From the Top with Taylor and Mackenzie: Recent Episodes
Mackenzie Byersdorf and Taylor Rowland
A weekly deep-dive on your favorite television pilots, from twin brother and sister, Taylor and Mackenzie. After decades of television deliberation from Rugrats to Seinfeld to Game of Thrones, Taylor and Mackenzie offer their take on TV pilots from every genre.
This week we deep-dive into the anomaly that is Parks and Recreation: a show with one of the WORST pilots ever, yet which ended as a beloved, fan-favorite series. Treat yo' self by listening to our take on Leslie Knope versions 1 and 2, and how Parks and Rec dug themselves out of the (literal) pit.
We cover:
- "Would You Rather," Parks and Rec style
- The evolution of Leslie Knope, from female Michael Scott to inspiring beacon of hope and grit.
- The strange, sparkling gem of Pawnee - and why it's maybe more memorable than any other fictional town
- And more!
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If political chatter has you exhausted, might we usher you into the heartwarming, albeit fictional, world of The West Wing? This week we discuss the pilot of Aaron Sorkin's beloved political drama. Walk and talk with us, as we meet sassy/inspirational President Bartlett and his busy, banter-slinging Oval Office team.
You'll hear:
- Quick takes on: the power of a Presidential zinger, our lament over Charlie's (Dulé Hill) absence from the episode, and why some of the pilot's storyline wouldn't work in 2020.
- Our dream Oval Office teams, comprised of TV characters and celebrities - our favorite segment yet!
- How The West Wing came to be, with it's whiplash-inducing camera work and pages upon pages of dialogue.
- And more!
If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe and leave a review. Thank you!
SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Android | Spotify
FOLLOW US: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
FIND OUT MORE: https://www.fromthetoppod.com/
If you're looking for what to watch this year as you bake your pie (or order takeout), we've got you covered! This week we're taking a detour from TV pilots and bringing you:
- Our 10 favorite Thanksgiving-themed TV episodes!
- TV characters we'd like to see made into a Macy's Parade balloon - who doesn't want to see a giant, floating Ron Swanson mustache?!
- Some embarrassing and heartfelt Thanksgiving memories...
- And more!
For the full list of TV episodes and where to watch them, go to our website HERE.
If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe and leave a review. Thank you!
SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Android | Spotify
FOLLOW US: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
FIND OUT MORE: https://www.fromthetoppod.com/
How does a show with such a silly premise make you cry through a full box of tissues every single episode? We ventured on a journey to find out, as we discussed the pilot of the critically acclaimed "Jane the Virgin."
Baby Yoda and the mysterious Mando -- join us for a deep-dive of The Mandalorian's pilot episode. It's a great time to listen, since the season 2 premiere is just around the corner!
Join us as we celebrate our 10th episode - we're talking all things castaways, polar bears, and meet-cutes that happen over a nice set of stitches.
Happy 33rd b-day to us and to Full House! We chat about the unaired pilot, the best Mary Kate & Ashley movie, and how many tank tops Uncle Jesse wore in the opening credits alone.
If you're in need of bright colors, nuanced female characters, and just the right amount of quirk, might we suggest the pilot of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? Also, hear our attempts at 30-seconds of stand up...
Nothing has captured bad-boys with a heart of gold, hot-nerds finding love, and teens-talking-like-adults quite like "The O.C." If you ever wanted to be adopted into the Cohen family, this ones for you!
Luscious eyebrows, wigs with names, and zingy one-liners galore! We had a blast deep-diving the posh-turned-podunk pilot of the Canadian hit comedy, Schitt$ Creek.
24 kicks off with a bang - or a beep? We explore the adrenaline-spiking introduction of Jack Bauer, who's got a complicated relationship with his family and a ruthless drive for catching terrorists.
How did a show that revolutionized TV comedy start out with such a weak opening episode? We tackle the infamously bare-bones Seinfeld pilot.
Join us as we discuss the origins of our favorite nerd-hottie and his awkward journey to super spy!
Enjoy our take on the origins of everyone's favorite daydreaming doctor and his friends (and foes)!
Join us for our pilot episode, all about the pilot of Stranger Things! We introduce ourselves and this 80's-filled wild ride created by another pair of twins, the Duffer brothers.
Meet the twin brother and sister pair whose shared love of television (and deliberating about it!) brings this weekly discussion about TV pilots to life. We share who the show is for, and why we're qualified to analyze TV pilots from every genre. Enjoy!