The Sitcom Studies Podcast

ALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 4: Archie and the Computer & The Games Bunkers Play

Here's hoping no technology issues prevent you from listening today because we have two incredibly funny and thought-provoking episodes to discuss. A group therapy game brings a lot of emotion out from under the surface; we find a refreshingly open and honest Edith; and...where is Archie? 
Historical Highlights: https://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/

ALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 3: Archie the Gambler & Henry's Farewell

Today we say goodbye to Henry Jefferson but hello to another Jefferson family member, and we're a little excited...
History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_in_the_United_States

ALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 2: Edith Finds an Old Man & Archie and the Kiss

It seems that nothing will make Archie happy this week, whether that's finding a guest or a new statue in his home. Of course, we're going to delve in a bit further and figure out what's behind it all. 
History Highlights:
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20151119-the-shocking-story-of-the-kiss
https://www.seegreatart.art/new-york-in-the-70s-a-tale-of-two-cities/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auguste_Rodin

ALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 1: We're Having a Heat Wave & We're Still Having a Heat Wave

Season 4 of All in the Family begins with new neighbors moving onto the Bunkers' street, and Archie will go to great lengths to make sure that these newcomers fit into his narrow view of what the neighborhood should look like...be careful what you wish for, Archie... 
 
Historical Highlights:
https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/25/archives/shifting-patterns-of-immigration-add-new-flavor-to-the-citys.html

ALL IN THE FAMILY Intro: Those Were the Days

SEASON TWO! New season, new sitcom, same scintillating conversations! We’re stepping into our virtual time machine and tackling one of the most influential sitcoms of all time: Norman Lear’s classic All in the Family. Pull up a chair for this trip back to 1970s Queens, NY with us—and don’t be a “Meathead.” 
 
Interview with Jean Stapleton and Carroll O'Connor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LAXWlvAfTs

FRASIER Wrap Up: We Hear the Blues A-Callin’

As part of our Frasier wrap up, we tackle some over-arching questions about the series - is Frasier a good person? Which couples do we ship? What enneagram type is Frasier? And of course, we rank our favorite episodes of Season 6. We begin a new season and sitcom next week!
 
"For an entire season of this podcast you have heard us say, 'we're listening.' Well, you were listening too. And for that we are eternally grateful." 
 
https://sitcomstudies.wordpress.com/2018/09/16/25-essential-episodes-of-frasier-for-its-25th-anniversary/
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works/
 

FRASIER Deep Dive 12: Shutout in Seattle, Parts 1 & 2

We have officially reached the end of Season 6, and there's a whole lot to discuss. We say goodbye (sort of) to Bulldog and consider where the finale leaves each of our beloved Crane trio. Have we come full circle?
History Highlights:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfinger_(Shirley_Bassey_song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barry_(composer)
 
 

FRASIER Deep Dive 11: When a Man Loves Two Women & Visions of Daphne with SPECIAL GUESTS, The Frasier Department Hosts

The lovely Lucas and Leila from The Frasier Department podcast join us to discuss the penultimate pair of episodes of this season! Even with two additional contributors to this week's debates, we are still all on the same page re: the Faye vs. Cassandra question...
 
History Highlights:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagliacci
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco_Zeffirelli
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commedia_dell%27arte
 
Tune in to Lucas and Leila's podcast here - https://thefrasierdepartment.com/

FRASIER Deep Dive 10: IQ & Dr Nora

This week, we tackle a classic Crane brothers rivalry episode and a Frasier vs. his own ego storyline. And let’s not forget; Niles also grows a dashing mustache!
 
History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Mallon

SIDE QUEST 1: Sitcom Dinner Parties Gone Wrong

We weren’t ready to move on from dinner parties quite yet - so please enjoy our first ever SIDE QUEST episode! We talk all things related to the dinner parties that feature in some of the most well-known and renowned episodes of our chosen series: the good, the bad, the awkward. Some darker themes are discussed as well, but we feel confident that good food and even better “company” will get us through. 
Marlessa’s Picks:
Cheers 5.20 Dinner at Eight-ish
Everybody Loves Raymond 8.4 Misery Loves Company
The Office 4.13 Dinner Party
Katie’s Picks
The Big Bang Theory 6.19 The Closet Reconfiguration
All in the Family 1.13 The First and Last Supper
Seinfeld 5.13 The Dinner Party