The Saturday Morning Podcast

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In the Summer of 1975, the movie "Jaws" was released, and everything changed. Summer became something children looked forward to, and it spawned imitators. In true Saturday Morning fashion, Hanna-Barbera realized they needed to get back into the water find their "Jaws". Here now is the story of JABBERJAW, the friendliest shark in the seas. Explore the creation, cast, and legacy of this classic mid-70s show.

Thanks for 'tooning in. 

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Okay, here’s the 4-1-1: Take an action hero, make him a secret government operative and send him on dangerous missions. They can involve super computers, the space shuttle and bombs, sweet, sweet bombs. And just for good measure, he should always travel with a pack of children who should not be involved. Unless they’re un-blow-up-able. 

Kids, this is the story of how this martial arts show came to syndication.

What is this show’s connection with Scooby-Doo?

Who is the title character? I mean, they ba...

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Spirits and demons beware! Back in 1975, someone said, “If we make a show with a catchy name, someone will probably have a similar idea and want to buy the name from us”. Sounds reasonable. That’s why I can never release my novel, “The Six Million Dollar Man”. It has nothing to do with bionics. It’s the epic story of a man with $5,999,990 and that lucky day he found a Hamilton on the street. I’m stuck on that title, and refuse to change it. I’ll win one day, Lee Majors!

     Anyway...

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Okay, here’s the 4-1-1: A line of toys with no story gets it’s own show. Time to start shoe-horning in the personalities. And adding plants and vines and all the cool stuff kids love. And a wizard. And a father who’s just trying to get back home, but can’t because of the Monster Minds. [Halloween Oooo]

Kids, this is the story of how this botanist’s wet dream of a show came to syndication.

              Who brought this show to life?

              Was there going to be a movie?

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He’s the world’s best-known crime fighter. He wears a mask and no one knows his true identity. He’s busted up car rings, recovered kangaroos, diamonds, and barely avoided crashing a plane. And that was just his first adventure! Get ready for Batman!

              Not Batman? Who? Oh, that guy! You know, I used to play, “Phooey Phighter”. The cat always saved the day. 

              Anyways… Time to take a look at a dog turned janitor turned bumbling crime fighter. Even if he hurts you, you’ll thank him for his service. 

Get out o...

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Okay, here’s the 4-1-1: A bunch of guys and one woman put on masks and take on different personas. Sounds like the cartoon version of “Eyes Wide Shut”. That might be worth exploring!

Kids, this is the story of how this turbo-charged show came to syndication.

              Is there a movie in the works?

              Was this show the unholy child of “The Transformers” and “G.I.: Joe”?

              Just what was the Penetrator?

              All these questions, and more, will be answered in this look at M.A.S.K.! 

Thank...

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So, the story is about a group of kids who hang out with the teacher and go on adventures that defy space and time. The kids are from a diverse background… Wait! This sounds familiar. Oh, and one of the characters is played by a well-known celebrity. I didn’t realize I was going to talk about “The Magic School Bus”, but here we go.

           It’s not “The Magic School Bus”? Rick Springfield?! Fine. It’s time to sit back and explore MISSION: MAGIC! 

           I miss you, Miss Frizzle!

Thanks for 'to

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Okay, here’s the 4-1-1: Imagine assembling a bunch of Lion-shaped cars, coordinating an attack, and defending the universe. I could imagine it working if it’s a force of Soccer Moms. In fact, I’d watch a show called “Soccer Moms Unite: Defenders of the Universe” because I know it would contain action, adventure, and fist fulls of blood. 

Kids, this is the story of how this super mecha show came to syndication.

              Where did this show come from? 

              Did it have another life as a different show?

 ...

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Back in the 70s, there was one television character that told it like it was. He tried to protect his family from Meatheads, and protested the way society was going. He held on to his values, even if he didn’t English so good. Oh, and he was a bigot… so bigoted. Believe it or not, that character kinda, sorta came to Saturday Morning. Because… what a role model?

     While you couldn’t adapt Archie Bunker to cartoons, you could do the next best thing: Create a blatant rip-off! So lets sweep some...

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Okay, here’s the 4-1-1: A long, hard phallic sword turns a soft teen in spandex into a big strong barbarian who’s barely wearing anything, has bulging muscles, and fights on the side of right as a defender and protector. I mean, it does sound like Prince Adam is closeted while He-Man is out and proud. Just be yourself, that’s all I ask.

Kids, this is the story of how this groundbreaking show came to syndication.

Where did this show come from?

Is it truly...

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Remember being a kid and going to amusement parks? I bet you do. Remember seeing stage magic and wondering how it was all done? I bet you do. Now, remember that time you snuck back stage to learn the illusion and, instead, you found a top hat that grew so big you fell into it and were brought to a magic land where the locals were living hat people? I bet you do… if your name is Mark and you were a curious teen in 1971.

Join us as we get down an...

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Okay, here’s the 4-1-1: Why have one superhero cartoon, when you can have two? The only difference: In one version he’s got no friends, and the voice actor who played Aunt May, also voices a possible love interest. Ugh. 

Kids, this is the story of how this incest – I mean, comic book show came to syndication.

Where did this web-slinging super come from?

                        Did he ever turn into a spider? 

              Just how much do you know about Peter Parker? Beyond the fact that Peter Parker picked a...

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Welcome to the retro series that explores Saturday Morning of the 1970s. These episodes were originally produced for my defunct Patreon. They were recorded back in 2022, and are not like the modern episodes. I decided to release these shows so they didn't sit in a drawer and collect dust. Put on your chunky headphones and come back to the age of bell bottoms, Watergate and the Reggie bar!

When your Scooby-Doo’s a huge hit, how do you follow it up? With the first Earth Day happening in 1970, the world was in...

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Okay, here’s the 4-1-1: Take a trio of kids who love sports, are from an alien world modeled after Olympus, and have a time machine, and then have them fight against a team-work hating Queen. It’s like the “Wizard of Oz”, but with referees instead of flying monkeys. Though I can see the similarities. 

Kids, this is the story of how this sports show came to syndication.

                        Where did this show come from? 

                        Have you ever heard of it?

              Why is this show so important to [echoing] The Future...

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Merry Christmas! It's time to roast chipmunks on an open fire.

No, wait. They're acting in this one. And it was before their Saturday Morning TV show. Here now are Alvin, Simon and Theodore to bring in the holidays and make you feel less glum about mortgaging your home to buy overpriced gifts.

This is the true meaning of Christmas: Lying about a harmonica just before playing Carnegie Hall. You know, that old chestnut.

Enjoy, and have a great holiday. And thanks for 'tooning in!

<...

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It's the return of Pods R Us! It's that time of year when we look back at the hottest Christmas toys of yesteryear! Let's set the Saturday Morning Time Machine for 1981, and see what's waiting.

Happy Holidays, and thanks for 'tooning in!

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Happy Thanksgiving! To celebrate the season, we need Fall pumpkins. And a turkey, or at least a cowardly big cat. To me, Thanksgiving has always been about an evil Toymaker trying to take over the mythical land of Oz. As I'm sure it is for most families. 

Here now is a holiday feast you have to hear to believe.

Thanks for ‘tooning in.

Share With Us: SatMornPod@hotmail.com

Bluesky: @SatMornPod

YouTube Us: tinyurl.com/yyhpwjeo (Don’t waste your time)

  ...

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Okay, so here’s the story: When the moon is destroyed in 1994, it ensures that “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” isn’t just an album, but a way of life. Flashforward 2000 years where recognizable monuments are rusting, “Jaws 9” was a thing, and a group of heroes try to put right what once went wrong. Or, something like that. 

              Here now is the story of how this super-science show came to Saturday Morning.

              Who were the post-apocalyptic creators of this show? 

              Did “Star Wars” play a role in the creation of this series? 

...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A comedian and the kid of a famous singer get together at a bowling alley and have a great time. They perve on women, they introduce bubbling-under bands, and constantly clash with the executives of the network they’re on. Sounds like a great time for the kids. 

              Here now is the story of how this kids variety show came to Saturday Morning. 

              Who were the hosts?

              Was MTV responsible for… whatever this is? 

Did anything good come from this show?

     All thes...

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Okay, so here’s the story: There’s a night when an escaped zoo monkey gets zapped by an alien ship and then develops alien abilities. The only thing left to do is take up with a brother and sister and their grandmother. Oh, and throw in some flim flam men who are constantly trying to steal your monkey. Because that’s how you comedy.  

              Here now is the story of how this bananas show came to Saturday Morning.

              Where did this lost media show come from?

              Was it an overlooked hit tha...

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Okay, so here’s the story: a rock and roll DJ is tasked with running a TV studio named after him. His young assistants are along for the ride, and they get into adventures of unspecified magnitude. Mainly because this show was [echo] LOST MEDIA!

              Here now is the story of how this wolf rockin’ show came to Saturday Morning.

              Who was the Wolfman?

              What do we know about this show?

              Did I ever think I’d be able to cover this series? Hmmm…

              All these questions...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A pack of dogs on death row have adventures outside of the Big House and experience freedom. Did that happen? Oh, God! What if they were dead when we started and these are just conflated memories and patchwork pieces so we knew who they were. Maybe they didn’t exist. Maybe on one could talk to the animals. Or, maybe this was a cartoon. Yeah, that makes me feel better. 

              Here now is the story of how this permanent home show came to Saturday Morning.

       ...

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Okay, so here’s the story: An alien comes to Earth and looks like a puzzle that took the world by storm. When he’s scrambled, he’s useless. But when he’s solved – LOOK OUT!!! – He’ll fight crime and put bad guys in their place. Throw in a dash of Hispanic representation and a certain Puerto Rican boy band, and you just might have a hit. 

              Here now is the story of how this logic-defying show came to Saturday Morning.

              Where did this show come from?

              How did Menud...

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Okay, so here’s the story: Take a beloved children’s character, add a bumbling robot, an alien prince, put them on the run, and then scratch your head because that all sounds like word salad. 

Look, just come with me on the journey, I guarantee it will be rewarding. And heart-warming. And family friendly. And no bitch jokes. 

              Here now is the story of how this bonkers/canine show came to Saturday Morning.

              Who are Higgins and Benjean?

              Did this show rub shoulders with “Saturday Night Live”? 

...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A band of people and their dog hit the open road to tour and help people along the way. No, it’s not a Scooby-Doo show. I swear it’s not. But it’s sort of a Scooby prequel. 

              Here now is the story of how this rock n roll show came to Saturday Morning.

              Where did this show come from? 

              Can dogs play the drums?

              Was Meatballs a surrogate for Meatloaf?

     All these questions, and more, will be answered in this look at MEATBALL...

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Okay, so here’s the story: Space Ghost meets the Herculoids, meets Astro, meets a few other Hanna-Barbera footnotes. And at the end, they all get together to blow away the big bad of the week in a finale that's epic. It's just too bad it's kinda forgotten. 

              Here now is the story of how this future-verse show came to Saturday Morning.

              Was this an original show?

              Was this a sequel?

              Is Astro having adventures without “The Jetsons”?

              What is this!!!

     All these questions, and more, will be answer...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A gang of alien supers, who can do all kinds of party tricks, get their own show. And one day, they might even unite with others to save the universe. Until then, they’ll defend their planet while wearing as little as possible.

              Here now is the story of how this blobby show came to Saturday Morning.

              Can shape-shifters be more than mattresses?

              Is there anything cooler than a bat-winged lazer dragon?

              How does Boston Red Sox player Carl Yastrzemski figure into all this...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A super hero of unknown origin and seemingly super natural, has adventures in the deepest reaches of space against a rogue’s gallery of nasty baddies. And then he’s off-set with a boy who parachuted into the valley of the dinosaurs and must survive in a hostile wilderness. Eat your heart out, Doug McClure!

              Here now is the story of how this super hero space show came to Saturday Morning.

              Who was the cast behind this action-adventure show?

              What comic book legend was behind this...

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Back in the 1980s, everyone, and I mean everyone, was trying to spread one simple message: Drugs Are Bad! There were a ton of PSAs telling kids to leave narcotics alone. Celebrities said to stay clean, and networks invested in one off specials to keep kids from taking one toke over the line. Or any tokes for that matter.

Here now is the nexus of these specials, a hybrid of PSAs, The Flintstone Kids, and a certain gloved singer who was high... on the charts at this time. Its The Flintstone Kids "...

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Back in the 1980s, there was a problem: Drugs! There was an effort to shelter the kids from the threat. There was an effort to equip them against peer pressure. Here now are the Top Ten Anti-Drug PSAs from the 80s. See how many you remember, and thanks for 'tooning in. 

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Okay, so here’s the story: A secret agent mouse lives in a human world where he might be stepped on or eek-ed at, at any moment. But he’s the world’s only chance of stopping the evil Baron Silas Greenback from world domination. Though, he would probably make a lovely dominatrix. 

              Here now is the story of how this silly spy show came to the UK from the suburbs of Manchester.

              Where did this show come from? 

              Was it the first animated show from England to break into the American ma...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A group of ragged animals come to life when their kid has her back turned. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know this one. The toys come to life and run away, only to almost get blown to bits my the kid next door. This sounds like it’s going to be a real toy story… in an antiquated way.

              Here now is the story of how this patchwork show came to Saturday Morning.

              Where did the characters come from?

              Does this show carry on the memory of a lo...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A community of imaginary creatures band together to teach lessons of sharing, caring and interdependency. No, not “The Smurfs”. No, not “Care Bears”. Boy, the 80s were full of this trope.

              Here now is the story of how this Fraggle-tastic show came to Saturday Morning.

              Is it possible to dance your cares away?  Even if you have a white man’s overbite?

              What killed this show since the original series was so successful?

              Did this show in fact save the world?

     All these questions...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A dog, a monkey, a lion and an elephant walk into a bar… No, wait. They form a band. Thank goodness, the other one ends in the missionary position. I mean, with them being in position to become missionaries. You know what, let’s start over.

              Okay, so here’s the story: Someone dropped some ‘shrooms and watched “Laugh-In”. And then thought this show into existence. 

              Here now is the story of how this psychedelic show came to Saturday Morning.

              Who directed the live-action?

   ...

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Okay, so here’s the story: Kids from the future must partner with their ancestors in the 1980s to fight a super powerful criminal. Which sounds like just the thing kids should be doing. Then again, in the 1980s, we were allowed to go out all day and do whatever as long as we were back before dark. And that was in the day and age of Milk Carton Portraits, strangers with candy and stranger danger. So… this totally checks out.

              Here now is the story of how this lazer-y show came to Sat...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A group of characters in their 50s get together to have comedic adventures and explore life. No, not “The Golden Girls”. Though Foghorn Leghorn would make an awesome Dorothy. Hmmm… Warner Bros, what’s stopping you from producing a Looney Tunes / Golden Girls remake? Oh, that’s right. Your taxes.

              Here now is the story of how this looney, tuney show came to Saturday Morning.

              Was the succotash really suffering? 

              Did anyone see a puddy tat?

              What’s up, Doc?

     All these questions, and mo...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A pack of legendary bears inhabit a royal forest. They’ve stayed hidden from humans for a thousand years, but are found now because… it’s convenient for the show? 

              Here now is the story of how this bouncy show came to Saturday Morning.

              What was the origin of this show?

              Did the studios have a village creature Mad Libs where they filled in the blanks to create new shows?

              Who was responsible for that iconic theme song?

     All these questions, and more...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A non-verbal pink cat has two sons to carry on his family name: Panther! Unlike their dad, they’re not into stealing diamonds, Peter Sellers, or the Inspector. They’re about having fun in the 80s, hanging out with their friends the Rainbow Panthers, and being part of the Marvel Universe. [beat] You didn’t know that? Well, they are! Don’t be surprised by “Pinky, Panky and the Black Panther” coming next summer. 

              Here now is the story of how this pink show came to Saturday Morning.<...

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Okay, so here’s the story: A very adult comedian, one of the writers on “Blazing Saddles”, gets a Saturday Morning show aimed at kids. It was only a few years after he set himself on fire, and after he became one of the highest paid actors ever. He was still a box office success, so… who gave him a kid’s show?

              Here now is the story of how this unlikely show came to Saturday Morning.

              How did this Bicentennial stand up end up on Saturday Morning? 

              Was this...

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Okay, so here’s the story: Imagine a village of little creatures that are hidden from humans. They have their own way of speaking, and there are very few girls. If it sounds like a recipe for success, it was… Just not for this show. But it worked like gangbusters for their cousins from Belgium.

              Here now is the story of how this dog-gone fantastic show came to Saturday Morning.

              Who was in the amazing cast?

              What is the legacy of this show?

              Where did this show come from? No, really...