TVPL finally tackles the long-requested prequel series to "Joey" the hit NBC sitcom Friends! In this episode, we break down the classic 90s sitcom, discuss how many paleontologists we knew in our 20s, and dig into the Friends cast performances that won us over. We cover the staggering number of different working titles this show went through in development, and pay tribute to the life and legacy of legendary sitcom director James Burrows the director behind Friends, Cheers, Will & Grace, and Frasier.

Listen now to this Friends TV show podcast episode, and go back into the TVPL podcast archives for all the other James "Jimmy" Burrows-directed pilot episodes we've covered over the years  your go-to source for sitcom history, TV retrospectives, and behind-the-scenes deep dives.

Hosted by:
 Geoff Kerbis
 Max Singer

Aloha from TV Pilot’s License as we embark on a trip to the Hawaiian islands and CBS’ gritty reboot of Hawaii Five-0! It’s a week full of big waves and even bigger car crashes. We talk about the keys to assembling a crew, the failed CBS shows of the late 00s and GOVERNOR JEAN SMART. So grab your board and paddle out for an adventure alongside TVPL, available now. Book ‘em Danno!

With:
Geoff Kerbis
Max Singer

*clears throat* GOOOOAAAALLLLLL! Ok now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, grab your cleats and hit the pitch for a brand new World Cup-centric TVPL on the pilot of Ted Lasso! Onboard this week back from his ten episode red card suspension is our very own Rich Inman! This soccer superstar comedy became a phenomenon when it debuted in 2020 so join us as we discuss the long road it took to your screen, plenty of football/fútbol related facts, and maybe even a detour into the muppets. TVPL’s coming home! 

With:
Rich Inman
Geoff Kerbis 
Max Singer

I HAVE THE PODCAST! On the heels of the Masters of the Universe film we take it back to 1983 and the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon series! Join us for a discussion on 80s pop culture, the unparalleled sassiness of Skeletor, bad haircuts and yes, Orko. Be sure to store your Power Sword in the overhead bin and we’ll see you at Castle Greyskull! It’s a brand new TVPL out NOW!

With:
Geoff Kerbis
Max Singer

It’s the start of summer and you know we’re turning pretty. We revisit the pilot of the show that had everyone asking the all important question: “Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah?” Join TV Pilot’s License for a discussion on the impossibly expensive soundtrack, summer vacation memories, Black Cat/Golden Retriever dynamics and the 1998 film “Belly” starring Nas and DMX. See you at Cousins Beach!

With: 

Geoff Kerbis

Max Singer 

Before watching the finale of Hacks, let’s take a trip down memory lane back to its pilot episode. As we prepare to say farewell to Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels we’ve assembled a list of topics stacked higher than the third plate at a Vegas buffet. From car chases, to improv weddings and the upcoming 2026 Philadelphia Eagles season this episode has something for everyone! We’ve recapped this pilot in about the length of time it takes to fly from LA to Vegas. What a tribute!

With:

Geoff Kerbis

Max Singer

Thanks To Riverside For Sponsoring The Pod! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click this link to learn more!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

UNBREAKABLE! In what felt like a revelation when it premiered on a streamer back in 2015, we revisit the pilot of The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt from Tina Fey and Robert Carlock of 30 Rock fame. Tune in as we discuss cancelled celebrity jump scares, Autotune the News, the allure of Dylan’s Candy Bar and whether or not dancing really is all about butts now. It’s a brand new episode of TV Pilot’s License!

With:

Geoff Kerbis

Max Singer

Thanks To Riverside For Sponsoring The Pod! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click this link to learn more!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Think of a 90s sitcom. Any one. Now think of the stereotypes of a 90s sitcom. That’s right, you’re thinking of The King of Queens. Featuring the legendary Jerry Stiller, a baby faced Patton Oswalt and a shorts wearing Kevin James, it was the last comedy to premiere in the 90s to finish its run on network tv. We’re talking NY sports, old school big screen TVs and the most wait a minute moments we’ve had in a while. 

With

Geoff Kerbis

Max Singer

Thanks To Riverside For Sponsoring The Pod! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click this link to learn more!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You get the best of both worlds this week on a brand new TVPL looking back on 20 years of Hannah Montana! Joining us this week is returning guest J. W. Crump (Pod Ledom) to discuss our favorite pop music from artists both fictitious and real, the acting prowess of Billy Ray Cyrus and so much more! Hannah’s concert may be sold out but you’ve got a front row seat to all the action as we recap one of Disney’s biggest hits! Thanks To Riverside For Sponsoring The Pod! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click this link to learn more!With:Geoff KerbisMax SingerGuest: J. W. Crump

What happens when two of TV’s hottest comedy writers team up? On the latest TVPL we’re taking a look at Netflix’s new series “Big Mistakes” from Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott. Join us for a discussion on all things Laurie Metcalf, the pulse racing score from Peaches and an appreciation for the humble veal cutlet. Does this brand new crime-comedy series make our must watch list? Listen to TV Pilot’s License and find out!

With:

Geoff Kerbis

Max Singer

Thanks To Riverside For Sponsoring The Pod! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click this link to learn more!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠