The Sitcom Studies Podcast

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 a...

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 caus...

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...

We have a very special guest with us this week as we tackle our first movie! Dear friend and film enthusiast Mandy Jimenez joins us to discuss the one and only Simpsons Movie (2007). What to do when Springfield has been placed in environmental quarantine, under a dome? We touch on favorite cameos and jokes; reflect on the deeply troubled relationship between Homer and Bart; and gush (just slightly...

We've got two heavy hitters this week that leave us with a lot to think about but also laughing as always: "Last Exit to Springfield" (Season 4, Episode 17) and “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” (season 5 , episode 14). A sexist doll leads a passionate Lisa to try to create her own preferable version. Homer temporarily becomes head of his union. And of course Lisa needs braces...Lisa needs braces...Lisa nee...

Have you every questioned your faith? That's exactly what the Simpsons are doing this week, with Homer deciding to stop going to church in “Homer the Heretic” (season 4, episode 3) and Lisa converting to Buddhism in “She Of Little Faith” (Season 13, Episode 6). We discuss some classic gifs that have come from these episodes; Marge's concern for her husband and daughter as they each embark on perso...

We're taking a look into the future this week - Lisa and Bart's futures, to be specific - with “Lisa’s Wedding” (season 6, episode 19) and “Barthood” (season 27, episode 9). We talk all things sibling dynamics; the important commentary Lisa's story makes on classism; and...a talkative teenage Maggie? Historical Highlights: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-surprisingly-radical-roots-of-th...

Get your tissues and maybe a glass of wine ready: we're discussing two episodes all about heartbreak and healing this week, “I Love Lisa” (season 4, episode 15) and  “Alone Again, Natura-diddly" (season 11, episode 14). We see Lisa learn how to respond when she does not reciprocate a crush, and we see Springfield try to help Ned Flanders when Maude passes away unexpectedly. We love that The Simpso...

We are thrilled to be joined this week by animation and pop culture enthusiast and Rotten Tomatoes film critic Dave Lee, known on YouTube as Dave Lee Down Under! He joins us to share his love for The Simpsons (and other classic 90s sitcoms) as we discuss two fantastic episodes featuring one-time characters who have left a definitive mark on this series: “You Only Move Twice” (season 8, episode 2)...

This week it's all about the couple of the hour, Homer and Marge! In the two flashback episodes “The Way We Was” (season 2, episode 12) and “I Married Marge” (Season 3, Episode 12), we learn about how these two first met and what happened when Marge first learned she was pregnant with Bart. We simply can't get enough of these two! History Highlights: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC398736...

Get your tissues ready for this week's episodes: “Lisa’s Substitute” (season 2, episode 19) and "Mother Simpson" (season 7, episode 8). We discuss these two very important episodes for Lisa and Homer and the insight they offer into issues of mentorship and abandonment during childhood. Not to mention, each episode has a truly ICONIC guest star.  Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki...

We're talking all things Simpsons siblings this week, in particular “Separate Vocations” (season 3, episode 18) and “Lisa's First Word" (Season 4, Episode 10). We get quite a bit of backstory here and even a glimpse into what the future might look like for our favorite brother and sister. Oh, and we finally hear from Maggie... History Highlights: https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student...

We've got a two-parter AND a whodunit this week, as the town of Springfield tries to discover who's guilty in "Who Shot Mr. Burns?” - Parts 1 & 2 (season 6, episode 25 and season 7, episode 1). And when it's a villain like Mr. Burns, everyone has motive and everyone...and we do mean EVERYONE...is a suspect... Oh, and would Mr. Burns get along with Yzma?  Snuff Out the Light Song  History Highl...

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 thing...

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/...

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 souv...

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 swe...

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...

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 pressu...

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 La...

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:...

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/sim...

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 grou...

It's our final two episodes of Bewitched! Darrin is once again really struggling with his insecurities, even to the point of believing that all of his success is due to Samantha's help - trust your wife, Darrin! Louis Kravitz is struggling with his own kind of trust issues as he looks to rediscover his love of performing. And of course, Alice Pearce maker her final appearance as Gladys. Historical...

It's just a bit busy this week: Charlie Leach is back; Darrin's client Toni is turned into a cat; and Endora is, as usual, planting some unfortunate seeds of doubt in her daughter's mind. And of course there's some time travel thrown in as well. Would you go back in time to find out what might have been? Historical Highlights: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/g60027790/cel...