The Sitcom Studies Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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, relationships, and plotlines, while also delving into memorable lessons, philosophical debates, and of course, nostalgia.

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.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_stages_of_grief

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/5-stages-of-grief-coping-with-the-loss-of-a-loved-one

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 like Millhouse can teach us so much more about our beloved Simpsons characters. And of course we can't forget Moe trying to make his bar a "family friendly" restaurant...

We also want to acknowledge the passing of sitcom legend and director of many classic pilots, James "Jimmy" Burrows. Read Marlessa's lovely tribute to some of his best episodes here: https://thefordhamram.com/culture/the-one-with-the-maestro-of-sitcoms/

Historical Highlights: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln%27s_House_Divided_Speech

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/house-divided

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) over Lisa's little romance - we miss you already, Collin! Ultimately, though, we think the movie can be summed up with our new favorite motto: Marge. In. Charge. Thank you so much for being part of this conversation, Mandy! 

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 Highlights:

https://countway.harvard.edu/news/origins-polygraph

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygraph#

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 things happen to good people. And no, that's definitely not us getting a little choked up hearing Homer speak so fondly of someone he often wants nothing to do with...

Historical Highlights:

https://www2.archivists.org/initiatives/mayday-saving-our-archives/annotated-resources

https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preserving-private-and-family-collections/caring-for-private-and-family-collections

https://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives

https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-leaflets/overview

https://cthumanities.org/prepare-your-cultural-organization-for-hurricane-season-resources-for-the-public-and-historic-property-owners/

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/H.M.S._Pinafore

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 souvenirs; and, to Marlessa's delight, Homer changes the lyrics to a certain classic song... 

History Highlights: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_Arnold

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Watson

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 sweetest moments we've covered so far this season. On tap for this week: Homer at the Bat” (season 3, episode 17) and “Lisa on Ice” (season 6, episode 8). Thank you so much for joining us to discuss these two, Jes! 

Historical Highlights: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Pitt,_1st_Earl_of_Chatham

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_John_Temple,_3rd_Viscount_Palmerston

Please support Jes' podcast, Mostly Mets, here: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/0cXDP0tgyd9yGL7CsNkQe8

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mostly-mets/id1797188968