Shows
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 593--The Next LineA personal favorite show of Greg and Mike's is this spiritual successor to The New Liar's Club, but with various types of lines from movies, songs, and factual statements, and without even a single mention of Shoddy Laroux. The game is derivative, but the real reason we did the show is because someone wanted to bring up the end theme and its similarities to video games of the era.
2025-11-2132 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents: TV Guide's 50 Worst Shows of All-Time List (Part 2)Last year, we went over TV Guide's 50 Worst Shows of All-Time list from 2001 and thought about which shows should be removed from the list and what shows we would add from the last 20+ years since the list was released.
This year, Mike, Greg, and Chico present their re-rankings of what they think are the 50 Worst Shows of All-Time based on what they kept from TV Guide's 2001 list and what shows they added from Part 1.
For new listeners, you can listen to Part 1 of this special from last year at this link. - https://www.itwasathingontv...
2025-11-0630 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkAnnouncement about the future of It Was a Thing on TVMike has some announcements about the future of the podcast. (No, we're not ending, at least now.) We hope you embrace some of the forthcoming changes to the podcast.
2025-06-0109 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents: Before the Show VIIIn the newest edition of Before the Show, Greg and Mike discuss the shocking heel turn of an invisible man at the WWE Elimination Chamber PLE last week in Toronto. Mike also talks about the recently released Cheers trading card set from Rittenhouse.
Then Chico joins us for Segment 2 where they discuss the Sun Belt Gauntlet, Doug Gottlieb's Reign of Error in Green Bay, and the recent passing of George Lowe the voice of Space Ghost before they preview what's to come this week on the podcast.
Download this or Dwayne will threaten to take...
2025-03-091h 16
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 543--The Episode of Airwolf with Bryan CranstonIn honor of a very nice birthday coming up for Bryan Cranston we honor two guest appearances this week that he did early in his acting career. The first is a 1986 episode of "Airwolf" in a villain of the week turn in which he confronts his ex-girlfriend at a sorority reunion on the Queen Mary! Can the Airwolf crew manage to save the day?
In this and the next episode with Mike away, Greg and Chico are joined by an alternate this week in Aaron Sica as he shares his reaction to watching an episode of "Airwolf"...
2025-03-0354 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 542--Sledge Hammer!This coming Monday, Mike is celebrating his birthday (the big 5-0) and he chose this as his Money in the Bank pick, a cult classic about a police inspector with a hair trigger temper, as well as a hair trigger on his very large Magnum gun. It was good enough to squeak by for two seasons. As for this selection, trust Mike. He knows what he's doing.
2025-02-271h 25
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Instant Reaction--The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl Post GameThe 2nd Annual Pop-Tarts Bowl saw Iowa State defeat Miami in the last few moments but the real fun was just beginning. Game MVP Rocco Becht had to choose which three of the Pop-Tarts Bowl mascots would be cooked to be eaten. Mike and Greg came on following the game to give their live reaction to the cooking along with providing play-by-play to the end of the Bengals/Broncos game. Remember "FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!"
2024-12-2947 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents: Mike Rips 2024 Allen and GinterAs faithful listeners may know, Greg and Mike enjoy their trading cards. Greg has opened junk wax packs in the past. Mike prefers more recent (and more expensive) cards. This week, Mike's favorite series, Allen and Ginter, dropped its 2024 series of cards, which contain not just athletes, but celebrities and oddball subsets. Enjoy as Mike rips open a 24-pack hobby box of the 2024 Allen and Ginter series.
2024-11-0243 minThe It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Instant Reaction--Greg Opens Junk Wax, Volume 2In celebration of the Mets reaching the NLCS, Greg decides to open some of his junk wax packs to share with Mike and Chico. Enjoy the talk about Tom Candiotti, Todd Zeile and Glenn Braggs.
2024-10-1226 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Delayed Reaction--The Mets Wild Week in Atlanta & MilwaukeeThe New York Mets had a nutty last week and a half going from Atlanta to Milwaukee to Atlanta to Milwaukee as they clinched in a playoff spot in dramatic fashion on the last day of the regular season and advanced to the NLDS in a thrilling three-game Wild Card round.
Greg shares with Mike in this delayed reaction his thoughts regarding the week that was and at the end, they look at the upcoming Division Series match-ups.
2024-10-0542 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents: Before the Show VIIn our latest "Before the Show" Greg and Mike in Segment 1 go over one of their latest things in the pre-show segments by looking at the College Football announcer pairings for the week. They also discussed Shannon Sharpe's um ........ social media skills earlier this week.
Then in Segment 2, Chico joins on as they discuss the rating system Mike has created for Quinn Martin's opening title sequences and looking ahead as Episode 500 approaches.
2024-09-1555 minThe It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Delayed Reaction--Guillermo Rodriguez on Celebrity Name GameMike shared a little nugget with the other guys earlier this week. That message became the seed of this Delayed Reaction, reacting to events which happened close to a decade ago. Dynasty? Really?
2024-06-3008 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Instant Reaction--The EA Sports College Football 25 TrailerOne of the most anticipated sports video games in a long time just released its first gameplay trailer. Mike, Greg, and Chico in this Instant Reaction watch the trailer for EA Sports College Football 25 trailer, the first entry in the EA College Football franchise since 2013.
2024-05-1915 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents: Before the Show VIn the latest "Before the Show" Greg and Chico in segment one give their thoughts about WrestleMania XL where Cody Rhodes was crowned the new WWE Champion ending Roman Reigns' three-year title reign.
They also talk about AEW airing the backstage footage of CM Punk and Jack Perry from All In London 2023. The less said about that the better.
Then Mike comes in for segment two where they discuss various topics including the recent renewal of "Press Your Luck", "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" on Discovery Life, and the finale of "Curb Your Enthusiasm".
2024-04-151h 00
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkLive Show 48–The UFL (2024) Premiere WeekThe merged league that has come out of the USFL and XFL is finally here! Mike and Greg watch some of the action from the new United Football League's first day while finding out about various things like what a former Penn State QB is doing now in 2024, Denver Nuggets Super Mascot Rocky, and Brown Energy!
Don't ask about the Brown Energy.
2024-03-302h 50
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 458--The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed GrimleyMike's birthday is this weekend and he played his Money in the Bank on this short-lived cartoon that, while absolutely hilarious, aired at the wrong time slot and/or aired either a few years early or a few years late. Celebrate Mike's birthday by getting completely mental with Ed Grimley and those in his universe.
2024-02-291h 05
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents: Before the Show IVIn the fourth edition of It Was a Thing on TV Presents: Before the Show, Mike and Greg discuss the recent news of the merger between the USFL and the XFL as the new version of the United Football League (UFL).
They also discuss "Steamboat Willie" and the OG Mickey Mouse entering the public domain along with the really bad horror attempts with Mickey along with Greg recently getting a PS5.
Then, Chico joins in for Segment 2 where they talk about Ric Flair shilling crypto, the latest headaches at ESPN, and Hulk Hogan with the...
2024-01-071h 03The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Instant Reaction--The Pop-Tarts BowlHistory was made on Thursday Night as Kansas State and NC State played in the first-ever Pop-Tarts Bowl! Hilarity ensued as the winning team not only won a trophy with Pop-Tarts sticking out but the game's mascot a six-foot tall Pop-Tart was eaten at the end of the game! Mike, Greg and Chico saw this and had to share their reaction to this incredible moment!
2023-12-3020 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 439–The David Letterman Holiday Film FestivalIn 1985 and 1986, David Letterman presented two special episodes of Late Night with David Letterman around the holiday season highlighting short films by various celebrities. We analyze these short films and offer our commentary in this holiday episode of It Was a Thing on TV.
1985 segments
"PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome" (Andrea Martin/Catherine O'Hara) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwLTCayIeSw (Uploaded by Darian Glover)
"Angst on a Shoestring" (Bette Midler) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Jfs8bK6WQ (Uploaded by Darian Glover)
"Dress Cool" (Paul S...
2023-12-251h 31
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Outtakes: Tom Poston’s ComaToday is the 40th Anniversary of Tom Poston's mini-coma at the Super Match on The Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour. In honor of this moment we present an outtake between episodes of a taping in 2020 as Mike gives some play-by-play of this legendary moment.
This outtake was heard in Episode 100 but this is the first time we are presenting this by itself.
2023-12-2302 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 422--The ESPN Halloween DerbyOn Halloween Eve 2006, ESPN got several fans involved in a unique event where the fans were dressed as Monday Night Football personalities. This happened once and never again. Were fans creeped out by a big-headed Chris Berman racing down a football field? Could it be because several of the big heads almost fell off? Join Greg and Mike as they look at this one-time experiment.
2023-10-2641 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents: Before the Show 3In our third edition of Before the Show, Mike busts open a box of Topps Allen and Ginter 2023 and goes over with Greg some of the various cards in this year's set.
Afterward, Chico joins Mike and Greg for the second half of the show as they discuss the programming (or lack of) on the soon-to-be defunct Longhorn Network including an annual Christmas tradition involving the University of Texas' mascot Bevo.
Finally, Mike talks about his trip last weekend to Buffalo to see Marc Summers' one-man show.
2023-09-2459 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 410--That (Awful) Quiz ShowOn this installment, Greg and Mike talk about an obscure show which ran very briefly in the early 1980s, hosted by a pair of brothers whose biggest claim to fame was being the shortest pair of twins in the world. The pair made some appearances on movies and TV, including a segment on Real People, which was apparently enough to give them this (awful) hosting gig.
2023-09-1432 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents (09.12.23)Mike and Greg recap a wild Week 1 in the NFL on a special It Was a Thing on TV Presents.
Among the things discussed are the debuts of Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, Tyreek Hill's great game against the Chargers, the Giants laying an egg against the Cowboys, Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury, and the Jets' walk-off win against Buffalo.
2023-09-131h 29The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Instant Reaction--Greg Opens Junk Wax, Volume 1In this special Instant Reaction, Greg opens packs of old sports cards as Mike and Chico react to some of his cards. Can Greg pull a possible PSA 10 Emmitt Smith Rookie from Score 1990 Football?
2023-08-2326 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 389--Hardball Hot Seat20 years ago on Sunday, the finals of the 2002-03 Hardball Hot Seat competition should have aired. It didn't and thanks to Mike, one of the event's finalists, we provide you the inside scoop about why it didn't air, and other goodies about Mike's experiences at both the original Hot Seat taping in October 2002 and with the finals.
2023-06-1053 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 363--NES and Super NES CommercialsIn honor of the upcoming release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in theaters next week, we present this episode dedicated to commercials to our favorite 8-bit and 16-bit systems.
NES Commercials
NES “Will You Be the One” with Rob and the Zapper (1985) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-CwI14vaL0
NES “You Are About to Come Face to Face” (1986) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gP1XYki8Ew
NES “Will You Be the One” Commercial with Super Mario (1986) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uSOESHNhHY
NES “Wh...
2023-03-301h 28
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkLive Show 39–Dorf on the DiamondIn honor of MLB Opening Day coming up, we present this special live show recorded on Stream Lounge as Mike, Greg and Chico watch Tim Conway as that loveable Dorf try to show us how to play baseball and root, root, root for the home team!
Dorf on the Diamond - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKyCLX5eb10
2023-03-2650 minThe It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Instant Reaction--The March 22, 2023 episode of Jeopardy!Because of last night's episode of Jeopardy!, we have a new type of show. Mike felt the need to talk about last night's episode of Jeopardy! and what could be called an historic moment.
2023-03-2311 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 358--Uncle Croc’s BlockDid you ever notice some people have some shows essentially omitted from their resumes? We had never heard about Charles Nelson Reilly on Uncle Croc's Block until Mike went down a rabbit hole one night. And after seeing this and its associated cartoons, you can't blame CNR from forgetting this misstep.
2023-03-1644 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 354--Madame’s PlaceIt's time for Mike's annual Money in the Bank selection. This year, he went with a comedy set around a puppet, her life, and her TV show. Madame's Place was racy and had big guest stars. But when you're going up against late night fare like Carson, it won't end well.
2023-03-021h 39
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 217--The 1985 Macy‘s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Director’s Cut)Originally recorded back in Thanksgiving of 2021, it's the final edition of our Director's Cuts that we released over at the Place to be Nation POP Experience with over 20 minutes of new material not in the original cut.
We bring you this special Director's Cut of the 1985 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which features Mike ranting about Your Numbers Up being preempted, a Cabbage Patch Kids commercial with Estelle Harris and a poster involving former New York Jets QB Ken O'Brien?
OH NEAT!
2023-02-042h 03
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents: Before the ShowFor the first time ever here on Podbean, we bring you the preshow we do before the show. There's been so much going on in the past week that we have to talk about it to you right here. Enjoy as we discuss the dumpster fire going on at Twitter, Newlywed Game '96 on BUZZR and the time Johnny Olson won a Boy George look alike contest!
Timestamps
0:03 - Intro/Twitter is a dumpster fire
3:16 - FTX goes bankrupt as the Crypto market crashes
7:28 - We get an Instagram comment
2022-11-1357 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkLive Show 25–Mac and MeFor the 25th Live Show, Greg and Mike look at the 1988 ET ripoff "Mac and Me". A little alien is stranded on Earth away from his family where he befriends a little boy (does this look like anything?). Also, he and his family need Coke to live for some reason.
But yes, folks nothing about this movie would be complete without talking about Paul Rudd's favorite scene. Grab a Big Mac and listen to Greg and Mike watch the cinematic masterpiece that is "Mac and Me".
2022-10-012h 01
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkLive Show 22–Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction - Season 2, Episode 4Mike, Greg and Chico are back for their second livewatch of Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction.
We watch another episode from Season 2 as Jonathan Frakes shows us stories about a retiring pro wrestler, a haunting VHS tape, a woman haunted by the ghost of her dead mother at a clothing store, an insurance scam and an escaping prisoner.
Play along with Mike and Chico as they determine what is truth and what is downright bullfunky.
"Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction - Season 2, Episode 4" (Full Episode) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
2022-09-101h 07
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 304--The T.Ocho ShowTonight (September 8) is the start to the National Football League season and we mark the occasion with a look at a short-lived reality/discussion show starring the two biggest diva football players of the early 2010s. Also, Mike tries taking their Twitter handle and...hilarity ensues.
2022-09-081h 32
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 276--The WTF Prizes of Press Your Luck"The Whammy" is your guide to one more episode related to Press Your Luck. This time, Greg and Mike talk about some of the oddball prizes from all versions of Press Your Luck, including the current version, Whammy!, and the one-off Game Show Marathon episode.
2022-06-021h 32
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkLive Show 16--Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction - Season 2, Episode 11In the most recent taping session, we brought up Jonathan Frakes and the cult classic Late 90's/Early 2000's FOX show "Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction".
In this special live show, Greg presents an episode featuring three potential show Hall of Famers in the five stories in this Season 2 episode. At the end of the episode, Mike and Chico will determine if these five stories pass the smell test.
Since this is a live show there were some problems with Mike's speaker system where the show audio was playing on his external speakers but that...
2022-05-2759 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 262--StumptownMCU month rolls along with a recent series where Cobie Smulders has a lot of lesbian sex and some other stuff happens in Portland. This was a good show but sadly the pandemic reared it's ugly head forcing the show's premature end. Also, there's a brief discussion spoiling Episode 4 of "Moon Knight" at the start. You've been warned.
"I really got derailed at the lesbian sex part" - Mike
2022-04-251h 35
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 261--Mister SterlingBefore he was Thanos and Wade Wilson's sidekick, Josh Brolin in 2003 starred in this NBC political drama about a California Senator. Can a prison teacher turned politician survive in the wild world of D.C. in this modern-day Mr. Smith Goes to Washington?
Also, we briefly touch on one of Mike's adventures involving one of the show's guest stars around this time.
2022-04-2156 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 247--The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle ShowIt's Mike's birthday and he played his Money in the Bank on this?! Take three musical brothers who gained a modicum of popularity in the 70s despite having no big musical hits and add a cast of zany characters including the future Unknown Comic. What do you get? A repetitive and derivative show which lasted 16 shows.
2022-03-031h 15
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents (02.13.22)It's Super Bowl Sunday! You could sit and listen to bunch of so-called "experts" tell you who's gonna win between the Rams and the Bengals or you could listen to Greg and Mike talk about who they think will be the key players in Super Bowl LVI. And also they talk about if the Bengals can win this game for the sweet prince Harambe!
They also discuss in the second half of the show the David Letterman YouTube channel, the NFL Draft and the Puppy Bowl!
2022-02-131h 17
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkLive Show 11–Nickelodeon’s Coverage of the 2022 NFL Wild CardNickelodeon's coverage of the NFL Wild Card was one of the big surprises of 2021 and ended up being a fun broadcast. Like last year we're live watching all the fun as the slime cannons are back in full force!
Greg watches the start of the second half of the 49ers/Cowboys game with Mike joining about a half-hour in as they watch this game go down to the wire with a final playcall that had both of them scratching their heads.
But let's all appreciate the fact we now have a NVP award winner named...
2022-01-171h 51The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkA reading of ”The Golden Girls ’Twas the Night Before Christmas”We present to you Mike reading from the 2018 literary classic The Golden Girls 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Enjoy and happy holidays.
2021-12-2604 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 20–WWTBAM? wannabes from 2000 (Remastered)It's the final edition of the It Was a Thing on TV remastered series and we're closing it with a look back at Episode 20 and the attempts to capitalize on the success of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? back in 2000.
We look at It's Your Chance of a Lifetime, Winning Lines and the 2000 version of Twenty-One. The gang talks about the greatness of the Wonderwall on Winning Lines and Mike talks about the time he auditioned for Twenty-One back in late 1999.
2021-10-1357 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkLive Show 9--The Legends of the Hidden Temple (2021) premiereThis is one show we have been anticipating for some time. Greg (for 20 or so minutes), Chico, and Mike watch the debut episode of the Legends of the Hidden Temple reboot. Since it is a live show and we like keeping as much of the show intact as possible, you'll hear the same technical difficulties we experienced.
2021-10-111h 10
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 19–Super Jeopardy! and Monopoly (Remastered)The next-to-last edition of the It Was a Thing on TV remastered series looks at one of ABC's first experiments with summer game shows back in 1990 with Super Jeopardy! and Monopoly.
This episode has it all four player Jeopardy! games, stories of when Mike and Chico faced off against form Jeopardy! champions, Monopoly's way too complicated ruleset and the lady who played Lumpy in the Star Wars Holiday Special!
2021-10-0650 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkLive Show 8--The Whew! preview marathon on BUZZRWe've been waiting for this day to happen for weeks. For the first time in over 41 years, Whew! has aired on US broadcast television. Mike is here for the entire 3 hours, while Chico hops in about an hour and 45 minutes into the show. Charge your way to listening to a day none of us ever thought would happen.
2021-09-063h 05The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkIt Was a Thing on TV Presents (09.03.21)Greg and Chico are back with a new edition of It Was a Thing on TV Presents here on Podbean as they give their thoughts on James Gunn's DC movie "The Suicide Squad".
They have discussions about Harley Quinn's morals, the greatness of King Shark and his sad attempt at a fake mustache and just how the actors performed around someone who was invisible!
Then they talk about the recent teaser trailer for "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and where they believe things are going to shake up as far as the rumored castings of the...
2021-09-031h 10
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 164--Wink Martindale's Interactive Games on The Family ChannelThe mid-90s were a big period for game shows on cable, between Game Show Network's start, a possible Game Show Channel, and a foundation for that Game Show Channel--interactive game shows from Wink Martindale et al. We look at the quartet of games which could be played at home on a telephone keypad. Mike also shares his story about how he almost won some big prizes from one of those games.
2021-05-2043 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 9–The 1983 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (Remastered)Our next edition of the remastered series goes back to Episode 9 and The 1983 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Relive Mike, Chico and Greg talk about the Superman balloon that won't show his face, Charley Pride showing off his new album to the crowd, the meeting of the two America's Asses and Joey Lawrence (WHOA!).
2021-05-1951 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 8–Judge Wapner's Animal Court (Remastered)Our next edition of the remastered edition goes back to Episode 8 when Mike, Chico and Greg took a look at this weird entry in the exploding courtroom genre in the late 1990's. Somehow, Animal Planet didn't bother to bring back Doug Llewelyn for Judge Wapner's Animal Court even though they had the money for Rusty the Bailiff.
2021-05-1525 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisodes 6 & 7–Meow Manor and Lidsville (Remastered)Today you get a special treat in the latest edition of our remastered series. You're getting two episodes for the price of one! (and because Episode 6 is less than 20 minutes which is what we'd consider a Minisode today)
First, Mike and Greg look at Meow Manor a weird show with cats that came from Iceland which aired on UPtv around 2017. It's Big Brother with cats basically.
Then, they took a look at what they considered at the time to be one of the most offensive topics covered (oh if only they knew what else was...
2021-05-091h 10
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 3–Manimal and Automan (Remastered)It's the second edition in the remastered series of our early episodes. This time we go back at Episode 3 where Mike and Greg looked at two of Glen Larson's 1983 outings Manimal and Automan.
Listen as Greg enjoys the greatness of Simon McCorkindale and his Falcon as Mike shakes his head while they visit a little place called ZIPPERS?!?! BTW, Cursor is still a little pervert.
2021-04-1856 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 141--You Don't Know JackIt was to be Paul Reubens' bounce back role after Pee Wee's Playhouse was cancelled. You Don't Know Jack is but a blip in TV history, a deviation from what TV audiences were used to seeing. Mike used his Money in the Bank on this and by the end of this episode, he regrets selecting this show.
2021-03-0445 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 99–Kamelion on Doctor WhoDoctor Who has had many memorable characters in it's almost 60-year history on the BBC. However, not every character can be Sarah Jane Smith, Amy Pond or even K-9. Meet Kamelion, a robot who's apparently not a robot. A character so bad he only appeared in two televised Doctor Who serials but has since appeared in many spin-off Doctor Who books and audio dramas in which some of the plots of them will leave you confused.
On a serious note, our co-host Mike recently had a serious trip to the hospital which we address in the cold...
2020-10-1544 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 98--Hometown CommercialsWho doesn't love a good hometown commercial? They're goofy, they're low-budget, they're corny, and often they're viral. We look at over a dozen such ads. Greg also raves about The Sega Channel and Mike talks about his run-in with presumably the star of one of these ads.
Commercials in this episode, in order:
Right Price Furniture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BdDpV5eI94
Ieuter and Secor Insurance Agents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l0ZmTLdy-A
TCI Cable Brookhaven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clxl56hsP2k
Monterey-Salinas Transit: https://www.youtube...
2020-10-011h 01
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 92--The worst Monday Night Football game ever from 2007The NFL season starts tonight! (Who knows how long it will last...) In celebration of the start of the new season, we look at what is considered the worst Monday Night Football game, a 2007 affair between the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though Miami had a forgettable team that year, that wasn't the primary reason this game was bad.
2020-09-1041 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 91--Double Dare (1985)It's not the Double Dare from 1976 which was previously covered, nor is it the Double Dare on Nickelodeon a year later. This Double Dare was a cop show in the vein of Miami Vice which lasted just over a month on CBS, starring TV's Wiseguy and the guy who is as cool as the cool side of the pillow.
2020-09-0743 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 90--Golden BallsFrom the era of Deal or No Deal, we get a game of luck, truth telling, psychology, some memory, and lots of balls. 2/3 of us didn't like it. If you like it, you likely will really enjoy Golden Balls. It was popular for a brief period of time, but quickly faded away to obscurity.
Link to weirdest Split or Steal round ever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0qjK3TWZE8
2020-09-0348 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 89--Learning the RopesWhen late 80s family sitcoms and wrestling overlap, the end result is the short-lived Canadian entry Learning the Ropes, starring Lyle Alzado. We also determine the Canadian equivalents of TV shows it seems everything goes back to.
2020-08-3159 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 88--AfterMASHM*A*S*H is one of television's most popular shows ever, yet its spinoff AfterMASH lasted less than a season and a half. Was it too derivative from the parent show's plot? Did it just run its course?
2020-08-2753 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 87--College Comedies of 1979We're going back to school with three shows from early 1979, which tried capitalizing off the success of Animal House. All three were busts, though each show produced quality future talent. Also in this show, Mr. Whipple typecasting and ZIPPER?!
2020-08-241h 20
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkMinisode 2--Mr. MicrophoneAs an homage to the recent Omnibus podcast episode about Ronco, we look at commercials for what is likely Ronco's most popular product, Mr. Microphone. Greg's dad also proposes new rules to football.
2020-08-2217 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 86--Playboy's Roller Disco and Pajama PartyJoin two of the top playboys from the 1970s, Hugh Hefner and Richard Dawson, for a night of roller skating, disco music, and tastefully done Playboy photo shoots in this 1979 special which epitomizes the late 70s nicely.
2020-08-2044 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 85--The Third Annual Collegiate Cheerleading Championships from 1980Like many things in the 70s and 80s, minor happenings were turned into celebrity-laden events for television. It happened to collegiate cheerleading in 1980, infusing it with such personalities as Magic Johnson, Catherine Bach, and...Willie Shoemaker?
2020-08-1741 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 84--Steve Martin's The Winds of WhoopeeThis episode is shorter than usual because under half of it is online and it is more of a retrospective than anything. But really, that title is why we're here.
2020-08-1324 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 83--David Letterman Shows Within the ShowWho doesn't enjoy late night television's comedy bits between the monologue and the first guest? We like them so much, we are devoting episodes to such segments which we affectionately call "shows within the show." Our first look at late night shows within the show is David Letterman, running the gamut from a troubled teen who is clearly not a troubled teen, to a spoof of one of the most popular and controversial shows of the day.
2020-08-1036 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 82--Blind JusticeIn 2005, ABC was breaking new ground with Desperate Housewives and Lost. Another show in the mix which absolutely bombed was the Steven Bochco police procedural Blind Justice. This is the first show where all three of us gave up on it. It's that bad.
2020-08-0653 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 81--Tribute to Regis PhilbinAs we mentioned in episode 80, while we were recording that episode, word broke that Regis Philbin passed away. We felt we should honor the television legend both by looking back at one of his more forgettable shows, The Neighbors, but also by offering up our memories and favorite Regis moments, including Regis on Password Plus with someone from a previous entry.
2020-08-0350 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkMinisode 1--Taskmaster USThe CW will start airing reruns of the amazing UK version of Taskmaster, starting on Sunday, August 2. It isn't the first appearance of the creative competition show. Comedy Central had a series of 8 episodes in 2018 which quickly disappeared. If it's so good, what happened?
2020-08-0213 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 80--The Noel Edmonds ShowIn 1986, Bruce Forsyth wasn't the only UK entertainer to be imported by ABC. For one week, UK legend Noel Edmonds had his own self-titled talk show following Nightline. Even throwing out a gaggle of superstar guests didn't get the show a longer run.
2020-07-3037 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 79--CondoTwo families tied together through relationships struggle with each other on an ABC sitcom in the early 80s. Where have we heard that? Soap, but also this entry from people who brought you Soap--the McLean Stevenson vehicle Condo. Could this series have gotten a popular emcee his iconic hosting gig?
2020-07-2744 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 78--The Hollywood GameFrom a listener request, we look at the very short-lived CBS entry from summer 1992, The Hollywood Game, where your knowledge of movies past and present could pay off handsomely.
2020-07-2332 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 77--The WTF stories of Unsolved MysteriesEverybody loves Unsolved Mysteries. In honor of the recent reboot on Netflix, we look at a dozen of the more bizarre stories from the original series including stories involving a magic rock, lightning strikes, and a death chair.
2020-07-201h 04
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 76--Xavier: Renegade AngelThis show is likely the most bizarre show we will cover. Greg took copious notes on each of the 20 episodes of this Adult Swim series which makes Aqua Teen Hunger Force look straight-laced.
Warning: The language is inappropriate occasionally in this episode.
2020-07-161h 36
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 75--Video PowerVideo Power--is it a video game cartoon or a video game game show? ¿Porque no los dos? This might be the only show we will cover which can be classified as a show in two different genres, while keeping the general premise intact.
Video Power contestant interview: https://lakupo.com/grblitz/video%20power.htm
2020-07-131h 02
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 74--Password All Stars and Password in 1975Password is a timeless classic which came off as dated in 1974. What's a show to do? Raise the stakes, upgrade the set, and for a brief while in 1974 and 1975, turn it into a celebrity tournament. These changes didn't help, as the show was off the air by mid-1975.
2020-07-0933 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 73--The first episode of 20/2020/20 has been a television staple for over four decades. Its start was a different beast than the 20/20 we have seen for years, from a graphic expose to words and their definitions to Claymation animations.
2020-07-0639 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 72--GoGo was in the death slot of Noon and had a very short life, despite being a exciting, action packed game. All 3 of us look at how the game was played with the assistance of Funko Pop dolls. (You wish this episode was a video podcast.) Also bad impersonations of Johnny Olson.
2020-07-0237 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 71--Herb Abrams' Universal Wrestling FederationIn May, our first live show was on the Dark Side of the Ring installment about Herb Abrams. On this episode, we go a bit deeper into this feeble attempt to topple the WWF (now WWE) empire.
2020-06-2947 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 70--The Nutt House14 years after prior installment When Things Were Rotten, Mel Brooks returned to TV with The Nutt House. It had Mel Brooks behind it. It had Cloris Leachman. It had Harvey Korman. Yet it lasted all of 5 episodes.
2020-06-2545 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 69--When Things Were RottenMel Brooks is a legend, both for his work in film and on television. He had something in Fall 1975 with When Things Were Rotten, but it had rotten luck and a rotten time slot versus two powerhouse shows plus it might have been a little ahead of its time.
2020-06-221h 03
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 68--The Game Show Finales of June 20, 1980 and The David Letterman ShowThis week 40 years ago saw the temporary ends of three game shows, each of which would return to TV by 1987. That week also saw the birth of a legend, though he made his mark in late night. We look at the three NBC game show finales of June 20, 1980 and their replacement, The David Letterman Show in this timely installment of the podcast.
2020-06-1854 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 67--Break the Bank (every US version)Three completely different shows, one title--Break the Bank. One was good, one was basic, and one was a mess. And how does one Mrs. Mickey Kennedy Branson play a role in all of this?
2020-06-1544 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 66--We Got it MadeWe Got It Made was a dog of a show in 1983-84 that NBC tried to get people to watch by having the cast show up on NBC broadcasts. Yet, it got a second season for the Primetime Starts at 7:30 block in 1987.
2020-06-111h 00
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 65--Supermarket Sweep, Season 1 in 1990Everybody loves the action and fun on Supermarket Sweep. The show we know and love was quite different in its first season, a bare bones version with some odd additions that didn't last long. Come for the caviar, stay for Mr. Yuk.
2020-06-0842 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 64--Open All NightThis show was brought to our attention by Greg, as he stumbled across a cameo in the 4th episode. Open All Night is not a bad show, just short-lived because it aired on Saturday nights. But that theme song.
2020-06-041h 01
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 63--The Moneymaze1975 was an amazing year for game shows, good and gimmicky. One of the gimmicky games involved people running around a giant maze, trying to win cash and prizes. It sounds corny but The Moneymaze is a fun show to watch.
2020-06-0143 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 61--Primetime starts at 7:30In the Fall 1987 television season, NBC tried starting primetime half an hour earlier than normal. The results were generally bad sitcoms and reverting to an 8 PM start time for primetime starting in Fall 1988. We look at why this block failed and Mike talks about a personal connection with someone from one of the five comedies from this block.
2020-05-2538 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 43--Hulk Hogan commercialsWe look at ads Hulk Hogan has done over the years, from the conventional to the bizarre.
For your benefit, here is an ordered list of the ads covered and where to view them. All links will open up in a new tab.
Honey Nut Cheerios Commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3YTvB11JbY
Hulk Hogan Workout Set - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyuKfO5wUHs
800-LoanMart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogx3GaZoYgo
Right Guard Commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCwzdzA-01Q
Pastamania Promo on WCW N...
2020-03-2643 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 39--Night Stand with Dick DietrickWe talk about the ultimate spoof of daytime talk shows, Night Stand with Dick Dietrick. Topics in this show include successes (and a failure) which came for most of the people behind Night Stand, the time there was an accidental wardrobe malfunction, and what happened when Mike wrote an e-mail to the show.
2020-03-1226 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 20--Who Wants to be a Millionaire wannabes from 2000After Who Wants to be a Millionaire became an overnight smash, every network tried to find a series to capture similar lightning in a bottle. We look at three of these shows--It's Your Chance of a Lifetime, Winning Lines, and Twenty One. Mike also shares details about his tryout for Twenty One in 1999, including the rules to the game at that time.
2020-01-0957 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 19--Super Jeopardy! and MonopolyThe Jeopardy! tournament to discover the greatest player of all time is not ABC's first foray into airing Jeopardy. We look at Super Jeopardy! from summer of 1990, including the times Chico and Mike played against Super Jeopardy! participants. The majority of this episode is devoted to its companion show, Monopoly. We hope you have patience for complex rules!
2020-01-0650 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 13--The Tommy Westphall UniverseMike, Chico, and Greg look into what the Tommy Westphall Universe entails, some of the weird connections including many involving a fictional brand of cigarettes, and we discover what could conceivably be a plethora of new entries.
2019-12-1044 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 7--LidsvilleThings get really trippy as Greg and Mike look at the early 70s televised acid trip known as "Lidsville."
2019-11-1847 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 3--Manimal and AutomanIt's Automan! It's Manimal! It's Automanimal! Mike and Greg look at these two connected shows from 1983/4. #HologramsCannotWearSuits
2019-10-2856 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 2--Mr. SmithMike, Greg, and the third contributor to this endeavor, Chico Alexander, look at one of the most hyped shows in 1983, one that didn't make it to 1984.
2019-10-2146 min
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 1--Match Game/Hollywood Squares HourMike and Greg take a look at Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour which, until recently, had not been seen on television in over 35 years.
2019-10-131h 09
The It Was a Thing on TV Podcast NetworkEpisode 0--It Was a Thing on TV previewMike and Greg introduce the podcast and preview the first official installment of It Was a Thing on TV.
2019-10-1244 min