Episode S2E25 - If We Wrote the Shows

In this episode of Collective Loathing, Felix, #HashtagHollywood, and a late-arriving Silver Fox riff on Gen X nostalgia and cynicism while previewing a main topic: inventing "very special episodes" for classic TV shows. The episode opens with a voicemail from returning caller Major Mike, who comments on the hosts' recent political talk.  Andy returns with an extended "X Fact of the Week" on Garbage Pail Kids: their 1985 Topps origins parodying Cabbage Patch Kids. "The World Burns" segment features three headline-style stories: a Wisconsin "park poop prowler" identified with drones and trail cameras ; a Lee County, Florida incident where an allegedly intoxicated man on a riding lawnmower plows into multiple mailboxes; and discussion of the Florida Man Games (set for February 21, 2026 at "Cletus McFarland's Freedom Factory") with events like an "evading arrest" obstacle course and "bullwhips and bad decisions," prompting the hosts to consider attending and covering it. The main conversation revisits iconic "very special episodes" (including multiple storylines involving molestation/assault, alcoholism, drugs, and safety PSAs) and then pitches new, absurd or dark "very special" ideas for shows like The A-Team, Facts of Life, Cheers, Silver Spoons, Perfect Strangers, MacGyver, Who's the Boss, Knight Rider, and more. They close by inviting listeners to call in with their own "very special episode" concepts and plugging the show's social accounts and voicemail number.   00:00 Gen X Intro: The Forgotten Generation & Podcast Welcome 01:44 Where's Silver Fox? Housekeeping and Tonight's Topic Tease 02:10 Setting Up the Theme: 'Very Special Episodes' (80s/90s Sitcom Trauma) 03:17 Voicemail from Major Mike: Politics, Epstein Files & Relationship Advice Roast 06:41 Hosts React: Epstein Files Debate and 'Both Sides' Frustration 11:05 Andy's X-Fact of the Week: Garbage Pail Kids Deep Dive 16:05 'As the World Burns' Segment Begins: Poop Story + Florida Chaos Incoming 17:42 Park Poop Prowler: Drone Catches a Serial Public Pooper 22:36 Florida Lawn Mower DUI: Mailbox-Smashing 'Shaken Bake' 24:52 Florida Man Games 2026: Weaponized Pool Noodles, Bullwhips & Bad Decisions 30:50 Back to the Main Topic: What Makes a 'Very Special Episode'? 32:21 Iconic Examples: Diff'rent Strokes 'Bicycle Man' and Other Dark Sitcom Turns 34:44 Sitcom Trauma Grab Bag: Alcoholism, CPR & Refrigerator Panic 35:34 When Men Aren't Believed: Too Close for Comfort's Assault Plot 36:51 Classic 'Very Special' Hits: Mr. Belvedere, Growing Pains & Jessie's 'Drugs' 39:15 Bring It Back: Pitching New 'Very Special' Episodes (A-Team Roofies & Flying Fears) 42:51 Facts of Life Deep Cuts: Puberty, Bongs & Serious Issues Done Right 45:17 More Pitches: Cheers Liver Disease & Silver Spoons Wealth Crash 47:47 Dark Reboots: Perfect Strangers Deportation + MacGyver Fails 50:25 Consent, Kidnapping & 'Brady Bunch' Taboo Storylines 54:00 AI Writer's Room & Afterschool Specials: D&D Panic and Media 'Education' 56:43 Do We Still Need 'Very Special' Episodes? Modern TV Arcs vs One-Off Lessons 59:12 Wrap-Up: Call-In Prompt, TV Addiction Joke, and Sign-Off