Andrew and Steve sit down with Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Ken Estin,whose TV resume includes Taxi, Cheers, The Tracey Ullman Show, and The Tortellis. Interestingly, through his work on Tracey Ullman, Ken played a significant role in the creation of The Simpsons. Also joining the conversation is author Paula Finn, who will discuss her new book, Sitcom Writers Talk Shop: Behind the Scenes with Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, and Other Geniuses of TV Comedy. Finn is the daughter of...

Andrew and Steve sit down with author Paula Finn to discuss her new book, Sitcom Writers Talk Shop: Behind the Scenes with Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, and Other Geniuses of TV Comedy.  Finn is the daughter of Herbert Finn, notable TV writer for such series as The Honeymooners, Jackie Gleason Show, The Flintstones, Gilligan’s Island, and Dennis the Menace. Also joining the conversation is Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Ken Estin, whose TV resume includes Taxi, Cheers, The Tracey...

Happy Trails.   Inside the Box: The TV History Podcast is taking a hiatus. It will either be really long, or perhaps permanent. Jonathan explains why, discusses the show’s highlights, thanks Andrew and Steve, and provides an overview of the best episodes (also listed below). Thanks everyone for all of your support. -Jonathan, Steve, & Andrew.  Internet Archive: link Top 10: Best of Inside the Box: Episode 01 – Introduction of TV at the 1939 World’s...

In this encore presentation, Steve, Andrew, and Jonathan discuss the often forgotten DuMont television network. Innovative, with stations in key east coast major markets, the DuMont network was ultimately done in by a combination of forces — the least of which being its uncooperative partner, Paramount Studios. Join us as we discuss DuMont and its legacy upon others’ later attempts at establishing a fourth network. Here is the link to the original episode’s blog post: link Then be sure to...

In honor of last week’s D-Day anniversary (June 6), we present an encore presentation of episode 48: TV During WW2. This week join Andrew as he leads a discussion with Steve and Jonathan about how TV was used not before, not after, but during World War II. Contrary to popular belief the then new medium was at least thought about as another technology to be harnessed during the war effort. We also discuss how the rudimentary uses of TV in the immediate post-war era is surprisingly similiar to...

This week, join Jonathan as he provides really “inside baseball” on the question of whether Saturday Night Live uses more guest stars today than in the past. Then be sure to stop back two weeks from now on Thursday June 14, 2018 to listen to our next full length episode. You can leave a comment on this page and can always reach us via email at: [email protected] Twitter: @tvhistorypod On Facebook: Inside The Box – The TV History Podcast You can also catch us on iTunes You can...

This week, join Jonathan as he waxes philosophic about the role of nostalgia in a corporation’s ability to re-sell already-paid for content. Then, he connects this idea to the use of reality TV to do so in a really unecessary and demeaning way – Vh1’s Bands Reunited (2004-2006). Then be sure to stop back two weeks from now on Thursday  May 31st, 2018 to listen to our next full length episode. You can leave a comment on this page and can always reach us via email at:...

In the wake of this year’s National Football League College Player Draft, we thought we’d go WAY back to episode 03! Listen as the guys discuss the American Football League and television duriing the 1960s. Here is the link to our original blog post with additional info and images: link Then be sure to stop back two weeks from now on Thursday May 17th, 2018 to listen to our next full length episode. You can leave a comment on this page and can always reach us via email at:...

This week, join Jonathan as he celebrates the Mike Tyson Mysteries and all the previous athlete cartoons Tyson sends up each week. In this episode, Jonathan discusses 1977’s I Am the Greatest: The Adventures of Muhammad Ali, Mr. T (1983-1986), and Pro Stars (1991). What is it about the athlete that makes us want to see him in a cartoon environment? Why do we so readily make nonsensical cartoon spinoffs of beloved television characters? These answers and more on today’s new episode. Then be...

This week, enjoy an encore presentation of episode 05 where Jonathan, Andrew and Steve discuss and have fun with depictions of 1960s youth culture on television including clips from The Monkees, Dragnet, and Star Trek: the Original Series. The trio also discuss growing up as a re-runs generation in the 1980s depicting culture from twenty years prior. Also the tension between depicting social change that had very real stakes in a muted, rounded-off sharp edges, Hollywood style. So, decide...

This week join Jonathan as he explores the output of TV theme song composer Jesse Frederick and his frequent collaborator Bennett Salvay. What themes these Mille/Boyett productions embraced in order to get, and stay on the air? How these theme songs helped to sell these situations and emotions for uplifting, increasingly family-oriented programming. Then be sure to stop back two weeks from now on April 05, 2018 to listen to our next full length episode. You can leave a comment on this page...

This week join Jonathan as he has some light fun looking at shows that did a 180 in their premises either mid-season or between seasons: Nichols (NBC, 1971-1972); Going Places (ABC, 1990-1991); and Baywatch Nights (syndication, 1995-1997). A lighthearted look at the ridiculousness that ensues when such drastic changes are made to a program’s premise. Then be sure to stop back two weeks from now on March 22, 2018 to listen to our next full length episode. You can leave a comment on this page...

This week join Jonathan as he asks the question why a performer so likable, versatile, and successful, seemingly so easily forgotten? Does the age when a performer passes, have an effect? Does the audiences’ interpretation about what makes the performer effective, play a role? Join Jonathan as he asks this question using the case study of actor and comedian John Candy (1950-1994). Then be sure to stop back two weeks from now on March 08, 2018 to listen to our next full length episode. You...

This week join Steve, Andrew, and Jonathan on an encore presentation of our Mr. Rogers episode to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Mr. Rogers’ debut (February 19, 1968). In this episode we discuss Fred Rogers as a counter-cultural figure. Can we view his choices regarding race and sexual preference as revolutionary? Pragmatic? or did he simply NOT do enough? Join us as we attempt to unwrap the relationship between Mr. Rogers, social issues, and his own personal spirituality. Here is the link...

This week join Jonathan as he provides a way-too-early historical assessment of Jerry Seinfeld’s career. Using a lot of short clips, Jonathan ponders whether one day Seinfeld will suffer a similar fate to Harold Lloyd in the annals of history. Then be sure to stop back two weeks from now on February 8, 2018 to listen to our next full length episode. You can leave a comment on this page and can always reach us via email at: [email protected] Twitter: @tvhistorypod On Facebook:...

This week join Jonathan as he provides a broad introduction to presenting pop music on US television, in particular, some of the precursors to the explosive success of MTV beginning in August 1981. NPR’s story on the first music video: link Great fan site for the Video Concert Hall: link Then be sure to stop back two weeks from now on January 25, 2018 to listen to our next full length episode. You can leave a comment on this page and can always reach us via email at:...