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PODCAST · tv

Don't Touch That Dial

We look back on classic TV shows and discuss the shows and stars that made watching TV before streaming, DVRs, and VCRs a whole lot of fun.

  1. 144

    Soap: Breaking the Rules of TV Comedy

    Send us Fan MailLet's revisit ABC's groundbreaking sitcom Soap, the series that mixed comedy with serialized storytelling long before it became the norm. From Billy Crystal's trailblazing role to ventriloquist Chuck and Bob, and television's first prime time season-long murder mystery, we explore why Soap remains one of the smartest and funniest shows of its era. Support the show

  2. 143

    TV Hits That Really Weren't. Ratings Myths of Classic TV

    Send us Fan MailJody's mystery topic explores classic TV shows that felt like hits but struggled in the ratings. The guys revisit favorites like Mork & Mindy, Taxi, WKRP in Cincinnati, Welcome Back, Kotter, Soap, and more, uncovering surprising Nielsen history, behind-the-scenes trivia, and laughs about the shows we all thought everyone was watching. Support the show

  3. 142

    Surf's Up, Sitcom Style

    Send us Fan MailAs we head full force into summer, the guys discuss their favorite beach themed sitcoms.Support the show

  4. 141

    Everyone Loves Lucy

    Send us Fan MailToday we discuss one of the most historic and groundbreaking sitcoms in the history of TV ... "I Love Lucy."Support the show

  5. 140

    The Great Sammy Davis - Part 2

    Send us Fan MailOur conversation continues on our love and respect for the super talented Sammy Davis, Jr. Support the show

  6. 139

    The Great Sammy Davis - Part 1

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode the guys discuss the iconic Candy Man and his influence on Classic TV. Support the show

  7. 138

    See You in Court

    Send us Fan MailJoin us as we laugh out loud remembering some of our favorite TV characters who faced the judge to settle disputes - no objections! Support the show

  8. 137

    Congrats TV Grads!

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode we are throwing caps in the air and celebrating TV grads (and real life ones) as we head into graduation season.Support the show

  9. 136

    Mystery Episode: What Family Would You Live With?

    Send us Fan MailWe all have our favorite TV families, but would you switch yours to live with the Cunninghams, Keatons or Ricardos? The guys discuss families they wouldn't mind living with.Support the show

  10. 135

    Lesser-known Peanuts Specials

    Send us Fan MailWe all know "It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," but what about the Peanuts specials that were just as good, but not as well-known? Let's discuss another one of our favorite Classic TV specials and why they are timeless. Support the show

  11. 134

    TVs Favorite Castaways - Gilligan's Island

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we revisit Gilligan’s Island from its unforgettable characters to its offbeat humor, we break down why this shipwrecked sitcom continues to resonate with audiences today. Support the show

  12. 133

    The Man, The Myth, The Legend - Ted McGinley

    Send us Fan MailToday we celebrate the career of Ted McGinley, best known for his roles on Happy Days, The Love Boat, Married...with Children and Hope & Faith. Rarely the lead star, but this steady and likable actor kept us laughing for decades.Support the show

  13. 132

    Later Happy Days Characters

    Send us Fan MailWe will find any reason to talk about Happy Days and today we're discussing the characters we enjoyed later in the series (after the departure of Richie and Ralph). Support the show

  14. 131

    The Taxman Cometh

    Send us Fan MailToday we celebrate April 15th by discussing TV episodes focused on taxes and how, somehow, these shows made taxes hilarious.  Support the show

  15. 130

    The Legacy of Bill Bixby

    Send us Fan Mail This episode explores the career of Bill Bixby, from his breakout role in "The Courtship of Eddie’s Father" to his iconic performance as Dr. David Banner in "The Incredible Hulk."Support the show

  16. 129

    Mystery Episode: TV Neighbors

    Send us Fan MailLet's talk about great TV neighbors who turned into classic TV characters. Support the show

  17. 128

    An Offer You Can't Refuse - Mob Episodes

    Send us Fan MailIt's nothing personal - just some of the best show in tv history. Join us as we discuss our favorite tv shows with a mob theme. Support the show

  18. 127

    Mystery Episode: Pivotal TV Episodes

    Send us Fan MailToday we're talking about those defining moments in a tv show's run that was a turning point for not only for the show, but also its stars. Support the show

  19. 126

    From the Silver Screen to the Small Screen

    Send us Fan MailIt's Oscar's week so let's reminisce about when our favorite movies in the theaters made their way to tv sets in our living rooms.  Support the show

  20. 125

    To TV or Not to TV - That is the Question - Part 2

    Send us Fan MailWe are such fans of the legendary English playwright and poet, we are continuing the conversation on Shakespeare and the Classic TV connection...Support the show

  21. 124

    To TV or not to TV - That is the Question - Part 1

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode the guys discuss the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare's influence on Classic TVSupport the show

  22. 123

    Welcome Back Scrubs!

    Send us Fan MailJoin us as we celebrate the return of Scrubs!Support the show

  23. 122

    Happy Birthday, Burt Reynolds!

    Send us Fan MailToday we are celebrating the great Burt Reynold's 90th birthday and remembering his legacy on the small and big screen. Support the show

  24. 121

    It's 10 pm - Do You Know What's on TV?

    Send us Fan MailWe're staying up until 10 pm to watch our favorite hour-long dramas from Family to Quincy... and we'll chat a bit about our favorite Lifesaver candy flavors too. Support the show

  25. 120

    Great Shows Rarely Talked About

    Send us Fan MailFrom Bosom Buddies to Night Court - shows we love that deserve some love!Support the show

  26. 119

    Won't You Be My Neighbor? The Legacy of Mr. Rogers

    Send us Fan MailJoin us as we remember and celebrate the legacy of Mr. Rogers ... plus how much we enjoyed the 1979 movie "Hot Stuff!"Support the show

  27. 118

    Gone But Not Forgotten - Stars We Lost in '25 - Part 2

    Send us Fan MailLet's continue to pay tribute to some of our favorite TV personalities like Rob Reiner, Loni Anderson, Linda Lavin and Polly Holliday and remember the impact they had on TV history.Support the show

  28. 117

    Gone But Not Forgotten - Stars We Lost in '25 - Part 1

    Send us Fan MailAs we begin the new year, let's stop and celebrate the stars we lost in 2025 and their incredible talent. Support the show

  29. 116

    Raise a Glass to the New Year!

    Send us Fan MailLet's toast the new year by celebrating our favorite TV characters who got a little tipsy during the episode (not necessarily on NYE). No hangovers or spinning beds only laugh out loud entertainment! Cheers!Support the show

  30. 115

    Christmas Commercials

    Send us Fan MailThe Christmas specials weren't our only favorite time of the TV year - so were the commercials! Join us as we discuss the advertisements that were part of the holiday magic.Support the show

  31. 114

    Happy Life Day! The Star Wars Holiday Special

    Send us Fan MailThe holidays are here, so it is time to dive into the Star Wars Holiday Special and ask the question that has lingered for decades. Forgotten gem or iconic misfire? Awkward and unforgettable, it has earned a place in holiday television history. Support the show

  32. 113

    All in the Family Part 2

    Send us Fan MailArchie, Edith, Meathead, Gloria and all of the All in the Family spinoffs - we just can't get enough of a good Classic TV sitcom! Support the show

  33. 112

    Stifle yourself and join us for All in the Family!

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode the guys remember the 22 Primetime Emmy award winning "All in the Family" -- discussing Edith, Archie, Gloria and Mike (along with the other brilliant characters), its cultural impact, and the hilarious moments that reshaped television. Support the show

  34. 111

    Popcorn, Toast and Gratitude: The Spirit of a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

    Send us Fan MailFrom Snoopy’s kitchen antics to the lessons on gratitude and friendship, the guys explore what makes this Peanuts episode a Thanksgiving holiday favorite. Support the show

  35. 110

    Mystery Episode: Shows that Reflected Real Life Events

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore classic TV shows that wove real-world events into their storytelling. It wasn't the main focus, but as the backdrop shaping the tone and context of the episode. We’ll dive into how writers grounded fictional worlds in the real events their audiences were living through, creating TV that felt immediate and authentic. Support the show

  36. 109

    School House Rock!

    Send us Fan MailFrom “Conjunction Junction” to “I’m Just a Bill,” let's explore how these catchy "Schoolhouse Rock!" tunes on Saturday mornings in the 1970s made learning fun, shaped a generation’s understanding of civics and grammar and left a lasting mark on pop culture. Support the show

  37. 108

    The Twilight Zone

    Send us Fan MailHappy Halloween! This episode takes us to Rod Serling’s series The Twilight Zone, which redefined science fiction and horror on TV. We explore how its storytelling, social commentary, and unforgettable twists continue to unsettle TV audiences decades later. Support the show

  38. 107

    Guest Stars Part 2: From Shatner to Spin City

    Send us Fan MailThe conversation continues where the guys talk memorable guest appearances across classic TV. From Shatner and Nimoy on T.J. Hooker, to Robin Williams reuniting with Pam Dawber  and other nostalgic cameos. We discuss Dallas, Charles in Charge, Spin City, Nash Bridges, and more, highlighting how guest stars often elevated shows and gave fans unforgettable TV moments. Support the show

  39. 106

    Part 1: Classic TV Reunions and Surprising Cameos

    Send us Fan MailFrom Andy Griffith and Don Knotts on Matlock to George Wendt on Becker, this episode celebrates TV’s most surprising reunions and cameos. Relive the guest spots that brought stars back together and sparked Gen X nostalgia. Support the show

  40. 105

    Marx Brothers Revisited

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, our favorite hosts reminisce about the Marx Brothers, reflecting on their childhood memories, the comedy team’s cultural impact, and their influence on film and television. Support the show

  41. 104

    Mystery Episode: TV Homes

    Send us Fan MailEvery iconic TV family had an iconic house. What's your favorite abode? The Brady house? The Cunningham house? The Keaton house? Alice's apartment? Let's discuss TV dwellings!Support the show

  42. 103

    How to Get to Sesame Street!

    Send us Fan MailLet's talk Sesame Street from its groundbreaking debut in 1969 to its lasting influence on children’s television, classic TV and the education of GenX. Support the show

  43. 102

    Come on Get Happy - A Tribute to the Partridge Family

    Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 3! We’re kicking off by celebrating The Partridge Family — a band and TV phenomenon that remains just as iconic today as it was in 1970. Join us as we dive into the legacy of Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, and the rest of the cast, exploring their music, charm, and its lasting cultural impact. After all ... We think we love them!Support the show

  44. 101

    "Who Shot J.R.?" The Historic Cliffhanger

    Send us Fan MailToday we will unpack how the Dallas episode ‘A House Divided’ left millions of TV viewers in suspense in the summer of 1980, fueled debates over who shot J.R. Ewing, seized international headlines and changed television with this groundbreaking cliffhanger.Support the show

  45. 100

    Unforgettable TV Song Moments

    Send us Fan MailIt's our 100th episode! Let's celebrate with a discussion on the music that made classic tv scenes from Taxi to Family Ties legendary.Support the show

  46. 99

    What’s On Tonight? Celebrating the TV Guide

    Send us Fan MailToday we pay tribute to the must have tool for TV aficionados everywhere - the "TV Guide." If you collect then - we want to hear from you!Support the show

  47. 98

    Remembering Malcolm-Jamal Warner

    Send us Fan MailOn this episode we pay tribute to the memory of the great Malcolm-Jamal Warner, remembered as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, celebrating his acting chops, his impact on Must See TV, and his lasting legacy. Support the show

  48. 97

    Famous Crossovers

    Send us Fan MailThe guys debate what crossovers worked, which did not, the stars that shined and  the impact they had on classic television. Support the show

  49. 96

    Music Commercials

    Send us Fan MailThis episode happens when your first introduction to pop music was during commercials for compilation records during your favorite weekday afternoon cartoons. The guys explain why they love tv, music and Bobble Heads. Support the show

  50. 95

    Recurring Characters

    Send us Fan MailWhile their names might not have been in the opening characters, their characters still made a lasting impression on some of classic TV's best shows. Let's discuss.Support the show

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

We look back on classic TV shows and discuss the shows and stars that made watching TV before streaming, DVRs, and VCRs a whole lot of fun.

HOSTED BY

Keith Loria, Jody Schwartz, Anthony Stoeckert

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Don't Touch That Dial have?

Don't Touch That Dial currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Don't Touch That Dial about?

We look back on classic TV shows and discuss the shows and stars that made watching TV before streaming, DVRs, and VCRs a whole lot of fun.

How often does Don't Touch That Dial release new episodes?

Don't Touch That Dial has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Don't Touch That Dial?

You can listen to Don't Touch That Dial on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Don't Touch That Dial?

Don't Touch That Dial is created and hosted by Keith Loria, Jody Schwartz, Anthony Stoeckert.
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