The Sitcom Studies Podcast

Some serious (and surprisingly deep) relationship discussions this week! Marlessa and Katie are both on Leonard’s side as we spend time on the question of whether it can ever be healthy to maintain close relationships with exes, and we see Shenny at their most hilarious when Sheldon has to take Penny to the hospital. And it’s almost like we’re forgetting something else important…of course! We get to see Leonard, Howard and Raj go through the stages of being high… 
History Highlights:
https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/leonids/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonids

We again have Marlessa’s partner Jes joining us, and this time we have an episode that is absolutely pivotal for the series: Bernadette (and Wil Wheaton!) have entered the chat! We discuss Bernadette’s hilarious first conversation with Howard; Sheldon’s vendetta against Wil; and Penny’s role as a matchmaker. Plus, Leonard’s efforts to fit in with Penny’s football-loving friends lead to a deeper discussion about the importance of taking an interest in your significant other’s passions. Who knows - we might even have some couple’s trivia planned…
History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonie_van_Leeuwenhoek

The dynamic has definitely shifted this week. With Penny and Leonard now a couple, Howard struggles to accept that they often prefer to spend time alone rather than with the group, and Sheldon believes he has the perfect opportunity to “train” Penny to be the ideal apartment guest. We also discuss how these storylines sometimes rely on unfortunate stereotypes, particularly with Raj in danger of being deported - and going to a goth bar?
History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning

We kick off our Big Bang Theory Journey with two episodes that make us really feel for Sheldon: not only do his best friends sabotage the work they did during a three-month long trip to the Arctic, but he also has to give up a classic comic book after losing a bet to Howard! We also discuss the changing dynamic between Leonard and Penny as they first begin a romantic relationship. Let us know whether you're Team Lenny during these early days!
History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_exploration
 

We're unraveling some mysteries as we begin our fifth season and Katie's next pick: Season 3 of The Big Bang Theory! We discuss why Katie picked this particular season, and Marlessa explains how she's felt about this show as a lifelong comic book fan. Which classic characters and guest stars will we get to meet this season?
As usual, deep dives begin next week. Thank you for being along for this journey with us!

We are saying goodbye to our beloved Simpsons family today, but not before we wrap this season up with some final discussions. Which episode did we each think was funniest? The most interesting to analyze? These and other categories will be explored, and we'll of course discuss these characters' enneagram types. 
We've had the best time laughing this season and learning from all of these Springfield residents, and we hope you have, too. And even though we're starting season 5 next week, we'll take that last exit to Springfield any old time. 

Who has a final deep dive for you? We do! We do! 
We're coming full circle by covering two more fantastic Homer-centric episodes: “Homer The Great” (Season 6, Episode 12) and "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show" (Season 8, Episode 14). Homer is discovered to be the "Chosen One" of the secret Stonecutters organization and also lands the part of a new character on Itchy & Scratchy. In both cases, finding the deep acceptance that has always felt so allusive seems to be what matters most to him. You might need to look no further than your own family, Mr. Homer Jay Simpson. 
Tune in next week for our Simpsons wrap-up and then - on to Season 5!
History Highlights:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signing_of_the_United_States_Declaration_of_Independence
https://www.historynewsnetwork.org/article/who-are-the-masons
 
 

This week it's all about Springfield's resident bartender, Moe Szyslak! We see him at his best and worst in "Flaming Moe's" (Season 3, Episode 10) and "Moe Baby Blues" (Season 14, Episode 22). From stealing Homer's signature drink to forming a heartwarming bond with Maggie, we find that there's a lot more complexity to this character than there might seem on the surface. Also, Aerosmith makes an appearance?!
Historical Highlights:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather_(novel)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather

We're celebrating Christmas - ahem, Halloween - in July this week by covering two of the Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Halloween classics, "Treehouse of Horror V" (Season 6, Episode 6) and "Treehouse of Horror VII" (season 8, episode 1). We see Simpsons parody at its best; discuss how the Shinning reflects the classic movie The Shining more than the book; and meet aliens Kang and Kodos as they cause havoc, including with the 1996 presidential election. 
Historical Highlights:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_United_States_presidential_election
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses

This week, we cover two Millhouse-centric episodes in order to get to know Bart's best friend a bit better - except, do we really? "Bart Sells His Soul" (Season 7, Episode 4) is a further exploration of Bart and Lisa's sweet sibling dynamic, and “A Millhouse Divided” (season 8, episode 6) is another celebration of Homer and Marge's relationship. We had the best time discussing how a side character like Millhouse can teach us so much more about our beloved Simpsons characters. And of course we can't forget Moe trying to make his bar a "family friendly" restaurant...
We also want to acknowledge the passing of sitcom legend and director of many classic pilots, James "Jimmy" Burrows. Read Marlessa's lovely tribute to some of his best episodes here: https://thefordhamram.com/culture/the-one-with-the-maestro-of-sitcoms/
Historical Highlights: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln%27s_House_Divided_Speech
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/house-divided