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Battle of the Network Shows

Each week, hosts Rick Brooks and Mike Cowgill explore the TV of the '70s and '80s through hand-picked episodes.
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Now displaying: December, 2016
Dec 22, 2016

In our first ever Holiday Special, we try to unpack the complex mythos of Rankin-Bass' The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold, then make a heartwarming visit to the Keane family in A Family Circus Christmas. Plus a holiday-themed "TV Guide Game." A note to our listeners loyal and new. This marks the end of season one, but we'll return in January with a look back on season one and details on season two. Stay tuned and happy holidays!

Dec 8, 2016

This week, we look at a two-part episode of late '70s, early '80s feel-good show CHiPs and posit the idea that it might be the quintessential show of the era. In just two hours, John (Larry Wilcox) and Ponch (Erik Estrada have to help out a troubled rock star and his manager, stop a duo bent on sparking car accidents, foil a roller-skating gang of thieves, keep a roller-skating kid on the right side of the rink, and most importantly recruit stars for a charity roller disco! Can they do any of it? How many cars will crash? How many stars will show? How many stars will crash? Plus, the return of not one but two BOTNS favorites!

Dec 1, 2016

This week, we discuss The Facts of Life...the TV show. In "Starstruck," number-one Jermaine Jackson fan Tootie gets a chance to meet him, but in order to do so, she'll have to let down her friends. Will it be worth it, and will he accept her papier mache likeness of him? Then in "The Four Musketeers," cramped quarters and temperature and water issues lead to conflict between the girls. Will they go their separate ways, or will Mrs. Garrett find a way to broker peace with a twinkle in her eye and a warble in her voice?

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