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Pilot Program

Pilot Program

Written by: Chase Koeneke & Pierce Courchaine
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About this listen

 Hosts Chase Koeneke and Pierce Courchaine watch and discuss the first episode of every television show ever made (eventually...probably).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chase Koeneke & Pierce Courchaine Art
Episodes
  • Episode 41 - Friday Night Lights (2006)

    Episode 41 - Friday Night Lights (2006)
    Dec 9 2025
    2006's Friday Night Lights was a massive critical (yet not always commercial) success. Inspire by a book written by his cousin, director Peter Berg adapted the work into a 2004 film. Feeling there was more to dig into though, Berg would rework the concept into a TV show, with a (mostly) all-new cast and story. Does NBC's cult classic still have what it takes to make the varsity squad in 2025? And why does everyone in this town want to sleep with these football players? Chase and Pierce clear their eyes, fill their hearts and attempt to not lose the plot.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Episode 40 - Ping Pong The Animation (2014)

    Episode 40 - Ping Pong The Animation (2014)
    Oct 26 2025

    As is tradition on Pilot Program, we cover an anime every tenth episode, and for our 40th show, we're talking about one of Chase's favorites: 2014's Ping Pong The Animation. Based on the manga from Taiyō Matsumoto and directed by Masaaki Yuasa, Ping Pong centers around two high school table tennis players -- one brash and filled with natural talent, and the other who doesn't even seem to really want to be there. With a unique and entracing presentation, Ping Pong pushes past the traditional sports anime to become something more.


    Show Notes:

    • Chase claims mysterious games' reviewer Sushi X wrote for GamePro, but Pierce was correct that it was EGM instead. We deeply regret the error.
    • Chase also theorizes that Ventus from Kingdom Hearts is another variant/clone of Sora, like Roxas. Ventus is actually a previous Keyblade wielder and the protagonist of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep. We do not regret this error as Kingdom Hearts' story is ridiculous.
    • And finally, Chase mentions seeing a behind-the-scenes clip of Ping Pong that shows off the use of Flash animation. Here's the link to that video.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Episode 39 - Halt & Catch Fire (2014)

    Episode 39 - Halt & Catch Fire (2014)
    Oct 6 2025
    As its twin hits of Mad Men and Breaking Bad were coming to a close, AMC was looking for another premier drama to add to its catalog. While it would never achieve the same commercial success of those earlier titans, 2014's Halt & Catch Fire would find a small, but passionate fanbase that has achieved cult classic status in the 10+years after its debut. Chase and Pierce analyze the characters, story beats and world of the place dubbed "Silicon Prairie" as we explore this world of early computing.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    2 hrs and 1 min
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