Kate and Allison are both editors and TV fans. TV. Watch. Repeat. is a new podcast brought to you by the subscription entertainment news site, The Dipp. Each week, they'll rewatch pilot episodes from classic tv shows and dive deep into their backstories: What was the origin of the show? Who almost played the classic character that you know and love? How did it impact tv history? And, of course, how does it compare to the O.C.? Follow us @TheDipp!
While you wait for a new episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.', check out this old favorite!It's the voice of a generation... or the voice of a generation. It's 'Girls,' Lena Dunham's tour de force that premiered in 2012 to both critical acclaim and endless controversies. In the latest episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.', Kate and Allison dissect why the TV environment was ripe for a raunchy show about millennials, the one-page pitch that got Dunham the series, the nudity conversation surrounding the series, and Allison Williams' Peter Pan. (We couldn't resist.)Sources: New York Times, Fast Company, New York Mag, Vulture
While you wait for a new episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.' check out this old favorite! There is only one Tree Hill, but there are nine(!) seasons of 'One Tree Hill,' the CW's little teen soap that could. In our latest episode, Allison and Kate talk about the humble beginnings of the quietest hit on TV — and the tumultuous behind-the-scenes drama that was revealed years later. Find out everything that went down on set, along with plenty of fun facts about the series. Plus, our hosts look back at their own high school existences, when Kate tried to fix her high school superlatives, and Allison was named "Most Unforgettable." Sources: The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, BuzzFeed, The Ringer
While you await a new episode of 'TV.Watch.Repeat.,' check out this old favorite!From McDreamy to McDrama. In 2005, Grey's Anatomy surged onto the screen with a new kind of medical drama — one that was feminist, diverse, and, of course, sexy. (The series pilot starts with a one-night stand, after all.) But while the series' tight writing and talented cast brought it instant success, tensions behind the scenes started to brew, causing Grey's Anatomy to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. In the latest episode of TV. Watch. Repeat., co-hosts Kate Ward and Allison Piwowarski dissect the beginnings of Grey's Anatomy, the power of Shonda Rhimes, and the backstage drama that led to some of the biggest cast turnovers in TV history. Plus: Kyle Chandler. Of course.
While you await a new episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.', check out this old favorite! Could we BE any more excited to talk about the 1994 debut of a series that changed television? Co-hosts Allison Piwowarski and Kate Ward tackle the history of Friends, a series that began as a logistical solution, and grew into a phenomenon that commanded $1 million per episode salary for its cast. Find out who could have played Ross and Rachel, why Lisa Kudrow thought her Friends days were over before they even began, what major plotline Matt LeBlanc labeled "wildly inappropriate," and more.
While you wait for a new episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.,' enjoy this vintage episode about 'New Girl'! What's that pilot... what's that pilot... it's 'New Girl,' the 2011 series that introduced the world to instantly iconic characters like Schmidt and Nick Miller, and instantly iconic lingo. (Hello, "chut-e-ney.") But 'New Girl' might have given us a completely different set of characters, based on the pitch doc co-hosts Allison Piwowarski and Kate Ward dug up for creator Liz Meriwether's "Chicks and Dicks." Plus, learn about the behind-the-scenes drama from the Prince episode, the most difficult character to cast, and why Kate's issuing a major mea culpa at the top of the episode.
The best trips down memory lane are the ones that take you past Luke's Diner, Miss Patty's School of Ballet, and, of course, the Dragonfly Inn. So it's no surprise that Stars Hollow — the fictional 'Gilmore Girls' town that inspires autumnal wanderlust every year — was born out of a memory of a trip. En route to New York at the turn of the millennium, Amy Sherman-Palladino drove through Washington, Connecticut, and realized she was in a town so idyllic, it might as well have been fantasy.So Sherman-Palladino put the fantasy on television and gave us 'Gilmore Girls,' one of the most well-crafted series to ever hit The WB, and one of the most well-crafted series to never get the acclaim it deserved because it was on The WB. But, thanks to subsequent DVD rewatches, and, of course, Team Jess, Gilmore Girls secured its place in nostalgic TV history, even locking in the 2016 Netflix follow-up, 'Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life.'But what was life like in the years 'Gilmore Girls was' on the air? That's the topic of our latest episode, featuring special guest Sam Bush (aka @bravohistorian and 'Gilmore Girls' superfan). Wherever 'Gilmore Girls' leads, we will follow — and come armed with plenty of fun facts.
The title is a Friends reference in case you didn't get it. (Listen to our Friends episode, by the way!) We know you're dying (ha!) to hear all about Castle, and don't worry, we'll get there! But we're currently on a season hiatus. We'll be back soon, but in the meantime, let us know what shows we should be covering! And listen to some of our old episodes and tweet us @thedipp with your recommendations, thoughts, and everything in between.
'30 Rock's Jack Donaghy once said, "Never go with a hippie to a second location." In 1997, a man named Gregory Montgomery defied that advice, and then some — not only did he go to a baseball game with a hippie, he also flew to Reno and got married to her, all within 24 hours. And that's just the first five minutes of 'Dharma & Greg,' Chuck Lorre's spirited comedy about two opposites who fall in love, and deal with the fall-out between their mismatched families. It's the subject of our latest episode, in which Allison and Kate dive into the very under-covered history of the series, including how anger, surprisingly, was the main inspiration behind the entire show. So grab your yoga mat and enjoy the story of 'Dharma & Greg'!
Before 'Criminal Minds,' most police procedurals focused on the "who" bit of "whodunit." But, when the Mandy Patinkin CBS series debuted in 2005, it was one of the first to ask not only "who," but "why." What resulted was a series that lasted over 300 episodes and 15 years — even if all of its cast didn't. Patinkin included, who called his two seasons on the show his "biggest mistake."You, like the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, might wonder... why? Our latest episode gets into it all, delving into the history and impact of 'Criminal Minds.' During the episode, we learn about Matthew Gray Gubler's surprising pre-'Criminal Minds' career, which gigantic series it actually beat in the ratings, and how Kirsten Vangsness lasted more than just the one episode she was cast for. Plus: 'Criminal Minds's 'Friends' tie-in, and Thomas Gibson's splash in a hot tub. So grab your private jets (wheels up in five, btw) and enjoy the story of 'Criminal Minds'!
There's so much to love about 'Jane The Virgin.' The impeccable writing. The refreshingly fast pacing. The heartwarming family moments. Michael. And, did I mention, Michael?Allison and Kate put aside their Team Rafe/Team Michael differences in this latest episode in order to tell the history of 'Jane the Virgin,' the beloved CW telenovela-fairy tale that attracted critical praise and Emmys. Along the way, we learn about why creator Jennie Urman Snyder almost turned the project down, the man behind the series' narrator, and Justin Baldoni's awkward run-in with Britney Spears. So grab your grilled cheese and enjoy the story of 'Jane the Virgin'!
'Scrubs' was inspired by a nightmare: Bill Lawrence, also known as the mind behind 'Ted Lasso,' would be in need of medical care, and be met by none other than... his college best friend and med school student, J.D. A bad situation, perhaps, but a great situational comedy, as it turns out. So Lawrence created 'Scrubs,' a sitcom about a medical school resident named — what else? — J.D. Perhaps the fact that the series is rooted in friendship is the reason for its very, very long life, lasting nine seasons despite four cancelation scares. And Allison and Kate dig into the history of what fueled Scrubs' nine seasons in our latest episode, embedded below. Along the way, we also learn who almost played J.D., the unconventional setting for the series, and exactly how Zach Braff feels about appletinis. Plus: we discuss how 'Scrubs' unreliable narrator mayyyy have contributed to its sexism. So grab your appletini and enjoy the story of 'Scrubs'!
It was the haircut seen — and loathed — around the world. After scoring great ratings and reviews in its first season, J.J. Abrams' 'Felicity' made a choice more shocking than any twist seen on 'Lost': producers decided Keri Russell should cut her famous long, curly hair, shooting ratings down straight into a Dharma hatch. But there's something even more shocking about 'Felicity': just how unhinged the series was in the first place. In our latest episode, Allison and Kate revisit the pilot and the history of the series, and deeply question 'Felicity's life decisions. Plus, we find out about Abrams' high school inspiration for the show, why NYU didn't want to be associated with the series, and how a harmless prank nearly killed the series altogether. So grab your oversized cardigan and enjoy the story of 'Felicity'!
Join I Am The Cute One hosts Donny and Chelsea, and special guest Lucy of @lucyontheground, for a revisiting of a Shakespearean masterpiece: She's The Man. The Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum film is both chaotic and iconic in the Shakespeare canon. Make sure to subscribe to I Am The Cute One podcast, and don't forget to review TV. Watch. Repeat. Until next week!
All That started off with not a bang, but a bop: A theme song from none other than the soon-to-be-discovered TLC. It was just one way the series was ahead of its time, and ahead of its grown-up predecessor, 'Saturday Night Live.' While 'SNL' struggled with accusations of being a white boy's club, 'All That' featured a diverse cast since 1994's Season 1, showing that humor comes from forms, and outside of the Harvard Lampoon. (Not only that, but 'All That' featured girls playing male politicians before SNL featured women playing male politicians, with a Ross Perot sketch in episode one.)It's why Allison and Kate were excited to explore the story of 'All That.' In this episode, we find out how Nickelodeon chose its cast members, the soul-shuddering place where Amanda Bynes was discovered, and the Oscar-winning star who tried out and didn't make the cut. Plus: where the original cast is today. So grab your good burger and enjoy the story of 'All That'!
If frosted tips show up in Times Square, without TRL to show them, do they make an impact? It's the ultimate chicken-and-the-egg question of the late '90s: Was 'Total Request Live' responsible for Britney, *NSYCN, and some of the biggest acts that still remain famous today, or was the show that launched hundreds of fender-benders on Broadway only famous because of this generation's biggest stars?It's a question Allison and Kate ponder in our latest episode, which delves into the history of 'TRL,' the daily music video countdown phenomenon hosted by Carson Daly. We find out how teen girls controlled the music industry, which big star some MTV execs wanted besides Daly, and all the behind-the-scenes shenanigans with music's most notable A-listers. Plus, we evaluate the very first top 10 list featured on 'TRL' in 1998. (One boy bander even rocks a zig-zag part.)So grab your low-rise jeans and enjoy the story of 'Total Request Live'!
Before 'Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica,' there was 'The Osbournes.' But just two years after Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson's break-up put an end to the televised honeymoon, there was 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians.' And America's First Family has these early 2000s B-list singers to thank for ushering in an era of relatable celebrity reality TV. So, on this week's new episode. Allison and Kate decided to toast 'Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica' by exploring the history of the series. What was it exactly about the third most-famous boy band frontman and third most-famous pop star that caused a phenomenon, and who were the surprising almost-stars of the series? We get into it all. So grab your '98 Degrees & Rising' CD and enjoy the story of 'Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica'!
Plenty of strange things happened on '7th Heaven' — sisters kissing brothers, 5-year-olds getting drug tested, hamsters being named Jesus and Mom — but there is perhaps no moment more bananas than 13-year-old Lucy Camden discussing her crush for... Prince Charles. The moment occurs in the pilot episode of the series (way to start strong!), the focus of our latest episode. Allison and Kate dive into one of the most bizarre series to ever hit the WB, and learn about the hole creator Brenda Hampton filled with '7th Heaven,' the MLK Day special episode about a hate crime committed against a white boy (titled "Got MLK?"), and, of course, the degradation of Mary Camden following Jessica Biel's much-discussed 'Gear Magazine' cover. So grab your jorts and enjoy the story of '7th Heaven'!
To the enjoyment of many a teenaged boy — and to the chagrin of many a 'South Park' staff member — 'Family Guy' premiered in 1999 with a new animation technique that would later be used in Emmy winners like '30 Rock': the cutaway shot. These shots were ridiculous, they were random, they were written by manatees, some might say, but they also felt warm and cozy to a generation of viewers who loved nostalgic pop culture references before meme accounts took up that mindshare. Kate was one of those viewers, which is why she was excited to dive into the history of 'Family Guy' and its multi-hyphenate creator, Seth MacFarlane, alongside co-host Allison on our latest episode. During this week's episode, we learn about the animated short that launched MacFarlane into recognition, exactly why 'South Park' dunked so heavily on 'Family Guy,' and the Oscar-nominated actor who almost voiced Brian.
'Hannah Montana' was the tale of two lives, lived by Miley Stewart and Hannah Montana, but, behind-the-scenes, its star was dealing with her own triple identity as Miley Cyrus and Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana. Perhaps there is no better example of a star's career made and hindered by the Disney Machine than Cyrus, who, as a teenager, went from being Billy Ray Cyrus' daughter to one of the most famous individuals in the world in less than one year. It's a tale of fame that turns out to be not so aspirational, as Allison and Kate discover. In our latest episode, we dig into the history of 'Hannah Montana,' wonder whether Miley Stewart really ever wanted to become a pop star in the first place, and ponder the utility of adult laugh tracks in Disney Channel Originals. So grab your blonde wig and enjoy the story of 'Hannah Montana'!
No one wears a dress over jeans quite like Kelly Clarkson. And no one sings quite like her either. Though, watching the pilot episode of 'American Idol,' you wouldn't know it, given the eventual Season 1 winner wasn't even featured in the first, second, or third episode of the series that launched millions of record sales. Read many an 'American Idol' article, and you'll find producers have a revisionist history about the first season — though many claim to have recognized Kelly's star power the second she entered the set, the second-most successful American Idol (behind Season 4's Carrie Underwood) wouldn't even be seen until halfway through the semifinals. Instead, in watching the pilot episode of 'Idol,' you'll see an episode that clearly sets up a win for either Tamyra Gray or Justin Guarini. All the same, it's still a fun watch full of spikey hair and other questionable fashion choices, so go on the journey alongside us in our latest podcast episode! Grab your red Coca-Cola cup and enjoy!
From the ‘90s, well into the late 2000s, there was one type of rom-com heroine: She was funny and clumsy, and saddled by the horrors of bad hair and leftover Chinese food. That is, until she met her Prince Charming — and a brush. Because a $2.99 purchase at CVS was all she needed to conform to the beauty standard. After all, she was the beauty standard. In 2009, representation as a concept might as well have been considered a bad word in Hollywood. Rachael Leigh Cook and Sandra Bullock were the “girl next door,” despite having conventional movie star good looks. Fat women were used as comedy, or wallpaper, in any given scene, never given an opportunity to be swept off their feet. But 'Drop Dead Diva' looked to switch things up, creating an alternative rom-com heroine in Brooke Elliott's Jane, truly the total package. In our latest episode, Allison and Kate celebrate 'Drop Dead Diva' and its ability to balance a complicated premise and body politics in the most wholesome and charming of ways. And celebrate Elliott herself — an actress that never got enough credit for playing the multi-dimensional model-in-a-lawyer's-brain in the procedural dramedy.
Young talented upstart gets big job with powerful woman, much to the dismay of her loved ones. It's a log line that could describe both 2006's 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 2007's 'Damages,' the FX series about an intimidating force and her naively hard-working protégé. So is it just the dark timeline version of the popular rom-com?That's just one of the topics Allison and Kate discuss in our latest episode, in which they delve into the history of one of the first peak TV series to feature an anti-heroine. Along the way, we learn why Glenn Close eschewed warnings that TV would kill her career, dig into the chaotic writing style of the series, and find out how its cast is all too connected to Julie Cooper.
The most shocking thing about 'Mulaney,' John Mulaney's short-lived sitcom on Fox? That the comedian actually liked it. A victim of a comedy style gone bygone, 'Mulaney' didn't quite past muster when its first pilot failed at NBC, only for the series to go up in flames in just 13 episodes on Fox. So how did it happen? How did comedy's most beloved and relevant stars tank so badly with an unexpectedly dated approach to sitcoms? It was a question Allison and Kate needed to answer, so they dove right into the story and history of 'Mulaney.'Listen to the new episode below, in which Allison and Kate discover the book that inspired 'Mulaney,' Mulaney's inability to describe the series he was making, and his surprising reaction to the show's failure. Plus: the 'Seinfeld' of it all, and an exploration of that damned laugh track.
Imagine a show not about nothing, but about the minutiae within that nothing. Now make it improv. Oh, and to take it one step further, make it star a beleaguered middle-aged man most well known for the back of his head on 'Seinfeld.' It's a concept that would horrify most network executives, but, for HBO in 1999, 'Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm' was such a winning idea that they provided no red tape and no notes (no notes!) to its creator-star, Larry David. Twenty-two years later, that certainly seemed like the right decision. Because while 'Seinfeld' had nine seasons of staying power, 'Curb' is going on its 11th season, with no signs of slowing down, or being less funny. So, of course, Allison and Kate had to cover 'Curb' in our latest episode.In researching 'Curb' (shout-out to James Andrew Miller's 'Origins' podcast for much of the source material), we learned about the evolution of the series, how a then-unknown Cheryl Hines scored the part of Larry's poor wife, why pity made Ted Danson agree to star, and how 'Curb' found itself in smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation. So on this prettay prettay prettay good morning, enjoy the story of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' on our latest episode!
Chances are, if you watched 'Seinfeld,' 'Friends,' and/or 'Frasier' in the 1990s, you also watched 'Just Shoot Me.' That's partly because the series aired on NBC's must-see TV Thursdays between 'Friends' and 'Seinfeld,' but, also, because the series was just so darn good. And I say good, not great — though 'Just Shoot Me' falls short of iconic status, it was a crowd-pleaser consistent enough to last seven seasons and 148 episodes. So, in our latest episode, Allison and Kate pay homage to all the good of 'Just Shoot Me' by researching its origins and celebrating its wins. We dive into why David Spade almost didn't join the series, the unexpected friendship born out of the show, and the flaws of late '90s feminism on TV. Plus: an extended tangent about Kelly Clarkson's 2000s fashion.
Betty Suarez is one of a kind. Well, kind of. Because following the success of the 1999 Colombian hit 'Yo Soy Betty, la Fea,' a whopping 130 countries had their own versions of Betty Suarez. But that doesn't make 'Ugly Betty's title character — brought to the U.S. in 2006 — any less unique and beloved. Which is why we're excited to celebrate the groundbreaking series in our latest episode.For our trip down the rabbit hole while researching the history of Ugly Betty, we found creator Silvio Horta's unique initial take on Betty; a cast that loves each other so much, they're still rooting for a reboot; and a slew of reporting that inevitably (sigh) focused on America Ferrera's body. But, there's more: Allison and Kate discuss how 'Ugly Betty' was ahead of its time, platonic TV friendships, and, of course, fa-fa-fa-fashion. So grab your poncho and enjoy the story of 'Ugly Betty'!
Can a serial killer be likable? Or, even... relatable? That's what Showtime set out to explore in 2006, when it debuted 'Dexter,' a series that offered an antihero like no other. The result? An incredibly exciting, watchable, and fun show... for the first four seasons, that is. Following the debut of 'Dexter: New Blood,' Allison and Kate research the history of 'Dexter,' and learned many things, including the intense way Michael C. Hall prepared for the role, who might have played Deb, and how Dexter might intersect with the Buffy universe. Plus, the absolutely incredible series finale that never was. (Sorry, Monty Python, this lumberjack is not okay.) So grab your henley and saran wrap, and enjoy our latest episode!
Few actors outside of 'The Simpsons' can say they played a single character for over two decades. But Kelsey Grammer has the distinction of playing Dr. Frasier Crane for over 20 years — 30, if you count the upcoming 'Frasier' revival. But how did this pedantic, pretentious psychiatrist also become one of TV's most beloved characters? That's what we try to find out in our latest episode, during which Allison and Kate investigate the history of 'Frasier,' starting from his roots on 'Cheers.' Along the way, we discover Grammer's extraordinarily tragic past, his interesting eating style, and a story involving the original Eddie that will tear your heart out. (Hug your pet a little tighter today, y'all.)
Perhaps Bravo's first scripted series shouldn't have run on Bravo at all. Because, if 'Girlfriend's Guide To Divorce' — Marti Noxon's well-cast and well-written portrayal of divorce in your 40s — had run on Showtime or HBO, it inevitably would have washed down like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for critics. Instead, it was derided as a 'Sex and the City' wannabe, despite its complexity that helped it last for four seasons. Still, the Lisa Edelstein-starring series has its fans — including Kate and Allison, who devoured the series. In this episode, they talk about "blue sky shows" — sunny, breezy USA fare like 'Royal Pains' and 'Burn Notice' — but 'Girlfriend's Guide' has the distinction of being an overcast show: It's dark, but it still has enough light peeking through to leave you in a good mood. Just like a lot of other offerings on Bravo. So grab your fitted dress, and enjoy our latest episode!
Today, the flawed antihero is basically a requirement for any series in the post-"peak TV" era. But, in 2004, when Fox introduced us to the Vicodin-addicted, droll but brilliant Dr. House, he was an exception to the rule: a central character that was, at times, entirely unlikable. It was a novel concept for network TV (HBO had already wrestled with the concept via The Sopranos, of course), and one that allowed the series to last for a stunning eight seasons — at one time in 2008, becoming the most-watched series in the world. Was it the concept that gave it its popularity, though? Or was it its leading man, Hugh Laurie, an utterly likable British comedian in the tennis shoes of a brilliant curmudgeon? In our latest episode, Allison and Kate inspect it all: the inspiration to the novel series, its unexpected casting, and a star so beloved, Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote an entire rap for him. Grab your Nikes and enjoy our latest episode!
There was perhaps no greater spin on American politics than the 'The West Wing.' And there was perhaps no more accurate portrayal of American politics than 'Veep.' Aaron Sorkin's series was an idealistic drama, a practice in wish fulfillment in which the person sitting at the Oval Office is as obsessed with ethics as he is with metaphor-filled monologues. Armando Iannucci's comedy, meanwhile, featured politicians who spewed lines like "Jolly Green Jizzface." Yet, inside Washington, one reigned supreme: 'Veep,' a series so on-point, that Elena Kagan and Antonin Scalia would meet weekly to discuss it. And that's just one incredible fun fact to come out of the Julia Louis-Dreyfus series that would last eight seasons, just long enough to predict the 2020 election. So, for this episode, Allison and Kate dive deep into 'Veep,' and find out who else almost starred in the series, the real reason why Iannucci created a woman vice-president, and just how many "f-cks" made their way into the first eight episodes of the series. Plus, the incredible amount of actors who almost played Jonah. So grab your leather man-bag, and enjoy!
When the glee club in 'Glee' sang "Don't Stop Believin'" in the pilot episode, was it a triumphant moment of the underdog, or a plea from the series that would soon fall so far from grace? One could argue either, but everyone can agree the series premiere that launched a million wedding playlists is a classic, and not just because of the Journey hat-tip. Satire, songs, and Sue Sylvester — 'Glee' appeared to have it all, prior to a sophomore slump for the ages. So, for our latest episode, Allison and Kate digest and examine the history of 'Glee' and its pilot, which turned Lea Michele from Broadway darling to Hollywood diva in just 40 minutes. What happened behind-the-scenes at 'Glee' to turn it into a phenomenon, and what happened behind-the-scenes at 'Glee' to turn it into a disaster? We get into it all. Grab your slushie and enjoy our latest episode!
The best trips down memory lane are the ones that take you past Luke's Diner, Miss Patty's School of Ballet, and, of course, the Dragonfly Inn. So it's no surprise that Stars Hollow — the fictional 'Gilmore Girls' town that inspires autumnal wanderlust every year — was born out of a memory of a trip. En route to New York at the turn of the millennium, Amy Sherman-Palladino drove through Washington, Connecticut, and realized she was in a town so idyllic, it might as well have been fantasy. So Sherman-Palladino put the fantasy on television and gave us 'Gilmore Girls,' one of the most well-crafted series to ever hit The WB, and one of the most well-crafted series to never get the acclaim it deserved because it was on The WB. But, thanks to subsequent DVD rewatches, and, of course, Team Jess, Gilmore Girls secured its place in nostalgic TV history, even locking in the 2016 Netflix follow-up, 'Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life.'But what was life like in the years 'Gilmore Girls was' on the air? That's the topic of our latest episode, featuring special guest Sam Bush (aka @bravohistorian and 'Gilmore Girls' superfan). Wherever 'Gilmore Girls' leads, we will follow — and come armed with plenty of fun facts.
"Save the cheerleader, save the world." It was the rallying cry that led 2006's 'Heroes' to run faster than a speeding bullet to the top of the ratings, albeit, unexpectedly. But while it might have attracted over 14 million viewers with its promising premise, superhero lore, and, of course, Milo Ventimiglia, the series needed its own savior — from itself. In the latest episode of our TV origin stories podcast, Allison and Kaate explore the history of Heroes, and its unceremonious downfall. Was it the untimely writers' strike that proved to be its demise? Meddling network executives? Or simply a plot that would be served much better in shorter installments than a network would allow? Grab your horn-rimmed glasses and enjoy our latest episode!
Kelly Wiglesworth might be the first person in reality TV history to utter the phrase, "I'm not here to make friends," but the person who truly embodied it most was Richard Hatch, the arrogant-yet-brilliant winner of the first historic season of 'Survivor.' Without Richard, we wouldn't have reality TV friction, we wouldn't have reality TV alliances, and we might not even have 40 seasons of the CBS series that exploded on the small screen in 2000. (Although, we must give Sue Hawk and her "rats and snakes" speech its due too.)Sure, Richard's winning run on 'Survivor' led not only to nationwide fame, but also to a 51-month stint in jail, but he's a historical reality TV figure nonetheless. Which is why my Allison and Kate are as excited as Jeff Probst calling a player by their last name to research the history of 'Survivor' for this latest episode.
In 2008, two comedies inspired by the backstage machinations of 'Saturday Night Live' were poised to air on NBC. One appeared to have a great advantage: Aaron Sorkin, the writer behind 'Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip' who had just finished a successful stint bringing the White House to life on 'The West Wing.' The dark horse, that seemed unlikely to get past the starting block, was '30 Rock,' a quirky comedy series starring and penned by Tina Fey, the former 'SNL' head writer who had never before written a pilot script. 'Studio 60,' however, missed one key trait: actual humor. So while Sorkin scored all of the pre-season headlines, the drama was canned after one season, and '30 Rock' went on to live for eight seasons, its quotes living in infamy. And, in our latest episode, Allison and Kate explore the history behind the NBC series, how it almost looked completely different, and why it won. So grab your night cheese and enjoy our latest episode!
Do you like human drambuie or genuine Arizonan nacho chips? Or maybe you're just a human podcast fan who likes vampires that live in Staten Island? Either way, we've got a show for you! While you await a new episode of 'TV Watch Repeat,' enjoy 'Not You, Guillermo,' a new 'What We Do In The Shadows' podcast from The Dipp, hosted by comedians Patrick Monahan & Nicole Conlan. They'll be doing episode recaps of Season 3 of 'What We Do In The Shadows' and talking to people who were there behind the scenes, making 'What We Do In The Shadows' possible. Join us to get more familiar with Nandor, Nadja, Laszlo, and Colin Robinson.BAT!
Lost showrunner Damon Lindelof once said, "We did 121 hours of Lost. Arguably only 15 to 20 of them were subpar, bordering on turds." While that might be true when it comes to some episodes (Jack's tattoos, anyone?), 'Lost's pilot? It's as damn near as perfect as any two hours of television could be. And it's the subject of our latest episode. 'Lost' had an origin story rivaling the Island itself. An idea born from a network executive — and executed last-minute by J.J. Abrams, without any notion of what the Island, smoke monster, and polar bears would even mean for the show — the series should have crashed and burned harder than Oceanic Flight 815. Yet, it's a rare TV masterpiece that could be described as cinematic, and, no matter how you feel about the ending, a screenwriting feat that should be celebrated. Grab your Dharma beers and listen in!
Anyone who has ever seen an Amy Sherman-Palladino project knows she's got rhythm. So it should have been inevitable that she would venture into the world of ballet. Years after quitting the sport herself for a career as a writer on 'Rosanne,' the 'Gilmore Girls' creator found herself craving a return to ballet basics, roping in a Broadway star, Sutton Foster, to help her realize the dream. And hence, in 2012, we got the gone-but-not-forgotten 'Bunheads.' During this episode, Allison and Kate discuss the history of 'Bunheads,' Sherman-Palladino's obsession with ballet accuracy, and the stunning fact that Alan Ruck and Kelly Bishop played mother and son, despite being only 12 years apart. Hollywood!
The early 2000s brought our civilization much shame in the form of Justin Timberlake's ramen hair, jeans low enough to require a Brazilian bikini wax, and MTV's 'Next.' You know it, because you watched it excessively and guiltlessly, desiring a new kind of 'Blind Date,' but with a Perez Hilton flair. So, on this week's new episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.,' Allison and Kate investigate the finale of the series — not the pilot, per usual, because the first five seasons of 'Next' appear to be scrubbed from the internet. (Though, no doubt, they exist on the dark web somewhere.) Instead, we take a look at Next's final bow, the 20th episode of its sixth season, which features a contestant summarizing the series via a large stomach tattoo reading: "Shameless."
In honor of 'Riverdale's return this week, enjoy our re-release of TV. Watch. Repeat.'s unlocked 'Riverdale' episode!Imagine, if you will, a 'Riverdale' in an alternate universe, where the comics were played for comedy, time travel was a central plotline, and Archie was played by none other than... Louis C.K. Believe it or not, it almost happened.Thankfully, though, we instead got the 2017 release of 'Riverdale' as we know it, a dark take on an old classic starring Cole Sprouse, Lili Reinhart, and K.J. Apa. In their latest episode, Allison and Kate are joined by Kaitlin Reilly and John Padden of 'The Riverdale Register' podcast to explore the history of the CW series. Throughout the hour-long conversation, they delve into the original script — a big deviation from the one that aired — the evolution of Archie Comics, and the casting choices that made the series what it is today. Plus, don't worry — there's plenty of conversation surrounding 'Riverdale's questionable era, and, of course, Archie's bear attack. (We can talk for hours about Archie's bear attack.)
Before 'The Simple Life,' life was really not all that simple for Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie. The two famous friends were tabloid fodder during an era that wasn't too kind to starlets — and a sex tape and drug possession didn't really help matters. But it did help ratings, so they were given a series, which turned into a massive reality success for Fox. How has the series aged — or increased relevance in a new era? That's what Allison and Kate look to find out, when they're joined by special guest, writer and director Claire Downs. Listen to learn the backstory of the series, how it influenced culture, and all the sexist overtones that clouded judgement surrounding its two stars.
It's hard to believe — with the bevy of young-singles comedies on television today — that young working professionals were once ignored by the small screen. Then, in 1993, 'Living Single' came along and changed all that — and so much more. The series, created by Yvette Lee Bowser and starring an ensemble cast of comedy legends, not only broke barriers for women of color on TV, but also went on to inspire an entire genre of television. The series is the focus of this week's episode of TV. Watch. Repeat., in which Allison and Kate discuss the incredible cast of the show — which included Queen Latifah, Kim Fields, Kim Coles, and Erika Alexander — the significance of the series' concept, and how marketing (or lack thereof) failed 'Living Single.' So gather your girls around, and enjoy our latest episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.'!
If CBS found success with a perverse version of 'The Swiss Family Robinson' in 2000, it's no wonder the network looked to Orwellian literature for its next big reality series. And 'Big Brother' — originally a hit series in the Netherlands, named for the omnipresent eye in 1984 — proved to be wise investment for the network... even if the first season fell as flat as a bowl of slop. How did that series look back in 2000, and how has it evolved into what it is today? That's exactly the topic of our latest episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.,' in which Allison and Kate take a look back at the very first episode of 'Big Brother,' and research all the behind-the-scenes details that led to one of the most addictive series ever to air on TV. We find out why exactly Julie Chen took the job, the story of a surprising Season 1 cast member-turned-billionaire, and how the series approached major world events in the house.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. Even though 'Friday Night Lights' almost did — many times. Despite the beloved NBC-turned-DirecTV series being a fan and reviewer favorite, the series fumbled in the ratings, threatening its existence year after year. But credit sheer tenacity (or the power of Connie Britton's hair) for 'Friday Night Lights' continuing for five seasons, and delivering some of the best television a network has ever delivered. And the pilot? Well, it's nothing less than a touchdown. And that's precisely what Kate and Allison discuss in our latest episode of our podcast. Not only do we dig into the innovative way 'Friday Night Lights' shot its episodes, but we also find out the scandalous story about Kyle Chandler's casting — and the unmistakable chemistry between Chandler and Britton. Plus, we discover which actor was the absolute worst football player.
Are you a card-carrying citizen of Flavortown? If so, then you might enjoy our latest episode, which dives (heh) right inside the history of living legend Guy Fieri and his long-running Food Network behemoth, 'Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives.' Allison and Kate learn some behind-the-scenes details about the series, discover how exactly Guy got his iconic hairstyle, and discuss how he influenced pop culture. Plus, they dig into the unfounded derision that plagued Fieri's early career, and just what kicked off the current-day renaissance of the chef-turned-TV host. Here's hoping term limits do not exist when it comes to this Mayor.
This week, Allison and Kate explore the history of 'Hart Of Dixie,' the CW comedy and Rachel Bilson vehicle that left hearts pounding — and not just because of Wade Kinsella's shirtlessness. In this episode, Allison and Kate chat Wilson Bethel's history with 'The O.C.,' where you might have seen the 'Hart of Dixie' set before, and the evolution of George. Plus, the impossible-to-ignore problems about the celebration of the Old South, and the 'Friday Night Lights' reunion that led Scott Porter to the series in the first place.
Love 'TV Watch Repeat'? Then you'll enjoy Kate and Allison on their daily pop culture podcast, 'Pop Chaser,' which covers all of the biggest headlines of the day. So we're bringing you a new episode to enjoy in your feed — if you like it, head over to the Pop Chaser page and subscribe! And be on the lookout for a new 'TV Watch Repeat' covering one of your favorite shows on Monday!
There's no such thing as bad press. At least, that's how the saying goes. So perhaps MTV's 'Siesta Key' knew exactly what it was doing when it kicked off with a controversy that led to a mass boycott — and even death threats. But — cue the record scratch — how did we get here? So is the topic of conversation during the latest episode of 'TV. Watch. Repeat.,' in which Allison and Kate are joined by pop culture experts and 'Table Flipping With Alyssa and Taylor' podcast hosts Taylor Misiak and Alyssa Litman. We chat about Siesta Key's not-so-humble beginnings, the thing about Gary, how 'Bachelor's Robby Hayes is involved in all this, and so much more. Plus, the Spencer Pratt's review of Siesta Key that no one asked for (even if we're glad to have it). So throw on your favorite pair of cutoffs (no, not you, Tobias), and enjoy our latest episode of TV. Watch. Repeat. on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And be sure to check out Table Flipping With Alyssa and Taylor for all your pop culture and Bravo needs, and Taylor on the latest season of FX's 'Dave'!
She's Sandra Bullock! But, mostly, she's Mindy Kaling, the brain behind the 2012 beloved comedy, 'The Mindy Project.' It was a landmark series, and not just because Kaling was one of the few Indian-American showrunners in the industry (not to mention, one of the few women showrunners in the industry). The Mindy Project also fully embraced the romantic-comedy genre — a genre, at that point, that was still largely seen as silly and trite. But if there was anyone who could achieve critical success in rom-coms, it was Kaling, who crafted a character and cast loved enough to last six seasons. But how did she get there in the first place? My co-host Allison Piwowarski and I explore that, how and why she cast Chris Messina, and some of the controversies to follow the show. Plus, The Mindy Project's revolving cast door, and how Mindy Lahiri was inspired by Michael Scott. Sources: EW, Boston Globe, NPR, Late Night With Conan O'Brien, Vulture, Mental Floss
Not 'Gossip Girl' here, to talk about the 2009 premiere of 'NYC Prep,' the short-lived Bravo reality TV series that still lives in our Blackberries. Tune in while co-hosts Allison and Kate cover the history of the series, why it was significant to air on TV in the late 2000s, how difficult it was to find the cast, and exactly where they are now. Plus, the 'Real Housewives Of New York' connection you didn't expect, and, of course, all about PC's wedding. Sources: New York Magazine, New York Times, Associated Press