TV In The Basement : Television's Greatest Shows and the Occasional Movie

Journey Joe Mitchell delves into the groundbreaking world of "The Shield." Join us as we unravel the secrets behind the series' unique narrative style, characterized by morally complex storytelling and unforgettable character development. From creator Shawn Ryan's bold vision to the outstanding performances of Michael Chiklis, Walton Goggins, and CCH Pounder, we explore how "The Shield" redefined...

Dive into the remarkable career of Carl Weathers in this captivating episode of "TV In The Basement." Join host Journey Joe Mitchell as we explore Weathers' iconic roles, from the boxing ring of "Rocky" to the intergalactic realm of "The Mandalorian." Discover the depth and versatility of Weathers' performances, his directorial ventures, and his lasting impact on the worlds of cinema and televisio...

This wee on "TV In the Basement," host Journey Joe Mitchell delves into the comedic brilliance of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Join us as we unravel the secrets of the show's improvisational style, celebrating the genius of Larry David and the cast's ad-libbed humor. From structured outlines to unscripted reactions, we explore how the series balances spontaneity with character consistency, all while sh...

The Drew Carey Show" is an American sitcom that aired from 1995 to 2004, starring comedian Drew Carey as a fictionalized version of himself. Set in Cleveland, Ohio, the series follows the everyday life of Drew, a lovable everyman working in human resources at Winfred-Lauder, a department store. The show is known for its blend of blue-collar humor, Drew's deadpan comedy, and its focus on the trials...

Embark on a vigilante's journey in this episode of "TV In the Basement" as we explore the gritty world of "Death Wish." Join us as we dissect the thrilling plot, examine the remarkable cast, and delve into the controversial themes of this 1974 classic. We'll uncover the awards and impact of this vigilante film and share intriguing trivia about its production. Get ready for a gripping exploration o...

Delve into the enigmatic world of "The Parallax View" in this episode of "TV In the Basement." Join us as we unravel the suspenseful web of political conspiracy and paranoia in this 1974 thriller. We'll dissect the plot, examine the stellar cast, and explore the film's cultural impact, all while shedding light on its enigmatic Parallax test. Get ready for a riveting journey through the world of po...

Explore the dynamic world of 1974's "Black Belt Jones" in this episode of "TV In the Basement." Join us as we dive into the action-packed universe of martial arts and blaxploitation cinema, led by the charismatic Jim Kelly in the titular role. We'll dissect the plot, celebrate unforgettable characters, and unravel the film's cultural significance, all while taking a closer look at Jim Kelly's endu...

Join us in the basement as we unravel the enigmatic world of the 1974 film "The Conversation." In this cinematic exploration, we delve into the intricate plot, the stellar cast, awards, and intriguing trivia surrounding this timeless masterpiece. Discover the hauntingly brilliant performance of Gene Hackman as J.J. Gittes, a private investigator ensnared in a web of corruption and moral ambiguity....

In this episode of "TV In the Basement," we delve deep into the shadowy world of the 1974 film "Chinatown." Join us as we step into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1930s and explore the intricate plot, stellar cast, awards, and intriguing trivia surrounding this film noir classic. Discover how Jack Nicholson's portrayal of J.J. Gittes, a private investigator caught in a web of corruptio...

In this episode of "TV In the Basement," we take an in-depth look at the iconic 1974 film "The Lords of Flatbush." Join us as we journey back to the 1950s Brooklyn and delve into the lives of four close-knit friends who call themselves "The Lords of Flatbush." Discover how this coming-of-age tale, set against the backdrop of leather jackets, greased hair, and teenage dreams, continues to resonate...

Tune in to "TV In the Basement" as we explore the uproarious 1974 comedy "Blazing Saddles" as part of Netflix's "Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection." Uncover the side-splitting plot, stellar cast, awards, and intriguing trivia behind this Mel Brooks masterpiece. From Cleavon Little's iconic role as Sheriff Bart to the film's fearless satirical take on racism and stereotypes, we dive deep...

Join us on "TV In the Basement" as we explore the iconic 1974 film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" within the context of Netflix's "Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection." Discover the plot, cast, awards, and fascinating trivia about this heartwarming and groundbreaking classic. From Ellen Burstyn's remarkable performance to the film's impact on the feminist movement, we delve deep into t...

In this episode of "TV In the Basement," host Journey Joe Mitchell ventures into the gritty and uncompromising streets of Baltimore as we explore the groundbreaking series, "The Wire."Join us as we delve deep into the world created by David Simon, a world that doesn't just entertain but challenges and provokes thought. Discover the intricate storytelling, complex characters, and unflinching portra...

Today, we're stepping onto the gritty streets of Baltimore with the groundbreaking series "Homicide: Life on the Street."In this episode, we take a closer look at this often overlooked gem of the 90s. We'll explore how "Homicide" set new standards in the police procedural genre with its raw, unvarnished look at crime, life, and the human condition. Join us as we discuss the show's revolutionary na...

In this episode, we're delving into the dark and intricate world of "True Detective."Join us as we embark on a journey through each gripping season of this anthology series. From the haunting landscapes of Louisiana with Matthew McConaughey's Rust Cohle and Woody Harrelson's Marty Hart, to the corrupt streets of Vinci with Colin Farrell's Ray Velcoro, Rachel McAdams' Ani Bezzerides, and Taylor Kit...

The New Year's Eve torch passed from Guy Lombardo to Dick Clark and now Ryan Seacrest. Did you know there were some pre-Clark Rockin' New Years Eves? A look back at the evolution of a New Year's Eve tradition.

Festivus is a fictional holiday featured in the "Seinfeld" episode "The Strike," which has since been adopted by many as a real-life celebration. Originating from the show's writer Dan O'Keefe's family tradition, Festivus offers a whimsical alternative to the commercialization of the holiday season. Celebrated on December 23rd, its unique customs include an unadorned aluminum pole, the "Airing of...

In this Christmas episode of "TV In The Basement," host Journey Joe Mitchell takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting world of Rankin-Bass holiday specials. From the beloved tale of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to the heartwarming story of "Frosty the Snowman," the magic of "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and the poignant "The Year Without a Santa Claus," Mitchell explore...

"Scrubs" is an American medical comedy-drama television series that aired from 2001 to 2010. Created by Bill Lawrence, the show is known for its unique blend of comedy and drama, offering a humorous yet often poignant look at the lives of the staff at Sacred Heart, a teaching hospital. The series is notable for its use of surreal vignettes and fantasies experienced by the main character, Dr. John...

"AfterMASH" is a spin-off of the acclaimed TV series "MASH," focusing on the post-war lives of several characters from the original show, including Sherman Potter, Maxwell Klinger, and Father Mulcahy. Set in a veteran's hospital in Missouri, the series shifts from the warzone to the challenges and adjustments of peacetime, blending comedy with issues faced by veterans. Despite its initial success...

"MASH," an iconic American TV series, aired from 1972 to 1983 and is celebrated for its blend of comedy and drama in a war setting. The series takes place during the Korean War at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH), focusing on the lives of the hospital's staff. They use humor and camaraderie to cope with the horrors of war, medical challenges, and the stress of surgery. Characters li...

"Trapper John, M.D." is a medical drama television series that aired from 1979 to 1986, serving as a spin-off from the film "MASH". The show is set roughly two decades after the Korean War and follows the character Dr. John McIntyre, known as "Trapper John," portrayed by Pernell Roberts. Trapper John is now the chief of surgery at San Francisco's Memorial Hospital. The series blends drama and humo...

Join us on 'TV in the Basement' as we explore the legacy of 'ER,' a groundbreaking medical drama that redefined television. Over its 15 seasons, 'ER' showcased a dynamic cast, including memorable performances by George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Julianna Marguiles, Sherry Stringfield, Eriq La Salle and Noah Wyle. The series was also noted for guest appearances by stars like Sally Field and Ray Liot...

“ As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.” A look back at the greatest Thanksgiving TV episode of all time, 1978's Turkey Drop, were a radio promotion at WKRP goes awry.

Get ready to hop in the General Lee and journey back to the late 70s and early 80s as we explore the wild and wacky world of the Dukes of Hazard. Listen in as your host, Journey Joe Mitchell, navigates through the high-octane adventures, cast changes, and unforgettable episodes of this beloved series. We'll chat about everything from the show's beloved characters like Bp, Luke, Daisy Duke (and her...