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Partially an oral history of obscure TV shows, partially an oral version of MST3K, and partially a thorough episode guide, It Was a Thing on TV is an anthology podcast about obscure, forgotten, and odd TV shows, commercials, televised events, and almost anyone and anything else that was on television. For the most part, the subjects we cover are from the United States and Canada. We’re just three guys with a love for television. New episodes are generally every Monday and Thursday, sometimes more often.
Episodes
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Episode 527--The Charmings
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Once upon a time, a television network aired a show about Snow White and Prince Charming living in comtemporary times, complete with a family and a magic mirror. Alas, the enemy in this fairy tale come true was the counter-programming and the absurd premise. After about a year, the show bit the poison apple and was sent to television heaven. The end.
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
It Was a Thing on TV Outtakes: The Gang Looks at Lookwell's Ratings
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Since we'll briefly mention Adam West in our upcoming episode on Thursday, we figured we'd post this outtake from when we covered Lookwell in Episode 55. Needless to say, Greg struggles to try and figure out what the hell FOX was airing in 1991.
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Episode 526--C.P.O. Sharkey
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
The military has long been a staple of comedic television, see The Phil Silvers Show, McHale's Navy, and M*A*S*H. In late 1976, NBC joined the fray with an insulting, caustic chief petty officer running the ship, portrayed by the most insulting and most caustic comedian playing the role.
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Episode 525--The 2024 Year in Review, Part 2
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
We put a bow on the year 2024 with a look back at the shows which ended this year, as well as those we lost in 2024. Party on and have a great 2025!
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Episode 525--The 2024 Year in Review, Part 1
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
As we do every year between Christmas and New Year's, the three of us look at the news and happenings of the previous 12 months. This first installment covers The Worst of 2024, the big television happenings over the last 12 months, and our favorite programs which debuted in the past year.
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
It Was a Thing on TV Instant Reaction--The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl Post Game
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
The 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!"
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Episode 524–A Very Merry Mix-Up
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
For the first time on the podcast, we look at a Hallmark Christmas movie. In this 2013 TV movie, Alicia Witt plays an NYC store owner who gets proposed to by the man of her dreams but when she's sent to the airport by herself to meet her family a series of accidents happen and hilarity ensues. Will she find love with the man she believes is her brother or will she stay with the snooty rich fiancee? I think you already know the answer to that question. Merry Christmas everybody!
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Episode 523--Game Boy commercials
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
We're a few days away from Christmas and we thought it would be appropriate and timely to look at commercials for the must-have gift of 1989, an item celebrating its 35th birthday this year--the Nintendo Game Boy.
Here are the commercials in this episode, with links:
Original GameBoy with Tetris - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-ej_8XBwmI
Super GameBoy - https://youtu.be/50qlX1kF2Vc
Donkey Kong - https://youtu.be/s4dinHwO2nU
Super Mario Land - https://youtu.be/yyZ65k3vpSU
Tetris/Qix - https://youtu.be/VeLixGKaij4
F1 Race with 4-Player Adapter (1991) - https://youtu.be/_PJZ6HipNxg
Original GameBoy Commercial from Japan, Part 1 - https://youtu.be/Pe6tW69QAeQ
Part 2 - https://youtu.be/UkOk_E_3J0E
Super Mario Land/F1 Race/Tetris/Dr. Mario - https://youtu.be/6CgGwNJxhHs
Have You Had Your Fun Today? - https://youtu.be/dDXJCf29cSE
Kirby’s Dream Land - https://youtu.be/_Z8ECstDtQg
Super Mario Land 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZm5cXRShO4
Game Genie - https://youtu.be/osJkdIWgBFI
Yoshi - https://youtu.be/4ezEh-GP8do
Spot/7up - https://youtu.be/HldFL4445WI
Zelda: Link’s Awakening - https://youtu.be/w4mdmeMuYo4
Super Game Boy with The Wu-Tang Clan - https://youtu.be/9sfiTMybZTs
Dr. Mario - https://youtu.be/vS4RIOFhyL4
Japanese Kirby Pinball Land - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzi9rWVo4so
Mario’s Picross - https://youtu.be/9DXjZ6UJpKk
Kirby Block Ball - https://youtu.be/xuK7xLJW--k
Pocket Monsters Red & Green - https://youtu.be/z4JeRKo3Rr4
Pokemon Red & Blue - https://youtu.be/qzAo9HzOgtQ
Game Boy Camera - https://youtu.be/gYjU5nE9SbE
Castlevania Adventure - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjrFq2z9PXE
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Minisode 32--The Folgers brother and sister commercial from 2009
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
In what is a first, we present our first instant minisode. Chico was sent a video of a creepy Folgers commercial from 15 years ago. After bringing it to everybody's attention, a decision was made to cover this immediately, instead of waiting until Christmas 2025. Who knew the addition of one word could turn this commercial from heartwarming to creepy?
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Episode 522--Family Affair (2002)
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
We have seen this time and time again--a network reboots a series which ran for a considerable amount of time, only for it to flop badly. This time, the victim is Family Affair, which The WB felt was worthy of rebooting over 30 years after the original show ended. Against tough competition, this version quietly whimpered away after a half year.