Down The TV Rabbit Hole

In an episode guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, Harry looks at a television institution, American Bandstand. Hear how Dick Clark may have weaseled his way into the gig, and how Dean Martin's wife Jeannie was responsible for the Dean Martin roasts.  Learn exactly how much money Dick Clark paid Jim to appear on one of his television programs.  Plus, Jim gets stiffed by Jeff Ross, a...

In an episode that comes truly comes full circle, learn about who was almost Maxwell Smart, hear one of the greatest guest star lineups of all time, and Control hires their first openly gay agent!  Learn what Roger Ebert and Ted Kennedy had in common (other than weight), a “hilarious” riddle from yesteryear, and more Marty Allen!

In a "by request" episode for listener Dan, Jim takes a look at TV's most befuddled detective, the great Peter Falk as Columbo.  Go down the Rabbit Hole and reminisce about some of the most memorable episodes.  Harry not only introduces a Peter Falk impression, but follows it up with a spot on Walter Cronkite.  Hear about how "Uncle Walter" enjoyed talking to puppets, learn about th...

Harry was so excited about recording this podcast, he pulled out his special microphone that he only uses when he records his commercials for the Monster Truck rally!  In this episode, the two "most gentlemanly" podcasters go way back to re-visit many of the shows they watched on Saturday mornings.  Jim and Harry go rapid fire and shoot from the hip about the good, the bad, and the ugly...

It's an EXTRAVAGANZA!  Jim and Harry look back on one of the classic shows that still stands the test of time.  Harry lives up to his reputation as the "Fred Travalena of Arlington Heights" and puts on an amazing display of memory regarding the history of SCTV.  Jim makes a contribution as 'master editor" with a great assortment of audio clips from some of your favorite SCTV skits....

Harry goes for The Daily Double of early (and mediocre) Reality TV, while Jim has a huge ulterior motive in choosing his show for this episode. Forget Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra and Jack Carter,....Jim introduces you to the REAL greatest entertainer of all time.   Hear how Jim Syoen won $10,000 and was given one of the most prestigious awards in The State of Florida.  Plus, Harry debates about who w...

In an a classic instant episode, Jim and Harry look at Comedy GIANTS,......Norm MacDonald and The 3 Stooges.  If you didn't "get" Norm,....you will after listening to this podcast.  Plus,...Harry tries to stump Jim (pretty unsuccessfully)  with a quiz!  An episode filled with curve balls "down the rabbit hole!"

Even a category 4 hurricane will not stop Jim Syoen and Harry Bartosiak!  With Hurricane Ida coming ashore, Jim and Harry look back at one of the most iconic games shows of all time.  Learn about how one production assistants error cost $30,000.  Plus, and great edition of "hot of not" where Harry passes an important test.  Plus, Kip Addotta and Bobby Van!  Plus,...learn f...

Harry looks back at two of his favorite shows from childhood, and Jim comes up with a new definition for Down The TV Rabbit Hole.  Jim and Harry get another chance to talk about the great Howard Sprague, and Harry re-tells a hilarious story about Red Buttons.  Plus Jim tests Harry's knowledge with another great quiz!

Jim and Harry tear into two Stallworth's of 1960s TV, with an episode that includes more of Harry's spot on impersonations, and more twists and turns that any other Rabbit Hole trip in quite some time.  Hear about just how friendly Alan hale Jr. REALLY was!  Plus Dawn Wells goes undefeated, and Bob Denver tends bar.  Plus, the curious death of Gary Coleman, and the near death of Mel...

Episode #38 marks a TV Rabbit Hole FIRST!  Jim surprises Harry with an edition of "Dead or Alive", Harry adds another impression to his arsenal, and we learn the real reason Harry plans to visit Dodger Stadium.  Plus, perhaps the greatest list of special gust stars of all time, including Mrs. Chuck Wollery, Murph, and of course, Jack Carter!

in this episode, Harry unveils another spot on impersonation, plus learn about who may have been the worst comedic actress to win an Emmy.  Jim and Harry debate some of the worst casting decisions in TV history.  Plus, Lucy gets to eat as much as she wants, the amazing true story of Frank Sutton, and a very nice helping of Jerry Van Dyke.  Plus, learn Mr. Magoo's favorite beverage!

Jim Syoen and Harry Bartosiak re-visit classic and "not so classic" TV Shows that we all remember.  Hear Harry's dead on Lionel Stander impersonation, find out which Bonanza actor did NOT wear a hairpiece, and hear how Michael Landon took Dan Blocker's place after he died.  Plus, another classic Marty Allen reference, learn how cousin Oliver almost showed up on Hart to Hart, and another...

Jim and Harry tell never heard before stories about how they double dated with Loni Anderson and Jan Smithers back in the 1980s. (Truth be told, it was actually Polly Holliday and Vic Tayback.)  Hear how shockingly successful the show Alice actually was, plus stories of The Maytag Repairman.  Also learn about one of the worst spin-offs of all time, with one of the worst actors of all tim...

Harry channels his deepest Jack Benny, and gives you THREE Saturday Morning "classics" for the price of one.  Hear about how even cartoon stars get unceremoniously fired, Adam West gets the most meager gig of his life, plus the greatest special effects since Clutch Cargo.  Also, the great Jerry Van Dyke!  (Need we say more?)  Plus the very untimely and shocking death of Shelly...

In the first ever EXTRAVAGANZA, Jim and Harry have a blast and visit classic Match Game from the 1970s and early 80's.  Hear Harry try and succeed (once) to make a match!  Hear the greatest list of A, B, and C list celebrities who may have appeared on Match Game over the years.  Plus, learn who the the man who ruined the show forever, according to Gene Rayburn.  

Harry's body double William Conrad is featured in this episode, where we learn what Cannon and Liberace have in common. Plus, obscure comedy from Benny Hill, and a hairpiece worse than Burt Reynolds!  Plus Harry does a Google, and get's a shock of a lifetime.  Also, the WORST TV show opening of all time.

In an episode filled with middling to mediocre TV, learn about the near murder of ALF on set, and hear about the man who kept him on life support.  Plus Howard Cosell doesn't get invited to a wedding, and acts like an ass.  Also learn how ALF was almost the king of late night.  Hear about the biggest gyp ever on the Love Boat, and Ed McMahon makes Johnny turn over is his grave. &nbs...

In this thought to be lost episode, Jim and Harry have a "to do at their pad" to explore how Jack Dodson, Francis Bavier, and Jack Burns took 3 seasons of Andy Griffith out of syndication.  Plus, they address the horrible rumors that Bury wore a toupee, and Burt gets screwed out of millions of dollars, and creatively covers his manhood.  Also, Aunt Bea on the road, in the sky, and on the...

In an episode as comfortable as a 1974 Chrysler Cordoba, Harry reveals the most cherished possession of his celebrity memorabilia collection!  Learn the connection between "Tattoo" and Sesame Street.  Hear the All-Star list of cherished* celebrities that have appeared on Fantasy Island!  Harry sings again, and offers more "impersonations!"  Plus, the great "post-MASH" successes...

This may have been the craziest Mulligan Stew of The  TV Rabbit Hole.  Harry picks his Top Ten best "Jump The Shark" moments of all time, and hits a grand slam.  Jim counters with two of the most obscure TV offerings of all time.  Hear some of the best,.... and totally worst impersonations by Jim and Harry.  Learn why spectacular jazz music made an average show great, and...

In an episode that is considered an instant classic, join Harry as he outlines the last two TV appearances of Elvis' life, Aloha From Hawaii, and Elvis In Concert.  Hear some barely known stories about the greed of Tom Parker, how Jack Lord's wife almost ruined the Hawaii concert, and the man who didn't just catch a scarf, but an entire cape.  Also, a young Jim and Harry almost get throw...

In the first part of what became a two part episode, Harry shows no respect to the great Davy Jones.  Learn who had the worst comb-over in music.  Also, Jim Syoen and Peter Tork talk way above everybody's head musically.  Learn who was really the first Monkees drummer, and Charlie Manson almost became a Monkee?  

In a ground breaking episode, Harry enlightens Jim about a rarely seen before TV Show.  Also, find out who almost replaced Ted Danson, an actor kills himself on the radio, and Jim delights all with his musicianship again.  Plus, find out the REAL reason Johnny Carson got the Tonight Show.  Also, the great Frank Nelson, and a LOT of Jack Carter.

In a rollicking episode, Jim and Harry tell you about the devious plot against Captain Kangaroo by his own network, learn which very mediocre performer is ACTUALLY responsible for Roone Arledge's meteoric rise, plus find out the real reason Wide World of Sports spanned the globe.  Also hear about one of the biggest scams in show business history, and learn another reason why you should never...