TV In The Basement : Television's Greatest Shows and the Occasional Movie

By Caloroga Shark Media / My Favorite TV Show RecapsTV & Film TV Reviews Film History

TV In The Basement : Television's Greatest Shows and the Occasional Movie episodes

December 29, 2023 Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve
The New Year's Eve torch passed from Guy Lombardo to Dick Clark and now Ryan Seacrest. Did you know there were some pre-Clark Rockin' New Years Eves?

A look back at the evolution of a New Year's Eve tradition.
7 min
December 22, 2023 Festivus: The Seinfeld Holiday Tradition – Insights and Laughs from 'The Strike' Episode
Festivus is a fictional holiday featured in the "Seinfeld" episode "The Strike," which has since been adopted by many as a real-life celebration. Originating from the show's writer Dan O'Keefe's family tradition, Festivus offers a whimsical alternative to the commercialization of the holiday season. Celebrated on December 23rd, its unique customs include an unadorned aluminum pole, the "Airing of Grievances," where individuals share how others have disappointed them over the year, and the "Feats of Strength," a physical challenge typically involving wrestling. Intended as a humorous commentary on holiday customs, Festivus resonates with audiences for its simplicity and its satirical take on traditional festive norms, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of anti-commercialism in holiday celebrations.

6 min
December 15, 2023 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and the Rankin-Bass Christmas Specials

In this Christmas episode of "TV In The Basement," host Journey Joe Mitchell takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting world of Rankin-Bass holiday specials. From the beloved tale of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to the heartwarming story of "Frosty the Snowman," the magic of "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and the poignant "The Year Without a Santa Claus," Mitchell explores the rich history, unique animation styles, and timeless messages of these iconic specials. The episode delves into the characters and songs that have become integral parts of our holiday traditions, celebrating the enduring legacy and emotional depth of these classic animations that continue to bring joy and warmth to audiences of all ages during the festive season.

8 min
December 08, 2023 Scrubs starring Zack Braff and Donald Faison (Fake Doctors Real Friends)
"Scrubs" is an American medical comedy-drama television series that aired from 2001 to 2010. Created by Bill Lawrence, the show is known for its unique blend of comedy and drama, offering a humorous yet often poignant look at the lives of the staff at Sacred Heart, a teaching hospital. The series is notable for its use of surreal vignettes and fantasies experienced by the main character, Dr. John "J.D." Dorian, played by Zach Braff. This narrative style, combined with fast-paced dialogue and quirky characters, sets "Scrubs" apart from traditional sitcoms and medical dramas. The show delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by young doctors, highlighting their growth, friendships, and the realities of working in healthcare. "Scrubs" was praised for its originality, strong character development, and its ability to tackle serious topics with a light-hearted approach.

8 min
December 01, 2023 AfterMASH and W*A*L*T*E*R - the M*A*S*H Spinoffs
"AfterMASH" is a spin-off of the acclaimed TV series "MASH," focusing on the post-war lives of several characters from the original show, including Sherman Potter, Maxwell Klinger, and Father Mulcahy. Set in a veteran's hospital in Missouri, the series shifts from the warzone to the challenges and adjustments of peacetime, blending comedy with issues faced by veterans. Despite its initial success and high expectations, "AfterMASH" struggled to capture the essence and popularity of its predecessor, leading to its cancellation after two seasons, leaving a legacy as an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to continue the "MASH" narrative.

Another M*A*S*H spinoff was W*A*L*T*E*R in which Radar leaves the farm to become a police officer.

8 min
December 01, 2023 Trapper John M.D. starring Pernell Roberts
"Trapper John, M.D." is a medical drama television series that aired from 1979 to 1986, serving as a spin-off from the film "MASH". The show is set roughly two decades after the Korean War and follows the character Dr. John McIntyre, known as "Trapper John," portrayed by Pernell Roberts. Trapper John is now the chief of surgery at San Francisco's Memorial Hospital.

The series blends drama and humor to explore the personal and professional lives of its medical staff, particularly focusing on the contrasts and camaraderie between the conservative, experienced Trapper John and his younger, more progressive colleague, Dr. George Alonzo "Gonzo" Gates, played by Gregory Harrison.

"Trapper John, M.D." was well-received for its nuanced storytelling, addressing various medical and ethical issues, and for its portrayal of the evolving field of medicine.
7 min
December 01, 2023 M*A*S*H starring Alan Alda
"MASH," an iconic American TV series, aired from 1972 to 1983 and is celebrated for its blend of comedy and drama in a war setting. The series takes place during the Korean War at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH), focusing on the lives of the hospital's staff. They use humor and camaraderie to cope with the horrors of war, medical challenges, and the stress of surgery. Characters like Hawkeye Pierce, BJ Hunnicutt, and Margaret Houlihan became cultural icons. "MASH" skillfully tackled serious themes like the futility of war, while providing laughter, making it a groundbreaking and beloved series in television history.

10 min
November 24, 2023 ER starring George Clooney and Anthony Edwards
Join us on 'TV in the Basement' as we explore the legacy of 'ER,' a groundbreaking medical drama that redefined television. Over its 15 seasons, 'ER' showcased a dynamic cast, including memorable performances by George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Julianna Marguiles, Sherry Stringfield, Eriq La Salle and Noah Wyle. The series was also noted for guest appearances by stars like Sally Field and Ray Liotta. 'ER' stood out for its realistic portrayal of emergency room challenges, setting new standards for storytelling and visual style in TV dramas. Its impact is seen in popular shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'House,' influencing the medical drama genre.
7 min
November 18, 2023 Turkeys Away: WKRP's legendary Thanksgiving episode.
“As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”

A look back at the greatest Thanksgiving TV episode of all time, 1978's Turkey Drop, were a radio promotion at WKRP goes awry.
7 min
November 10, 2023 The Dukes of Hazzard starring Tom Wopat, John Schneider and Catherine Bach
Get ready to hop in the General Lee and journey back to the late 70s and early 80s as we explore the wild and wacky world of the Dukes of Hazard.

Listen in as your host, Journey Joe Mitchell, navigates through the high-octane adventures, cast changes, and unforgettable episodes of this beloved series.

We'll chat about everything from the show's beloved characters like Bp, Luke, Daisy Duke (and her Daisy Dukes), and Uncle Jesse, to the iconic orange 1969 Dodge Charger, known as the General Lee, and the show's charming, southern-flavored narration.

Don't miss our discussion about the significant cast change at the beginning of season five and the influence of the era's other Southern-fried sensation, Smokey and the Bandit.

We also talk about the enduring legacy of the show, which includes spin-off TV movies, merchandise, and even a feature film adaptation in 2005.

We also can't ignore the cultural controversy surrounding the General Lee. This trip down memory lane is sure to remind you of the joy of simpler times and the power of family bonds. Until next time, keep the TV memories alive, y'all.
8 min

About TV In The Basement : Television's Greatest Shows and the Occasional Movie

From the publisher's feed

Are you ready to unlock the treasure trove of television nostalgia? Welcome to "TV In The Basement," the podcast that transports you back to the shows that defined generations.

Join your host,…

Journey Joe Mitchell, as he takes you on a heartfelt journey through the small-screen gems of yesteryear. In each episode, we dust off the VCR tapes and reminisce about classic series like "Happy Days" and “M*A*S*H” that kept families gathered around the TV in the ‘70s.,

We'll delve into the neon-soaked '80s with shows like "The A-Team" and "Knight Rider," sparking memories of action-packed adventures and unforgettable catchphrases.

Moving into the '90s, we'll revisit the must-see TV of the era, from the quirky humor of “Seinfeld” and"Friends" to the dramatic twists of "The X-Files." And of course, we'll stroll through the early 2000s with hits like "The Sopranos" and "Lost," where television storytelling reached new heights. But the journey doesn't stop there.

We'll also explore the more recent past, discussing acclaimed series like "Breaking Bad" and "Game of Thrones" that captivated audiences from 2010 to 2019….as well as shows like “Suits” and “Moonlighting” which are getting a second life via streaming.

Get all these episodes plus hundreds more commercial free here!

See the full list of shows and sign up for our newsletter for more great news from Caloroga Shark Media.

In our pisodes, we've delved into:
"Police Squad" starring Leslie Nielsen
"Cop Rock: The TV Police Musical"
"Barney Miller" starring Hal Linden and Abe Vigoda
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" starring Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher
"NYPD Blue" starring Dennis Franz, David Caruso, Jimmy Smith, and Kim Delaney
"The Shield" starring Michael Chiklis
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" starring Larry David
"The Drew Carey Show"
"The Wire" starring Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael K. Williams, and Lance Reddick
"Homicide: Life on the Street" starring Andre Braugher, Yaphet Kotto, and Daniel Baldwin
"True Detective" starring Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, and Jodie Foster
"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve"
"Festivus: The Seinfeld Holiday Tradition – Insights and Laughs from 'The Strike' Episode"
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," and the Rankin-Bass Christmas Specials
"Scrubs" starring Zack Braff and Donald Faison
"AfterMASH" and "WALTER" - the "MASH" Spinoffs
"Trapper John M.D." starring Pernell Roberts
"MASH" starring Alan Alda
"ER" starring George Clooney and Anthony Edwards
"Turkeys Away: WKRP's legendary Thanksgiving episode"
"The Dukes of Hazzard" starring Tom Wopat, John Schneider, and Catherine Bach
"CHiPs" starring Eric Estrada and Larry Wilcox
"Laverne and Shirley" staring Cindy Williams and Penny Marshall
"Happy Days" starring Henry Winkler and Ron Howard
"Halloween TV: The X-Files" starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson
"Go On" starring Matthew Perry
"Studio 60 on The Sunset Strip" starring Matthew Perry
"Friends" starring Matthew Perry
"Halloween TV: The Addams Family" and "The Munsters"
"Seinfeld" starring Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Michael Richards
"Wiseguy" starring Ken Wahl
"The Sopranos" starring James Gandolfini
"Miami Vice" starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas
"Three's Company" starring Suzanne Somers, John Ritter, and Joyce DeWitt
"The Partridge Family"
"The Brady Brides / The Bradys" (Brady Bunch Spinoffs)
"The Brady Bunch Variety Hour / The Brady Kids"
"The Brady Bunch"
"Halloween TV: The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror"
"Halloween TV: Humor and Horror, A Celebration of Halloween TV Specials"
"L.A. Law" starring Harry Hamlin, Susan Dey, Jimmy Smits, and Corbin Bernsen
"Suits" starring Patrick J. Adams, Meghan Markle, and Gabriel Macht
"Frasier" starring Kelsey Grammer
and "Moonlighting" starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd

From crime dramas to sitcoms, from classics to contemporary favorites, "TV In The Basement" has covered it all. Subscribe now and join us as we journey through the rich tapestry of television history!

With "TV In The Basement," you'll relive the magic of these iconic shows, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and gain fresh perspectives on your all-time favorites. Whether you grew up with these series or discovered them later, our show is your ticket to rediscovering the TV treasures that have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. So, grab a comfy seat on the couch, prepare for a dose of nostalgia, and get ready to binge on the memories of your beloved television past. Follow "TV In The Basement" and join us as we celebrate the shows that made us laugh, cry, and keep coming back for more.

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