Today is all about the girl, the myth, the legend, Lisa Simpson! Whether you're struggling with those mid-week blues or feel energized enough to write an essay about the biggest issues facing our world, we hope you enjoy our discussion about these two fantastic Lisa-focused episodes, “Moaning Lisa" (Season 1, Episode 6) and “Mr. Lisa Goes To Washington” (season 3, episode 2). We discuss the pressures women and girls feel to take Aaron Burr's advice and "smile more," as well as the important differences between Marge's parenting and her mother's approach. Also...Homer is a fan of "Reading Digest"?

History Highlights:

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

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

We are joined by Marlessa's friend Adam to discuss the one and only Simpsons matriarch, Marge! This week's selection, “Itchy & Scratchy & Marge (Season 2, Episode 9) and “Marge vs. the Monorail” (season 4, episode 12), showcases Marge's deep desire to do right by her family and the Springfield community. Once again we have episodes filled with excellent parody (Psycho and Silence of the Lambs); top-tier guest stars (hello Leonard Nimoy!); and sharp social commentary, this time about censorship and mob mentality. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk all things Simpsons with us, Adam! 

Historical Highlights: 

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

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

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

We're starting off our Simpsons season with two Homer-centric episodes that focus on his best temporary jobs: “Mr. Plow” (season 4, episode 9) and “Deep Space Homer” (season 5, episode 15). We discuss Homer's rivalry with Barney; his iconic jacket and song; and his deep desire to earn the respect of his family. Oh, and none other than Adam West and Buzz Aldrin make appearances.

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

Season 4 of Sitcom Studies begins, but with a slightly different format, because we're discussing the longest-running American sitcom of all time: The Simpsons! In this intro episode, you'll find out why this one is so special to Marlessa and how we'll be tackling an incredibly nuanced show that has stood the test of time. Deep dives begin next week!

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/simpson-family-television-debut-30-years-ago-180962482/

The time has come to say goodbye to our beloved Darrin and Sam and the rest of the Bewitched crew. We rank our favorite and least favorite episodes of this season; discuss the enneagram types of these characters; and offer our final thoughts on viewing Samantha and Darrin's love and marriage from a feminist perspective. It has been nothing short of magical getting to discuss this charming and groundbreaking sitcom. And if you've disagreed with us at all this season, well..."try to understand...we're only mortal."

Season 4 begins next week! 

It's our final two episodes of Bewitched! Darrin is once again really struggling with his insecurities, even to the point of believing that all of his success is due to Samantha's help - trust your wife, Darrin! Louis Kravitz is struggling with his own kind of trust issues as he looks to rediscover his love of performing. And of course, Alice Pearce maker her final appearance as Gladys.

Historical Highlights: 

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

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

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

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

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

It's just a bit busy this week: Charlie Leach is back; Darrin's client Toni is turned into a cat; and Endora is, as usual, planting some unfortunate seeds of doubt in her daughter's mind. And of course there's some time travel thrown in as well. Would you go back in time to find out what might have been?

Historical Highlights: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/g60027790/celebrity-weddings-1960s/

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

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

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

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

We hope your 2026 is off to a great start!

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

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

Wishing you and yours all the very best in 2026!

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