The Sitcom Studies Podcast

Every sitcom needs "that" neighbor - this week we're covering a character who has a special place in Marlessa's heart, Ned Flanders, focusing on the episodes "Homer Loves Flanders" (Season 5, Episode 16) and “Hurricane Neddy” (season 8, episode 8)! We discuss how spending more time with Ned affects Homer's relationship with his family, as well as the age-old philosophical question of why bad things happen to good people. And no, that's definitely not us getting a little choked up hearing Homer speak so fondly of someone he often wants nothing to do with...
Historical Highlights:
https://www2.archivists.org/initiatives/mayday-saving-our-archives/annotated-resources
https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preserving-private-and-family-collections/caring-for-private-and-family-collections
https://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives
https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-leaflets/overview
https://cthumanities.org/prepare-your-cultural-organization-for-hurricane-season-resources-for-the-public-and-historic-property-owners/

This week we are welcoming back Marlessa's Dad to discuss two brilliantly written episodes featuring one of the most notorious Simpsons villains, Sideshow Bob: “Cape Feare” (season 5, episode 2) and “Brother From Another Series” (Season 8, Episode 16). All we can say is, welcome back Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce - you have been so missed! 
History Highlights:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.M.S._Pinafore

Whether you're looking for some deeper social commentary or just feel like poking a little fun at New York (the City and Upstate), we're covering an excellent pair of "travel" episodes: “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson” (season 9, episode 1) and “D'oh Canada!” (season 30, episode 21). Lisa makes her home in Canada for a short time; Marge chooses to window-shop rather than buy expensive souvenirs; and, to Marlessa's delight, Homer changes the lyrics to a certain classic song... 
History Highlights: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_Arnold
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Watson
 

We are joined by a very special guest to discuss all things Simpsons sports: Marlessa's partner Jes! We're grateful for all of the insights that Jes was able to provide here since our first episode features not one, not two, but nine MLB baseball greats! Then we of course have Bart and Lisa pitted against each other in an episode that doesn't show Homer at his best but DOES end with one of the sweetest moments we've covered so far this season. On tap for this week: Homer at the Bat” (season 3, episode 17) and “Lisa on Ice” (season 6, episode 8). Thank you so much for joining us to discuss these two, Jes! 
Historical Highlights: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Pitt,_1st_Earl_of_Chatham
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_John_Temple,_3rd_Viscount_Palmerston
 
Please support Jes' podcast, Mostly Mets, here: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/0cXDP0tgyd9yGL7CsNkQe8
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mostly-mets/id1797188968
 

Today we are covering our final member of the Simpsons family (sorry, Maggie), the one and only Bart Simpson! We're discussing two episodes that have Bart learn some hard lessons: “Bart Gets an ‘F” (season 2, episode 1) and “Bart Gets Famous” (season 5, episode 12). While we definitely see some of the pressures Bart faces, whether that's to do better in school or to "just say the line", we're glad to see how fortunate he is to have family who is there for him when he needs them most. 
History Highlights:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fort_Necessity

Today is all about the girl, the myth, the legend, Lisa Simpson! Whether you're struggling with those mid-week blues or feel energized enough to write an essay about the biggest issues facing our world, we hope you enjoy our discussion about these two fantastic Lisa-focused episodes, “Moaning Lisa" (Season 1, Episode 6) and “Mr. Lisa Goes To Washington” (season 3, episode 2). We discuss the pressures women and girls feel to take Aaron Burr's advice and "smile more," as well as the important differences between Marge's parenting and her mother's approach. Also...Homer is a fan of "Reading Digest"?
History Highlights:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Ward_Howe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Beecher_Stowe

We are joined by Marlessa's friend Adam to discuss the one and only Simpsons matriarch, Marge! This week's selection, “Itchy & Scratchy & Marge (Season 2, Episode 9) and “Marge vs. the Monorail” (season 4, episode 12), showcases Marge's deep desire to do right by her family and the Springfield community. Once again we have episodes filled with excellent parody (Psycho and Silence of the Lambs); top-tier guest stars (hello Leonard Nimoy!); and sharp social commentary, this time about censorship and mob mentality. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk all things Simpsons with us, Adam! 
Historical Highlights: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_(Michelangelo)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Music_Man
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls085694280/
 

We're starting off our Simpsons season with two Homer-centric episodes that focus on his best temporary jobs: “Mr. Plow” (season 4, episode 9) and “Deep Space Homer” (season 5, episode 15). We discuss Homer's rivalry with Barney; his iconic jacket and song; and his deep desire to earn the respect of his family. Oh, and none other than Adam West and Buzz Aldrin make appearances.
History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzz_Aldrin

Season 4 of Sitcom Studies begins, but with a slightly different format, because we're discussing the longest-running American sitcom of all time: The Simpsons! In this intro episode, you'll find out why this one is so special to Marlessa and how we'll be tackling an incredibly nuanced show that has stood the test of time. Deep dives begin next week!
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/simpson-family-television-debut-30-years-ago-180962482/

The time has come to say goodbye to our beloved Darrin and Sam and the rest of the Bewitched crew. We rank our favorite and least favorite episodes of this season; discuss the enneagram types of these characters; and offer our final thoughts on viewing Samantha and Darrin's love and marriage from a feminist perspective. It has been nothing short of magical getting to discuss this charming and groundbreaking sitcom. And if you've disagreed with us at all this season, well..."try to understand...we're only mortal."
Season 4 begins next week!