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.
The Brady Bunch is a sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974. It begins with Mike Brady, a widowed architect with three sons marries Carol who has three daughters. Together, they form a family of eight, along with their live-in housekeeper, Alice. Despite the challenges, the Bradys always come together with love and understanding.
Though it wasn't a major hit during its original run, The Brady Bunch gained immense popularity in syndica...
"Charlie Hoover" is a short-lived 1991 Fox sitcom. The series starred Tim Matheson as Charlie Hoover and Sam Kinison as Hugh, a wild, outspoken manifestation of Charlie's inner voice. Its humor relies heavily on Sam Kinison’s signature loud, over-the-top comedic style. The contrast between Hugh's bombastic personality and Charlie’s meekness is the central comedic engine.
"Charlie Hoover" received mixed at best reviews and struggled...
"Whitney" is a semi-autobiographical comedy created by and starring Whitney Cummings that aired on NBC from 2011–2013. It follows Whitney, a photographer, and her live-in boyfriend, Alex (Chris D'Elia), as they navigate their three-year relationship without the intention of getting married.
Critics were mixed in their reviews but many felt the show lacked originality. NBC decided to not renew the show for a third season due to its ...
"The Charmings" was an ABC sitcom that aired from 1987-1988. The show followed the adventures of Snow White and Prince Charming, who after a thousand year spell found themselves in 20th-century Los Angeles. Along with their two sons, the wicked stepmother Lillian, and a wisecracking Magic Mirror, they tried to adapt to modern life while clashing with contemporary norms.
While some viewers appreciated "The Charmings" quirky premise,...
St. Denis Medical is a mockumentary-style sitcom that premiered on NBC in 2024. The show is set in an underfunded hospital in Oregon, where overworked doctors and nurses strive to treat patients while juggling their own personal and professional challenges.
St. Denis Medical was created by Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer. Spitzer best known for creating the hit show, Superstore. Will the S1E1 boys rate this one as high as they did S...
"Maron" is a semi-autobiographical sitcom created by and starring Marc Maron. It spanned four seasons on IFC airing from 2013 to 2016. The show follows a fictionalized version of Maron as he navigates his life as a podcaster, comedian, and recovering addict.
Critics and fans appreciated the show's unique voice and Maron's candid storytelling. While it didn't achieve mainstream popularity, "Maron" garnered a loyal fanbase and solid ...
The Thin Blue Line is a British sitcom that aired on BBC1 from 1995 to 1996. The show is about a police station in the fictional English town of Gasforth. The series stars Rowan Atkinson as Inspector Raymond Fowler, a by-the-book officer who often clashes with Detective Inspector Derek Grim (played by David Haig). The two represent opposing views on policing, traditional vs modern.
Despite The Thin Blue Line's short run of two seri...
"Laverne & Shirley" is a sitcom that aired from 1976 to 1983. This "Happy Days" spin-off follows the antics of Laverne DeFazio (played by Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (played by Cindy Williams), two best friends and roommates who work as bottle-cappers at the Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee. The iconic opening theme song, "Making Our Dreams Come True," remains one of the most recognizable TV themes.
"Laverne & Shirley" was...
"Come to Papa" is a sitcom that aired on NBC from June 3rd to 24th, 2004. The show follows the life of Tom Papa, a New Jersey newspaper reporter who attempts to transition from his day job to his dream career in comedy writing. Due to poor reviews, he show was cancelled after airing only four episodes.
In today's world "Come to Papa" might best be known as the reason Steve Carell originally had to turn down "The Office". Luckily, d...
"My Mother the Car" is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1965-1966. The show is about a man named Dave Crabtree (Jerry Van Dyke), who discovers that his deceased mother's spirit has been reincarnated as a 1928 Porter automobile. His mother communicates to him through the radio of the car, offering advice and guidance as he navigates through life.
Despite the innovative concept, "My Mother the Car" was not well received during its ini...
"Shifting Gears" is an ABC sitcom that premiered in 2025. The show follows the story of Matt Parker (Tim Allen), a widower who owns a restomod shop. One morning at the shop his estranged daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings) and her two children show up, and due to recent circumstances end up moving into Matt's house and attempt to rebuild their relationship.
The series has been met with mixed reviews in its short existence. Viewers have ...
"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" is a sitcom that aired from 2012 to 2013. The show follows the life of June (Dreama Walker), a Midwestern girl who moves to New York City for her dream job, only to have her life turned upside down when said job falls through. She finds herself living with Chloe (Krysten Ritter), a wild, con-artist who thrives on creating chaos and exploiting others for personal gain. The show also features J...
"The Office" is a sitcom that follows the everyday lives of employees working at Dunder Mifflin, a mundane paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The show aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013 and is the American adaptation of the British show of the same name. The show is known for its mockumentary-style format, complete with talking head interviews, shaky camera work, and characters often breaking the fourth wall by looking directly a...
"Gavin and Stacey" is a British sitcom that first aired in 2007. Created by James Corden and Ruth Jones, the show revolves around the long-distance relationship between Gavin, who lives in Essex, England, and Stacey, who resides in Barry, Wales. Their budding romance brings together their families and friends, leading to a series of comedic events.
The show was praised for its witty writing, relatable characters, and the chemistry ...
"The Conners" is sitcom that serves as a direct continuation of the beloved series "Roseanne". It premiered in 2018, following the cancellation of "Roseanne" due to controversial tweets by its star, Roseanne Barr. The series follows the Conner family as they navigate life in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois, after the death of the family matriarch, Roseanne.
There were mixed reactions from fans when "The Conners" continued w...
"Rodney" is an ABC sitcom that aired from 2004-2006. The show stars Rodney Carrington as a fictionalized version of himself. The series is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and follows Rodney, a down-to-earth, aspiring stand-up comedian who balances his pursuit of a comedy career with his responsibilities as a husband and father of two young sons.
"Rodney" received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. The show struggled with ratings and...
"Quintuplets" is a FOX sitcom that from 2004-2005. The show starred Andy Richter and Rebecca Creskoff as Bob & Carol Chase, the parents of teenage quintuplets. The series follows them as they navigate the challenges of raising five distinctly different teenagers.
The show received mixed reviews from critics. Despite Richter’s comedic timing, many felt the humor was too broad with writing that lacked depth. The show struggled in...
"Him & Her" is a British sitcom that aired on BBC Three from 2010-2013. The show stars Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani as Steve and Becky, a lazy, twenty-something couple who spend most of their time lounging in Steve's cluttered flat in Walthamstow, London. The show is known for its intimate and relatable portrayal of a young couple's daily life.
"Him & Her" received positive reception from both critics and audiences. It ...
"George" is an ABC sitcom that was co-produced by Tony Danza and premiered in 1993. The show starred former professional boxer George Foreman as George Foster, a retired boxer who runs an after-school program for troubled kids.
The series is notable for featuring George Foreman in a leading television role, showcasing his charisma beyond the boxing ring. However, due to its short duration, "George" remains a lesser-known entry amon...
"Hot in Cleveland" is a TV Land original sitcom that aired from from 2010-2015. The show follows three fabulous but down-on-their-luck women from Los Angeles who decide to move to Cleveland, Ohio, after their plane makes an emergency landing. They decide to make a fresh start by renting a house that comes with a feisty caretaker, Elka (played by the legendary Betty White).
"Hot in Cleveland" was well-received by both critics and au...
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