My Sister Made Me Watch This

Michelle

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. 3d ago

    068 Saved by the Bell: The OG Saturday Morning Teen Sitcom

    This week on My Sister Made Me Watch This, we’re heading back to Bayside High for a crash course in one of the defining teen sitcoms of the late ’80s and early ’90s: Saved by the Bell! Cherie may not have watched much of it, but Michelle certainly did—and she has a LOT to say about Zack Morris, Kelly Kapowski, A.C. Slater, Screech, Lisa, Jessie, Mr. Belding, and all the shenanigans that made Bayside such an unforgettable place to spend Saturday mornings. But before there was Saved by the Bell, there was Good Morning, Miss Bliss. We talk about the show’s unusual beginnings, its connection to Brandon Tartikoff, Hayley Mills, and the actors who would eventually become familiar faces on other shows. Then it’s off to Bayside, where we meet Zack, Screech, Lisa, Slater, Kelly, and Jessie—and discuss how the cast came together, including some surprising connections to Beverly Hills, 90210. We also revisit one of the most famous Saved by the Bell episodes ever: Jessie Spano and her caffeine pills. Plus, we talk about the legendary Beach Club episodes, the show’s catchy theme song, the bizarre post-graduation continuity problems, The College Years, Wedding in Las Vegas, The New Class, and the 2020 revival. And if you’ve ever wondered whether Zack Morris was actually the villain of his own show, there’s a YouTube series for that: Zack Morris Is Trash. So… does Saved by the Bell hold up? Maybe not in every way. But for fans who grew up with Bayside High, the nostalgia is still very, very real. We also manage to sneak in a little Babylon 5. Because apparently Cherie cannot be trusted. What do you think of Saved by the Bell? Did you watch it growing up? Which character was your favorite? And what other TV shows or movies would you like us to discuss? Find us on Facebook and Instagram, and email us at mysistermademewatchthispodcast@gmail.com. And if you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe, leave us a rating and review, and tell a friend!

  2. Sep 24

    067 Tim Curry: More Than Just Rocky Horror

    When you think of Tim Curry, chances are your first thought is Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. And honestly, that's a pretty good place to start! But as we discovered, Tim Curry's career was SO much bigger than one iconic role. In this episode, we look back at the career of one of the most distinctive and versatile performers of his generation. Curry worked in theater, film, television, animation, video games, music, and audiobooks—and somehow seemed to find time to do just about everything. We talk about: Curry's early stage career, including his debut in London's production of HairThe Rocky Horror Show and the film that turned Dr. Frank-N-Furter into an enduring pop-culture iconHis three Tony-nominated Broadway performances in Amadeus, My Favorite Year, and SpamalotHis memorable film roles in Annie, Legend, Clue, The Hunt for Red October, Home Alone 2, The Three Musketeers, The Shadow, and Muppet Treasure IslandHis terrifyingly memorable turn as Pennywise in the 1990 It miniseriesHis enormous voice-acting career, including The Wild Thornberrys, Peter Pan and the Pirates, TaleSpin, Batman: The Animated Series, and Star WarsThe Joker role he recorded for Batman: The Animated Series before Mark Hamill took overHis unexpected Disney connection as the voice of S.I.R. in ExtraTERRORestrial Alien EncounterHis audiobook narration and Grammy nominationHis surprising musical career and recording albumsHis love of gardening—and the very Tim Curry story involving Freddie Mercury's gardenThe surprising celebrities who were fans of Curry, including Princess DianaAnd one of our favorite personal stories yet: the time Cherie unknowingly activated a credit card for the actual Tim Curry!We also discuss where you should start if you've never experienced Tim Curry's work. Our recommendations? Annie, Clue, and, of course, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tim Curry left behind a career spanning nearly six decades and more than 200 stage and screen credits, along with a distinctive voice and presence that made him almost impossible to forget. And yes—after recording this episode, we're both suddenly in the mood to watch Annie and Clue. Follow us: Instagram: @mysistermademewatchthis Facebook: My Sister Made Me Watch This Have a comment, question, or suggestion for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! 📧 mysistermademewatchthispodcast@gmail.com And if you're enjoying the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a rating and review, download an episode, and tell a friend. Every little bit helps other people discover My Sister Made Me Watch This!

  3. Sep 17

    066 Steel Magnolias: Southern Sass, Sisterhood & a Whole Lot of Tears

    This week, we're following up our recent conversation about Dolly Parton with one of her most beloved film roles: Steel Magnolias. Released in 1989 and based on Robert Harling's autobiographical play, Steel Magnolias tells the story of a group of women in a small Southern town whose lives intersect at Truvy's beauty salon. Beneath all the gossip, teasing, wedding preparations and Southern one-liners is a deeply moving story about friendship, family, loss and resilience. And yes... we're going to need tissues. We talk about the incredible ensemble cast, including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and a young Julia Roberts in one of her earliest major film roles. We also discuss the casting of Meg Ryan, who left the project to make When Harry Met Sally..., and the intriguing story Robert Harling told about Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn supposedly wanting roles in the film. We'll also get into some fascinating behind-the-scenes details, including the fact that the movie was filmed in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the real-life connection to the nurse who appears in Shelby's death scene, and how Dolly Parton and Daryl Hannah received beauty-school training to make their salon scenes believable. But what makes Steel Magnolias especially meaningful to us is how authentically Southern it feels. The beauty-shop gossip, the sharp banter, the strong personalities and the women who can insult you with a smile all feel very familiar. We even share some memories of our own Southern family and those legendary "beauty parlor" and quilting-circle conversations. And, of course, we have to talk about the quotes! From "I'm not crazy, M'Lynn. I've just been in a very bad mood for forty years" to "If you can't say something nice about someone, come sit by me," Steel Magnolias is packed with lines that have become part of pop culture. We'll also discuss the television pilot, the 2012 Lifetime remake, whether the movie still holds up today, and whether being Southern makes us appreciate it a little differently. Plus, we've apparently decided that a trip to Natchitoches is now required — preferably one involving a stay in Shelby's pink bedroom. So grab some tissues, sit back, and join us for a conversation about one of our favorite Southern movies. Because sometimes you need a movie that makes you laugh, cry, and say, "Bless your heart."

  4. Sep 10

    065 Dolly Parton: Singer, Actress, Icon, and Just… Dolly

    We’re taking a break from our usual “my sister made me watch this” assignment to remember one of the most beloved performers of all time: Dolly Parton. Dolly was a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, philanthropist, and all-around cultural icon. From her humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming the Queen of Country Music, she built an incredible career spanning nearly six decades—and somehow managed to make it all look effortless. We’re talking about Dolly’s film and television career, including her unforgettable debut in 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, and one sister’s absolute favorite, Steel Magnolias. We also revisit some of her television appearances, including Designing Women and Hannah Montana, where she played Aunt Dolly—and talk about her real-life relationship with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. And, of course, we couldn’t talk about Dolly without talking about Dollywood! We reminisce about visiting the park, Dolly’s elaborate costumes and wigs, the famous cinnamon bread, and the fact that Dolly herself reportedly avoided the rides. (Because why risk messing up that hair?) Plus, we share some of our favorite Dolly trivia and stories, including:  Dolly writing both “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” on the same day  Why she turned down Elvis Presley’s request to record “I Will Always Love You”  The story of Dolly entering—and losing—a Dolly Parton lookalike contest  Her lifelong friendship with Judy Ogle  Her connection to Miley Cyrus  Why the cloned sheep was named Dolly  Dolly’s many musical talents  Her Guinness World Records  And the remarkable legacy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination LibraryMost of all, we talk about what made Dolly so special: she was completely, unapologetically herself. She knew who she was, knew what she could do, and never seemed afraid to go after it. There may never be another Dolly Parton—and that's worth celebrating. And yes… we may have to schedule a Dolly movie night soon. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, anyone?

  5. Sep 3

    064 Gilligan’s Island: The Original Survivor?

    Pack your coconut cups and prepare for a three-hour tour, because this week we’re heading to an uncharted island with one of television’s most beloved—and most inexplicably unsuccessful—groups of castaways: Gilligan, the Skipper, the Professor, Mary Ann, Ginger, and the Howells!  Gilligan’s Island only ran for three seasons from 1964–1967, but thanks to seemingly endless reruns, it became one of those shows that feels like it was on television forever. We talk about the original premise, the iconic cast, and some surprising casting almosts—including Jerry Van Dyke as Gilligan, Carroll O’Connor as the Skipper, Dabney Coleman as the Professor, and Raquel Welch auditioning for Mary Ann.  We also dig into some of the show's stranger mysteries: Why were the Howells taking a charter boat instead of their own yacht? Why did everyone bring their entire wardrobe for a three-hour tour? How did all those guest stars keep finding this supposedly uncharted island? And why, after 98 episodes, could the castaways still not figure out how to get home?  Plus, we discuss the original pilot, the missing Professor and Mary Ann from the first season's theme song, the real story behind the SS Minnow's name, the coconut cups, the show's animated spin-offs, Gilligan's Planet, the Harlem Globetrotters, The Real Gilligan's Island, and the many, many ways Hollywood tried to squeeze a few more drops of coconut milk out of the franchise.  And because we're us, we also have a spirited discussion about whether Gilligan's Island actually holds up today—and whether nostalgia is doing most of the heavy lifting.  Finally, we tackle the show's underlying idea of people from wildly different backgrounds being forced to cooperate to survive. It's a concept that still works... although, as we point out, calling this particular group "diverse" by today's standards is definitely a stretch.  So grab your favorite coconut shell, avoid any suspicious-looking storms, and join us for a trip to Gilligan's Island.

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
5 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.