That Was a Show?

High Society WAS a show. The year was 1995, and women all over New York City were winning publishing companies in divorce settlements. Such was the case with Dorothy "Dott" Emerson, played by Mary McDonnell. She published the trashy yet highly successful romance novels penned by her best friend Ellie Walker, played by Jean Smart. The show is pretty much just about the daily comings and goings of Dott and Ellie as they live it up as outrageously as possible amongst New York’s high society scene. What did Elizabeth Taylor have to do with all of it, and what exactly was Liz Night on CBS?! Brynn, Aaron and Barry put on their best black tie and jewellery, pop some champagne, and try to figure out why this show didn’t get invited to any more parties. Plus, tune in to find out what they mean when they say that this show has major BWD energy!

Father Ted WAS a show…in fact it was the most successful Irish sitcom ever! This surprisingly dark, twisted sitcom left an indelible mark on the Emerald Isle, but it’s been largely forgotten over on this side of the pond. It’s about three Catholic priests who were banished to the fictitious Craggy Island for various sins, and now live together as roommates. How did this show become so uniquely iconic with a mere 25 episodes in existence? Brynn, Aaron & Barry hop on a plane and fly to Ireland to find out!

Welcome to the 90s NBC Must See TV Single-in-the-City Sitcom Universe!

The Single Guy WAS a show…starring Jonathan Silverman, Joey Slotnick, Ming-Na Wen, Jessica Hecht and Ernest Borgnine!

Right smack in the middle of Friends and Seinfeld, NBC had a show that seemed to draw on aspects of both shows to create a bridge between the two. Seinfeld was about single people who want to be single. Friends is about single people who want to be married. Along came The Single Guy, a show about one single man amongst a group of married friends. Late 90s television was the era of the single 30-something hanging out in New York city, so why wasn’t this show a huge hit? Brynn, Aaron & Barry take to the Manhattan streets (but really the Seinfeld backlot in LA) to find out.

Based on the 1995 indie Sundance hit of the same name, Christine Taylor plays Mary, struggling to make a living amidst her fast paced lifestyle in the New York City “club kid” culture where she hosts underground parties with her best friend Derrick, played by John Cameron Mitchell. She gets a job in a library—but can she prove herself as mature and responsible? Can she learn the Dewey Decimal System? Brynn, Aaron and Barry wander through the aisles, find 791.45 GIR and research why this party flopped.

In the 80s and 90s, successful standup comedians were given their own shows. Actually that still happens today. So when a sitcom was developed for George Carlin, one of the greatest standups of all time, clearly this show was going to be a big deal. Clearly it was going to be a hit…right? Brynn, Aaron and Barry hop in a cab, head down Broadway Avenue to The Moylan Tavern, grab a seat at the bar and try to sort out why the taps ran dry on The George Carlin Show.

Brynn, Aaron & Barry celebrate the end of an incredible 2nd season of That Was a Show? They watch and review three very successful sitcoms from the 90s that may or may not be forgotten today…and you’ll have to listen to find out which ones! They also present the 2nd annual TWASies Awards to some of the shows and characters discovered over the past year—including the Baddest Badaptation Award, the Best Betty White Award, the Schlubbiest Dad, and of course the highly prestigious Hunkiest Deadbeat Award!

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Maybe This Time WAS a show. This 1995 sitcom is about the comings and goings of a family owned coffee shop, and stars the likes of Marie Osmond, Ashley Johnson, Any Hill, Craig Ferguson, and saving the best for last here, Betty White! It’s part sarcastic gen-x hangout show and part saccharine kid-friendly family show a la TGIF. Brynn, Aaron and Barry grab a seat at the counter, order a cookie and cappakino, and gab about why this show turned out to be half-baked.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Ned and Stacey WAS a show. He’s a fast talking advertising exec with no scruples. She’s a down on her luck journalist stuck living with her parents. To get a promotion, he needs a wife. To get on with her life, she needs an apartment. What if… they got married? So what if they completely hate each other? Join Brynn, Aaron and Barry as they ‘will they won’t they’ their way through another rom com.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

In this special bonus feature episode, Brynn & Aaron examine the attempted spinoff of The Nanny called The Chatterbox, which never made it past a failed backdoor pilot. This show could be described as The Nanny (without Fran Drescher) meets Dirty Dancing (without heart) meets Cheers (without jokes) and set in a hair salon in deep Queens.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Gloria WAS a show. This 1983 sitcom was a spin-off of a spin-off from the iconic All In The Family universe...but without Norman Lear and Carroll O'Connor. It does have lots of cute animals and the delightful Sally Struthers. Brynn, Aaron and Barry enter this doomed story world by watching not one but TWO pilots to decide whether it should be a part of the Archie Bunker cannon.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Hudson Street WAS a show. Tony Danza plays yet another character named Tony in this story about a divorced police detective in Hoboken, New Jersey. Finally ready to give love another chance, Tony gets set up on a date with newspaper writer Melanie, played by Lori Loughlin. The catch? He’s a tough-on-crime conservative, and she…pretty much just believes in basic civil liberties and due process. In another twist, she lands the city police beat for the New York Times, so now they have to work together! Uh oh… Join Brynn, Aaron and Barry, as they gather evidence for their investigation into why this star-studded sitcom got bumped off after only one season.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Baby Talk WAS a show. She’s a single mother looking for love; he’s a baby whose thoughts we can hear. That’s uh, that’s pretty much it. It’s Baby Talk! Join Brynn, Aaron and Barry, as they try to goo-goo gah-gah their way through this 90s dud that also featured the glorious hair of George Clooney.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Free Spirit WAS a show. A single dad struggles to balance his at-home law practice with raising three kids. When his youngest son casually wishes for someone who’ll pay more attention to him, a witch named Winnie literally drops from the sky into their lives. Dad doesn’t know she’s a supernatural being and hires her as a housekeeper, nanny, mother figure, and possibly a love interest? Yikes is right! Winnie is magic, and can make pretty much anything appear on command. But can she charm her way into this family’s hearts? Obviously yes. Oh, and Alyson Hannigan plays the middle child—and proto-Meg Griffin type—in one of her first roles ever. Brynn, Aaron and Barry conjure up some theories as to why this 1989 trope-fest was quickly made to disappear.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Phenom WAS a show. This 90s family sitcom featured a teenage tennis champ, a Carly Simon song, and Catholic guilt. It had a stacked cast of TV ringers, including Judith Light and William Devane, PLUS top-notch comedy writers! So what happened? Lots of people liked it—especially eight-year-old Brynn! The gang has a rowdy discussion about this series and the "racket" of show business.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

In this special bonus episode, Brynn & Aaron rewind the old VHS collection, and look back at the show It’s Your Move from Season 1, Episode 17 of the podcast. They watch another episode to shine even more light on this edgy 1984 dark comedy.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Something Wilder WAS a show. This harmless family sitcom was developed as a vehicle for the Hollywood legend Gene Wilder. Join Brynn, Aaron & Barry as they make their way through this Gene Pick.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

One Of The Boys WAS a show. What do you get when you bring together Dana Carvey in his first starring role, Nathan Lane in his first starring role, music and acting icon Scatman Crothers, and cap it off with the vaudeville stylings of Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney? Turns out not a lot. This 1982 sitcom is about an energetic senior who ditches the nursing home (where he inexplicably lives because he’s in terrific shape) to move in with his college student grandson and roommate. This show even features appearances from the likes of Olympia Dukakis, and Meg Ryan in her second role ever. Brynn, Aaron, Barry, and special guest co-host, Neal E. Fischer of the podcast Triviality, try to figure out why this show got pulled offstage by that giant cane.

Check out Neal’s great work:

Ferris Bueller WAS a show. The iconic John Hughes classic about high school rebellion from 1986 was reimagined as a sitcom in 1990. Matthew Broderick was replaced by Charlie Schlatter who, much like the Ferris of the film, often breaks the 4th wall to address the audience—only this Ferris is also explicitly aware of the existence of the film, for which he has an apparent disdain. This show also features Jennifer Aniston in her 2nd time at bat. Join Brynn, Aaron, Barry, and special guest Simone Smith who chose this show—looking into the camera—as we cut class and go on an adventure to see why this one got expelled.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Working Girl WAS a show. It was a successful 1988 Mike Nichols movie first, and then naturally they rebooted it as a sitcom two years later. Both working girls are ambitious, from Staten Island, and bop around Manhattan in white sneakers. One of them has "mall bangs" and one does not. One is Melanie Griffith, and one is a pre-Speed Sandra Bullock. Brynn, Aaron and Barry have a lively discussion about the two women named Tess, and if you can believe it, another woman named Bryn (who is short one n)… GASP! Sit back, kick off your high heels and enjoy!

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

A League of Their Own WAS a show. Welcome to the first episode in our “BadAptation” series—the 1992 film “A League of Their Own” was adapted into a sitcom with the same title and premise a mere one year later in 1993. The film was a box office and critical success! The sitcom…lasted 6 episodes, and only 5 aired. That might sound kind of sad, but remember, there’s no crying in baseball!

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

2021 WAS a year. We look back on some of our favourite—and least favourite—shows, characters, tropes, sets and other sitcom artifacts from our reviews over the past year. Brynn, Aaron & Barry each give their pick for 20 different categories in this lightning round bonus episode. Happy New Year and thanks for listening!

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/thatwasashow and it might make it into a future episode!

Check out our new sponsor: Wander Nut Butters

Well, it’s that time of year again! Brynn, Aaron & Barry had a classy little holiday office party to celebrate another year of podcasting. They discuss Christmas episodes of two shows from the 90s that they recall fondly: Boy Meets World and Seinfeld… and then they watch a Christmas episode from one of the failed or forgotten shows they reviewed earlier in 2021. Which one? It’s a surprise!

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/thatwasashow and it might make it into a future episode!

Check out our new sponsor: Wander Nut Butters

tastewander.com/twas

Use the discount code “TWAS15” at checkout to save 15%

Instagram @thatwasashow

Good Advice WAS a show. She’s a marriage counselor going through a divorce. He’s a divorce attorney who can’t settle down. They’re sharing an office, but can they share…a heart? Join Brynn, Aaron & Barry as they schedule an appointment and try to get some Good Advice!

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/thatwasashow and it might make it into a future episode!

Instagram @thatwasashow

Everything’s Relative WAS a show. We’re not joking—there’s another failed sitcom with this title. This one was created by Mitchell Hurwitz, and spoiler, not much happens in it. Brynn, Aaron & Barry have a great time talking about this show, but more fun talking about Arrested Development. Plus Aaron misremembers/fabricates another memory like he did with the premise of the John Larroquette Show.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/thatwasashow and it might make it into a future episode!

Instagram @thatwasashow

Everything’s Relative WAS a show. Before he became known for his iconic role as George Costanza, Jason Alexander made his television comedy debut on Everything’s Relative. This odd-couple style show is about two brothers living in a fancy SoHo loft. Alexander plays the recently divorced older brother Julian Beeby, alongside his construction worker and ‘ladies man’ younger brother Scott. Together they navigate the dating scene under the intensely watchful eye of their mother. Julian runs a product testing lab, and their home is always full of strange concoctions for Scott to stumble upon. Brynn, Aaron & Barry conduct their own research in an effort to understand this sitcom experiment.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/thatwasashow and it might make it into a future episode!

Instagram @thatwasashow

Camp Wilder WAS a show. In this 1992 sitcom, after the death of her parents a 28 year old single mother moves back to her hometown to be the guardian of her two teenage siblings. Because of her young age and laissez-faire style of parenting, the house becomes a safe haven for a gaggle of teens. Join Brynn, Aaron & Barry as they find out what it’s like to hang out at Camp Wilder.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/thatwasashow and it might make it into a future episode!

Instagram @thatwasashow

Rachel Gunn R.N. WAS a show. This early 90s comedy featured the most unprofessional hospital staff in television history, a lot of former Chippendales guys, an inexplicable amount of dancing, and Batman before he was Batman. Tune in as Brynn, Aaron & Barry try to diagnose this ill-fated sitcom.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/thatwasashow and it might make it into a future episode!

Instagram @thatwasashow

Not My Department WAS a show. This 1987 satire was produced by the CBC and takes on government bureaucracy in Ottawa. The show centres around the fictional Department of Regional Incentive Targets, or DRIT. Quelle idée amusante! That Was a Show? takes a drive north of the border to review a Canadian sitcom for the very first time. Brynn, Aaron & Barry fill out the appropriate access to information request forms, and politely ask why this show didn’t get reelected after its first term in office.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/thatwasashow and it might make it into a future episode!

Instagram @thatwasashow

Sibs WAS a show. This early 90s sitcom centred around the wacky misadventures of three sisters trying to navigate adulthood together, it also co-starred Homer Simpson. Brynn, Aaron and Barry part the weeds on this overgrown lawn of a mishap while learning how to pronounce actor names and singing the praises of Evan Handler’s glorious hair.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

The Famous Teddy Z WAS a show. Baby Jon Cryer stars as Teddy Zakalokis, the young bumbling agent of an eccentric (and evil?) movie star inspired by Marlon Brando. Brynn, Aaron & Barry discuss this sitcom’s sharp commentary and dull character development. They call their surly friend Mr. Producer for hot Hollywood insider tea, but instead just learn about snacks. This episode might make you want to work in a bakery!

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Instagram @thatwasashow

Saved by the Bell: The College Years WAS a show. This 1993 sequel picks up right where the original series left off. Zack, Slater and Screech move into a dorm at California University. With age comes wisdom, and they’re finally ready to give up the childish schemes and antics, buckle down, and take their education seriously. Just kidding! Brynn, Aaron & Barry crack the books and study why this extension of the massively successful franchise lasted a mere 19 episodes. They also watch and review the new Saved by the Bell 2020 reboot series, and oh how the times have changed!

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Instagram @thatwasashow

Small Wonder WAS a show. This baffling piece of pop culture refuse miraculously aired for four seasons. It centred around the wacky hijinks of a scientist, his family, and the weird robot child he created for...reasons. Join Brynn, Aaron and Barry as they perform their own experiments into this thankfully Matt-LeBlanc free, bit of sci-fi comedic nonsense.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Instagram @thatwasashow

Top of the Heap WAS a show. It was the first of two Married…With Children spinoffs starring Matt LeBlanc as working class “himbo” Vinnie Verducci. Brynn, Aaron & Barry couldn’t resist exploring this character further after their previous episode about Vinnie & Bobby. Ultimately though, they agree that the true star of this ill-fated sitcom was—spoiler—not human.

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Instagram @thatwasashow

Vinnie & Bobby WAS a show. Buried deep within the filthy bowels of Married With Children was a backdoor pilot for a show called Top Of The Heap starring Matt LeBlanc. It lasted seven episodes. But because everyone else was wrong, another attempt was made featuring the same character, Vinnie Verducci, and thus Vinnie & Bobby was born. It also lasted seven episodes.

Brynn, Aaron & Barry attempt to piece this all together—and while they’re at it they pick apart the latest major act of 90s nostalgia about that obscure show where Matt LeBlanc really took off...the Friends Reunion! Welcome back to Season 2 of That Was a Show?

Email: thatwasashow@aol.com (Because 90s AOL still exists for some reason!)

Instagram @thatwasashow