This week, Fred and Tom accept the mission to discuss the heart-pounding spy thriller franchise, Mission: Impossible. In the first part of this 2-part episode, they welcome in Milwaukee comedian Mike Durante to help break down the history and every stunt from each of the eight action-packed movies starring Tom Cruise. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virtual tip jar. You can email the podcast at: showmethefranchisepodca...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Don’t Panic! This week, Fred and Tom make sure to grab a towel as they discuss Douglas Adams’ classic sci-fi series, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. They welcome in Milwaukee comedian Aaron Kohlbeck to help break down the history and highlights of the series, as well as the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything…which is, of course, 42. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virtual tip jar. You can email...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Season 2Ep. 23
This week, Fred and Tom prepare for a tabletop duel as they discuss the original trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. They welcome in Milwaukee comedian Jesse Skewes to help break down the history, highlights, and what could have been while also shedding light on rare black lotus cards, as well as explaining exactly what is a "planeswalker". ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virtual tip jar. You can email the podcast...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 2Ep. 22
This week, Fred and Tom look for some "serenity now" as they discuss the smash TV sitcom, Seinfeld. They welcome in comedian James Boland (" No Dice: Improv RPG ") to help break down all the classic moments and highlight every peculiar side character from the hit comedy show developed by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virtual tip jar. You can email the podcast at: showmethefranchisepodc...
May 23, 2025•2 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 21
This week, Fred and Tom orchestrate a big episode for all you listeners out in podcast land as they discuss legendary film composer, John Williams. Together they discuss the history of all the major movies he scored, what could have been, and rank their favorite pieces from the Oscar-winning composer's illustrious catalog, which includes Jaws, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, and more! ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute ...
May 09, 2025•2 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 20
This week, Fred and Tom shake it off and start with a blank space while they vibe out to the songs and stylings of 14-time Grammy winner, Taylor Swift. They welcome in comedian Betsy Katschke ("SwiftProv") to help lay out the history of every album, era, relationship, and more surrounding the best-selling artist. So strap on your friendship bracelets and throw on your sweaters, cause we're about to enter the Tortured Poets Department... ******************************** Check out our Linktree to ...
Apr 25, 2025•2 hr 28 min•Season 2Ep. 19
This week, Fred and Tom 'dip' again into extended franchise territory by talking all about the foods you dip other foods into, or more commonly referred to as "dips". Returning to the show is comedian Pedro Hernandez ("The Sherlock Files") to discuss the history and highlights of dips, dipping sauces, and other fun foods! Go ahead and dunk yourself into this week's episode! ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virtual tip j...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 18
James Bond is back! ...on Show Me the Franchise, that is. Fred and Tom finish the mission they started in last episode to talk about the entirety of Sean Connery's run as James Bond. In the final part of this two-part episode, Tony Tenaglia ("Stein Improv") returns to discuss the history and highlights from the final three Connery Bond films: "Thunderball", "You Only Live Twice", and "Diamonds Are Forever". ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links a...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Season 2Ep. 17
The name is Franchise. Show me the Franchise. Fred and Tom hop into their Aston Martin and gear up to talk about Sean Connery's run as James Bond. In their first ever two-part episode, they welcome in comedian Tony Tenaglia ("Stein Improv") to discuss the history and highlights from the first three of Connery's Bond films: "Dr. No", "From Russia with Love", and "Goldfinger". Your mission: Mix yourself up a vodka martini – shaken, not stirred – and settle in for an unforgettable episode! ********...
Mar 14, 2025•2 hr•Season 2Ep. 16
And the award goes to.... Fred and Tom once again get dressed up to celebrate the award season by talking about the best movies of 2024. Together they discuss which movies and performances they loved overall from the year, as well as which of the Oscar nominees they think should win, and predict who they think will win it all. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virtual tip jar. You can email the podcast at: showmethefranc...
Feb 27, 2025•2 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 15
This week, Fred and Tom return to the Batcave to discuss Rocksteady Studios' critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham video game series, Together they discuss the history, highlights, and what could have been from the three main titles: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Origins. So throw on your cowl and tune in today: Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel! ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links, and become a member of the new Patreon today. You can ema...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 14
This week, Fred and Tom share some interesting nuggets about the topic of discussion for the week: Chicken nuggets. In their fourth annual blind-taste tournament, they search for the best chicken nuggets from five different fast food chains: Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, and Wendy's. To help them debate "what is a chicken nugget" and decide the ultimate victor, they welcome back comedians Jasmine Gonzalez and Joe Francisco to rank all of their favorite nuggets from each these popula...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 13
This week, Fred and Tom crack a cold one (of soda, that is) to discuss the sweet-yet-carbonated topic of Coca-Cola products. Together they discuss all the different types of Coke, other beverage brands that Coke owns, the Cola Wars, and so much more. So tune in, open up a can of your favorite soft drink, and learn why Coca-Cola is "the real thing"! ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links, and become a member of the new Patreon today. You can email ...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Happy Holidays to one and all! Here's a little something to cap off your fall. With no planned holiday episode leaving them in a pinch, Fred and Tom decided to talk about the Grinch! Discussing the books, movies, and so much more, these two hosts have much fun in store! So plug in your headphones, or pump your speaker to the max, because with this classic Seuss tale, you can just sit back and relax... ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links, and be...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 11
We're back! And what better way to celebrate a long-awaited return than by cracking a cold one in honor of this week’s episode on the classic sitcom, "Cheers". Together Fred and Tom pull up a barstool to discuss the history, highlights, and what could have been from hit television series about the Boston-based bar and its band of lovable losers, including Sam, Diane, Norm, Carla, Cliff, Woody, and of course, Dr. Frasier Crane. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all o...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 2Ep. 10
***RELEASED FROM BEHIND THE PATREON PAYWALL*** In this episode, Fred and Tom show a little "gamesmanship" by talking about the best video games that they played in 2023. Together they discuss which games they loved overall on PS5, XBox, Switch and more! Haven't joined our Patreon yet? You can sign up today for just $1 per month! Become a member by following this link : https://www.patreon.com/showmethefranchise/membership ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 9
The podcast is not what it seems...on this week’s episode, Fred and Tom grab some damn fine coffee and head to the mysterious town of Twin Peaks. Together the try (mostly in vain) to dissect the series lore, while also discussing the history, highlights, and what could have been from David Lynch and Mark Frost's bizarre-yet-intriguing television series. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links, and become a member of the new Patreon today. You can e...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Season 2Ep. 8
On this week’s episode, Fred and Tom make their runway debut by discussing the Tyra Banks-led reality show, “America’s Next Top Model”. Comedian Michael Kittelson joins them to help break down every look, cycle, and Tyra meltdown from the long-running series. Come listen to us do a little turn on the catwalk! ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links, and become a member of the new Patreon today. You can email the podcast at: showmethefranchise@gmail...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 7
On this week’s episode, Fred and Tom welcome back comedian Josh Randall to complete their “Metal Trilogy” by discussing the genre of Hair Metal. From Guns N’ Roses to Van Halen, they discuss all glamor, ballads, and bangers that made up the genre which helped define rock and roll in the 1980s. Rock on! ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links, and become a member of the new Patreon today. You can email the podcast at: showmethefranchisepodcast@gmail...
May 17, 2024•1 hr 55 min•Season 2Ep. 6
On this week’s episode, Fred and Tom celebrate the 25-year anniversary of the release of “The Phantom Menace” by discussing the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Joining them in a galaxy far, far away is Milwaukee-area comedian, Alan Guszkowski! Together they dive into the mind of George Lucas to discuss the history, highlights, and the many “what ifs” from the very beginnings of the Skywalker Saga. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links, and become a me...
May 03, 2024•2 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 5
On this week’s episode, Fred and Tom go a round with the “Creed” movie franchise — the ‘requel’ series to the “Rocky” movies. Going toe-to-toe with the boys to help punch up the episode is Milwaukee-area comedian, Amy Westrup! Together they discuss the history and highlights of the franchise, starting with the original “Rocky” all the way to discussing what a 4th installment of the “Creed” series could look like. The bell has been rung, so put your gloves up and tune in! ************************...
Apr 26, 2024•2 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 4
PLAY BALL! Fred and Tom celebrate the start of the baseball season by talking about Wisconsin's resident Major League Baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers! To help them cover all the bases this week, they welcome in comedian and Brewers social media icon, John Egan ( @BrewersRaptor )! Together they discuss the history, highlights, and what could have been from the team that brought us racing sausages, Bob Uecker, Robinade, and more. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Fred and Tom head into the second episode of the show's re-brand by kicking off another feature for the show's next chapter: A new Patreon ! To celebrate the launch of their new platform, they are giving everyone a sneak peek of what it all has to offer by pulling back the paywall and sharing their very first bonus episode! In this premiere bonus episode, they discuss their favorite TV shows of 2023 and the best performances from those shows. Enjoy a taste of what's to come, and become a member ...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to "Show Me the Franchise"! With Spring in the air, the guys are looking toward fresh beginnings as they shed the old label and move into a new era. New name, new look, but the same ol' Fred and Tom. To help get this "show" on the road, they turn once again to an old favorite and celebrate the award season by talking about the best movies of 2023. Together they discuss which movies and performances they loved overall from the year, as well as which of the Oscar nominees they think should...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Fred and Tom head back to Middle Earth as they discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy classic, "The Hobbit". Joining this week to help take them there and back again is actor/comedian/musician, C.J. Guzan! Together they journey through the history, highlights, and what could have been from the unexpected journey of Bilbo Baggins. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virtual tip jar. You can email the podcast at: stateofthefranchi...
Feb 23, 2024•2 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Fred and Tom set off for an explosive episode as they discuss the SNL sketch-turned-movie-turned-streaming-series, "MacGruber". Joining them to help recount each throat rip and every ridiculous character name is Milwaukee comedian, Jon Waldbauer! Together they discuss the history, highlights, and what could have been from the comedy franchise parodying MacGyver, action movies, and more. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our ...
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 57
This week, Fred and Tom get a little spicy this week as they host their third annual blind-taste tournament. In this episode, they'll be hunting for the best spicy chicken sandwich from seven different fast food chains that each lay claim to having the best sandwich: Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Popeyes, Culver's, and Wendy's. To help them find the best of the breast, they welcome back comedians Jasmine Gonzalez and Joe Francisco to heat up the debate and rank all of their favorite...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Fred and Tom head up to North Dakota der to discuss Noah Hawley's anthology TV series, "Fargo". Together they discuss the history, highlights, what could have been from the strange but "true" crime show inspired by the movie of the same name. ******************************** Check out our Linktree to find all of our social links and contribute to our virtual tip jar. You can email the podcast at: stateofthefranchisepodcast@gmail.com Opening theme written and performed by Nick Spitza. Ending them...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Fred and Tom explore the fantastic world of "animagic" as they revisit the timeless classics from Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment. To help them make their way through the well-known (and lesser known) animated special filmography is Milwaukee comedian, Mia Serafina! Together they discuss the history and what could have been from the studio that brought us "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Frost the Snowman", "The Last Unicorn", and more! *********************...
Dec 29, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Fred and Tom discover that it's a small world after all in this week's episode of "State of the Franchise" as they explore the wide array of Disney theme parks. To help them navigate the campuses at both Disneyland and Disney World is seasoned Disney goer, Renee Saltzman! Together they discuss the history of the parks, what could have been, and rank their favorite attractions from the Disney Experiences division of the "Mouse House". ******************************** Check out our Linktree to fin...
Dec 15, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 53
