Battle Of The Network Shows

This week, we talk about early reality show Real People, featuring hosts Sarah Purcell, Skip Stephenson, Byron Allen, Bill Rafferty, and Peter Billingsley plus a whole bunch of real people. Topics in the the show include arm wrestling, rodeos, and guppies. Topics in the podcast include Byron Allen's interviewing skills, a live "mishap" in Sarah Purcell's later career, and the show's attitude towards Peter Billingsley. We also confirm whether or not Rick and Mike are, in fact, real people.

Quintessential eighties private investigator Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck) might have met his match in J. Digger Doyle (TV's Erin Gray), but what kind of match--romantic, professional, nefarious, or all three? He also has to protect Robin Masters (voice of Orson Welles), navigate his prickly relationship with Higgins (Jonathan Hillerman), and negotiate with pals T.C. (Roger Mosley) and Rick (Larry Manetti). All in a day's work for a man and his 'stache!

Season two begins with a look at a special two-part Diff'rent Strokes. The time has arrived for Mr. Drummond to officially adopt Arnold and Willis, but a con man played by the great Whitman Mayo (Sanford and Son's Grady) has different ideas. What will happen, how does Mrs. Garrett feel about all of this, and--more importantly--what's the bathroom situation in the Drummond household?!

The glitz, the glamour, the guffaws! Rick and Mike roll out the red carpet, welcome the stars, and paint the town as they take a look back at season one with the first ever Batty Awards! Who will win? Only they and a random number generator know, but you can find out in this episode! Plus, an UPDATE on season two. 

In our first ever Holiday Special, we try to unpack the complex mythos of Rankin-Bass' The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold, then make a heartwarming visit to the Keane family in A Family Circus Christmas. Plus a holiday-themed "TV Guide Game." A note to our listeners loyal and new. This marks the end of season one, but we'll return in January with a look back on season one and details on season two. Stay tuned and happy holidays!

This week, we look at a two-part episode of late '70s, early '80s feel-good show CHiPs and posit the idea that it might be the quintessential show of the era. In just two hours, John (Larry Wilcox) and Ponch (Erik Estrada have to help out a troubled rock star and his manager, stop a duo bent on sparking car accidents, foil a roller-skating gang of thieves, keep a roller-skating kid on the right side of the rink, and most importantly recruit stars for a charity roller disco! Can they do any of it? How many cars will crash? How many stars will show? How many stars will crash? Plus, the return of not one but two BOTNS favorites!

This week, we discuss The Facts of Life...the TV show. In "Starstruck," number-one Jermaine Jackson fan Tootie gets a chance to meet him, but in order to do so, she'll have to let down her friends. Will it be worth it, and will he accept her papier mache likeness of him? Then in "The Four Musketeers," cramped quarters and temperature and water issues lead to conflict between the girls. Will they go their separate ways, or will Mrs. Garrett find a way to broker peace with a twinkle in her eye and a warble in her voice?

This week, we take a look at one of the quintessential 1980s toy tie-in cartoons G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. In "Twenty Questions," pesky journalist Hector Ramirez weasels his way onto the Joe base to expose the truth behind the elite military team's operation and waste of taxpayer dollars. How will the Joes deal with this new threat? By pawning him off on Shipwreck of course! Also, one of us says something stupid. Yooooo Joe!

This week, we look at bona fide classic The Muppet Show. Special Guest Steve Martin shows up only to learn of a scheduling SNAFU. The Muppets have also planned on holding open auditions. Don't worry, though, a miffed Steve finds a way to get in on the act in between singing vegetables, aliens, rivals for our favorites, a surprise dance routine, a human cannonball, and more!

This week, we probably take a look at what might be the definitive 1970s docuseries In Search Of. Through diligent research, authoritative interviews, and on-site camerawork, host Leonard Nimoy and crew dig deep into the mysteries of Amelia Earhart and the Loch Ness Monster and come up with--well, you be the judge. In all probability, we might offer are own opinions. Also, "What We'd Like To See!"

Listener Andrew Reinhard requested we discuss this two-part episode of The Six Million Dollar Man that terrified him as a child...and haunts him to this day. Can the Bionic Man defeat a crashed Russian Venus probe bent on destroying Wyoming? Can we get through the final climactic Bionic Man in helicopter vs. Death Probe scene? What do we think of the Bionic Man's mustache? We can give you the answers because we have the technology!

This week, we make the argument for the greatest beer commercial--and one of the greatest commercials--ever made. Robert Pine, Michael Moriarty, a guy who looks like Jim Valvano, and a guy possibly named Frank shill for Lowenbrau and encapsulate an era of America in 30 glorious seconds, and we talk about it for 30 glorious minutes! Plus the TV Guide Game. Drinking game: drink a bottleo'lowenbrau every time we say, "Dolan."

Things get boozy this week as we discuss the classic Family Ties episode "Say Uncle" (Season 2, Episode 14) Alex (Michael J. Fox) and Keaton family can't wait for a visit from Uncle Ned (Tom Hanks) until they discover he's become an alcoholic. Rick and Mike reveal their lack of knowledge about AA and vanilla extract. Plus, we examine three of Bruce "Bruno" Willis' Seagram's Golden Wine Coolers commercials. So much star power, so much booze. Drinking game: drink a bottle of vanilla extract every time we mention vanilla extract. 

That lovable, furry, cat-eating alien ALF sits in for Johnny in the extra-long "Tonight, Tonight" (Season 3, Episode 4). Joining ALF, Ed McMahon, Tommy Newsom and the Tonight Show Orchestra, plus guests Pope John Paul II, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and Joan Embery from the San Diego Zoo. Plus the TV Guide Game!

This time, we hold our noses and dive deep into Happy Days "American Musical" (Season 8, Episode 22). The latter day Happy Days gang celebrates America's immigrant history through elaborate musical daydream sequences. Also, the TV Guide Game.

This week, we discuss Episode 22 of Season 2 of The White Shadow "The Death of me Yet?" The Carver High basketball team tries to win the city championships while grieving the loss of one of their own and worrying whether Coach Reeves will leave Carver for a job at a fancy college. Also, What We'd Like to See!

Join Rick and Mike as they discuss The Incredible Hulk "747," (Season 1, Episode 7). Thrill at actor reunions, giant cups of coffee, King Tut, 1970s airline travel, and a giant green man flying an airliner! Also, The TV Guide Game!

Just like the days of old when the TV networks offered a star-studded sneak peek into their new seasons, hosts Rick and Mike introduce you to Battle of the Network Shows--minus the stars. Plus, a special preview of Episode 1: The Incredible Hulk "747."