Down The TV Rabbit Hole

For the two of you who still want some MORE Olympic coverage, Harry Bartosiak looks back on some of the finest, and "not so finest" moments from the past 70 years of TV Olympics. Which Olympian looked most like a former political leader? And what was Caitlyn Jenner doing in the 1970s? Plus, Jim looks back on a trifecta of mediocre (to him) shows, but also details (perhaps the only time) Jan Murray got a few laughs! Plus, the comedic talents of Ken Berry, and Jim & Harry end the show with a musical performance that could rival Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall!

In this episode Jim and Harry BOTH confuse a Columbo episode with a Cannon episode. However, anytime Harry can do a Jonathan Harris impersonation, it will be a worthwhile show. Learn the shocking (to Jim anyway) reason Lost In Space was canceled. Plus, a rumored possible comeback by The Five Neat Guys! Plus, a SPECIAL guest star, and a birthday shoutout to the former stand-in for Robby Rist, Phil Keller!

Jim and Harry invite you to "Come on, Get Happy" as they look back on two big hits from the 70s and 80s. Harry goes "rapid fire" on a spectacular list of "B level" guest starts. Also hear about the most unlikely guest star in Partridge Family history. Plus, unusably bad behavior gets a child actor fired, and learn for one TV show changed the next 40 years of Harry's life!

In an episode that is so funny, it made listener Craig C. run his car into a parking bumper (true!), Jim & Harry look back on two ABC hits from the 70s and 80s. Jim talks about the big evolution of Cindy Williams, learn about Andy Kaufman's evil twin, plus the return of "Dead or Alive?" Also, the great Sam Kinison, the great Norm MacDonald and the even greater Tony Danza! Grab your trumpet, put on your tap shoes and join us!

Harry carries most of the burden as he explores the treasure trove of diverse programming on PBS in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Learn about many of the British comedies you may have totally forgotten about, hear about the local TV host that Harry still owes a lot of money too, and Harry breaks out ANOTHER spot-on impression. Learn how Delta Burke's fondness for dessert almost got Jim fired from a local TV gig, plus the great Morcambe and Wise with Andrew Preview!

In the start of "Season #4" for Jim & Harry, Harry looks at the "Soap Operas" that were popular for many years, and why they are becoming extinct. Jim quizzes Harry about many "less than spectucular" TV shows from the 1970's & 1980's. Learn how a 30 second commercial got an actress a major network TV show, and hear some the the really famous actors that got their start on daytime TV. Plus, a great performance from "Mister Show Business" Mason Reese!

Harry comes loaded with a half dozen top notch impressions as he talks about the origin and successes of the most profitable news program of all time. Find out how taking a swing at a Vice President will get you onto a game show, hear one of the worst TV theme songs of all time, plus the great Jerry Van Dyke!

Harry takes a look back at the impressive career of actor and director Bill Bixby. Hear about the "almost impossible to believe" reason My Favorite Martian was canceled. Hear about Robert Goulet's last big gig. Plus, have you been in an accident? Why not call a Hall of Famer? Plus, Harry re-names two popular TV celebrities of the 1980s!

In a long overdue EXTRAVAGANZA Harry and Jim share their remembrances of 70 years of The Tonight Show, with the emphasis of the best of them all, Johnny Carson. Harry shares a NEVER BEFORE heard, IN PERSON anecdote about one of the first EVER Tonight broadcasts. Not to be outdone, Jim shares a Doc Severinsen story also known by very few. Plus, Hugh Downs accidentally gets a second career, and music and humor from George Segal and the great John Davidson.

Jim and Harry are back from a break with some "long lost" but not all that funny video that Lorne Michaels does NOT want you to see! Join them as they hit the trifecta of disaster movies, and Harry brings us a belated Easter present. Also, Harry gives us an encore performance of his top 5 impressions, plus a look at the funniest bit of Joe Piscopo's career!

In an "avant garde" and clip filled episode, Jim looks at the very forgettable (to almost everyone but him) TV Show, I'm a Big Girl Now, but also takes a deep dive into the life of the great Danny Thomas. Find out what body part of Danny's daughter Marlo was too small for her to get an acting gig. Plues, Harry cues up some of his "all time best" impersonations as he features some of the most famous TV personalities that continued to work after suffering a stroke, or other tragedies. Plus, another sad glance back at some tragic plastic surgery nightmares.

Jim takes a deep dive to tell you the completely unknown story about how The Beverly Hillbillies got their name, and what famous performer never even bothered to cash a check for naming the show. Plus, learn about the greatest vacation destination (coming soon) for classic TV fans of all time! Jim and Harry re-visit some classic radio moments from Decatur, Illinois, and Jim celebrates the death of a famous actor. Plus Harry goes off the deep end, and not only watches, but ENJOYS one of the most maligned TV shows of all time!

In a true "shoot from the hip" episode, Jim and Harry quickly visit game shows that you remember,.......at least a little bit. Learn who wrote the worst series of books since Steve Allen, and hear the comedically tragic story about the time "the fix was in" on a big time game show. Plus, a quick remembrance of the late Adam Rich.

This is an episode that will make you smile, with a GUARANTEE from the Tandy company! Hear Harry's, possibly, best impression yet! Also, Jim sings seriously for the first time, and it's not all that bad! Also, learn the real reason why the shooting star of the Donny and Marie show fizzled so quickly. Plus, Frank Oz, Rodney Allen Rippy, and Mason Reese! With that trifecta, how could any show be better?

In this INSTANT CLASSIC episode, Jim and Harry go on a very comedic romp through some of the game shows you barely remember, or might never heard of.  A dormant volcano erupts $10,000 bills?  The most unlikely game show host of all time?  A game show that was canceled during the taping?  A legendary game show host is nearly EXUCUTED after a broadcast?  Strap in for one of the deepest dives yet into The TV Rabbit Hole!

Jim and Harry look back at one the most iconic and least iconic TV shows of all time. Hear about the iconic actor who filled in for Ward on an episode of Family Feud,, and find out how and why a horribly unfunny comedy managed to stay on the air for six full seasons. Also, Harry features another spot on impersonation, and Harry finally discovers a proper full-time job that Jim is actually qualified for.

This is a classic!  It's an episode that was six months in the making. Harry breaks out many new impressions as the boys look back at a classic show from yesteryear. There is just too much information to detail here in Jim and Harry's longest episode yet!

In this episode, the boys welcome a possible new sponsor! Harry unearths some great nuggets about Oprah's romantic history, and works up 2 new impressions.  Hear how Jim was actually ON The Oprah Winfrey Show, and learn why Phil Donahue fled Chicago for New York.  Also, The Partridge family finds a cousin Oliver, and the greatest song and dance man in the history of daytime TV.  Plus, for the youngsters, an appearance by the great Henny Youngman.

In an unexpected twist, Jim and Harry BOTH pick true classic TV shows to talk about. There are lots of laughs and clips in this episode, even though Jim gets very confused about which Golden Girl is which. Also, Jim surprises Harry with a game of either/or. Learn which Golden Girls Jim and Harry found attractive, and Suzanne Pleshette gets married off to the wrong man. Hear about Bob's medical issue that almost stopped his TV show,....and everyone loves Betty White, right? WRONG!

This episode takes more twists and turns than the Road Runner and Wile E Coyote, but it is a rollicking journey through one great, and one not so great TV show. Hear about the four people that were ALMOST Archie Bunker, and learn about Harry's man crush on "The Hoff." Plus, Harry improvises new lyrics to a classic TV show theme.

In a long overdue episode filled with several clips, Jim and Harry look back and some of their favorite, and least favorite performers on SNL. Hear the almost never heard story about who was the first person to say f-ck on live TV (it's not who you think), and hear who were almost the 3 permanent hosts for the show. Also, Jim and Harry celebrate their 50 episode milestone by hearing from some of the biggest fans of the podcast. It's a Saturday Night Live EXTRAVAGANZA on Down The TV Rabbit Hole!

In an episode filled with fun, Jim surprises Harry with one of his favorite shows of all time. Many names are dropped in this broadcast spiced with liberal doses of humor. Jim sets a production record with comedy "drop ins" and we get a very healthy dose of Harry's twin brother, Junior Samples. Plus, a classic "jump the shark" moment, and the great Jerry Reed!

In an instant classic episode, Harry tells us who Ryan Seacrest pushed into the sewer, and who really killed radio. Plus, Batman dances, and you don't have to call him Ray. You could call him Jay. Or you could call him Johnson. And MTV plays plays New Orleans Jazz (maybe).

In the first episode of 2022, Jim and Harry visit the comedy Mount Rushmore of Full House, and simultaneously visit the musical Mount Rushmore of John Stamos. Find out what Bob Saget had in common with Bill Cosby and Bryant Gumbel, plus hear about the most famous horrible Hollywood artists of all time. Learn how meddling network executives found another way to mess up a hit TV show and find out what famous Hollywood fat guy was ALMOST Mork from Ork! Plus, Harry Caray, Jack Carter, and the first Rabbit Hole appearance of Fred Cox!

In an episode guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, Harry looks at a television institution, American Bandstand. Hear how Dick Clark may have weaseled his way into the gig, and how Dean Martin's wife Jeannie was responsible for the Dean Martin roasts. Learn exactly how much money Dick Clark paid Jim to appear on one of his television programs. Plus, Jim gets stiffed by Jeff Ross, and hilarious stuff from Rich Little and Foster Brooks!

In an episode that comes truly comes full circle, learn about who was almost Maxwell Smart, hear one of the greatest guest star lineups of all time, and Control hires their first openly gay agent! Learn what Roger Ebert and Ted Kennedy had in common (other than weight), a “hilarious” riddle from yesteryear, and more Marty Allen!

In a "by request" episode for listener Dan, Jim takes a look at TV's most befuddled detective, the great Peter Falk as Columbo. Go down the Rabbit Hole and reminisce about some of the most memorable episodes. Harry not only introduces a Peter Falk impression, but follows it up with a spot on Walter Cronkite. Hear about how "Uncle Walter" enjoyed talking to puppets, learn about the trio of most unlikely guest stars on Columbo, and Dan Rather gets beat up (for the first time.)

Harry was so excited about recording this podcast, he pulled out his special microphone that he only uses when he records his commercials for the Monster Truck rally! In this episode, the two "most gentlemanly" podcasters go way back to re-visit many of the shows they watched on Saturday mornings. Jim and Harry go rapid fire and shoot from the hip about the good, the bad, and the ugly about Saturday morning TV. Hear about many tales of near plagiarism, and learn what may be the true key to getting kids to watch a Saturday morning cartoon. Plus, The Banana Splits commit murder, and Batman conducts the church choir.

It's an EXTRAVAGANZA! Jim and Harry look back on one of the classic shows that still stands the test of time. Harry lives up to his reputation as the "Fred Travalena of Arlington Heights" and puts on an amazing display of memory regarding the history of SCTV. Jim makes a contribution as 'master editor" with a great assortment of audio clips from some of your favorite SCTV skits. Learn the amazingly odd broadcast history of SCTV, and how their most famous sketch was almost never seen in The United States.

Harry goes for The Daily Double of early (and mediocre) Reality TV, while Jim has a huge ulterior motive in choosing his show for this episode. Forget Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra and Jack Carter,....Jim introduces you to the REAL greatest entertainer of all time. Hear how Jim Syoen won $10,000 and was given one of the most prestigious awards in The State of Florida. Plus, Harry debates about who was the real mega-talent, John Davidson or Skip Stephenson? Plus (grown up) Alyssa Milano's boobs!

In an a classic instant episode, Jim and Harry look at Comedy GIANTS,......Norm MacDonald and The 3 Stooges. If you didn't "get" Norm,....you will after listening to this podcast. Plus,...Harry tries to stump Jim (pretty unsuccessfully) with a quiz! An episode filled with curve balls "down the rabbit hole!"

Even a category 4 hurricane will not stop Jim Syoen and Harry Bartosiak! With Hurricane Ida coming ashore, Jim and Harry look back at one of the most iconic games shows of all time. Learn about how one production assistants error cost $30,000. Plus, and great edition of "hot of not" where Harry passes an important test. Plus, Kip Addotta and Bobby Van! Plus,...learn first hand how Bob Barker would "help" his favorite contestants win!

Harry looks back at two of his favorite shows from childhood, and Jim comes up with a new definition for Down The TV Rabbit Hole. Jim and Harry get another chance to talk about the great Howard Sprague, and Harry re-tells a hilarious story about Red Buttons. Plus Jim tests Harry's knowledge with another great quiz!

Jim and Harry tear into two Stallworth's of 1960s TV, with an episode that includes more of Harry's spot on impersonations, and more twists and turns that any other Rabbit Hole trip in quite some time. Hear about just how friendly Alan hale Jr. REALLY was! Plus Dawn Wells goes undefeated, and Bob Denver tends bar. Plus, the curious death of Gary Coleman, and the near death of Mel Blanc. Plus, Marilyn Monroe goes gaga for Jim Backus! Plus, your chance to get a new big screen TV for less than 20 bucks!

Episode #38 marks a TV Rabbit Hole FIRST! Jim surprises Harry with an edition of "Dead or Alive", Harry adds another impression to his arsenal, and we learn the real reason Harry plans to visit Dodger Stadium. Plus, perhaps the greatest list of special gust stars of all time, including Mrs. Chuck Wollery, Murph, and of course, Jack Carter!

in this episode, Harry unveils another spot on impersonation, plus learn about who may have been the worst comedic actress to win an Emmy. Jim and Harry debate some of the worst casting decisions in TV history. Plus, Lucy gets to eat as much as she wants, the amazing true story of Frank Sutton, and a very nice helping of Jerry Van Dyke. Plus, learn Mr. Magoo's favorite beverage!

Jim Syoen and Harry Bartosiak re-visit classic and "not so classic" TV Shows that we all remember. Hear Harry's dead on Lionel Stander impersonation, find out which Bonanza actor did NOT wear a hairpiece, and hear how Michael Landon took Dan Blocker's place after he died. Plus, another classic Marty Allen reference, learn how cousin Oliver almost showed up on Hart to Hart, and another evil twin shows up!

Jim and Harry tell never heard before stories about how they double dated with Loni Anderson and Jan Smithers back in the 1980s. (Truth be told, it was actually Polly Holliday and Vic Tayback.) Hear how shockingly successful the show Alice actually was, plus stories of The Maytag Repairman. Also learn about one of the worst spin-offs of all time, with one of the worst actors of all time. Plus, Harry meets Johnny Fever, and an endless list of B-list (and a few A-list) guest stars!

Harry channels his deepest Jack Benny, and gives you THREE Saturday Morning "classics" for the price of one. Hear about how even cartoon stars get unceremoniously fired, Adam West gets the most meager gig of his life, plus the greatest special effects since Clutch Cargo. Also, the great Jerry Van Dyke! (Need we say more?) Plus the very untimely and shocking death of Shelly Fabares, and one of the GREATEST show endings of all time. Plus,.....MORE Jerry Van Dyke!

In the first ever EXTRAVAGANZA, Jim and Harry have a blast and visit classic Match Game from the 1970s and early 80's. Hear Harry try and succeed (once) to make a match! Hear the greatest list of A, B, and C list celebrities who may have appeared on Match Game over the years. Plus, learn who the the man who ruined the show forever, according to Gene Rayburn.

Harry's body double William Conrad is featured in this episode, where we learn what Cannon and Liberace have in common. Plus, obscure comedy from Benny Hill, and a hairpiece worse than Burt Reynolds! Plus Harry does a Google, and get's a shock of a lifetime. Also, the WORST TV show opening of all time.

In an episode filled with middling to mediocre TV, learn about the near murder of ALF on set, and hear about the man who kept him on life support. Plus Howard Cosell doesn't get invited to a wedding, and acts like an ass. Also learn how ALF was almost the king of late night. Hear about the biggest gyp ever on the Love Boat, and Ed McMahon makes Johnny turn over is his grave. Plus, racist writers on Rhoda, and great throwback info on your favorite paper towel commercials.

In this thought to be lost episode, Jim and Harry have a "to do at their pad" to explore how Jack Dodson, Francis Bavier, and Jack Burns took 3 seasons of Andy Griffith out of syndication. Plus, they address the horrible rumors that Bury wore a toupee, and Burt gets screwed out of millions of dollars, and creatively covers his manhood. Also, Aunt Bea on the road, in the sky, and on the moon! Fire up the hi-fi and listen along!

In an episode as comfortable as a 1974 Chrysler Cordoba, Harry reveals the most cherished possession of his celebrity memorabilia collection! Learn the connection between "Tattoo" and Sesame Street. Hear the All-Star list of cherished* celebrities that have appeared on Fantasy Island! Harry sings again, and offers more "impersonations!" Plus, the great "post-MASH" successes of McClean Stevenson. *mediocre

This may have been the craziest Mulligan Stew of The TV Rabbit Hole. Harry picks his Top Ten best "Jump The Shark" moments of all time, and hits a grand slam. Jim counters with two of the most obscure TV offerings of all time. Hear some of the best,.... and totally worst impersonations by Jim and Harry. Learn why spectacular jazz music made an average show great, and learn about the biggest show business rip off of all time! Plus Joe Patroni, Burt Lancaster, and Herbert Morrison,...and some very creative producing by Jim.

In an episode that is considered an instant classic, join Harry as he outlines the last two TV appearances of Elvis' life, Aloha From Hawaii, and Elvis In Concert. Hear some barely known stories about the greed of Tom Parker, how Jack Lord's wife almost ruined the Hawaii concert, and the man who didn't just catch a scarf, but an entire cape. Also, a young Jim and Harry almost get thrown out of Graceland, and Harry's Elvis impersonation leaves them puzzled. Plus, learn the best and healthiest way to lose 25 pounds in one month, and the one meal to immediately gain it all back.

In the first part of what became a two part episode, Harry shows no respect to the great Davy Jones. Learn who had the worst comb-over in music. Also, Jim Syoen and Peter Tork talk way above everybody's head musically. Learn who was really the first Monkees drummer, and Charlie Manson almost became a Monkee?

In a ground breaking episode, Harry enlightens Jim about a rarely seen before TV Show. Also, find out who almost replaced Ted Danson, an actor kills himself on the radio, and Jim delights all with his musicianship again. Plus, find out the REAL reason Johnny Carson got the Tonight Show. Also, the great Frank Nelson, and a LOT of Jack Carter.

In a rollicking episode, Jim and Harry tell you about the devious plot against Captain Kangaroo by his own network, learn which very mediocre performer is ACTUALLY responsible for Roone Arledge's meteoric rise, plus find out the real reason Wide World of Sports spanned the globe. Also hear about one of the biggest scams in show business history, and learn another reason why you should never drink and ride.

Grab a cup of non-alcoholic eggnog and go down the TV Rabbit Hole and look back on exactly how and why many of the annual Christmas TV specials were made. Jim takes over Harry's role as the "man of a thousand voices," and learn what famous holiday character was likely mentally challenged. Also find each what beloved Christmas host would chase Barbara Eden all over the set, and hear the worst TV trivia question of all time. Plus Harry "sings", and Jim breaks out the tuba to put everyone in a festive mood!

In this episode, Harry brings out another 2 "spot on" impressions, and explains why the franchise of MNF has fallen farther off the cliff that Evel Knievel's Skycycle. Also, barf in the booth, the truth about the "little monkey", and Jim shows off his "skills" as a keyboard player.