We grew up in a time when TV wasn’t just background noise – it was the main event. Raised in the era between bell-bottoms and big hair, we didn’t just watch history; we lived it through our TV screens. We witnessed television transform from angst-filled sitcoms and gritty hour long dramas to feel-good family comedies and hour long dramas that highlighted the excess of the 80’s. These shows not only entertained us but also reflected the shifting tides of the times.
Our love for television runs deep – maybe a little too deep – but we’re okay with that. There was a ton of great TV when we were growing up, and we think those unforgettable episodes in our past, plus the ones that came before and after, deserve another moment in the spotlight. Whether it’s for the laughs, the lessons, or just a fat cup of nostalgia, these shows had that special something that keeps us coming back. That’s why we’re diving headfirst into the best episodes ever (handpicked by experts and some by our very biased selves), sharing our thoughts, a few laughs, and maybe even some trivia you didn’t know you needed.
So, if you’re as TV-obsessed as we are, put down the remote, grab your buds (ear and otherwise!) and join us as we check out some binge, and sometimes cringe-worthy television!
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#50. The Bob Newart Show (1977), "Death be my Destiny"
It’s the late ‘70s, baby and nothing screams polyester-clad perfection quite like The Bob Newhart Show. We’re talkin’ shag carpet, wood paneling, and those absolutely criminal suit patterns Dr. Bob wears like a badge of honor.
In this episode, we catch up with everyone’s favorite low-key therapist and his neighbor Howard Borden—a.k.a. Major Healey in our hearts—as Howard has a major freak-out mid-flight and is now grounded… emotionally, spiritually, and literally.
So who’s gonna help him overcome his fear of flying? Dr. Bob, of course! That is… until Bob has his own brush with the grim reaper, and suddenly we’ve got two grown men dealing with existential dread and airline anxiety—prime ‘70s sitcom fuel, folks.
There’s neurosis. There’s denial. There’s a mild, passive-aggressive group therapy session. It’s everything we loved about the decade (not without having to live through gas shortages or the rise of disco.
So does this high-flying episode deserve a spot on TV Guide’s all-time list? Or should it stay grounded next to Howard’s carry-on? Smash that play button and let’s find out!
And while you’re at it, punch that fifth star and hit “submit” like your love life depends on it—because we’ll love you forever. Cross our leisure suits and hope to fly.
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25 Jul 2025
The Miniseries Special!
“Tonight, a very special presentation…”
Before bingeing was a thing and long before streaming was even a twinkle in the internet’s eye, there was the mighty miniseries, a multi-night television event so important, your parents made popcorn and told you to sit still or go to bed. And this week, we're celebrating the golden age of those limited-run epics that hijacked the weeknight schedule and the cultural conversation.
We’re talkin’ mid-70s to 80s mini-series glory, baby. Think:
Roots – The one that changed everything.
Shōgun – Feudal Japan never looked so prime time.
The Thorn Birds – Forbidden love, brooding priests, and confused teenagers across America.
North and South – Civil War, high drama, and more sideburns than should be legal.
These weren’t just TV shows… they were EVENTS. People planned dinners around them. VCRs were programmed (badly). And you knew it was serious when the network voice said, “Tonight, on a special presentation of…”
So pull up a shag carpet square, cue the synth-heavy score, and join us as we remember the sweeping drama, the wild fashion, and the moments that made us feel fancy because it wasn’t just a regular show, it was a mini-series.
Is your favorite epic included? Did we snub your mom’s all-time fave? There’s only one way to find out—hit play.
And while you’re at it, give us a rating… because if we were a mini-series, we’d want to be a 5-night ratings juggernaut.
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11 Jul 2025
#51. Perry Mason (1966), "The Case of the Deadly Verdict"
This Week on Raised on Television: Perry Mason Loses?!
This week, we’re throwing it way back again ... this time to 1966, Season 7 of Perry Mason.
The courtroom legend himself finally takes an “L”… sort of. In this rare twist, Perry is actually foiled! Not by the prosecution, not by a surprise witness, but by his own client, who decides to play keep-away with critical evidence. Bad move. Guilty verdict. Cue the dramatic organ sting.
But if you think that’s where the story ends, you clearly don’t know Perry Mason. With the ever-capable Della Street and man-of-action Paul Drake at his side, Perry’s not letting a little thing like a conviction stop him from sniffing out the real culprit. This episode turns into a courtroom whodunnit with classic Mason flair.
For those of us who grew up dreaming of being lawyers, Perry Mason was the gold standard: cool under pressure, always prepared, and able to break down a witness like it was his superpower. Sadly, real-life lawyering rarely involves dramatic confessions on the stand (trust us).
So… does Mason turn the tide? Does his client get a second shot at justice? And more importantly, does this episode earn a spot on TV Guide's list of greats, and if so, is it sitting pretty in the right place? Smash that play button to find out.
And hey—if you’re enjoying the ride, toss us some stars. Five would be ideal, but we’ll take as many as you can legally give. 🎙️⚖️⭐
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Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
46
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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