The Sitcom Studies Podcast

It seems that nothing will make Archie happy this week, whether that's finding a guest or a new statue in his home. Of course, we're going to delve in a bit further and figure out what's behind it all.  History Highlights: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20151119-the-shocking-story-of-the-kiss https://www.seegreatart.art/new-york-in-the-70s-a-tale-of-two-cities/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A...

Season 4 of All in the Family begins with new neighbors moving onto the Bunkers' street, and Archie will go to great lengths to make sure that these newcomers fit into his narrow view of what the neighborhood should look like...be careful what you wish for, Archie...    Historical Highlights: https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/25/archives/shifting-patterns-of-immigration-add-new-flavor-to-the-citys.h...

SEASON TWO! New season, new sitcom, same scintillating conversations! We’re stepping into our virtual time machine and tackling one of the most influential sitcoms of all time: Norman Lear’s classic All in the Family. Pull up a chair for this trip back to 1970s Queens, NY with us—and don’t be a “Meathead.”    Interview with Jean Stapleton and Carroll O'Connor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LAXW...

As part of our Frasier wrap up, we tackle some over-arching questions about the series - is Frasier a good person? Which couples do we ship? What enneagram type is Frasier? And of course, we rank our favorite episodes of Season 6. We begin a new season and sitcom next week!   "For an entire season of this podcast you have heard us say, 'we're listening.' Well, you were listening too. And for that...

We have officially reached the end of Season 6, and there's a whole lot to discuss. We say goodbye (sort of) to Bulldog and consider where the finale leaves each of our beloved Crane trio. Have we come full circle? History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfinger_(Shirley_Bassey_song) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barry_(composer)    

The lovely Lucas and Leila from The Frasier Department podcast join us to discuss the penultimate pair of episodes of this season! Even with two additional contributors to this week's debates, we are still all on the same page re: the Faye vs. Cassandra question...   History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagliacci https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco_Zeffirelli https://en.wikipedia.org...

This week, we tackle a classic Crane brothers rivalry episode and a Frasier vs. his own ego storyline. And let’s not forget; Niles also grows a dashing mustache!   History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Mallon

We weren’t ready to move on from dinner parties quite yet - so please enjoy our first ever SIDE QUEST episode! We talk all things related to the dinner parties that feature in some of the most well-known and renowned episodes of our chosen series: the good, the bad, the awkward. Some darker themes are discussed as well, but we feel confident that good food and even better “company” will get us thr...

We're discussing not one but TWO dinner parties this week! Lots of questions to ask, especially when it is so important that these event goes well. When to have the party? Who to invite? What to do when the hors d'oeuvres might be tainted? In short, what could possibly go wrong? Please read Marlessa's blog post on sitcom bottle episodes here: https://sitcomstudies.wordpress.com/tag/bottle-episodes...

This week, we debate doing the “moral” thing vs the “right” thing; Frasier attempts hunting; Niles flushes out Maris’ family secret; and we have some classic Frasier farcical fun. Oh, and we meet Donny Douglas … History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Streetcar_Named_Desire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Streetcar_Named_Desire_(1951_film)  

Marlessa's Dad joins us this week to offer his expert insights about these two iconic episodes! We discuss growing apart from old friends; connections with Cheers as Woody Harrelson enters the chat; and of course why over-preparing for a date might cause the whole evening to go up in flames (literally). Oh, and here's hoping ALL of your red flags go up if you need to call a friend during a date to...

Today we have not one but TWO episodes where Frasier's inclination to help others backfires. "So are [we] saying you shouldn't help people?" Join us to discuss whether no good deed does in fact go unpunished. We also dive into how to let someone down after a date that goes wrong; healthy levels of cynicism; and Super Bowl parties.  History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Parker

Spring may be on the way but IT IS STILL CHRISTMAS in our hearts because we are on a high after watching this holiday classic. And oh yes, Roz is there too…   History Highlights: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/woman-iconic-v-j-photo-died-age-92-heres-her-story-180960435/ https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jews-christmas/    

Niles is entering his budgeting era by moving from The Montana to The Shangri-La, so you know we’ll have a lot to talk about—including a dead seal draped in a peignoir.   History Highlights:  https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/how-much-easier-was-it-for-baby-boomers-to-buy-a-home-in-seattle-lets-adjust-for-inflation/ https://antiquearchaeology.com/blogs/two-lanes-blog/the-history-of-su...

We know Frasier’s often looking for love in all the wrong places. So, what happens when he’s convinced a woman only likes him for his psychiatric expertise, or when he’s more focused on the idea of a mysterious “admirer” than the actual woman he’s dating? Let’s dive in…   Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath https://pulmonarychronicles.com/index.php/pulmonarychroni...

Tensions are high this week, as Frasier continues to struggle with being out of work and the Crane brothers desperately try to secure tickets to the hottest play in Seattle. IS Frasier right that there’s “no such thing” as an accident? How can you distinguish loving an art form to fit in VS for its own sake? Grab a front row seat for these and other discussions.    History Highlights: https://en.w...

Grab some sherry, we’re rolling right into FRASIER’s sixth season with some riveting debates: how relatable Frasier is (or not) when grappling with the stages of grief, coincidence vs fate, the best ways to master emotional growth, and of course, if Frasier is being a bad celebrity.  One thing is definite though: it’s fate that you’ll listen to this episode.   Historical Highlights: https://en.wik...

One of the most lauded sitcoms ever that is often also considered one of the best written, Frasier also happens to be Marlessa’s favorite show of all time. Katie’s watching it for the first time (gasp!); will she need convincing of its greatness? Which Frasier season are they covering? Plus, what are Katie’s hot takes as a first-time viewer?   

Your hosts, TV industry marketer Marlessa and archivist Katie, welcome you to Sitcom Studies, the ultimate TV analysis podcast! Sitcoms have long had a profound impact on American media and culture, but which ones truly stand the test of time and are worth revisiting?  Best friends Marlessa & Katie tackle a specific season of an iconic sitcom, each podcast “season”: tackling iconic characters,...