You, Me, and TV

We watched so much TV this year! In this episode of You, Me, and TV, your hosts Mike and Gia each count down their favorite shows of 2019. We take a look at what we loved about returning seasons of shows like Glow and Veep, as well what blew us away from new shows like Ramy and Undone. We will return with our regular episodes breaking down first episodes of television shows later this year! For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

Welcome to the Christmas episode of You, Me, and TV! In this bonus episode we take a look at ten of our favorite Christmas and holiday episodes of television. Your hosts Mike and Gia break down classics from shows like The Office and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as well as some unexpected holiday hits from offbeat comedies like Joe Pera Talks with You and Nathan for You. Look out for one more bonus episode in the coming weeks where we will be discussing our top ten shows of the year. We will return with our regular episodes breaking down first episodes of television shows in 2020! For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

Welcome to the Thanksgiving episode of You, Me, and TV! In this bonus episode we take a look at ten of our favorite Thanksgiving episodes of television. Your hosts Mike and Gia break down Thanksgiving classics from shows like Friends, Master of None, and Seinfeld. Look out for our upcoming bonus episodes in the coming months. We’ll be discussing our favorite Christmas and holiday episodes in December, and our top ten shows of the year in January. We will return with our regular episodes breaking down first episodes of television shows in 2020! For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

Welcome to the Halloween episode of You, Me, and TV! In this bonus episode we take a look at ten of our favorite Halloween episodes of television. Your hosts “Spooky” Mike and “GIAck-o’-lantern” break down Halloween classics from shows like The Office, New Girl, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Look out for our next bonus episode in November (to discuss our favorite Thanksgiving episodes of television), and twice in December (Christmas and holiday episodes, and our top ten shows of the year). We will return with our regular episodes breaking down first episodes of television shows in 2020! For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

Welcome to the season finale of You, Me, and TV! In this bonus episode we take a look at some of our favorite season finales of television. As we discuss classic episodes of such shows as Friends and The Office, we break down what we love about final episodes of seasons. This season finale bonus episode is also our season finale! We will return with bonus episodes in October (to discuss our favorite Halloween episodes of television), in November (Thanksgiving episodes), and twice in December (Christmas and holiday episodes, and our top ten shows of the year). We will return with our regular episodes breaking down first episodes of television shows in 2020! For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of The Sopranos, which was created by David Chase. The series premiered on January 10, 1999, on HBO. The Sopranos aired for six seasons, and all episodes are available to stream on Amazon Prime and HBO. As always, we take a look at the (HBO) description: “Hailed as one of television’s essential dramas, The Sopranos follows James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano: husband, father, and mob boss whose professional and private strains land him in the office of his therapist.” I like to think they used the phrase “Hailed as one of television’s essential dramas” when the show was originally released. You know, just kind of willing it out into the world. We also discuss some of the background information on the show, as well as the new prequel movie that will be released in 2020. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we also highlight some of our own experiences growing up in Italian families. I mean, not too much though. We’re not turning government witness or anything here. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls, which was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. The series premiered on October 5, 2000, on The WB. Gilmore Girls aired for seven series and was revived by Netflix for a four-episode miniseries, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, in 2016. seasons. All seasons and the miniseries are available to stream on Netflix. As always, we take a look at the (Netflix) description: “Life dreams. Boyfriends. Intrusive relatives. A single mom and her daughter navigate a tricky path in life with humor.” I don’t know what life dreams are, but I’m here for it! We also discuss Gia’s love for the idyllic small town of Stars Hollow, and the delightful characters that live there. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we conclude the podcast with a game of “Gilmore Girls or Happy Gilmore?” For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the first episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, which was created by Larry David. The series premiered on October 15, 2000, on HBO, and has aired for nine seasons. Seasons one through eight are available to stream on Amazon Prime, and all nine seasons are available to stream on HBO. The tenth season is scheduled to premiere in 2020. As always, we take a look at the (HBO) description: “Larry David stars as... Larry David, living the good life out in Los Angeles and stumbling through one faux-pas after another.” And if you know Larry David, you know he is all about living the good life. We also discuss the development of the show. This includes details about the Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm HBO special, as well a discussion on the excellent cast which features Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, and Richard Lewis. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we highlight some of our favorite episodes of the series. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Boy Meets World, which was created by Michael Jacobs and April Kelly. The series premiered on September 24, 1993, on ABC, and aired for seven seasons. The full series is currently streaming on Hulu. As always, we take a look at the (Hulu) description: “Adolescent Cory Matthews grows up, and faces problems with friends, family, and school.” In other words, a boy meets the world. We also discuss the development of the show, and how co-creator Michael Jacobs wanted to create a show that contrasted with sitcoms like Family Ties and Growing Pains by focusing on the middle child of the family. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we highlight a few of our favorite episodes. Hint: Mike’s favorite includes a guest starring role from Robert Goulet. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Seinfeld, which was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. The series premiered on July 5, 1989, on NBC, and aired for nine seasons. The full series is currently streaming on Hulu, and the pilot episode is titled “The Seinfeld Chronicles,” but is also known as “Good News, Bad News,” and “Pilot.” As always, we take a look at the (Hulu) description: “In the Emmy award-winning ‘Seinfeld,’ Jerry Seinfeld provides a hysterical look at life as a single adult in the ‘90s.” For a show about nothing, this sums it up pretty well! We also discuss the origin of the show, which is explored in the documentary Seinfeld: How It Began. This includes the original plan to create a 90-minute television special, with the premise of the show being a stand-up comic going about his life and gathering inspiration for his set. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we also relate our own experiences to those of the characters as they navigate the gray areas of social interaction. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of I’m Sorry, which was created by Andrea Savage. Savage stars in the series, along with Tom Everett Scott and Olive Petrucci. I’m Sorry premiered on truTV on July 12, 2017. Two seasons have aired so far, and a third season is expected in 2020. Season one is currently available to stream on Netflix. As always, we take a look at the (Netflix) description: “Life is a series of awkward situations for comedy writer and mom Andrea, thanks to plenty of neuroses and a knack for sticking her foot in her mouth.” We also discuss how the title of the show may serve as a commentary on how women are made to feel they need to apologize for speaking their minds and being themselves. This ties in with the creation of the show as Savage was frustrated with the typical mom roles she was being offered, and wanted to create a character and a relationship that was more true to life. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we also highlight some of the excellent performances in this show. These include the character Andrea’s writing partner, Kyle (Jason Mantzuokas), and her friend Brian (Gary Anthony Williams). You can listen to Andrea Savage on Gary Anthony Williams’s podcast Daydrinking with Gary & Elliot on Apple Podcasts. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which was created by Ryan Seacrest. Season one premiered on E! on October 14, 2007. There are currently 16 seasons; seasons 1 through 15 are available on Hulu. The first episode is titled “I’m Watching You.” As always, we take a look at the (Hulu) description: “Keeping Up with the Kardashians takes viewers inside the hectic lives of Hollywood’s modern-day Brady Bunch. Can two famous clans come together as one united front? Or will their individual lust for the limelight end up fracturing the family?” We also discuss the development of the show and provide some background on the Kardashian family. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we analyze how Keeping Up with the Kardashians has evolved over the years as the family continues to achieve new levels of fame and fortune, as well as how American culture has evolved since the series premiered in 2007. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the first episode of Stranger Things, which was created, written, and directed by the Duffer Brothers. Season one premiered on July 15, 2016, the second season is available now, and the third season premieres on July 4, 2019. Stranger Things is a Netflix original, and the first episode is titled “Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers.” As always, we take a look at the (Netflix) description: “When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.” I’m just gonna take a guess here that maybe--just maybe--those supernatural forces are behind that young boy’s disappearance. We also discuss the development of the show as well as the other projects of the Duffer Brothers, including the excellent first season of Wayward Pines. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we analyze how Stranger Things fits in with and stands out from other shows about missing children, such as Dark, True Detective (season three), Broadchurch, and Twin Peaks. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Dead to Me, which was created by Liz Feldman. Season one premiered on May 3, 2019. Dead to Me and is a Netflix Original, and stars Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. As always, we take a look at the (Netflix) description: “Her husband? Dead. Her grief, rage and wine glass? Overflowing. With her new BFF riding shotgun, she’s speeding toward rock bottom.” And her neighbor’s take on Mexican lasagna? Not great. We also discuss the conception of the show. Dead to Me is produced by Gloria Sanchez Productions and CBS Television Studios. Gloria Sanchez Productions is a sister company to Gary Sanchez Productions, which is the production company founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. Jessica Elbaum runs Gloria Sanchez Productions, which focuses on creating female-led film and TV projects. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we also analyze we analyze the way in which the show explores more serious issues such as grief, and how Christina Applegate’s own experiences with cancer influenced the show. We get a little serious and discuss our own experiences with cancer and support groups as well. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Big Little Lies, which was created and written by David E. Kelly. The series premiered on February 19, 2017, on HBO, and the second season premiered on June 9, 2019. The title of the pilot episode is “Somebody’s Dead.” As always, we take a look at the (HBO) description: “Based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling book, and featuring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley, this darkly comedic series tells the tale of three mothers whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to the point of murder.” We also highlight some of the other novels by Moriarty (including one titled Truly Madly Guilty), and Mike almost makes the mistake of saying that Soundgarden (not Savage Garden) is the band that performs the song “Truly Madly Deeply.” We also discuss the beautiful and stylized look and feel of the show. This is achieved through the unique use of music throughout the episode (all of which is available to stream on this fantastic Spotify playlist), and the excellent directing of Jean-Marc Vallée. Vallée directed the entire first season, as well as season one of the HBO series Sharp Objects. Additionally, we analyze storytelling structure of the show. One element that stands out is the use of a detective investigating the crime that occurs at the end of the season as a way to build suspense. Another is the use of foreshadowing through some of the music in the episode, as well as some of the lines and incidents hinting toward the effects of physical abuse on women. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we conclude the podcast with a game of Two Truths and a Big Little Lie. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Ramy, which was created by Ramy Youssef, Ari Katcher, and Ryan Welch. The first season premiered on April 19, 2019. Ramy is a Hulu Original, and Hulu has announced that there will be a second season. The title of the pilot episode is “Between the Toes.” As always, we take a look at the Hulu description: “Ramy Hassan is a first generation Egyptian-American who is on a spiritual journey in his politically-divided New Jersey neighborhood. Ramy will bring a new perspective to the screen as it explores the challenges of what it’s like being caught between a Muslim community that thinks life is a moral test and a millennial generation that thinks life has no consequences.” Though this description has a lot to offer, we find that the episode descriptions catch our eye even more as they are written in the second person (similar to how the episode descriptions are written in the show Atlanta). We also discuss the critical acclaim for this show, including rave reviews from Rolling Stone, Vulture, The Ringer, and The New York Times--although we do question Rolling Stone’s use of the term “everydude.” Additionally, we analyze how this show takes a unique approach in how it addresses race, culture, and religion. The challenges that Ramy and his family face throughout season one are relatable even if you are not a Muslim from New Jersey. Not only is this because they are universal issues explored through the lens of a young man finding his place between two different cultures, but also because the show’s storytelling structure allows the viewer to get to know each individual character on a deeper level. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we also highlight some of the excellent performances in this show. These include the character Ramy’s two friends Mo and Ahmed, played by Mo Amer and Dave Merheje. These two steal the show in their scene, and if you like their performances you should check out Mo Amer’s Netflix special or one of Dave Merheje’s comedy albums on Spotify. Another character that is absolutely hilarious throughout season one is Steve, played by Ramy Youssef’s real-life childhood friend Steve Way. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Parenthood, which was developed by Jason Katims, and premiered on March 6, 2010. Parenthood aired for six seasons on NBC, and all six seasons are available to stream on Netflix and Hulu. As always, we take a look at the Netflix description: “Autism, rebellion, and heavy teen drama. An angst-filled group of siblings struggle to raise their kids.” Although this description makes the show sound like the hottest new show for teens, we note that this is definitely more of a grown-up dramedy. We also discuss the 1989 movie, directed by Ron Howard, and the first incarnation of the Parenthood television show in 1990. That first series featured David Arquette, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Thora Birch among others, but was cancelled after only one season. Additionally, we analyze the various family relationships in the show and find connections within our own lives. For example, in the opening scene--hold on one second my mom is calling me--okay, where was I? Oh, right. Yeah, in that opening--oh, one more second, I’m getting another call now, this time it’s my mother-in-law--okay. Like I was saying, in that opening scene Adam keeps getting interrupted as he is trying to exercise, but the show highlights that it’s all worth it because family is everything. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode (including how it addresses a character with autism), we conclude the podcast with a game of Made for TV or Completely Made Up. In this game, Mike reads the synopsis for a television show that is based on a movie. The movies are all real; the only catch is that some of the shows are not. Gia must determine which ones were actually “Made for TV,” and which ones Mike “Completely Made Up.” For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Full House, which was created by Jeff Franklin, and premiered on September 22, 1987. Full House aired for eight seasons on ABC, and all eight seasons are available to stream on Hulu. The title of the pilot episode is “Our Very First Show,” which--as we’ll discuss--is not entirely true given that this is the second version of the pilot. As always, we take a look at the Hulu description: “Comedian Bob Saget stars in this heartfelt comedy series as Danny, a widowed father raising three young daughters with the help of his rebel brother-in-law (John Stamos) and offbeat best bud (Dave Coulier). Living under one roof, these friends experience the trials of parenthood along with their fair share of laughs and life lessons.” And it comes complete with a laugh track for the laughs, and sentimental music for the life lessons. We also discuss the conception of the show, including its original premise of three stand-up comedians living together with the working title House of Comics. Additionally, we analyze the alternate version of the pilot which features John Posey in the role of Danny Tanner. Jeff Franklin originally wanted either Bob Saget or Paul Reiser for the part. When neither were immediately available, Franklin went with Posey. Once Saget became available after ABC picked up the series, they reshot the pilot and the rest is history. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we conclude the podcast with a game of Name that Movie: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Edition. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the pilot episode of Arrested Development, which was created by Mitchell Hurwitz, and premiered on November 2, 2003. Arrested Development aired for three seasons on Fox before its cancellation in 2006. Netflix revived the series for a fourth season in 2013, and a two-part fifth season in 2018 and 2019. Seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Hulu, and all five seasons are available to stream on Netflix. As always, we take a look at the Netflix description: “A son reluctantly tries to save the world’s craziest family from themselves. It’s a tough business being the normal one.” We’ll quickly find out that “normal” is relative. We also discuss the conception of the show, including how Ron Howard and Imagine Entertainment--along with creator and writer Mitchell Hurwitz--developed the idea for the show. Additionally, we take a look at the directing team behind the episode. Before they were worldwide sensations known for directing Avengers: Endgame--one of the highest-grossing movies of all time--Anthony and Joe Russo directed the pilot episode (as well as several other episodes) of Arrested Development. The Russo brothers also directed the pilot episodes of cult-favorite sitcoms Community and Happy Endings. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we conclude the podcast with a game: George Michael Bluth Quote or Lyric from a George Michael Song. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.

In this episode we break down the first episode of Easy, which was created, written, and directed by Joe Swanberg, and premiered on September 22, 2016. Easy is a Netflix Original, and the third and final season was released on May 10, 2019. The title of the first episode is “The F**king Study,” which is most definitely a double entendre. As always, we take a look at the Netflix description: “First dates, friends with benefits, couples with kids. Whatever your relationship status is, it’s always complicated.” It really is, isn’t it? We also discuss Joe Swanberg’s other movies, such as Drinking Buddies, Digging for Fire, and Win it All, and how he has translated the feel of his movies into Easy while also utilizing a unique anthology structure. In addition to our detailed breakdown of the episode, we conclude the podcast with a game: Chicago Song or Episode Title of Chicago-Based Series Easy. For more information and to contact us, check out our social media pages: Facebook @YouMeAndTV, Twitter @YouMeAndTVPod, and Instagram @youmeandtvpodcast.