My Sister Made Me Watch This

Michelle
  • 4.3 (4)
  • TV REVIEWS

Sisters Michelle and Cherie revisit TV shows and movies from their childhood and their different perspectives on them. As the older sister, Cherie most often controlled the television and subjected Michelle to shows that she would never have chosen to watch on her own.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    038 Can You Picture That? Revisiting The Muppet Movie

    🐸 The Muppets Are Having a Moment With a Muppet-themed retheme coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and renewed interest in the franchise, we revisit the original 1979 classic that started it all. The Muppet Movie Directed by James Frawley Starring the original Muppet performers including Jim Henson and Frank Oz Released in 1979 during the third season of The Muppet Show, this musical road comedy serves as the origin story of Kermit and the gang. Synopsis Kermit leaves his swamp after being “discovered” and heads to Hollywood in pursuit of the standard rich and famous contract. Along the way, he picks up friends like Fozzie, Gonzo, and Miss Piggy — while being chased by frog-leg entrepreneur Doc Hopper. It’s friendship.  It’s show business.  It’s existential frog longing under a rainbow. 🌈 The Wizard of Oz Parallel? Michelle’s epiphany:  Is this secretly a Muppet-flavored Wizard of Oz? Rainbow motifRoad journeyGathering companionsA looming antagonistMeeting “the wizard” at the endWe may never know if that was intentional, but the structure is undeniably familiar — and maybe that’s part of why it works so well. 🎶 The Music Music by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher. “Rainbow Connection” (Academy Award–nominated)“Movin’ Right Along”“Can You Picture That?”“I Hope That Something Better Comes Along”Fun fact: Jim Henson duets with himself as Kermit and Rowlf. The original split-screen technology, if you will. 🎭 Cameos, Cameos, Cameos The film set the gold standard for celebrity cameos, including: Bob HopeMilton BerleSteve MartinMel BrooksOrson WellesRichard PryorWill younger viewers recognize them all? Probably not. Does it still work? Absolutely. 🚗 The Studebaker & Puppetry Innovation The film was a technical marvel: Kermit riding a bicycle (marionette + crane system)A fully drivable Studebaker with a hidden trunk driverThe iconic swamp scene filmed with Henson submerged in a custom tankCherie even shares her personal connection to the restoration of the original movie car — now displayed at the Studebaker Museum. Yes. We love a deep-cut puppet industry flex. 🏆 Cultural Impact In 2009, the film was added to the National Film Registry for being culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant. Peak Muppet? We think yes. 🎙️ Personal Reflections Childhood piano recital featuring a frog lip-syncing “Rainbow Connection”A Star Studio dual cassette deck eraThe influence of the Muppets on a career in puppetryFavorite Muppets (Beaker, Cookie Monster, and heated debates about limited vocabulary)🎬 Does It Hold Up? Yes.  It’s heartfelt.  It’s funny.  It’s technologically groundbreaking. It may scream 1979 in spots, but that’s part of the charm.

    45 min

  2. FEB 26

    037 Bedknobs & Broomsticks: Disney’s Backup Plan Movie

    This week, we dust off a lesser-known Disney classic:  ✨ Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)  Set during WWII, this whimsical (and slightly chaotic) fantasy follows three evacuated London children, an apprentice witch learning magic by correspondence course, and a con-man magician who accidentally becomes part of the British war effort.  Yes. Really.  We discuss:  The film’s deep connections to Mary PoppinsWhy Disney originally bought the rights as a backup planSherman Brothers songs (including one originally written for Mary Poppins!)The blend of live-action and animationThat animated soccer match 👀Angela Lansbury’s performance as Miss PriceWhether this movie actually holds up todayAnd of course… the ongoing Roddy McDowall problem Starring:   Angela LansburyDavid TomlinsonRoddy McDowall We also dive into:   The post-Walt Disney era slumpThe 25th anniversary restorationOscar nominations and that surprise special effects winAnd the big question: Would this survive the Brooke Test™? Is it magical?  Is it campy?  Is it aggressively 1971?   You decide.   🎧 Listen now and let us know: Did Bedknobs and Broomsticks hold up for you?

    45 min

  3. FEB 19

    036 The Patty Duke Show: They’re Cousins… Identical Cousins!

    This week, we’re heading back to 1963 and into the wonderfully wholesome, split-screen world of The Patty Duke Show — the sitcom that gave us identical cousins, iconic theme song lyrics, and some seriously impressive early TV special effects. Created by Sidney Sheldon as a starring vehicle for teenage Oscar winner Patty Duke, the series ran for three seasons and became a Nick at Nite staple for our generation. We discuss: The genius (and absurdity) of “identical cousins”How split-screen technology worked in the early ’60sPatty’s triple-role episode as Southern belle BetsyWhy the show was canceled (spoiler: color TV got expensive)The wildly catchy theme song that now lives rent-free in our headsThe 1999 reunion movie you might watch… but probably won’tThe surprisingly clever PSA Patty did decades laterThe legacy connections to John Astin, Sean Astin, and The Facts of LifeWe also talk about whether this sweet, bubblegum ‘60s sitcom holds up today — and why nostalgia sometimes matters more than modern relevance. And yes… we sing the theme song. Repeatedly. 🎵 “Cathy adores a minuet…” (You’re welcome.)

    41 min

  4. FEB 12

    035 Be Careful What You Wish For: Revisiting Fantasy Island

    After revisiting The Love Boat, we couldn’t help but sail straight into another iconic Saturday night favorite: Fantasy Island. This week, we unpack the mysterious island where dreams come true… usually with a twist. We talk about the origins of the show, including how producer Aaron Spelling reportedly pitched the concept as a joke—only to turn it into a massive hit. We dive into Ricardo Montalbán’s unforgettable performance as the enigmatic Mr. Rourke, the power of that iconic white suit, and the question we still can’t answer: what exactly was Mr. Rourke? From ageless mysteries and supernatural hints to the island’s sometimes-not-so-benevolent life lessons, we explore what made Fantasy Island such a pop culture phenomenon. Of course, we also spotlight Tattoo, the unforgettable assistant who made “De plane! De plane!” part of television history—and what happened when the show tried to move on without him. Along the way, we cover: The show’s beginnings as a made-for-TV movieThe secret behind the iconic seaplane footageWhy Fantasy Island may have been more like purgatory than paradiseCelebrity guest stars galore (from Debbie Reynolds to Jimmy “JJ” Walker)Early appearances by future stars like Michelle Pfeiffer, Geena Davis, and LaVar BurtonBehind-the-scenes drama, recasting, and the many reboots that followedWhy none of the modern revivals quite captured the original magicWas Fantasy Island magical, mysterious, or mildly sinister? And does it still hold up today—or is it firmly a product of its time? Grab your white suit and prepare for a nostalgic trip… just be careful what you wish for.

    46 min

  5. FEB 5

    034 Groundhog Day: Why Is There Never Any Hot Water in Punxsutawney?

    “Okay campers, rise and shine!” ❄️  This week, My Sister Made Me Watch This takes on one of our all-time favorite comfort movies: 1993’s Groundhog Day.  From blizzards and booties to time loops and piano lessons, we dig into why this movie is endlessly rewatchable—and somehow deeper every time. We talk about the real (and very questionable) history of Groundhog Day, behind-the-scenes movie trivia, casting what-ifs, Bill Murray’s complicated genius, and the moment Phil Connors finally gets it.  We also tackle the big questions:  How long was Phil really stuck in the loop?Could this movie even work today with cell phones and the internet?Is the woolly worm actually a better weather predictor than the groundhog?And… why is there NEVER hot water at that bed & breakfast? Grab some hot cocoa (or not—apparently that’s unreliable in Punxsutawney) and settle in for a cozy, funny, surprisingly thoughtful conversation about a movie we watch every single year.     🎬 What We Talk About   The real (and absurd) history of Groundhog DayWhy Punxsutawney wasn’t “pretty enough” for the movieBill Murray vs. Harold Ramis—and how it shaped the filmHow long Phil Connors may have been stuck (10 years? 10,000??)The cultural impact of Groundhog DayCasting what-ifs (Tom Hanks! Kevin Kline!)Why this movie still works—and probably couldn’t be remade todayThe woolly worm hot take 🐛🔥The eternal mystery of the missing hot water 🚿❓   📺 Where to Watch   Groundhog Day is available to rent or stream on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and other major digital services (especially this time of year).

    46 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Sisters Michelle and Cherie revisit TV shows and movies from their childhood and their different perspectives on them. As the older sister, Cherie most often controlled the television and subjected Michelle to shows that she would never have chosen to watch on her own.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 My Sister Made Me Watch This
  • Show Website
    My Sister Made Me Watch This