Because It Was On

Because It Was On is the ultimate podcast for sitcom lovers. BIWO is like that fancy film podcast, but for people who like to talk about that episode of 'Saved by the Bell' where Jessie gets addicted to caffeine pills. Join hosts Jessica and Zach as they explore the most memorable episodes of beloved television classics. With insightful analysis, Jessica and Zach unravel the social politics tucked into 22 minute TV shows. Tune in for engaging discussions and a nostalgic journey through the zany world of sitcoms.

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Episodes

Ross and Rachel: Will They, Won't They, Should They?

Send us a text What makes a great will they / won't they? Jessica and Zach take a look at perhaps the most famous example of the trope, Ross and Rachel from Friends , to find out. Along the way they discuss the gender dynamics at play in the show and mount multiple epic takedowns of Ross. Listen in to see if Jessica and Zach conclude if Ross really is Rachel's lobster. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram at @becauseitwason Email us at becauseitwason@gmail.com for correction, opinions, ideas, or to...

Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Jessica and Zach Talk about "The Talk"

Send us a text Hey, champ? Got a sec? I think it's time we had a serious talk about the facts of life. Join Jessica and Zach as they discuss The Birds and The Bees is sitcoms throughout the ages. We discuss several episodes that deal with teen sexuality and topics such as shame, consent, queer representation, and "hand to gland combat". Shows discussed: Leave it to Beaver The War at Home Family Matters Blossom Boy Meets World The Cosby Show Black-ish Good Times The Facts of Life Support the show...

Jan 13, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Powerless Powerful Women -- Fantasy Sitcoms of the 60s (Part Two)

Send us a text Jessica and Zach investigate the common sitcom problem of women with godlike powers giving it all away to be with mediocre dudes. In this episode, we take a look at what we call "Powerless Powerful Women" these are the women of Bewitched , I Dream of Jeannie , and just splash of The Flying Nun . Follow us on social media TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@becauseitwason?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becauseitwason/ Support the show Please ...

Jan 06, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 2

My Mother the Podcast - Fantasy Sitcoms of the 1960's (Part One)

Send us a text Can a show about a car inhabited by the reincarnated soul of a man's mother tell us something about changing conservative reactions to media? Can a show about a Martian trying to ensure his roommate's boss' dog finds love tell us something about the military industrial complex? How subversive was The Addams Family really and does intent matter to how we understand it today? Jessica and Zach explore all of this and more as they wade into the groovy waters of 1960's fantasy sitcoms....

Dec 30, 2022•1 hr 16 min

Because It Was On: An Introduction

Send us a text Do you remember the shows your grandparents played while they babysat you? Or maybe you also watched the 6 hour programming blocks of The Nanny on Nick-at-Nite. If so, you will feel right at home listening to Because It Was On. Because It Was On takes those sitcoms and dissects the familiar sitcom formula to tease out the often potent social and political messages they carry in their 22 minute casing. In this episode, Jessica and Zach discuss what sitcoms mean to them and how sitc...

Dec 30, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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