Shows / TV Pilot’s License
TV Pilot’s License
Unlock TV's secrets with the TV Pilot's License Podcast! Geoff, Max, and Rich dissect pilots from classics to cult favorites. Expect deep TV reviews, first episode breakdowns, and pilot analysis. We cover must-watch TV, one-season wonders, and cancelled series. Get honest show reviews, funny recaps, and sharp commentary. Need show recommendations? We've got you! Dive into TV history and decide which pilots earn their "license." Comedy, analysis, and passion await. Subscribe for your weekly TV…
Episodes
- TV Pilot’s License
Widow's Bay: Comedy Horrors, Emmy Winning TV Shows, Matthew Rhys, and Stephen Root
Join TVPL this Halloween for our rewatch and breakdown on the pilot episode of the Emmy winning series “Widow’s Bay!” This episode has everything: fog, curses…
- TV Pilot’s License
The Bill Engvall Show: Jennifer Lawrence, Skyler Gisondo, Stand-Up Comedians, and Colorado Football
A future Oscar winner. A future DCU star. A member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Those are just three of the people who make up the ensemble of the short…
- TV Pilot’s License
Santa Clarita Diet: Zombies, Drew Barrymore, Timothy Olyphant, Dark Comedies, and Canabalisim
In the suburbs, things are not always as they seem. Join TVPL for a brand new episode on Netflix’s “Santa Clarita Diet,” the horror comedy that’ll leave you…
- TV Pilot’s License
30 Rock: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, NBC Comedies, and The 20th Anniversary
From the producers that brought you Milf Island, The Rural Juror and Queen of Jordan comes TV Pilot’s License! This week we’re celebrating 20 years of 30 Rock…
- TV Pilot’s License
Breaking Bad: Our 200th Episode, Bryan Cranston, New York Times Best TV Shows
This week TVPL packs up their RV and heads to Albuquerque for the pilot of Breaking Bad and our 200th episode! Fresh off of being named the Best TV Show of the…
TV Pilot’s LicenseBunheads: Amy Sherman-Palladino, Gilmore Girls, Life Of A Showgirl, and Alan Ruck
The Life of a Showgirl? You must mean Amy Sherman-Palladino’s “Bunheads.” This week on TVPL we turn-turn-kick-turn our way into this beloved although short…
TV Pilot’s LicenseMy Name Is Earl: Jason Lee, Emmy Award Winning Pilots, and How Many Beers Is To Many?
Twenty years ago the pilot of My Name is Earl won Emmys for Outstanding Writing and Directing of a Comedy Series. Does a pilot full of beer drinking, blue…
TV Pilot’s LicensePlaymakers: ESPN Drama, Football Scandals, And NFL Pressure
Are *YOU* ready for some football? As the NFL season gets underway we take a look back on the pilot episode of Playmakers, an ESPN original from 2003 detailing…
TV Pilot’s LicenseAnimal Control: Joel McHale, Fox Comedies, And Character Tropes
There are countless shows about first responders that glue us to our TVs. From paramedics to police and now…Animal Control? This week on TVPL we watched the…
TV Pilot’s LicenseBless This Mess: Dax Shepard, Lake Bell, Farm Life, And Casting Choices
We’re heading to Nebraska on a brand new TVPL and a look back on the short lived sitcom Bless This Mess. Written and created by Emmy nominee Liz Meriweather…
TV Pilot’s LicenseLaw and Order: Crime Procedurals, Medical Malpractice, Spin-offs, And Dun Dun
It’s a franchise spanning over three decades and countless spinoffs, but today we go back to 1990 and the pilot of the original Law & Order. Join us as we…
TV Pilot’s LicenseReacher: Alan Ritchson, Dad Books, Tom Cruise, and Beer Drinking Shows
Reacher? I hardly know her! Now that we got that out of the way get ready for a brand new TVPL on Reacher, the Prime Video adaption of the best selling Jack…
TV Pilot’s LicenseNew Girl: Quirky Comedy, Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, and Schmidt-isms
Downtown lofts! American Apparel hoodies! Saying “well that happened!” It’s a millennial fever dream on this week’s TVPL talking about the pilot of New Girl…
TV Pilot’s LicenseWhite Collar: Matt Bomer, Hot Tub TV Shows, Prison Breaks, and USA Network
This week we’re heading to New York City to talk about White Collar on the latest TVPL if we can just stop getting lost in Matt Bomer’s eyes long enough to…
TV Pilot’s LicenseResident Alien: Sci-Fi Network, Alan Tudyk, Alien Encounters, and Chris Sheridan
Things are not always as they seem on a brand new TVPL on the pilot of SyFy’s “Resident Alien.” Join us for a conversation on the illustrious voiceover career…
TV Pilot’s LicenseEverwood: WB Family Dramas, Brenda Strong, The CW, And Our Favorit ePlac
We’re on a Rocky Mountain high this week with a look back at the pilot of the early 2000s WB classic, Everwood! Join us as we discuss two future MCU stars in…
TV Pilot’s LicenseFriends: James Burrows, NBC Sitcoms, Jennifer Anniston, Courtney Cox, And Third Spaces
TVPL finally tackles the long-requested prequel series to "Joey" the hit NBC sitcom Friends! In this episode, we break down the classic 90s sitcom, discuss how…
TV Pilot’s LicenseHawaii 5-0: Reboots, CBS Action shows, Hawaiian Shirts, and Jean Smart
Aloha from TV Pilot’s License as we embark on a trip to the Hawaiian islands and CBS’ gritty reboot of Hawaii Five-0! It’s a week full of big waves and even…
TV Pilot’s LicenseTed Lasso: Jason Sudekis, The World Cup, NBC Commercials, And Hannah Waddingham
*clears throat* GOOOOAAAALLLLLL! Ok now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, grab your cleats and hit the pitch for a brand new World Cup-centric TVPL on the…
TV Pilot’s LicenseHe-Man: Toys into TV Shows, Gay Icons, Masculinity, and 80’s Culture
I HAVE THE PODCAST! On the heels of the Masters of the Universe film we take it back to 1983 and the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe Summer I Turned Pretty: Summer Jobs, Teen Romance, Coming Of Age TV, And Taylor Swift
It’s the start of summer and you know we’re turning pretty. We revisit the pilot of the show that had everyone asking the all important question: “Team Conrad…
TV Pilot’s LicenseHacks: Jean Smart, Women In Comedy, Hannah Einbinder, And The Philadelphia Eagles
Before watching the finale of Hacks, let’s take a trip down memory lane back to its pilot episode. As we prepare to say farewell to Deborah Vance and Ava…
TV Pilot’s LicenseUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Tina Fey, Ellie Kemper, Jane Krakowski, And New York Memories
UNBREAKABLE! In what felt like a revelation when it premiered on a streamer back in 2015, we revisit the pilot of The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt from Tina Fey…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe King Of Queens: Kevin James, Big TVs, and 90’s Sitcom Stereotypes
Think of a 90s sitcom. Any one. Now think of the stereotypes of a 90s sitcom. That’s right, you’re thinking of The King of Queens. Featuring the legendary…
TV Pilot’s LicenseHannah Montanna: Miley Cyrus, Pop Stars, and Disney Channel Blind Spots Featuring J.W. Crump of Pod Ledom
You get the best of both worlds this week on a brand new TVPL looking back on 20 years of Hannah Montana! Joining us this week is returning guest J. W. Crump…
TV Pilot’s LicenseBig Mistakes: Dan Levy, Rachel Sennott, Netflix Comedies, and Eyebrows
What happens when two of TV’s hottest comedy writers team up? On the latest TVPL we’re taking a look at Netflix’s new series “Big Mistakes” from Dan Levy and…
TV Pilot’s LicenseOnce Upon A Time: Live Action Disney, Surprise Children, and Family TV
Hi-ho! Hi-ho! It’s off to podcast we go! All your favorite TVPL characters have found themselves in the real world this week as we look back at the pilot of…
TV Pilot’s LicenseDead To Me: Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, Netflix Originals, and Dark Comedies
This week on TVPL we’re making our way back to Orange County for…no, not Laguna Beach. The scripted ser-…no, not The OC. It’s DEAD TO ME! We revisit the pilot…
TV Pilot’s LicenseTed: Seth MacFarlane, Peacock, Movies Turned TV, and Stuffed Animals
With over $500mil at the box office worldwide and an Academy Award nomination (no seriously, for Best Original Song) “Ted” was a certified hit. But more than a…
TV Pilot’s LicenseYoung Sheldon: Child Actors, Chuck Lorre, The Big Bang Theory, and Spin-Offs
What is the optimal age for a Sheldon? It’s Young Sheldon week on a brand new TVPL! We’re taking a look at the single-cam spinoff of the multi-cam juggernaut…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe Morning Show: Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Anniston, and Gilmore Girls The Musical?!?!?!
Rise and shine TVPL listeners, it’s our coverage of Apple TV’s “The Morning Show!” This is prestige tv on a whole new level with an A-list cast (Jennifer…
TV Pilot’s LicenseOutlander: Romantasy TV Shows, Scottish Highlands, and Horny TV Shows
Aye, it’s a fine day for a new TVPL! We’re traveling to the Scottish Highlands to look back on the pilot of Outlander, the fantasy romance series that will…
TV Pilot’s LicenseIndustry: HBO, Finance Culture, Lena Dunham, And Our Worst Work Experiences
Boy, you would sure think two business majors and a theater major would be all over the show right? Time to find out with HBOs industry! We explore the world…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe Last Man On Earth: Will Forte, Apocalypse Behaviors, and Kristen Schaal
would YOU listen to our podcast if you were the last man on earth? We’d listen to yours 👉👈🥺 It’s Will Forte, Kristen Schaal and Lord&Miller week with Fox’s…
TV Pilot’s LicenseDon’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23: James Van Der Beek, Krysten Ritter, and Meta Comedies
Welcome to what I assume is the most popular game of hangman in human history, it’s Don’t trust the B—— in Apartment 23! This surprising machine gun of a tv…
TV Pilot’s LicenseSpinning Out: Netflix, Ice Skating, Teen Dramas, And Sports Dramas
Hey c’mon in out of the cold, could you put your skate guards on? We’re a skate guards house. I noticed you’re bleeding, could you stop that? These are marble…
TV Pilot’s LicenseHeated Rivalry: LGBTQ+ Sports Romance and the Winter Games
I wanna drive the gay Zamboni, I wanna drive the gay zamboniiiiiii. It’s time for one of our most requested and most rapidly requested shows in the history of…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe Resident: Matt Czuchry, Doctor Malpractice, and The Life of A Resident
Thank you for choosing TV Pilots License, remember as we approach Chastain Park memorial hospital to keep your plums, brain, toes, and blood inside the vehicle…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe Blacklist: James Spader, Fedoras, and NBC Dramas
Welcome Spader Nation! It’s Blacklist week at TVPL and have we got a treat for you… the Blacklist… we watched NBCs the Blacklist are you following? Anywho The…
TV Pilot’s LicenseArrested Development: Jason Bateman, Ron Howard Voice Overs, And Dysfunctional Families
Ron Howard wrote this is episode description! Thanks Ron! In the pirate studios Geoff, Mike, and Rich sat to discuss their thoughts on the 2003 sitcom Arrested…
TV Pilot’s LicenseClipped (Featuring SNL’s Carl Tart): The LA Clippers, Fandom, and Bad Casting
What a treat for the start of the year! We held Carl Tart’s eyes open Clockwork Orange style and forced him to watch Clipped! The dramatized retelling of the…
TV Pilot’s License2025 New Years Episode: Cancelled TV Shows, Cruel Intentions, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, Suits LA, And More!
Happy new year folks and to us it wouldn’t be a new year without discussing some absolute dumpster fires that 2025 brought us. It’s our grand holiday tradition…
TV Pilot’s LicenseEmily Paris: Lily Collins, American Tourists, Darren Star, and Hallmark Movies
Bienvenue mes amis! Today we have an international flight to Charles Degaulle with Emily in Paris. In honor of the 5th season dropping on Netflix we visit the…
TV Pilot’s LicenseFranklin & Bash: Legal Procedurals, TNT Dramas, and Kumail Nanjiani
This week we’re doing a show about a kooky little duo in Los Angeles who party and quote the Grateful Dead. No, no not Max and Rich a decade ago it’s Franklin…
TV Pilot’s LicenseJoey: Matt LeBlanc, Friends, NBC Sitcoms, and Ellen Pompeo Surgery Skills
Folks if you came here for a discussion on infant kangaroos, you’ll have to wait for next week. It’s Joey week! The Matt Leblanc led spin off of the beloved…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThanksgiving 2025: Episodes We Are Thankful For
Gather 'round the digital table as we serve up a special holiday feast! This week, we're pausing to give thanks for the episodes that have truly nourished us…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe Slap: Uma Thurman, NBC Dramas, Peter Sarsgaard, Slaps-Giving, and Zachary Quinto
Happy Slapsgiving copilots! Are you ready for 42 minutes of open palm craziness? We’ve got the culmination of a novel, Australian tv show about racism toward…
TV Pilot’s LicenseSuperstore: Black Friday Deals, Ben Feldman, America Ferrera, and Workplace Comedies
Clean up in 157! It’s Superstore week! It’s maybe the most relatable show we have ever covered at TVPL because of how many Americans have worked retail at some…
TV Pilot’s LicenseChad Powers: Glen Powell, Eli Manning, College Football, and Steve Zahn
You’re telling me the star of The Running Man is playing a quarterback? Thanks a lot Patrick Mahomes. Welcome to Chad Powers week everyone! The Hulu series…
TV Pilot’s LicenseSunnyside: NY Election, Kal Penn, and Political Comedies
This week we’re talking about everyone’s favorite, charismatic young politician from Queens…Garrett Modi? It’s a brand new TVPL covering Sunnyside! Created by…
TV Pilot’s LicenseSabrina The Teenage Witch: Melissa Joan Hart, Embarrassing High School Moments, and Talking Animals
It’s your first day at a new school AND your 16th birthday AND YOU’RE A WITCH?! Oh brother. Don’t worry, TVPL is here to help you overcome these challenges on…
TV Pilot’s LicenseGreek: ABC Family, Greek Life, Homcoming, and Are Fraternities Good?
Grab your AirPods pledge! You’re going to recite word for word this entire TVPL about GREEK. Prepare your secret handshake folks, it’s GREEK WEEK. This ABC…
TV Pilot’s LicenseDoctor Odyssey: Ryan Murphy, Joshua Jackson, Medical Shows, and more
What do you do with a sexy doctor What do you do with a sexy doctor What do you do with a sexy doctor Put him on a cruise ship Welcome to DOCTOR ODYSSEY week!…
TV Pilot’s LicenseBlue Mountain State: College Football Traditions, Animal House, and Spike TV
Get in that transfer portal recruits because you’re the new red shirt at blue Mountain State. That’s right this week. We are covering Animal house set at a…
TV Pilot’s LicenseCheers: Our 150th Episode, Shelley Long, Ted Danson, and Jimmy Burrows
It’s our 150th episode spectacular! We locked Rich in a closet for 3 days until he counted all 150 episodes and we’re so glad we did! It’s a special moment…
TV Pilot’s LicenseFull House: The Olsen Twins, John Stamos, Bob Saget, and The Movie To Sitcom Pipeline
Everywhere you look Everywhere you look There’s a pod There’s a pod a pilot to break down It’s Full House week y’all! Let’s head over to San Francisco to meet…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe 2025 Emmy Preview: New Emmy Categories, Nate Bargatze, and Why You Should Watch
Welcome to podcasting’s biggest night. It’s our Emmy’s preview! We’re talking favorites to win, underdogs, dark horses, snubs, and the trends of TV in general!…
TV Pilot’s LicensePrivate Practice: Shonda Rhymes, Grey’s Anatomy, Audra McDonald, and Kate Walsh
Host note: Please Subscribe and rate! We’re growing and we want to hear your voices, and follow us Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @TVPilotsLicense You’ve seen…
TV Pilot’s LicenseThe Office: British Reboots, Steve Carrell, and Cringe Comedy
Happy Labor Day! Sorry for this bleak reminder but, we’re going back to The Office. Turn in your WFH laptops and get a new ID card. This week we’re clocking in…
TV Pilot’s LicenseChuck: Zachary Levi, Josh Schwartz, Echo Park, and A Secret Matt Bomer
That’s CHARLES to you buddy. And this Charles? Well… let’s just say he’s in charge! It’s Chuck week babyyy everyone’s favorite cut of meat and probably some…