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

 

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 to see how fortunate he is to have family who is there for him when he needs them most. 

History Highlights:

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

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 pressures women and girls feel to take Aaron Burr's advice and "smile more," as well as the important differences between Marge's parenting and her mother's approach. Also...Homer is a fan of "Reading Digest"?

History Highlights:

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

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

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 Lambs); top-tier guest stars (hello Leonard Nimoy!); and sharp social commentary, this time about censorship and mob mentality. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk all things Simpsons with us, Adam! 

Historical Highlights: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_(Michelangelo)

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

https://www.imdb.com/list/ls085694280/

 

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

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/simpson-family-television-debut-30-years-ago-180962482/

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 needs...

Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Stein

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 groundbreaking sitcom. And if you've disagreed with us at all this season, well..."try to understand...we're only mortal."

Season 4 begins next week! 

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 Highlights: 

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

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

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

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

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

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/celebrity-weddings-1960s/

This week, we discuss what some have considered THE episode of Bewitched! We discuss which episodes we think are most representative of this sitcom and the important commentary this episode makes about unconditional acceptance. And bravo as always, Dick York - you shine in this one! 

As for the second episode that we have on tap for this week...let's just say we had "No" by Meghan Trainor on repeat...

Historical Highlights: http://exhibits.library.miami.edu/miamidigital/1960s.html

We have an exciting two-parter this week - Samantha's very identity as a witch is at risk of being exposed! We're not entirely sure she handles the situation well, but at least there's so much to talk about here as we consider Sam's willingness to use her own magical abilities. 

We hope your 2026 is off to a great start!

History Highlights: https://asginvestigations.com/private-investigator/history-of-private-investigations/ 

What happens when there are magical forces at work that even Sam and Endora might not know how to handle? That and other questions will be answered this week...except we don't think we'll ever be able to answer why Samantha lets "Uncle Albert" into her home without picking up on any of the red flags.

Wishing you and yours all the very best in 2026!

History Highlights: https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-witches

Merry Christmas Eve! While we wish we could sprinkle some seasonal magic to...spruce up?...these two episodes, we had a great time thinking a bit more deeply about the different dynamic that we see here between Sam and Darrin. And for the very first time, we just might have a grievance with out dear Samantha! 

We hope that you and yours enjoy a blessed and beautiful holiday. 

 

History Highlights: 

https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/voices-independence-four-oral-histories-about-building-womens-economic-power

https://www.oneadvisorypartners.com/blog/the-history-of-women-and-money-in-the-united-states-in-honor-of-womens-history-month

https://www.chase.com/personal/investments/learning-and-insights/article/women-in-wealth-throughout-history-a-united-states-timeline

 

We certainly see the more competitive side of our beloved characters this week! Samantha turns a race horse into a human; a friend of Darrin's turns to sports betting to earn some extra money; and Endora lets her annoyance with Gladys get the better of her when she makes it seem like little Tabitha has already started to talk...

History Highlights:

https://guides.library.harvard.edu/c.php?g=1108872&p=8085578

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/seabiscuit-horseracing-us/

 

What would you do if you were granted three wishes for your birthday? We don't recommend wishing to be your boss for the day - of course, if you're like Darrin in these episodes, you wouldn't even know you had three wishes to begin with. We are also all for the body positivity that shines through here - but Samantha, did you really need to steal a famous fashion designer's work to finish your own?

 

History Highlights: https://daily.jstor.org/dressmaking-liberated-american-women-then-came-the-men/

 

This week on Sitcom Studies, Darrin's parents meet Endora for the first time (yikes!) and Darrin becomes a new heavyweight champion? While these two episodes were not our favorites so far, we do think these episodes offer plenty of food for thought surrounding some interesting gender role discussions. We just wish Tabatha were able to enjoy her little teddy bear in peace! 

Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison

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 personal faith journeys; and the importance of finding value in what different faiths have to offer. Also, hello, Richard Gere! 

Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Buddha

We get another flashback episode this week and get to see what happened when Samantha met Darrin's parents for the first time. Is Phyllis overbearing from the very beginning? Should Darrin really feel guilty for the way he treats Aunt Clara? Oh, and then in the present day, there's also the possibility that Tabitha might be trying to influence the U.S. stock market...

Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are! We are eternally grateful to you if you've been along with us for the ride over the past ten months. Let the holidays begin!

History Highlights: https://www.nyse.com/history-of-nyse

Welcome to the world, sweet Tabitha. This week we finally get to meet the Stephens' little girl, as well as Sam's cousin Serena - and a nurse who gives Gladys a run for her money? 

History Highlights:

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

 

This week, time away at Larry Tate's cabin is supposed to help ease Darrin's burnout and Samantha feels pressured to hire a maid as her due date approaches. While we noticed some significant plot holes this week, the visual gags continue to impress. We hope all of your meal prep during the upcoming holiday season goes much more smoothly than it does for our Bewitched families!

History Highlights:

https://www.tastingtable.com/1278237/important-differences-between-broth-consomme/

We have two episodes this week that surprisingly see everything turn out for the best. Some of our favorite characters' innermost thoughts are revealed; Samantha shows once again how golden her heart is; and the Stephens are able to bring the joy of Christmas to a young boy in desperate need of some holiday cheer. We wholeheartedly encourage you to listen to this episode while decorating for the holidays. But wait - did Santa just call Darrin the wrong name, like Endorra would?

 

Stream Marlessa's favorite I Married a Witch (1942) on HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime!

 

Historical Highlights:

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Leech_(caricaturist)

Happy Halloween! We are thrilled to be joined this week by Herbie J Pilato for a very special conversation about some important episodes of Bewitched not included in Season 2. Herbie is a renowned actor, writer, producer, and TV scholar who has devoted much of his career to preserving the history of Bewitched and other beloved classic sitcoms. He has written Bewitched Forever: The Immortal Companion to Television's Most Magical Supernatural Situation Comedy (2004) and Twitch Upon A Star: The Bewitched Life And Career Of Elizabeth Montgomery (2012), among many other authoritative books on this period in television history. Herbie graciously discusses the time he spent with the Bewitched cast while researching these books - what we wouldn't give to have watched an episode with Dick York! Herbie, we are so grateful for your time and for all that you do to make sure that future generations are able to discover this bewitching sitcom. 

 

Please find out more about Herbie and all of this work at his website here: https://www.herbiejpilato.com/ and be sure to follow him on social media! 

 

Bewitched Episodes Discussed:

1.17 A is for Aardvark

3.13 My Friend Ben

3.25 Charlie Harper, Winner

4.12 Samantha's Thanksgiving to Remember

6.11 Darrin the Warlock

7.13 Sisters at Heart

You would think that babysitting a young warlock and confronting a jewel thief would be enough excitement for one week. But since this is Samantha and Darrin we're talking about...well, there's also the possibility that Larry Tate has been turned into a teddy bear. 

 

Historical Highlights:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90220227/the-history-of-how-we-got-paid-vacation-in-the-us

This week Bewitched dives into questions of nostalgia, with Darrin...revisiting?...his childhood while working on a toy advertisement campaign and sweet Aunt Clara reuniting with her "one that got away"! We really enjoyed how much heart there was in these two episodes, but we also have a few notes on the writing - couldn't Samantha have turned herself into young Darrin so that all could be present at this important meeting? These episodes are all about looking back, but they make us all the more excited for what's to come this season. 

 

History Highlights:

https://www.museumofplay.org/blog/toys-and-u-s-history-in-playthings-magazine/

https://www.nps.gov/articles/playthings-of-the-past.htm

 

 

This week's two episodes are all about the costumes and physical comedy, with Sam imagining characters from the Civil War era and Darrin ending up in jail after attending a work event with Aunt Clara. But some much deeper themes are explored here: Where do writers find their inspiration? How do we come to a more nuanced understanding of certain overlooked aspects of our history? And of course, the gaslighting of Gladys Kravitz continues...

 

History Highlights:

https://americanindian.si.edu/why-we-serve/topics/civil-war/

https://www.civilwarmed.org/civil-warriors-native-american-soldiers-1861-1865/

https://www.nps.gov/articles/the-civil-war-in-american-memory.htm

Happy October! This week Darrin tries desperately to get the ingredients for a medicine that Samantha needs, and our favorite couple hosts the Tates for a Halloween party. Oh, and Endora turns Darrin into a werewolf? Let spooky season begin...

History Highlights: https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-halloween

Please welcome a very special guest, podcast pioneer Kevin T. Porter, as he discusses with us this special episode of Bewitched, the first to feature Paul Lynde as Samantha's Uncle Arthur. Kevin is a comedian and renowned co-host of the Gilmore Guys podcast, included on Time's List of the 100 Greatest Podcasts of All Time, and he currently hosts the Good Christian Fun podcast. We had the best time discussing the life and influence of Paul Lynde; his role as a practical joker on Bewitched; and...Joker Faux a Deux? We are so grateful that you were able to join us for this conversation, Kevin! 

 

Find information about all of Kevin's podcasts and links to his social media here:

https://www.kevintporter.com/

 

Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles

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-the-renaissance-fair-180982918/

Sam and Darrin have a lot on their plates this week, between trying to save their friend Adam from a centuries-old curse to watching the Tates' son while they’re away. We meet Sam's father; Dick York once again proves he is a MASTER of physical comedy - but is Gladys Kravitz once again the true star here?

 

Historical Highlights: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_Texas_vs._Arkansas_football_game

https://blog.nixonfoundation.org/2022/04/beyond-the-first-pitch/

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

We meet both Gladys Kravitz and Aunt Clara in our first two episodes of Season 2, and we could not be more excited. But Darrin being turned into a chimpanzee AND experiencing pregnancy symptoms? Hopefully it's only up from here!

 

Historical Highlights: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9745905/

Welcome to Season 3 of the Sitcom Studies Podcast! We are kicking off September by beginning one of Marlessa's absolute favorites, an absolute classic during Spooky Season (and year-round) - Bewitched! We focus this introduction on considering some of the show's hidden themes, and Marlessa explains why she chose a Dick York season for our deep dive. Thank you for being along with us for what's sure to be a magical ride! 

Please join us in welcoming a very special guest, expert on all things enneagram, Tyler Zach! Tyler is an author, enneagram coach, and founder of the EnneaSummit, a virtual event that brings together experts on the enneagram to share their insights and experiences. You have heard us mention the enneagram many times on this podcast, and we decided that before kicking off Season 3 we wanted to give this personality framework a little more attention. Fellow Friends fan Tyler discusses with us the iconic Friends bottle episode The One Where No One's Ready, and we analyze the types of some other classic sitcom characters as well. We had such fun with this conversation and are so grateful for your time, Tyler! Could we BE any more excited? 

 

To learn more about all of Tyler's work and to keep updated about the Fall 2025 EnneaSummit, visit Tyler's website: https://www.tylerzach.com/

Follow Tyler on Instagram: @gospelforenneagram

 

It's time to bid adieu to the Bunkers and their little corner of the world in Queens. We discuss character enneagram types; rank our favorite episodes; and of course consider how the show evolved towards Archie Bunker's Place.

Thank you for sharing Season 2 with us!

 

Foundation Interviews with Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FxgAp96hg0&t=18s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE2_QhV1xcw&t=6s

 

Welcome to our final deep dive of season 2! You would think these two stories would be as simple as Archie paying a twenty dollar debt and Mike graduating...nope! Find out where we leave the Bunker clan before our season wrap up next week. Those were the days talking about this show with you! 

 

History Highlights: 

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/09/04/a-majority-of-young-adults-in-the-u-s-live-with-their-parents-for-the-first-time-since-the-great-depression/

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2016/05/24/for-first-time-in-modern-era-living-with-parents-edges-out-other-living-arrangements-for-18-to-34-year-olds/

We feel that both of these episodes could do with a renaming, but as always they leave us with many questions to discuss. Will no one show Gloria a bit of compassion when she has the flu? How would Archie and Mike have enjoyed the fishing trip they don't get to go on? And is Gloria truly suffering from depression? 

 

History Highlights:

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

 

We are delighted to meet Jenny in these episodes and so sorry for the chaos that ensues just because Louise is trying to celebrate her son and his new fiancé. But the situation gives us some hilarious moments to talk about, so we're not complaining. Especially since these episodes give Marlessa the chance to reference not one but TWO classics: Of Mice and Men and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 

 

History Highlights: 

https://www.nps.gov/articles/disabilityhistoryearlytreatment.htm

https://www.nps.gov/articles/disabilityhistoryrightsmovement.htm

 

We're not sure about the titles of these two episodes, but we're so glad they both give us the chance to dive a bit deeper into Archie's character. We get to see Mr. Quigley and Jo again, and we meet another character Joe from Archie's past. Most importantly, though, Marlessa takes on Historian duties this week! :)

 

History Highlights:

https://history.blog.fordham.edu/?p=296

https://fordhamobserver.com/23420/london/walking-in-the-footsteps-of-the-original-queen-b/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EGzHsye71c&feature=youtu.be

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970s_energy_crisis

https://www.history.com/articles/energy-crisis

 

We are joined for our second Side Quest episode by our dear friend Megan Tisdall, and we're discussing all things sitcom weddings! The vows, the dresses, the things that go wrong - we hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording!   Marlessa's Picks M*A*S*H 5.25 Margaret's Marriage Modern Family 5.23-24 The Wedding   Megan's Picks Brooklyn Nine Nine 5.22 Jake & Amy Friends 10.12 The One with Phoebe's Wedding   Katie's Picks The Big Bang Theory 11.24 The Bow Tie Asymmetry I Dream of Jeannie 5.11 The Wedding    

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 Simpsons still sprinkles these episodes with some more lighthearted and funny moments. And Bart, don't make rejecting Ralph harder for your sister than it needs to be! 

Historical Highlights: Facts About Martha Washington

We're quite frustrated with Mike this week...is this becoming a trend? It all takes a back seat, however, to seeing our favorite lady Edith deal with a serious health scare. We are so glad to see how her family and neighbors care for her when she is so in need of others' compassion and understanding. 

History Highlights: https://www.healthline.com/health/history-of-breast-cancer#research-milestones