their ridiculous feuds, parties, and over-the-top personal dramas. Critics generally appreciated The Hotwives for its clever satire and comedic performances, especially by the ensemble cast, though it remained a niche favorite. Its commitment to skewering reality TV conventions earned it praise from fans of parody and satire. Can a show like this be appreciated by a group of guys who generally don't watch the genre that The Hotwives of Orlando is parodying? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Meet The Hotwives". Starring:  Casey Wilson, Angela Kinsey, Danielle Schneider. Tymberlee Hill, Andrea Savage, Kristen Schaal, Matt Besser, Jerry Minor, Joey McIntyre, Paul Scheer, Stephen Tobolowsky, & Jeff Hiller www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"Splitting Up Together" is a comedy series that aired on ABC from 2018 to 2019. The premise revolves around a married couple, Lena (Jenna Fischer) and Martin (Oliver Hudson), who decide to divorce but choose to continue living in the same house for the sake of their three children. The unique arrangement has the two taking turns living in the house with the kids, while the other stays in the garage apartment. The show humorously explores the challenges and benefits of their unconventional living situation, while highlighting the importance of communication and compromise in relationships. ABC cancelled the series after two seasons. Listen as the S1E1 guys deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Jenna Fischer, Oliver Hudson, Bobby Lee, Diane Farr, Lindsay Price, Olivia Keville, Van Crosby, Sander Thomas, Kelsey Asbille, & Geoff Pierson www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

We have a special bonus episode this week. Due to us now covering both the original UK and US adaptation versions of "Ghosts" we thought it would be fitting to take a little time to compare the two. So listen in as we focus on the major differences between the two pilots and find out which we thought was the better of the two. www.S1E1POD.com MERCH

"Ghosts" is a sitcom that premiered on CBS in 2021 that was adapted from the British series of the same name. The story centers on Sam Arondekar (Rose McIver) and her husband Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), who inherit an old mansion. After a near-death experience, Sam starts seeing and interacting with ghosts from various time periods who inhabit the house. The US version aimed to create a more optimistic tone and highlight the achievements of the main characters, Sam and Jay, rather than their failures. "Ghosts" has received a positive reception from both viewers and critics. After being fans of the UK version after covering it the year before, will the S1E1 guys give this adaption the green-light as well? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Danielle Pinnock, Richie Moriarty, Asher Grodman, Sheila Carrasco, Devan Chandler Long, Rebecca Wisocky, Román Zaragoza, & Hudson Thames www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

"Death Valley" is a comedy horror mockumentary series that aired on MTV in 2011. The show follows the Undead Task Force (UTF), a newly formed division of the Los Angeles Police Department, as they combat supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, and zombies in the San Fernando Valley. The series is presented in a documentary style, with a camera crew filming the task force's encounters with these monsters. Despite Death Valley's unique concept (created by Powerman 5000 frontman Spider One) and interesting cast, including Bryan Callen, Caity Lotz, and Bryce Johnson, MTV decided not to renew it for a second season. Did this one just fail to find its audience or was MTV right in driving a steak through its chest? Listen as the S1E1 guys deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Bryan Callen, Charlie Sanders, Bryce Johnson, Caity Lotz, Tania Raymonde, & Texas Battle www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod

Struck by Lightning is a short-lived American sitcom that aired on CBS in 1979. The plot revolves around Ted, a modern-day science teacher who inherits an inn in Maine. Soon after Ted arrives he finds out that he is a descendant of Dr. Frankenstein and the inn's groundskeeper "Frank" is the legendary reanimated monster. Struck by Lightning struggled to find an audience and was canceled after only 3 of the 11 episodes made it to air. Though it wasn't a success, Struck by Lightning remains a quirky footnote in television history for its unusual blending of sitcom humor and the Frankenstein mythos. Should this show stayed burried in the past or should it be brought back to life? Find out when the S1E1 guys deep dive the show's pilot episode. Starring: Jack Elam, Jeffrey Kramer, Millie Slavin, Jeff Cotler, Richard Stahl, & Bill Erwin www.S1E1POD.com MERCH Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1Pod