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Podcast charts
Published by S1E1
Join us every week where we’ll be picking a different sitcom and judging it solely on its very first televised episode. In doing so we’ll be challenging ourselves to erase any knowledge of future episodes so we can deliver an unbiased opinion. At the end of each show we’ll tell you if this is a show we would green light or cancel. Tune in to find out which mega shows wouldn’t make the cut, what forgettable mistakes we give a pass, and who started exactly where they should be.
On the charts
Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.
The Mato Topic Intelligence Platform does not report this podcast as charting in a published category in this snapshot.
From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
"Saved by the Bell: The New Class" is a sitcom that premiered on NBC in 1993, picking up at Bayside High shortly after the original gang had moved on. With Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins) still running the school, a brand-new group of students arrives to fill the familiar roles. The similarities to the original series weren't exactly subtle, but "The New Class" gave NBC a way to keep the halls of Bayside open and "Saved by the Bell" alive on Saturday mornings. Despite never reaching the popularity of its predecessor, "The New Class" somehow outlasted it, running for seven seasons while cycling through a seemingly endless supply of Bayside students. So does this new class make the grade, or should Bayside have closed its doors when Zack and the gang graduated? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the series premiere, "The Date Lottery," and find out. Starring: Robert Sutherland Telfer, Jonathan Angel, Isaac Lidsky, Natalia Cigliuti, Bianca Lawson, Bonnie Russavage, & Dennis Haskins www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"Good Morning, Miss Bliss" is a sitcom that premiered on the Disney Channel in 1988, starring Hayley Mills as Carrie Bliss, an eighth-grade teacher in Indianapolis. The series follows Miss Bliss as she attempts to guide her students through the trials and tribulations of adolescence. The show also features a young Zack Morris among the kids roaming the school's halls. "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" lasted just 13 episodes, but cancellation wasn't the end of the road. NBC retooled the series, ditched Miss Bliss, and moved the surviving characters to Bayside High. The result was "Saved by the Bell," which went on to become one of the most recognizable teen sitcoms of all time. So will the S1E1 boys find bliss in the halls of JFK Junior High, or should this class be dismissed for good? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Summer Love" and find out. Starring: Hayley Mills, Dennis Haskins, Joan Ryan, Max Battimo, Dustin Diamond, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Heather Hopper, Lark Voorhies, T. K. Carter, & Carla Gugino www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"Z Rock" is a semi-scripted comedy that premiered on IFC in 2008, starring the real-life Brooklyn rock band ZO2 as fictionalized versions of themselves. The band spends their nights chasing rock stardom as ZO2, but by day they pay the bills performing children's birthday parties as The Z Brothers. The show follows the band's struggle to keep their kiddie-party gigs from completely destroying their hard-rock credibility. "Z Rock" lasted two seasons and brought in an impressive collection of guest stars from the worlds of rock and comedy. The series never became a mainstream hit, but its bizarre mix of Spinal Tap-style rock comedy and real-life band struggles has helped it remain a cult curiosity. So will the S1E1 boys be ready to rock with ZO2, or should these guys stick to entertaining five-year-olds? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Paul and David Nearly Miss a Huge Gig" and find out. Starring: Paulie Zablidowsky, David Zablidowsky, Joey Cassata, Lynne Koplitz, Big Jay Oakerson, Alison Becker, Greg Giraldo, Sebastian Bach, & Joan Rivers www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"Tenacious D" is a comedy series that premiered on HBO in 1997, starring Jack Black and Kyle Gass as fictionalized versions of themselves The show follows the duo as they chase rock & roll glory while dealing with everything from writer's block to encounters with Sasquatch. Each episode blends absurd comedy with live performances of songs that would eventually become staples of the real-life Tenacious D. Despite premiering in 1997, "Tenacious D" had an unusual run, producing just three half-hour installments that aired sporadically. The TV show may have been short-lived, but Jack and Kyle certainly weren't, as Tenacious D went on to release albums, tour the world, and eventually star in their own feature film. But does their original HBO series totally rock, or is it one gig the D would rather forget? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive "The Search for Inspirado / Angel in Disguise" and find out. Starring: Jack Black, Kyle Gas, Paul F Tompkins, David Cross, Laura Milligan, & Laura Kightlinger www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"Girls5eva" is a sitcom that premiered on Peacock in 2021 where members of a one-hit-wonder girl group from the late '90s unexpectedly get another shot at fame when their biggest song is sampled by a popular young rapper. Now juggling the realities of getting older, the girls decide to reunite and prove their pop-star dreams don't have an expiration date. The series combines ridiculously catchy original songs with the rapid-fire comedy you'd expect from the team behind "30 Rock." Despite earning rave reviews, "Girls5eva" had almost as much trouble staying alive as the fictional group at its center. After two seasons on Peacock, the show was picked up by Netflix for a third, giving the girls yet another chance at a comeback. But will the S1E1 boys be ready to join the Girls5eva fan club, or will they be saying goodbye 4eva? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode and find out. Starring: Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Dean Winters, & Jimmy Fallon www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"True Originals" is an unaired sitcom pilot produced for UPN in 2003. The comedy follows a group of eccentric twenty-somethings that work at a nostalgia and collectibles shop. This pilot is legendary in Hollywood circles because of the incredible ensemble of future stars it featured right before they broke out, and how its failure directly shaped TV history. Famously this pilot is directly responsible for John Krasinski landing his roll on The Office. Unaired pilots rarely develop much of a legacy, but "True Originals" has become a cult curiosity. After leaking online, the show became the center of a lot of "what if" scenarios. So, does this lost sitcom deserve a second chance, or did UPN make the right call by leaving it on the shelf? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive this never-aired television relic and find out. Starring: John Krasinski, Natasha Lyonne, Jorge Garcia, Ken Marino, John Ross Bowie, Judah Friedlander, & Tessie Santiago www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
“Brockmire” is a comedy that aired on IFC from 2017-2020. The show stars Hank Azaria as Jim Brockmire, a legendary baseball announcer whose spectacular on-air meltdown sends his career into a decade-long tailspin. After years of self-destruction, he gets a second chance calling games for the Frackers, a minor league team in Morristown, Pennsylvania. As he struggles to stay sober and rebuild his reputation, Brockmire discovers that redemption is never as simple as calling the next game. The series mixes sports comedy with dark satire. Critics praised “Brockmire” throughout its four-season run, with particular acclaim going to Azaria's fearless performance and the show's razor-sharp writing. While it never became a mainstream ratings hit, the series developed a devoted fanbase and is frequently cited as one of the most underrated comedies of the late 2010s. Did this foul-mouthed broadcaster knock it out of the park? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Rally Cap" and find out. Starring: Hank Azaria, Amanda Peet, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Hemky Madera, & Katie Finneran www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
“My Two Dads” is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1987-1990 about two friends turned rivals who need to reunite to raise a 12-year-old girl after her mother passes away. The series explored an unconventional family dynamic years before non-traditional households became a common television theme. What could have been a gimmicky setup instead became a surprisingly warm sitcom about friendship and the idea that family is about more than biology. The Show was an immediate, albeit modest, success making its way into the Nielsen top 20 during its first season. While "My Two Dads" had a solid three-season run on NBC, a massive portion of the show's legacy comes from its relentless syndication on the USA Network throughout the 1990s. It became a core after-school viewing ritual for an entire generation of kids who missed its original prime-time run. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the pilot episode and find out if this one earns full custody of your attention. Starring: Paul Reiser, Greg Evigan, Staci Keanan, & Florence Stanley www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"Emeril" is an NBC sitcom that premiered in 2001 and starred celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse as a fictionalized version of himself. Set behind the scenes of a successful television cooking show, the series was a workplace and family comedy rolled into one, attempting to cash in on Emeril's massive Food Network appeal at the time. Despite boasting a talented cast and the popularity of Emeril Lagasse at the height of his fame, the series was short-lived and has largely faded from television history. Does this forgotten sitcom deserve a hearty "Bam!" or should it stay off the menu? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive Emeril's pilot episode, "fat". Starring: Emeril Lagasse, Lisa Ann Walter, Sherri Shepherd, Carrie Preston, & Robert Urich www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
“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 www .S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
"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 www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair is Hulu's 2026 revival of the iconic sitcom. The series finds an adult Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) still navigating through his life's struggles, only now from the perspective of a parent and overworked professional. The show brings back the beloved original cast, including Bryan Cranston as the ever-eccentric Hal and Jane Kaczmarek as the formidable Lois. In this 4 episode mini-series Malcolm attempts to break the cycle of his upbringing, only to realize that he’s becoming the parent he used to complain about. Critics and audiences alike greeted the nostalgic revival. Reviews highlighted the strong comedic chemistry that remains between the original cast. While some noted the shift to a more cynical tone, most praised the show for staying true to its roots. Was this show worth bringing back after all these years? Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive Episode 1 to find out if Malcolm’s return is a stroke of genius or if life is still just as unfair as ever. Starring: Frankie Muniz , Bryan Cranston, Justin Berfield, Christopher Masterson, Keeley Karsten, Vaughan Murrae, Kiana Madeira, Jane Kaczmarek, & Caleb Ellsworth-Clark www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 16, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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