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. 5d ago

    070 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Part 1: What We Didn’t Know as Kids

    There’s no place like home—and there’s no movie quite like The Wizard of Oz! This week on My Sister Made Me Watch This, we’re revisiting a film we both grew up watching, from those annual television broadcasts to the magic of Dorothy’s first steps into Technicolor Oz. Inspired by a visit to the Land of Oz theme park in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, we’re following the yellow brick road through the history of this beloved 1939 classic. We explore the movie’s complicated production, the actors who almost played its iconic characters, and the surprising stories behind the casting, costumes, makeup, and ruby slippers. Did you know Ray Bolger was originally cast as the Tin Man? Or that Buddy Ebsen had to leave the production after a serious reaction to the silver makeup? We also discuss the many roles played by some of the cast members, the famous costume story that might be too good to be true, and a deleted scene that could explain Dorothy’s special fondness for the Scarecrow. Along the way, we revisit childhood memories, question a few things we thought we knew, and discover that even a movie filled with magic has some fascinating stories hiding behind the curtain. And this is only Part One! We’ve barely scratched the surface of The Wizard of Oz’s darker production history, cultural influence, and lasting legacy. Join us next time as we continue our trip to Oz. In this episode, we discuss: Our childhood memories of watching The Wizard of Oz on televisionThe Land of Oz theme park in Beech Mountain, North CarolinaThe film’s origins, production, and place in Hollywood historyThe unforgettable transition from black-and-white Kansas to colorful OzActors who almost played Dorothy, the Wizard, and the Wicked WitchThe casting switch between Ray Bolger and Buddy EbsenThe real production challenges behind the movie’s makeup and costumesThe ruby slippers—and the original book’s silver slippersThe famous Frank Baum coat story: charming legend or studio publicity?A deleted scene that sheds light on Dorothy’s relationship with the ScarecrowWhy this classic deserves a return trip down the yellow brick roadComing next: Part Two of our Wizard of Oz discussion, featuring more of the film’s darker history, cultural impact, and enduring legacy. Join the conversation! What do you remember most about The Wizard of Oz? Did you grow up watching it on television, and what movie or TV show would you like us to discuss next? Find us on Instagram and Facebook at My Sister Made Me Watch This, or email us at mysistermademewatchthispodcast@gmail.com. If you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts—and tell a friend! #MySisterMadeMeWatchThis #WizardOfOz #ClassicMovies #MovieNostalgia #HollywoodHistory

  2. Oct 8

    069 The Monkees: More Than Just A TV Band

    This week on My Sister Made Me Watch This, we're heading back to the 1960s for a show — and a band — that was never quite what it seemed. The Monkees were created for television as America's answer to Beatlemania, but somewhere along the way, the fictional band became a very real musical act. We take a look at how Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork were brought together, the surprising stories behind their auditions, and how a television project became one of the biggest musical acts of the late 1960s. We also get into the controversy surrounding The Monkees' early records, when session musicians played the instrumental tracks instead of the band members. As the four Monkees became increasingly determined to play their own instruments and record their own material, their relationship with producer Don Kirshner became increasingly contentious. And then there's the music. From "Last Train to Clarksville" and "I'm a Believer" to some lesser-known favorites, we talk about why The Monkees' music may be considerably better — and more influential — than their reputation suggests. Plus: The Beatles, George Harrison, Stephen Stills, Head, The Brady Bunch, Davy Jones' British accent, Michael Nesmith's Liquid Paper connection, and the question that may start a campaign: Why aren't The Monkees in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? We'll also reveal our favorite Monkee and favorite Monkees song — with at least one of us choosing a decidedly less-obvious favorite. So grab your tambourine, hop aboard the last train to Clarksville, and join us for a little Monkee business! Tonight's Required Viewing: The Monkees

  3. Oct 1

    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!

  4. 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!

  5. 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."

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.