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It Was A Thing on TV Twin Pack (Episodes #83 & 84): David Letterman Shows Within The Show & Steve Martin's The Winds of Whoopee

First, who 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.
 
Next, in February of 1983, ABC aired the highly anticipated miniseries "The Winds of War." As counter programming, NBC aired a comedy special with Steve Martin called ...... "The Winds of Whoopee". This 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.
 
As always you can follow us on our social media pages over @ItWasAThingOnTV along with e-mailing us for feedback or show suggestions over at contact@itwasathingontv.com
 
Seriously, Greg might die of laughter by the time this episode is posted over "The Winds of Whoopee."
 

Diamond Conversations: Mitch Harris

Today's Diamond Conversations podcast welcomes former St. Louis Cardinals Relief Pitcher and US Navy lieutenant, Mitch Harris. Mitch's story is one for the ages as he discusses his baseball journey being put on hold as he served our country as a member of the US Navy. Three deployments under his belt and a dream to make it to the majors didn't stop the fire inside Harris, who would eventually make his debut for the Cardinals in 2015.

Laugh-In Theater #30 - American Pie with Shawn Kidd

In the thirtieth episode of Laugh-In Theater, host Andy Atherton is joined by Shawn Kidd (NWA Crock ‘N Roll) to do a live watch of the 1999 comedy, American Pie. The guys discuss scrambled porn; thick envelopes; college chicks; Arnold Schwarzenegger impressions; MILFs; being smug; Macs; choir and band chicks; awkward conversations; lacrosse; baked goods; cool dads; mass emails & the “L” word. So remember, this one time, at Band Camp…

Piece of the Action #4: Speed

In the latest episode of Piece of the Action, Matt welcomes Ben Locke to the podcast to watch the 1994 classic Speed! Listen to Matt and Ben talk about Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper, Jeff Daniels’ great year, buses, Myspace, punk bands, and so much more on this episode of Piece of the Action! 

Blockbuster Rewind #3 - Beverly Hills Cop Franchise

On the third episode of Blockbuster Rewind, co-hosts Eric Eells, Scott Shifflett & Andy Atherton are joined by guest Jacob Williams to discuss a the action-comedy Beverly Hills Cop and it’s sequels. They go through each of the films and talk about Axel Foley’s detective skills; the relationship between him, Rosewood and Taggart; the minor characters both good and bad; the main villains and their evil plots and the final climatic shootouts. As a bonus, they chat about the 80’s action film, Cobra which has ties to Beverly Hills Cop.

It Was A Thing on TV Tripleheader (Episode #81, Minisode 1 & Episode 82): Tribute to Regis/Taskmaster (US)/Blind Justice

This week on It Was A Thing on TV we pour one out for Regis while Mike laments about a short lived American version of a popular British show and Greg wonders what Steven Bochco was thinking in 2005.
First, 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.
Next, earlier this month the CW aired the amazing British version of Taskmaster. It wasn'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?
Finally, back in 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.
As always follow us on all the various social media platforms @ItWasAThingOnTV or e-mail us for feedback and show suggestions over at contact@itwasathingontv.com
Seriously folks Blind Justice is really bad.

Diamond Conversations: Rich Rodriguez

Today's Diamond Conversations features former MLB pitcher, Rich Rodriguez. Since retiring from his baseball career, Rich has gone on to create Elite NINE Baseball.  ELITE NINE partners with former Major League baseball players to provide pitching, hitting, fielding, catching and throwing instruction. In addition to private lessons, ELITE NINE hosts baseball camps & clinics across the country featuring past and present Major League baseball talent. Learn all about Rich's post career journey as well as what brought him to the big leagues in this fascinating look at a well traveled veteran of the game.

Laugh-In Theater #29 - Old School with Ben Locke

In the twenty-ninth episode of Laugh-In Theater, host Andy Atherton is joined by Ben Locke (The Special Relations) to do a live watch of the 2003 comedy, Old School. The guys discuss airport security; Grey’s Anatomy; getting drunk on wine; best man speeches; bread makers; funerals; The Olive Garden; bathrobes; the many uses of vegetables; “The Guy Code”; Todd Phillips’ cameos; school spirit. So remember, you’re my boy Blue!

It Was A Thing on TV Twin Pack (Episodes #79 & 80): Condo & The Noel Edmonds Show

This week on It Was A Thing on TV, the gang looks at a pair of short-lived shows from ABC back in the 1980's.
 
First, two 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? 
 
Then, in 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.  
 
As always follow us on all of our social media pages over @ItWasAThingOnTV or e-mail us for any show suggestions or feedback over at contact@itwasathingontv.com
 
Santa Maria!

Diamond Conversations: Brook Fordyce

Today is an all new Diamond Conversations featuring the Head Baseball Coach 
of Keiser University Baseball and former MLB catcher, Brook Fordyce. Brook shares with us his recent battle with Covid-19, preparing his team for what would be a shortened season and reminisces about his playing days and coming up through the New York Mets system.

Blockbuster Rewind #2 - Deep Impact & Armageddon

On the second episode of Blockbuster Rewind, co-hosts Andy Atherton, Scott Shifflett & Eric Eells are joined by guest Jennifer Smith to discuss a couple of similar blockbusters that were both released in the summer of 1998: Deep Impact & Armageddon. They go through each of the films and talk about their favorite scenes, best and worst characters, the science facts and fictions, rate the main character deaths, reveal what they would do if faced with the same situations and question some of the ridiculousness that permeates the movies. As a bonus, they chat about a couple of other films in the genre: Melancholia & Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World.

It Was A Thing on TV Twin Pack (Episodes #77 & 78): The WTF Stories of Unsolved Mysteries & The Hollywood Game

Join us on It Was A Thing on TV this week as perhaps you can help us solve a mystery.
 
First, everybody 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.
 
Then, from 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.
 
Remember as always to follow us on all the socials over @ItWasAThingOnTV and you can e-mail us for any show suggestions or feedback over at contact@itwasathingontv.com

Diamond Conversations: Mike Trombley

Today's Diamond Conversation features a very fun conversation with former Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles reliever, Mike Trombley. Trombley shares his journey to the majors as well as the ups and downs that come with switching organizations and how sometimes you never exactly know who will be the key voices behind your career success. 

Laugh-In Theater #28 - Back To School With Steve Bennett

In the twenty-eighth episode of Laugh-In Theater, host Andy Atherton is joined by Steve Bennett (The Sports-Casters) to do a live watch of the 1986 comedy, Back To School. The guys discuss bad report cards; William Zabka’s filmography; the importance of Polaroids; weird roommates; widgets; Sam Kinison’s greatness; required reading; 80’s toys; changes to the legal drinking age; Wurlitzer Jukeboxes; tournaments; school mascots; college deans; tall girls & the physics of The Triple Lindy.  So, remember, don’t joke about dives and that’s what I call marine biology. Say it! Say it! Say it!

It Was A Thing on TV Twin Pack (Episodes #75 & 76): Video Power & Xavier: Renegade Angel

Break out the NES while we head out on a journey into the desert for this week's topics on It Was A Thing on TV.
 
First, Video 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.
 
Then, we hit the most bizarre show we'll ever cover on this show (yes, more bizarre than Cheap Cheap Cheap) as we look at the 2007-09 Adult Swim cartoon "Xavier: Renegade Angel". Greg took copious notes on each of the 20 episodes of this Adult Swim series which makes Aqua Teen Hunger Force look straight-laced.  
 
As always follow us on the socials @ItWasAThingOnTV or email us for feedback and show suggestions over at contact@itwasathingontv.com