The S1E1 Podcast

D.C. Follies was a syndicated comedy series that ran from 1987 to 1989 that was created by Sid and Marty Krofft. The show featured puppet caricatures of real-life celebrities and politicians, spending their free time hanging out at a bar. Unlike traditional sitcoms, the series relied on things like topical humor and musical numbers, with human celebrity guests occasionally interacting with the puppet cast. The series was one of the more unusual entries in late-’80s television, arriving at a time when political comedy was far less saturated than it is today.

Critics were divided. Some appreciated the bold absurdity of turning some of Hollywood's elite into felt-faced vaudeville acts, while others felt the satire was broad and hit-or-miss. Still, D.C. Follies developed a cult following and even earned an Emmy Award during its run. Is this right up the S1E1 boy's alley or will the references be too dated? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Reagan Parachutes Into D.C. Follies".

Starring: Fred Willard, Martin Mull, & The Krofft Puppets

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Toast of London is a British comedy series that originally aired on Channel 4 in 2012. Created by and starring Matt Berry who plays the eccentric Steven Toast, a pompous and perpetually frustrated voice actor navigating the peculiarities of show business. The series is known for its theatrical tone, and almost dreamlike reality.

Critically, Toast of London was widely praised for its originality and deadpan absurdity. While it never drew massive ratings, it developed a devoted cult fanbase. Will this unique comedy resonate with the S1E1 boys? Listen as they deep dive the show's pilot episode, "The Unspeakable Play". 

Starring: Matt Berry, Robert Bathurst, Doon Mackichan, Harry Peacock, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Theresa Watson, Geoff McGivern, Adrian Lukis, & Shazad Latif

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"The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins" is a show that premiered on NBC in January 2026. The series follows Reggie Dinkins (Tracy Morgan), a former NFL superstar running back whose career was destroyed after getting banned for life from the league for betting on his own team. Desperate to reclaim his former glory Reggie hires Arthur Tobin (Daniel Radcliffe), a disgraced, high-brow British filmmaker to produce a "documentary" about his comeback.

The series has been praised for the surprising but effective chemistry between Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe. Critics have noted that while the "odd couple" dynamic is a classic trope, the specific combination of Morgan's unpredictable energy and Radcliffe's nervous, high-strung performance creates a fresh comedic rhythm. Despite having a lot of the creative team behind 30 Rock working on the show, can The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins find a similar success? Listen as the boys deep dive the show's pilot episode.

Starring: Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe. Erika Alexander, Precious Way, Jalyn Hall, Bobby Moynihan, & Barry Hu

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Just the Ten of Us is a sitcom that aired on ABC from 1988 to 1990. The show was developed by Steve Marshall as a spin-off of Growing Pains. The series follows high-school coach Graham Lubbock (Bill Kirchenbauer), who relocates his large family from New York to California after taking a job at an all boy Catholic school. Now the Lubbock's will deal with the chaos and culture shock of the move mixed with Graham having to keep an entire school away from his teenage daughters.

The series was part of ABC's successful TGIF lineup. However, despite decent ratings and winning its time slot, the show was abruptly cancelled in the Spring of 1990. This was largely in part to the networks growing relationship with Miller-Boyett, who produced every TGIF show except Just the Ten of Us. Over time, the show has settled into “deep-cut” sitcom status. Will the S1E1 boys enjoy this one? Listen as they deep dive the show's first episode, "Move It or Lose It".

Starring: Bill Kirchenbauer, Deborah Harmon, Heather Langenkamp, Jamie Luner, Brooke Theiss, JoAnn Willette, Matt Shakman, Heidi Zeigler & Dennis Haysbert

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Miracle Workers is a TBS comedy series that aired from 2019-2023, created by Simon Rich and based on his book What in God’s Name. The first season is set in Heaven, where God (Steve Buscemi) has grown bored and cynical about humanity and decides it might be time to wipe Earth off the board entirely. Standing in the way of total annihilation are two low-level angels—Craig (Daniel Radcliffe) and Eliza (Geraldine Viswanathan). The result is a workplace sitcom filtered through divine bureaucracy, with Heaven run like a deeply inefficient corporate office.

Critics responded positively to Miracle Worker's absurd premise and offbeat tone, praising its willingness to commit fully to big swings and philosophical jokes wrapped in dumb humor. While later seasons reinvent the series entirely, the first season stands out for its tight concept and clear emotional stakes. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the pilot episode, "2 Weeks".

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Geraldine Viswanathan, Karan Soni, Jon Bass, Sasha Compère, Lolly Adefope, Angela Kinsey, & Steve Buscemi

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