TGI – Home Improvement 112 “Yule Better Watch Out"

Summary

Pod Meets World: TGI – Home Improvement 112 “Yule Better Watch Out”

Original Air Date: December 18, 2025
Hosts: Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, Ryder Strong
Episode Focus: Deep-dive rewatch of Home Improvement’s seminal Christmas episode, with insightful, nostalgic analysis and plenty of characteristic banter.

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Episode Overview

In this holiday-themed installment, hosts Danielle, Will, and Ryder step outside their usual “Boy Meets World” rewatch format to take a fond, critical look at a neighboring 1990s TGIF classic: Home Improvement, specifically its first Christmas episode, “Yule Better Watch Out” (Season 1, Episode 12). The trio discusses the show’s legacy, contrasting it with “Boy Meets World,” analyzes what made “Home Improvement” such a phenomenon, and offers a lively, scene-by-scene breakdown sprinkled with personal stories and inside industry perspective.

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Key Discussion Points

1. The 90s TV Landscape: Boy Meets World vs. Home Improvement

• Legacy Longevity: Danielle posits that Boy Meets World has had a more enduring legacy than Home Improvement, largely because it targeted a younger audience who “grew up with us.” Will and Ryder agree, noting that nostalgia plays a bigger role for shows watched in formative years.
• Memorable Quote:

  “When you’re targeted specifically to a younger audience like we are, they grow up with us. Whereas something like Home Improvement had a lot of adults that watch.” – Will Friedle (14:55)

• Full House Comparison: Ryder contends Home Improvement feels more innovative and “of the moment” for the 1990s than the more “campy” and timeless Full House (16:12).

2. Cinematic Quality & Sitcom Craft

• Danielle calls out director John Pasquin’s impact, crediting his “cinematic” approach for Home Improvement’s timeless feel and inventive set design (17:27, 66:08).
• Ryder praises the set’s depth, multiple entrances, and blocking, comparing it favorably to classic theater and noting how much it enhances storytelling for television (60:12, 66:42).

3. Why Didn’t Home Improvement’s Legacy Last?

• The group dives into why Home Improvement, though top-rated in its era, hasn't become a recurring “touchstone” like Boy Meets World. The consensus: Home Improvement served its moment as a snapshot of 90s culture, while BMW holds up emotionally for those who grew up alongside its characters (18:28-21:46).

4. Episode Recap: “Yule Better Watch Out”

• Plot Summary (26:20):
  Tim Taylor is obsessed with out-decorating his neighbor for Christmas, leading to slapstick mishaps and a tongue-in-cheek battle of holiday one-upmanship. Meanwhile, son Mark struggles when his brothers try to debunk the myth of Santa, bringing the family together to preserve a little holiday magic.
• Notable Scene: The rotating Christmas tree gag and Tim’s physical comedy on the roof (41:48, 64:01).
• Heartfelt Moment: Wilson’s “Santa” visit to restore Mark’s belief—sweet, but laced with the right amount of family sitcom skepticism (74:18).

5. Home Improvement Cast—Where Are They Now?

• The hosts discuss the unusual post-show paths of the cast, including a riff on Taran Noah Smith’s transition from acting to vegan cheese entrepreneur and submarine pilot (29:27).
• Reminiscences about Jonathan Taylor Thomas’s pop culture dominance and Richard Karn’s career (30:40–31:20).

6. Sitcom Structure & Writing

• The hosts marvel at how many storylines the episode handles without feeling cluttered, noting every character gets a meaningful arc—often with heartfelt or wryly humorous payoffs (43:11, 72:02).
• Memorable Quote:

  “There’s like, nine different storylines going at the same time. And it works.” – Will Friedle (43:40)

7. Iconic Grunting & Running Jokes

• Danielle leads the group in Tim Allen “grunting” impressions—an inevitable and hilarious tangent (34:10).
• In-joke appreciation for the physical slapstick, the running “neighbor over the fence” plot device (with Boy Meets World’s Feeny comparisons), and subversive presents from “Santa” (62:13, 75:07).

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “Poly Podcasting”:
  Danielle jokes about launching a new podcast, “Teen Beat,” with her signature self-deprecation and the co-hosts’ playful ribbing.

  “I am a Poly Pocket person with poly podcasts.” – Danielle Fishel (04:15)

• On casting child actors:

  “To not have a dud in the bunch. I mean, they were great.” – Will Friedle on the Home Improvement kids (49:10)

• On Tim Allen’s real-life “wacky past”:

  “You mess up one decade and you’ll never let me forget it.” – Tim (as highlighted by Danielle; real Tim’s prison stint for drug smuggling gets a brief explanation) (47:23)

• Sibling Torment:
  Mark’s brothers mercilessly teasing him about Santa’s demise is cited as pitch-perfect brotherly behavior.

  “He does exist. But he’s been dead. Like, oh. For as long as you’ve been alive.” – Ryder paraphrasing (58:20)

• Wilson’s Enduring Magic:

  “When it comes to the true meaning of Christmas, it’s about coming together and sharing.” – Wilson as Santa (75:20)

• Sitcom Nostalgia and Wishful Thinking:

  “This is what I want to bring back. The 22 minutes of a family together… Yes, that’s exactly what I want to bring back.” – Will Friedle (76:54)

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Segment Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |----------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:32 | Banter about Danielle’s new “Teen Beat” podcast | | 14:53 | Comparing “Boy Meets World” vs. “Home Improvement” legacy | | 16:35 | Full House vs. Home Improvement vs. BMW, sitcom tropes | | 26:13 | Official synopsis and background for “Yule Better Watch Out” | | 29:27 | “Where are they now?” cast updates and trivia | | 34:10 | Tim Allen grunt impressions & opening credits analysis | | 41:27 | Recap begins: Tim’s rotating Christmas tree | | 43:11 | Multi-threaded plotting, storyline weaving | | 64:01 | Tim’s misadventures on the roof and scene breakdown | | 72:02 | Wilson’s advice and the “spirit of Santa” | | 74:18 | The real Santa reveal and family reconciliation | | 75:07 | Santa’s “petty” gifts—button and rubber band | | 76:54 | Closing thoughts on sitcom form and Christmas nostalgia |

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Tone & Style

The episode blends warm, enthusiastic nostalgia with sharp, witty critique. The hosts’ camaraderie and insider perspective—especially on filming multi-cam sitcoms and TV production details—deliver a satisfying mix of laughs, insight, and affectionate ribbing. Between references to their own time at ABC studios, the peculiar arc of 90s network TV, in-jokes, and an earnest appreciation for why these shows still matter, the conversation is as much about the era—and growing up—as about the episode itself.

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Key Takeaways for New Listeners

• Legacy & Influence: Home Improvement was massive in its day, but the BMW cast sees “their” show as having longer-term resonance due to its emotional depth and kid-centric POV.
• Craftsmanship: The Home Improvement episode shines for its fluid set, camera work, nuanced ensemble writing, and multi-layered stories—a high point for 90s sitcom craft.
• Nostalgic Praise: The trio genuinely enjoys their revisit, with the episode’s slapstick and heart (“spirit of Santa”) standing up decades later.
• Personal Connection: The group shares memories of being showbiz neighbors, failed (and repeated!) auditions for Home Improvement (Ryder), and how both shows drew from shared sitcom DNA.

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Recommended Listening

This episode is a must for fans of 90s sitcoms, TV nostalgia buffs, and anyone interested in how shows like Home Improvement and Boy Meets World were made—and why they still matter to generations who grew up with them.

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Pod Meets World Show:
Follow on Instagram @podmeetsworldshow
Listener stories: podmeetsworldshowmail.com

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Notable Quote for the Holidays:

“When it comes to the true meaning of Christmas, it’s about coming together and sharing.” – Wilson as Santa (75:20)

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human. You know, AT&T believes hearing a voice can change everything. It's why people love a good podcast or save voicemails from loved ones because everyone appreciates the sound of a familiar voice. And when you need a recharge or want some comfort, you call a family member or friend. AT&T wants everyone to share their voice over the holidays. So send a voice note, leave a voicemail, call, call someone because that convo is a chance to say something they'll hear forever. Happy holidays from AT&T. Connecting changes everything.

[Will Friedle]

Ever been at the pharmacy counter and your mind goes blank when the pharmacist asks any questions? That's why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia starting January 14th. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, each episode features real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most, breaking down the questions you wish you'd asked from which meds may not mix well to what vaccines you need before a big trip. They'll bust myths, decode trends, and share practical advice you can actually use. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

Every year I think I'm ready for the holidays and then suddenly I'm the one hosting. This year though, Whole Foods Market low key saved me.

[Will Friedle]

Maybe even high key same Susan and I walked in for one thing and walked out with a whole game plan. Their heat, neat sides, lifesavers and 365 staples like stuffing, cream of mushroom soup and green beans have made my pantry the quintessential Thanksgiving haven.

[Ryder Strong]

And Whole Foods has single handedly made me the best host gift giver around. Their curated cheeses or cookie gift boxes Instant hero status for mains.

[Danielle Fishel]

I grabbed their bone in rib roast and I'm not kidding, it's a showstopper.

[Will Friedle]

So if you're scrambling like we always are, just order, pickup or delivery. Whole Foods is truly the holiday headquarters. New traditions, Zero Chaos Shop for everything.

[Ryder Strong]

You need at Whole Foods Market.

[Danielle Fishel]

Your holiday headquarters this holiday season is giving famous. And that's thanks to Famous Footwear who has all of the top gifts like Jordan Fry and company, Adidas, Nike, Birkenstock, Timberland and basically every brand your family has already texted you about online or in store. The selection is huge. They've got styles for everyone, so it should come as no surprise that Famous Footwear is my one stop holiday miracle. And because December is chaos disguised as Yuletide cheer, you can shop however, you need online in one of their 800 stores or get same day delivery. Powered by DoorDash. It's a lifesaver when you suddenly remember your cousin has feet. Buy one pair. Get one half off at your local Famous Footwear or famous.com. some exclusions apply. Running a business is hard enough. Don't make it harder with a dozen apps that don't talk to each other.

[Will Friedle]

One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. That's software overload.

[Ryder Strong]

Odoo is the all in one platform that replaces them all. CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, hr. Fully integrated, easy to use, and built to grow with your business.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thousands have already made the switch. Why not you try Odoo for free at O D O o dot com. That's odoo dot com.

[Ryder Strong]

Danielle, you're. You're cheating on us and starting another podcast.

[Danielle Fishel]

I would definitely not call it cheating on you.

[Will Friedle]

Okay? Yeah, of course. You never would.

[Ryder Strong]

You're poly podcasting. Is that.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, that's what it is. You're in an open podcast relationship.

[Ryder Strong]

Are we opening this up? We already did. For Danielle Whiff. What's happening now? Exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Danielle. What about Pod meets twirled?

[Ryder Strong]

Huh? What about Pod meets Twirl? That was just part of this feed. That was just.

[Will Friedle]

And also it was about you.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Jesus. That's all good podcasts should be.

[Will Friedle]

This is if we did a show about you.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's. That's.

[Ryder Strong]

What's your other podcast? More to Danielle.

[Danielle Fishel]

Listen, I like you saying Polly podcasting. I am a Polly Pocket person with poly podcasts. Nice.

[Will Friedle]

You're in an open podcast relationship.

[Danielle Fishel]

I am.

[Ryder Strong]

Tell us about the. Tell us about the other podcast you're seeing. Is he. Was he mad?

[Will Friedle]

Was he mad? Was he mad?

[Ryder Strong]

Was he nice?

[Will Friedle]

How did you meet your other podcast? Walk us through it.

[Ryder Strong]

He's taller and richer than us, isn't he? It's okay. I get it.

[Will Friedle]

We're short. We're short poor kids. I get it. It's fine.

[Ryder Strong]

He's a movie star, isn't.

[Danielle Fishel]

He's a teen star. He's on the COVID of all the teen magazines.

[Will Friedle]

Of course, of course.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, my new podcast, I'm very excited about it, is called Teen Beat. I, as you know, love the Teen Beat magazines from our youth. And, yeah, I'm gonna be interviewing people. My.

[Ryder Strong]

Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. So we played clips of you interviewing me when you were a correspondent for Teen Beat or one of the BOP or whatever. So is that literally what's happened?

[Danielle Fishel]

Is that You've taken this procedure. The first job I was given outside as an interviewer, I was like, hey, why don't I do that again?

[Ryder Strong]

Okay, so what is the theme? Or is there a theme?

[Will Friedle]

It's not gonna be you randomly asking, like, trying to get everyone to ask you out like you did when you were a kid. Right? Cause that's gonna be a weird podcast.

[Ryder Strong]

What do you get for Valentine's Day? Please ask only those questions.

[Danielle Fishel]

But here's the best part, is that thankfully, I've improved as an interviewer since then.

[Ryder Strong]

You have.

[Danielle Fishel]

I will no longer ask a question and then immediately answer it. What's your favorite pizza topping, Ryder? Well, my favorite topping is pineapple pizza, and I also. I love sausage. Sometimes I like it, and sometimes, honestly, I'm not in the mood for bi novel.

[Ryder Strong]

Take a breath. Take a breath.

[Will Friedle]

It's brilliant.

[Ryder Strong]

It's brilliant. So what is it?

[Danielle Fishel]

How.

[Ryder Strong]

What is the theme?

[Danielle Fishel]

The theme is the hook of the show is that I gave you my teen years. It's time we hear yours. And so all I'm asking my guests to do is come to the show, come to the table with a story about what they were like as a kid or a teenager. It can be something awkward. It could be something hilarious. It could be a dating story, it could be a family vacation story, but just come to the table with a great story about what you were like as a kid and. And maybe how that has translated into who you are as an adult. And that's going to be the jumping off point for what I hope to be great conversations with all walks of life.

[Ryder Strong]

Wow.

[Will Friedle]

If you. First of all, great idea. You're going to. You know that Ryder and I are going to listen. It's about time we tell Ryder. I'm your first guest. Yeah, that's actually not true at all. But if you don't do a segment that literally is five or six questions like, what are your favorite pizza toppings? You can't call it team B.

[Ryder Strong]

What do you look for in a girl?

[Will Friedle]

You have, like, you have to have that segment.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, I've been married for 30 years. I don't care.

[Will Friedle]

I don't care.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't care.

[Will Friedle]

What do you look like?

[Danielle Fishel]

What do you look like?

[Will Friedle]

Well, the other thing we talked about is your mom and my dad did the same thing where we still have somewhere. All of our teen magazines.

[Danielle Fishel]

I have hundreds.

[Will Friedle]

Me too.

[Danielle Fishel]

Of teen magazines.

[Will Friedle]

Like, do you still have yours, Ryder? Did your parents save any of them or anything?

[Ryder Strong]

What?

[Will Friedle]

I never would have looked at the Parents. The parents. I know we can save them.

[Ryder Strong]

I think my parents have a couple that Shilo and I were both in together. I think I've seen that around the house.

[Will Friedle]

There you go. So we should just all send all of our teen magazines to Danielle and.

[Ryder Strong]

She could use questionnaires from the. Yeah, that's a great idea. Oh, this is so cool. So you're. You're doing not. You're not like actors?

[Danielle Fishel]

Actors, musicians, everyone. Everyone. Definitely not going to be related to, you know, only kids or only actors who had been prior kid actors?

[Ryder Strong]

Sure.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just everyone. I feel like everyone's got a great story about what they were like as a kid, and I'm looking forward to talking to more people. It debuts on January 7, right here on this very feed. So you can actually send us a voice memo to teenbeatpodmail.com with your most embarrassing or funniest or just any story that you feel like really tells what you were like as a child or a teen. And I will be playing them for my guest every week and we'll be sharing along in the horror right alongside all of you. Trust me, we all have stories and I want to hear yours. We can't wait. Welcome to Pod Meets World. I'm Danielle Fishel.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm Ryder Strong.

[Will Friedle]

And I'm Will Friedle. Ever been at the pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank? That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Starting January 14th. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast brings you real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most answering the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccines should you consider before a big trip? And even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you practical, trustworthy advice straight from the people behind the counter. No white coats, no lectures. Just real talk, real answers, and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

Every year I say I'm going to find the perfect holiday gift for friends and family. And then suddenly, it's December 22nd, 8pm and I'm panic buying a candle called Garage Sale Mystery Box.

[Will Friedle]

The goal is always the same. It must be personal, but not weirdly personal. It needs to convey I care about you, but not I had this custom.

[Danielle Fishel]

Carved with your baby teeth and this is why Aura Frames is the answer to the entire crisis. It's the easiest gift to give. I got one last year from my mom and dad and I swear it has changed their lives.

[Ryder Strong]

You can preload photos before it ships so it arrives already special with all your favorite memories ready to digitally display. Add pics of your kids, your dog that time a birthday cake lit your hair on fire.

[Will Friedle]

And then you just keep adding pics all year long straight from your phone and everyone can see them. Well, I mean the ones you want them to see.

[Danielle Fishel]

Unlimited free pictures and videos.

[Ryder Strong]

Boom.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's the gift that keeps giving. No complicated setup either. Anyone can do it. Wi Fi app done.

[Ryder Strong]

Honestly, it makes holiday shopping easier because it's so thoughtful. Without much work on your end, it looks like you planned ahead even if you definitely did not.

[Will Friedle]

Don't wait. Win the holidays now with Aura Frames.

[Danielle Fishel]

For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting auraframes.com to get $35 off Aura's best selling Carver mat frames named number one by Wirecutter by using promo code Pod meets world at checkout.

[Ryder Strong]

That's a U R A frames.com promo code podmeets world.

[Will Friedle]

This deal is exclusive to listeners and frames sell out fast, so order yours now to get it in time for the holidays.

[Danielle Fishel]

Support the show by mentioning us at checkout. Terms and conditions apply. Okay, so this holiday season is giving famous. Trust me, I'm a famous person, so I would know. And it's thanks to Famous Footwear. They've got all the top gifts from Jordan, Fry and co. Adidas, Nike, Birkenstock, Timberland, basically every brand that makes people go, oh wow, you really love me. I'm a big Famous Footwear fan because the deals are real and the selection does not play around online or in store. You can outfit your entire family in one trip. Which for me means my kids get their cool shoes only wish list. My husband gets his. I'm outdoorsy, but not too outdoorsy. Timberlands and I get something cozy that says I survived the end of the year rush because we all know holidays are chaos disguised as glitter. And thanks to Famous Footwear, I can shop online in one of their 800 stores or have shoes delivered same day with doordash. They are truly a holiday miracle. Buy one pair, get one half off at your local famous footwear or famous.com Some exclusions apply.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know, AT&T believes hearing a voice can change everything. It's why people love a good podcast or save voicemails from loved ones because Everyone appreciates the sound of a familiar voice. And when you need a recharge or want some comfort, you call a family member or friend. AT&T wants everyone to share their voice over the holidays. So send a voice note, leave a voicemail, Call someone because that convo is a chance to say something they'll hear forever. Happy holidays from AT&T. Connecting changes everything.

[Danielle Fishel]

Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other, one for sales.

[Will Friedle]

Another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software. Instead of growing your business, this is.

[Ryder Strong]

Where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one fully integrated platform that handles everything.

[Danielle Fishel]

CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins. Just one seamless system that makes work easier.

[Will Friedle]

And the best part? Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business, whether you are just starting out or already scaling up.

[Ryder Strong]

Plus, it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's o d o o.com. Just days away from Christmas and the start of our own season seven recaps, we are taking another look at our contemporaries most memorable holiday episodes. And now we're just taking a few steps outside of the Boy Meets World studio and entering the wonderful world of Home Improvement. Our literal neighbors for the first two seasons of Boy Meets World and our basketball opponents who shared a cage with us, but also who happened to have the number one show in America helping define the decade's definition of family sitcom. Can I ask you both a question?

[Will Friedle]

No.

[Danielle Fishel]

As a wrestling fan and also a recent competitor on Dancing with the Stars, I know the power of an underdog. I think it would be safe to say that the legacy of Boy meets world over 30 years has overpowered that of Home Improvement. Do you guys agree with that or is that a too hot?

[Ryder Strong]

No, I'm with you.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, I think there's. Yeah, I agree with you 100%. And I think the reason is because when you're targeted specifically to a younger audience like we are, they grow up with us. Whereas something like Home Improvement had a lot of adults that watch. And I don't think there's the same nostalgia.

[Ryder Strong]

I had this exact conversation on our podcast before about Home Improvement.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, listen, maybe I feel like we.

[Ryder Strong]

Did, because the analogy that comes to my mind is that it's like our show was a little more like vegetable protein that lasted a little bit longer.

[Danielle Fishel]

Whereas their show was vegetable.

[Will Friedle]

We've never had a vegetable protein conversation.

[Danielle Fishel]

On the vegetable protein is they were.

[Ryder Strong]

They were like a perfect pizza meal that was like, ordered at the right time, just. But it doesn't. It just kind of comes and goes in your life and it's like, it was great. It's like watching this episode, I was like, this show is really well made. It feels very 90s. I laughed. I was like, I'm with it. I'm never gonna think about it again. Oh, whereas the toy musical.

[Will Friedle]

I don't. I don't think I disagree with that. I mean, again, I think there's. There's reasons why it's been in the press for the last couple years, occasionally here and there, but other than that. Yeah. And even when we have. Because we've had what we've had Richard Karn on, we've had a couple people from. From Home Improvement on. And I think the show is so.

[Ryder Strong]

Funny and I think it's so forgettable.

[Will Friedle]

But it's like, of a snapshot than it is a legacy moment.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, what was impressive to me, especially after coming off a Full House, was like, this show was so innovative. It's so 90s. Like, it's so. Whereas, like, Full House could have almost been like a 1960s sitcom. Do you know what I mean? Like, in terms of how it's shot, how it feels, whereas, like, Home Improvement feels of the moment. It's so, like, perfect for 1991 through 1998. And that's kind of where it stays.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. It seems to me it's almost like a bridge show between the shows from the 50s and the later shows. I mean, you literally have the wacky neighbor who you never get to see. You have the three cute kids. So that is very kind of 50, 60 show.

[Danielle Fishel]

But I couldn't disagree with you guys more. So, yeah, I actually thought. One of the things I think about Full House that makes it more not forgettable because it's not forgettable, but, like, that makes it feel more dated to me. Is that, like Reiter had mentioned the sweaters, the real over the top campiness of all the performances, the real wacky hijinks of the adults and the precocious little kids. Full House feels like it's more Of a of has more 90s tropes and stereotypes. Whereas the directing, John Pasquin.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, it's great. It's great.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know the way it was shot didn't feel 90s to me. It felt timeless. It felt like I could. It felt like almost like I was watching a movie a lot of times. Like, wow, I'm really. This is a cinematic show.

[Ryder Strong]

I agree.

[Will Friedle]

Full house felt 80s to me, not 90s.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, well, it does feel a little late 80s, early 90s, but it. It feels like of a time period and I felt like alth. Home Improvement had, like Will said, you know, the neighbor you don't get to see. It had a couple of those. They didn't actually play that for laughs. That's. That's a laugh that happens just because, you know, it happens every week.

[Will Friedle]

But like, he's Feeny.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes, he's Feeny. And he's really. He's giving. You actually every episode see him giving. Good. He's like the family therapist.

[Ryder Strong]

So then why hasn't it lasted based on your own hypothesis that it. That Boy Meets World overshadows it now? Why hasn't. Because I agree. You're right. You're absolutely right. Storytelling, visually, it's better than any sitcom I've ever seen.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

Like when the Santa falls in the foreground of the frame with, like, the shot. You know, like, there's visual storytelling on a level that totally goes above and beyond any other sitcom and. Or maybe nowadays, you know, Pasquin still does it, or, you know, some directors are still pulling this off. But no, like, it is. So I hear what you're saying. But then there is something to your original point, which is why hasn't Home Improvement stayed as a cultural touchstone or a personal touchstone for people in the same way that something like Boy Meets World has?

[Danielle Fishel]

I think a lot of that might just be the very simple fact that we were kids on a kid's show.

[Will Friedle]

That's what I'm saying. It's who it's targeted at and it's.

[Danielle Fishel]

Who it's targeted for. And so we were a show that did a mix of family friendly humor and people grew up with it and grew up with it, and it's a touchstone of their life.

[Ryder Strong]

We have such emotional. I mean, did Home Improvement have the kind of, you know, we make fun of Shawn joining a cult, but do we have those episodes of Home Improvement?

[Will Friedle]

Have you never seen the episode? I mean, I know that they did a whole storyline where Jonathan Taylor Thomas character as a child might have childhood Cancer. I mean, they did, like. They did a whole bunch of that kind of bullying, I think, that they kind of. They kind of touched on everything. And then you've got Tim Allen at the helm, who's the perfect sitcom dad, especially for the 90s. Like, you could not have built a better sitcom dad. Now. It was awesome then because he was Tim Allen and it was kind of new. You watch I love you, Danielle. But shifting gears and stuff like that, he hasn't changed. I mean, he's still just doing Tim Allen in his new show. But people, there's a comfort to that. I mean, there's a comfort to Tim Allen as the dad underneath a car in whatever kind of show you want to put him on. He's got that kind of 90s masculine trope. But then at home, and it's. They. They touch on the thing that I hate without ever getting to the point of, like, I'm just lucky to be with you, dear. She's got her own, own opinions, and it's kind of like, you can be an idiot, but he'll fight back on that. And it's so.

[Ryder Strong]

It's.

[Will Friedle]

They don't. It doesn't. It's not like you're just the slob who's lucky to be with me, which is kind of a trope they did in the 90s. He never really hit that kind of mark. So, yeah, this. This. I think you're right. I think you're both right in a way, which is funny, where I think it is timeless in a way, but it was also just a snapshot in television history that hasn't kind of translated past that moment it had. You know, I don't know, because I had to look up where it was streaming. I mean, there's certain things where, you know, where they're streaming, where it's like, oh, if I want to watch this, it's honor. I was like, where is Home Improvement streaming? Oh, I got to Google it. Because, I mean, are people binging the show? I'm not even sure that's a thing that people are binging Home Improvement. I don't know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I don't know. I mean, I do. You know, I. I don't think it can be denied that people talk about, at least for us and in our universe. It feels as though Boy Meets World is in the lexicon a lot more now than Home Improvement is. But only one of us has a show on ABC currently, so, yeah, that is true.

[Will Friedle]

Well, again, yeah, he's. He's that guy that's Part of the reason.

[Ryder Strong]

Plug him in. Yeah, well, but maybe that's part of the reason is that it feels like Home Improvement still on, you know, like Tim Allen's had a show on forever this entire time.

[Will Friedle]

So.

[Ryder Strong]

Because. Because what was it was men behaving?

[Danielle Fishel]

What was the last man standing?

[Will Friedle]

Last man standing.

[Ryder Strong]

I feel like he's always been on telev, and so maybe he just. Maybe there's just not as much energy put into singing his praises or his show's praises because they just kind of still feel like they're out there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I think.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah. We also being at the stage next to them, saw this meteoric rise in the way he was treated, where we'd go out and there'd be a new Porsche with Claus 1 on the back. And you know how Disney was. I mean, we saw that all firsthand. So it was like that show was everything when we were on the air, it was just. There was Home Improvement, then there was everything else.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Which, by the way, watching it, I loved it.

[Will Friedle]

It was great.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, man, it's so good.

[Ryder Strong]

And, you know, like, I. Yeah, I just.

[Will Friedle]

How good are the kids?

[Ryder Strong]

The kids are so.

[Danielle Fishel]

Everybody.

[Ryder Strong]

Everybody. It's just so great.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, my God, it was such a good episode of television.

[Danielle Fishel]

I honestly, after watching this episode, was like, maybe I want to start binging Home Improvement. Like, I want to just. I have, because I've never watched all the episodes. And it's so good.

[Will Friedle]

Really good. It really is.

[Danielle Fishel]

I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

[Will Friedle]

Balance of family and wacky. And it was. This is the kind of show I want to bring back. This. When I talk about sitcom, it's this one.

[Danielle Fishel]

Even the relationships among the siblings, I'm like, I buy. Remember you writer asked, did you buy one moment in this Full House Christmas episode?

[Will Friedle]

No.

[Danielle Fishel]

And in this, I buy every single one. Everything. I buy their marriage. I buy his relationship with the neighbor next door.

[Ryder Strong]

You know, who everybody is within, like, a second, you know exactly who they are, what their point of view is, and it's unique from everybody else. It's crazy. Like, all three of the boys, every single one of them has a complete perspective, a complete approach to life. And we see it and we laugh at it, and then the other person gets to comment on it. It's such good writing and his own.

[Will Friedle]

Show that you can cut to him literally looking at the camera and connecting with the audience, with his. With Al next to him, and it just opens itself up for the quote, unquote wackiness. It's so brilliant. It's just genius to give you that place to go. Which again, that's just another room. He's not going to some big, you know, oh, we've got to establish this job. He's just in another room with a Christmas tree and Al and. Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

But you know how important it is that there's an audience that loves him because. Because it sets him up as success out in the world in a way that you're ready for that to be undermined every step of the way. So that when every, like, I mean, the best. The best joke is like at the. Near the end of the episode when they're like, oh, so he's the assistant. He does all the work. And you just feel Tim, like struggling to maintain his. You know, and it's like. Right. Because in. He's. He's established as successful within some sort of manosphere. But at home, can't keep it together. Can't beat the neighbor. Can't is. It's just. It's perfect setup. It's so perfect.

[Will Friedle]

Also, talk about the heart. This is exactly the conversation we were just having.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Will Friedle]

Was the whole thing. When do you tell them? Do you lie? Your brothers tell what? It's the.

[Danielle Fishel]

And the spirit of Christmas.

[Will Friedle]

And that conversation.

[Danielle Fishel]

A touch of the full House.

[Will Friedle]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is it the real Santa? But without being for two multiple scenes where you're going, wait, what? And a message on a laptop. You're doubling down. It's just a little bit of Christmas magic.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And this was season one. Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

This felt like a season three or four of a sitcom, didn't it?

[Danielle Fishel]

You're right.

[Will Friedle]

Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

The characters felt so lived in. This is how many episodes in 12. That's nothing. Think about how well established all three kids are already. And the parent. I mean, it's insane. It's so well done.

[Will Friedle]

People don't. Our audience doesn't know this because of the. You know, obviously they don't know how often we record. But I'm so happy that we watched Full House yesterday and Home Improvement today. And they're both Christmas episodes and they're both from the same network and they're both from around the same time just to see how different two television shows can be.

[Danielle Fishel]

Absolutely.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Absolutely.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, today we will be Talking about season one, episode 12, a show early in their development called you'll better watch out. It aired originally on December 17, 1991, and is available to stream right now via Hulu Disney. Before the synopsis, small warning for our listeners with kids. This episode deals with with S. A n t a Satan. Satan, people, he's back. Not Satan.

[Ryder Strong]

And this time you can't blame me.

[Danielle Fishel]

No.

[Will Friedle]

The show itself destroyed a childhood.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thanks a lot, Ryder.

[Will Friedle]

Ryder's always going to bring Satan back into our lives. That's just the way he is.

[Ryder Strong]

Just a little bit of Satan.

[Danielle Fishel]

And possible realizations about silence. S a n T a. So maybe proceed with yuletide care and caution. Okay, here is the synopsis. Tim goes all out, creating the ultimate Christmas display, determined to outshine everyone in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, the family deals with Mark's doubts about Santa Claus. Directed by a name I know very well, John Pasquin, a frequent collaborator with Tim Allen. John directed 39 episodes of Home Improvement and a various number of shows like Give me a Break, Growing Pains, George Lopez and Roseanne.

[Will Friedle]

He only did 39 episodes of Home Improvement. I thought he did like the.

[Danielle Fishel]

He also did. Yeah, he also. He was a producing director, but he also did all of the Santa Claus movies and Gotcha. Gotcha.

[Will Friedle]

So he's off doing other stuff. I thought he was like the guy who did everything for.

[Danielle Fishel]

For.

[Will Friedle]

Wow. Home Improvement. Gotcha.

[Ryder Strong]

But man, what a genius. He must have done the pilot. Did he do the pilot of Home Improvement? He must have.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's a good question. I would assume that the answer is yes.

[Ryder Strong]

Look at this show. Jib and like.

[Danielle Fishel]

It'S just beautiful.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

He is no stranger to Christmas. He directed the blockbuster Tim Allen movie the Santa Claus, as well as another Alan movie, Jungle to Jungle, and Sandra Bullock's Miss Congeniality 2, most recent.

[Will Friedle]

I was excited for a second.

[Ryder Strong]

Number one was pretty good.

[Danielle Fishel]

Number one was great. He produced and directed almost every episode of Last Man Standing and I collaborated with him on Tim's new show, Shifting Gears, which he is also an executive producer and a director for. He is great. It was written by Billy Ryback, a producer on Home improvement. Ryback wrote 11 episodes of the show and would also work on the Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Thunder Alley. So it stars Tim Allen as Tim Taylor. The stand up got his very own show, introducing the entire world to his masculine grunt and still working on whatever he wants to this day. In the end, he may be best known as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story.

[Will Friedle]

He's the career. He's the career I want. If somebody said Tim allen alle. Yep, 100% go from sitcom to sitcom to sitcom. Some of the biggest voiceover gigs around. He's not out in the public eye a whole lot. He just kind of does his work and goes home. Give me Tim Allen's career. Any freaking day of the week. I would take it and run. That would be my. That'd be my. Oh my God, I would love that. Oh, perfect.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then Patricia Richardson as Jill Taylor, the matriarch of the show was in every episode and also appeared on the West Wing, Blind Spot, and Grey's Anatomy. She also made a guest appearance on Tim's other shows, Last Man Standing and recently Shifting Gears. Earl Hindman played Neighbor Wilson Wilson Jr. But you'd never know it. His face was obscured by a piece of picket fence every episode. He passed away in 2003 at the young age of 61 years old.

[Ryder Strong]

In the episode that I was in, there was a joke where he's carved a pumpkin of himself and it's him behind the scenes.

[Danielle Fishel]

So cute.

[Ryder Strong]

So many good bits.

[Danielle Fishel]

Taryn Noah Smith is Mark Taylor. Smith left the business soon after home improvement. In 2005, Smith formed a California based non dairy cheese manufacturer and restaurant, Playfood, specializing in vegan and organic foods. Smith is also the technical manager for the Community Submersibles Project where he teaches people how to pilot submarines.

[Ryder Strong]

What?

[Danielle Fishel]

Of course. Yeah, yeah, duh. Yeah, obviously, yeah. Underwater scuba magic.

[Ryder Strong]

He's a.

[Will Friedle]

He's a vegan submarine driver, obviously, like you do.

[Ryder Strong]

Of course.

[Will Friedle]

I mean, who else wouldn't do that?

[Ryder Strong]

Did we just find the greatest child actor arc ever? Taryn. You guys remember Taran?

[Will Friedle]

Of course.

[Ryder Strong]

So.

[Will Friedle]

Taryn.

[Ryder Strong]

I did not. I have not kept up with this. Obviously he went.

[Danielle Fishel]

He went from being a child actor to being a vegan restaurant owner who teaches other people how to pilot submarines.

[Ryder Strong]

Can we please get him on our podcast?

[Will Friedle]

We have to have him on.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm so. I don't.

[Will Friedle]

Frankly, I don't know if the radio signal reaches that deep into the ocean, but we'll have to find out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wouldn't it be great if we interview him and he's just on a submarine. Bubbles behind him. Oh man, that'd be so cool.

[Will Friedle]

That might be the greatest thing I've ever heard.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Wow.

[Danielle Fishel]

The iconic Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Randy Taylor. JTT was the IT cover boy for teen magazines of the time, and he voiced young Simba in the Lion King. He also starred in movies like the Adventures of Pinocchio, man of the House, I'll Be Home for Christmas, and Wild America. Jonathan has lived a life primarily outside of the public eye, but he does direct and he appeared in Tim's last show, Last man standing, around 2014.

[Will Friedle]

He also opened a pizza shop and teaches you how to fly dirigibles. It's a very interesting lifestyle.

[Ryder Strong]

So.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then Zachary Ty Bryant as Brad Taylor. Zach also appeared in Fast and the Tokyo Drift and has since just appeared in headlines for some awful behavior. So we will keep it at that. And then Richard Karn as Al Borland. He's a former guest here on Pod Meets World. Wildly interesting guy who also cameoed on Boy Meets World. Go listen to that episode and learn all about him. And Pamela Anderson as Lisa after being discovered on a hockey game Jumbotron and appearing in Playboy, this role as Tim's co host on the show Inside A show for the first two seasons of Home Improvement is what brought her to the mainstream. She would go on to star as CJ On Baywatch and the rest is history. She's most recently starred in the comeback vehicle the Last Showgirl and the Naked Gun reboot. Have either of you ever met Pamela Anderson?

[Ryder Strong]

Mm. Mm.

[Will Friedle]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

No. I don't know. I think so. I think we all met her. I think we all met them at like the ABC parties back in the day, like the original 93, ABC party, 94. That's where I met Richard Karn and I think I met the kids for the first time because, remember, we. We've talked about this on the podcast a bunch where. That was gym class. Gym class was with Tara And. And, yeah, JTT and. And.

[Danielle Fishel]

But did home improvement start in 93 too, or did they start in 91?

[Will Friedle]

They started in 91. So I think a couple.

[Danielle Fishel]

So maybe she was gone, maybe she wasn't there.

[Will Friedle]

We, you know, you run into these people and they were right next to us. So, you know, it was. You never knew who you met and who you didn't and all that stuff. So. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Well.

[Danielle Fishel]

Guest starring David Warshowski as fireman number one. This is one of David's first jobs. And in one of the weirder things we've ever documented on Pod Meets World, he would later play fireman number two on Friends.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, my God.

[Danielle Fishel]

I wonder if that's like, wait a second.

[Will Friedle]

I wonder if they saw that Fireman number one.

[Danielle Fishel]

He's already been fireman number one. Let's make him fireman number two. Add Law and Order, Taken. Mad Men, Sons of Anarchy, Captain Phillips, both. Now you see me movies and three episodes of Barry to his resume. Do you guys watch Barry?

[Ryder Strong]

No.

[Danielle Fishel]

Or did you?

[Ryder Strong]

I heard of the.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh, it's amazing.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, I heard it was incredible.

[Danielle Fishel]

He is a common go to actor for policemen, firefighters and FBI agents and Then Gary Baer played fireman number two, not to be confused with David Warshavsky, fireman number two in Friends. Bayer appeared in the movie all that Jazz and Knott's Landing, but. But he passed away in 2017. So let's jump into our recap. The Home Improvement intro plays. I think it's only fair we kick off the episode with our impressions of the famous Tim Allen grunt. Let's go. Oh, that's mine. That's a good one.

[Ryder Strong]

That's mine. I've never thought about this.

[Danielle Fishel]

What?

[Ryder Strong]

I can't do it.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's in the episode. He's. That's good too.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, there you go.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, Will's does the. There's, like, two versions of it. There are two versions. There's the one that's like the one Will did. Do it again, Will.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, he does that kind of. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then there's the one that kind of like the one that was in this episode, which is like him singing Jingle Bells, where it's mostly just like.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, like stuff like that. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

As somebody who hasn't watched a bunch of these episodes, is this. Because this is season one. Is this the same opening title sequence for the entire series or do they change it at all?

[Ryder Strong]

I knew the song the second it started. I was like, oh, I remember this.

[Will Friedle]

So I think song stays the same. They might do small visual differences as they grow up because the kids grow up and all that kind of stuff. Gotcha. But the song is the same.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is it that?

[Will Friedle]

No, that's Full House.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. I know, guys. I know.

[Will Friedle]

It's done.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wait, that sounds familiar, that the funny.

[Will Friedle]

Thing, the most famous grunt is. Yeah, it does that too. I think the pilot of Home Improvement is the one where he blows the back of the dishwasher out, which is like that famous TV scene. It's him. It's him with Taryn, and they both have their shirts off in little utility belts as he's. He's, like, fixing up the.

[Ryder Strong]

The.

[Will Friedle]

The washing machine or not the. The dishwasher. And then it ends with him turning it on and blows the whole. Like, it's a great thing to see on a sitcom. Like, the entire back blows out into the. Into the living room room. And it just set up the whole show. Because then no matter what he does, you're waiting for that, you know, you're gonna screw this up somehow. How's it gonna work? And it's. Even though you know it's coming, it works. It's great. Ever been at the pharmacy counter? And the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank. That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Starting January 14th. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast brings you real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most answering the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccine should you consider before a big trip? And even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you practical, trustworthy advice straight from the people behind the couch. No white coats, no lectures. Just real talk, real answers, and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, so this holiday season is giving famous Trust me, I'm a famous person, so I would know. And it's thanks to Famous Footwear. They've got all the top gifts from Jordan, Fry and co, Adidas, Nike, Birkenstock, Timberland, basically every brand that makes people go, oh wow, you really love me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Danielle Fishel]

I'm a big Famous Footwear fan because the deals are real and the selection does not play around online or in store. You can outfit your entire family in one trip, which for me means my kids get their cool shoes only wish list. My husband gets his. I'm outdoorsy but not too outdoorsy. Timberlands. And I get something cozy that says I survived the end of the year rush because we all know holidays are chaos disguised as glitter. And thanks to Famous Footwear, I can shop online in one of their 800 stores or have shoes delivered same day with doordash. They are truly a holiday miracle. Buy one pair, get one half off at your local famous footwear or famous.com Some exclusions apply.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know, AT&T believes hearing a voice can change everything. It's why people love a good podcast or save voicemails from loved ones because everyone appreciates the sound of a familiar voice. And when you need a recharge or want some comfort, you call a family member or friend. AT&T wants everyone to share their voice over the holidays. So send a voice note, leave a voicemail, call someone because that convo is a chance to say something they'll hear forever. Happy holidays from AT&T. Connecting changes everything.

[Danielle Fishel]

Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other, one for sales.

[Will Friedle]

Another for inventory, a separate one for accounting before you know it, you are drowning in software instead of growing your business business.

[Ryder Strong]

This is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one fully integrated.

[Danielle Fishel]

Platform that handles everything CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins, just one seamless system that makes work easier.

[Will Friedle]

And the best part? Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business whether you are just starting out or already scaling up.

[Ryder Strong]

Plus, it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's o d o o.com all right you two, let's be real. We're all adults now, but the holiday scramble is upon us and it's overwhelming. Topanga would have had a spreadsheet and everything planned by now.

[Will Friedle]

Now I'm more of a last minute type of guy and my friends and family are hard to shop for. So yeah, this is the toughest time of the year.

[Ryder Strong]

That's why Apple Gift Card is the perfect solution. Your loved ones can use it for their favorite subscriptions, apps, games, music, movies, even upgrading their AirPods.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's a gift of what they already love and it saves you from guessing what size sweater they wear.

[Ryder Strong]

Plus you can send it instantly.

[Will Friedle]

It's perfect for me and all my fellow last minute shoppers.

[Ryder Strong]

Visit applegiftcard.apple.com to learn more and gift one today.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, jumping into the show and we start in Tim's garage. Tim Taylor is sitting next to a decorated Christmas tree in his Tool Time TV show set, wearing a festive tie and dress socks. He addresses the camera. The important thing to remember this holiday season is to make it a safe place. One he calls out for his Tool Time girl, Lisa, who hands him a frayed wire. He teaches the viewer, never plug in a frayed wire. He walks over to his nearby sidekick and comedic foil, Al Borland, who is wearing a goofy elf cap and asks, do you suppose they call it afraid because it's scared of something? Al is not enthused. He highly doubts it. Tim agrees and hits the little bell on his hat. Then, though he never volunteered, Tim gives Al the task of safely taping up the wire and makes a buzzing noise just to scare him a bit. Tim walks away and informs Viewers, there's nothing more fun in the world than sitting around a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in your home grunting your favorite Christmas carols. He dons a bright red suit jacket and starts to grunt. Jingle bells. Prancing around the stage, he unsuccessfully tries to get Al to perform a solo and then throws it to the audience who grunts along with him. What a time to be alive. He goes on to explain that his problem with Christmas trees is that you spend so much time working on the front of it, you never get to see the back of it.

[Will Friedle]

This is true.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know I don't decorate the back.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, see, we do. Because there's a big picture window before.

[Ryder Strong]

But we do too.

[Will Friedle]

The idea of a slowly rotating Christmas tree is brilliant. Why is that not a thing?

[Danielle Fishel]

It's so smart. It's a great idea. Like a little music box, but for your Christmas tree.

[Will Friedle]

Yes. Why is that not a thing? That seems like a genius plan.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't know. Ryder's gonna make it. Smelt it.

[Will Friedle]

Smelt it for us, Ryder.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Whoever smelled it, do it while we're doing this.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm actually surprised because a lot of people don't have fake Christmas trees nowadays. Anyway, so it seems like those fake Christmas trees would have a built in motor.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, you'd think.

[Danielle Fishel]

Such a good idea. So Tim reveals an idea he got from his old college turntable. He's gonna motorize the Christmas tree. As he explains the powerful motor they'll be using, Al interjects, wondering if Tim set this up correctly. Tim's insulted. Does Al know who he's talking to? And Al responds deadpan. Yes, I do, Tim.

[Will Friedle]

I do, Tim.

[Ryder Strong]

I mean, this is. The dynamic between the two of them is just so perfect.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's perfect.

[Ryder Strong]

Richard never has to say anything. He could literally just give looks and he would get the same laughs. It is so funny.

[Danielle Fishel]

It is so funny.

[Will Friedle]

I know we'll get into it as the show goes on, but did you guys realize how many storylines are going at the same time? And it doesn't feel like an A story and a B story.

[Danielle Fishel]

But my favorite thing is that Lisa's story, Pamela Anderson's story, is the most.

[Will Friedle]

Is she in this episode?

[Danielle Fishel]

She walked out and handed him the afraid wire. That's right. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

She did it well. But I mean, I was thinking about this one.

[Ryder Strong]

It's just because every character has an arc, basically. But they're all.

[Will Friedle]

But they also intertwined. It's so great. He's. He's competing with his neighbor, dealing with his Son trying to figure out Christmas. His son's trying to figure out if Santa's real. His other two sons are auditioning for a play. The mom is building the thing to make sure that she gets a new play because she's going overboard. Wilson's teaching them about the spirit of Christmas. Then he's on the roof, and the firefighters come. There's like, nine different storylines going at the same time. And it works.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know, I know. Great writing, great writing, great writing.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well. Tim insists there's more than one way to do it, and he instructs Lisa to turn it on. She flips a switch, and the Christmas tree begins to spin around seamlessly. It worked. Tim boasts. When you know what you're doing, folks, anything is possible. On cue, the Christmas tree sparks, and the motor picks up speed. The Christmas tree is now spinning extremely fast, flinging ornaments all over the place. Tim shouts, incoming. And everyone ducks for cover.

[Will Friedle]

And you knew it was coming. And it still worked.

[Danielle Fishel]

And it still works. It's still funny. It's a great visual. A digitized ornament flies to the camera and transitions into all the, like, computer.

[Ryder Strong]

Graphic stuff in between. Feels very of the moment, but also isn't dated in a weird way. Kind of. It's, like, used effectively, so it's like, just correctly over the top. So even though it's cartoony, you're like, cool.

[Will Friedle]

It shouldn't have been. I think it should have just been a laptop. Just a laptop from the early 90s with a Santa crush. Exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

We're in the tailor's kitchen. The house is decorated for Christmas. Mark comes running in, holding a very long list and asking for more paper. His mom, Jill, examines the Christmas list and isn't sure Santa can bring all of these gifts because it would make the sleigh too heavy. He decides he will cross out the heaviest thing. A cocker spaniel. Bye, Floppy. I thought that was so cute. Jill encourages him to pick out his absolute favorite thing from the list and put a star next to it. He decides on the remote control dinosaur, and he plops onto the couch to further examine his list. Then Tim walks in carrying a box of heavy Christmas decorations. Jill points out that's the 12th box of decorations, and he insists he's just grabbing one more. But once pressed, he admits that there are a couple more in his car. And buy a couple. He means 10. The oven dings, but it doesn't stop Jill from grilling her husband. You're just doing this because you can't stand that Doc Johnson always Wins the Christmas decoration contest. It doesn't bother you that he's added those three giant candles to the roof? Tim denies her claim and clarifies there's four of them and there's a little dancing elf, but that doesn't bother me.

[Ryder Strong]

So there's a competition for.

[Will Friedle]

We have these in our neighborhood. Really? Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

We live near.

[Danielle Fishel]

We.

[Will Friedle]

Near a place named Candy Cane Lane.

[Danielle Fishel]

I cannot, I cannot reiterate this enough that every show I have directed has done a Christmas episode where there is a competition and there's people who walk around and judge.

[Will Friedle]

And so right near where Danielle and I live, there's a place called Candy Cane Lane. And if you go there, there's people dressed like Santa handing out cocoa. There's popcorn makers. I mean, it's like there's cars that are stacked, lining up. It made the news because there was a fist fight there last year.

[Ryder Strong]

It's.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's changed a little over the last couple years.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, but it was. It's that apparently you can't sell your house to anybody unless they sign a contract saying they will continue the decorating on the street.

[Danielle Fishel]

A lot of them have not and I don't know why, really. It's very sad now. Oh, no.

[Will Friedle]

I haven't been there in a while. Since I started that fist fight last year.

[Danielle Fishel]

Not allowed back, I have to say.

[Will Friedle]

500 yards away from candy cane, 600 yards of sand.

[Ryder Strong]

The 86 from candy cane Lane has got to be the saddest stay to be.

[Danielle Fishel]

She begs him not to set the roof on fire again like last year when the night ended with an ER visit. Tim clarifies. Except last year. When was the last time you drove me to the emergency room? She answers. The 80s. He scoffs. You mess up one decade and you'll never let me forget it. Which I thought was a funny way of them acknowledging real Tim Allen's past.

[Ryder Strong]

Why?

[Will Friedle]

Why?

[Ryder Strong]

What was. I actually don't know anything about this.

[Will Friedle]

He was in prison for. Cocaine dealer.

[Danielle Fishel]

He was a cocaine smuggler.

[Will Friedle]

He was a cocaine smuggler? Yeah. Famously. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Wow.

[Will Friedle]

Like, weight too.

[Ryder Strong]

It was.

[Danielle Fishel]

It wasn't like a little bit.

[Will Friedle]

No. He wasn't caught with some coke. He was like.

[Ryder Strong]

Did he. And he actually went to prison.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Wow. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

You never seen his mug shot with the big mustache?

[Ryder Strong]

No. And he was a stand up comedian at the time or.

[Danielle Fishel]

No.

[Will Friedle]

After, I think.

[Ryder Strong]

Gotcha.

[Danielle Fishel]

Jill suggests he takes the year off from competing with Doc Johnson. But Tim says he was only trying to spread some Christmas cheers. But she sees right through his bs. Then Brad and Randy walk in as Jill sets out freshly baked Christmas cookies. She asks how the boys try outs for the Christmas pageant went and Brad admits, terrible. I'm a shepherd again. Randy says he only has himself to blame. He was auditioning to be one of the wise men and they were. And said they were carrying gold and Frankenstein.

[Will Friedle]

God, they were good. But these three kids are so good.

[Danielle Fishel]

They're so good also. So did any. I did not remember that Jonathan's name on this show was Randy.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, you didn't?

[Danielle Fishel]

No. Randy. What a weird name for a child.

[Ryder Strong]

Really.

[Will Friedle]

Why is that weird? Why is that weird?

[Danielle Fishel]

How many Randys do you know?

[Ryder Strong]

Randy's one of the main characters in Scream. Oh, that's right.

[Danielle Fishel]

What?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, there's Randy and Stu.

[Will Friedle]

Wasn't Randy also one of the Jackson 5? Wasn't there a Randy?

[Ryder Strong]

I think there was a Randy Jackson 5. You just offended all our Randy listeners.

[Danielle Fishel]

Sorry, Randy. I just think Jonathan was so famous at the time that, like, nobody thought of him as a character name ever. The exact opposite problem we had. Yeah. Everyone was like, and there's jtt.

[Will Friedle]

I also forget he had that voice where he'd come in and be like, I was trying to do like he had like, it's great.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's the cutest voice I've ever heard on a kid.

[Will Friedle]

But to get those three kids to cast those three is pretty amazing. To not have a dud in the bunch. I mean, they were great.

[Danielle Fishel]

And going back to what we were talking about with John Pasquin, the way he directed Ex, the fact that their opening lines all take place up still by the door when they're taking off their coats. Like, her yelling up to, how are the tryouts? Terrible. I'm a shepherd again. And like, not being worried about having two eyes on camera. It just. Everything about it feels.

[Ryder Strong]

He walks to the fridge.

[Will Friedle]

At one point he's getting a soda and you're on his back. And it works.

[Danielle Fishel]

He opens the fridge and he grabs a drink and it's just like, yes.

[Ryder Strong]

This is to your point, Will. I auditioned maybe six times for Home Improvement. They were searching. It took. I remember, for one of the kids.

[Will Friedle]

For one of the three kids.

[Ryder Strong]

Multiple kids. Because I was between, like, I just remember going back constantly. It was like, oh, this stupid home improvement show. I hated it before it came out because I had to keep auditioning for it. I probably met John Pasquino. I remember multiple rooms and it was like, which character am I right for? Randy or the older brother? It was like, Because I think Jonathan is actually older than Zach.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. He's supposed to be the oldest parent.

[Ryder Strong]

He's supposed to be.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

So. But they were constantly, constantly shuffling the kids. And I remember I hated it so much because I had to keep auditioning for it. And then I finally got the guest star role. They brought me in on the Halloween episode, which was the second season or whatever, and by then I was like, oh, this show's really good. I already liked it by then. But yeah, man, they, they, they did their job.

[Will Friedle]

They cast well.

[Ryder Strong]

Even listening to Richard Carnau. He got his part. They were seeking. They were rewriting and reworking the show perfectly to their cast. So smart. It's incredible.

[Will Friedle]

Incredible. Ever been at the pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank? That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the script from CVS Pharmacy and I Heart Media. Starting January 14th. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast brings you real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most answering the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well? What vaccine should you consider before a big trip? And even those questions you were too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you practical, trustworthy advice straight from the people behind the counter. No white coats, no lectures. Just real talk, real answers, and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, so this holiday season is giving Famous. Trust me, I'm a famous person, so I would know. And it's thanks to Famous Footwear. They've got all the top gifts from Jordan, Fry and co, Adidas, Nike, Birkenstock, Timberland, basically every brand that makes people go, oh, wow, you really love me. I'm a big Famous Footwear fan because the deals are real and the selection does not play around online or in store. You can outfit your entire family in one trip. Trip. Which for me means my kids get their cool shoes. Only wish list. My husband gets his. I'm outdoorsy, but not too outdoorsy. Timberlands. And I get something cozy that says, I survived the end of the year rush because we all know holidays are chaos disguised as glitter. And thanks to Famous Footwear, I can shop online in one of their 800 stores or have shoes delivered same day with doordash. They are truly a holiday miracle. Buy one pair, get one half off at your local Famous Footwear, or famous.com some exclusions apply.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know @t believes hearing a voice can change everything. It's why people love a good podcast or save voicemails from loved ones because everyone appreciates the sound of a familiar voice. And when you need a recharge or want some comfort, you call a family member or friend. AT&T wants everyone to share their voice over the holiday. So send a voice note, leave a voicemail, Call someone because that convo is a chance to say something they'll hear forever. Happy holidays from AT&T. Connecting changes everything Running a business is.

[Danielle Fishel]

Hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other, One for sales.

[Will Friedle]

Another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software Instead of growing your business.

[Ryder Strong]

This is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one, fully integrated.

[Danielle Fishel]

Platform that handles everything CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, hr, and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins. Just one seamless system that makes work easier.

[Will Friedle]

And the best part? Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business, whether you are just starting out or already scaling up.

[Ryder Strong]

Plus it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's o d o o.com this.

[Ryder Strong]

Episode is sponsored by Better Help.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know, the holidays always get me thinking about traditions, mostly because my family had so many of them. Some are great, like handing out lotto scratchers after dinner. Some not so much, like every wrapped present needs to have glitter on it. And as I've gotten older, I realized traditions don't have to stay frozen in time. You can rewrite them exactly.

[Will Friedle]

Like this year, I'm starting a new one with Susan. I'm gonna glaze a ham with my own hands. Taking ownership of traditions like that has made the holidays feel more ours.

[Ryder Strong]

And sometimes the tradition you need most is taking care of yourself. The holidays can be joyful, but also stressful, overwhelming, even lonely.

[Danielle Fishel]

Therapy has become one of my own new traditions, especially during December, when chaos runs rampant and slowing down to check in with myself is essential.

[Will Friedle]

That's why we recommend BetterHelp. It's online therapy that fits into your schedule and their therapists are fully licensed and follow a strict code of conduct.

[Ryder Strong]

And the process is so easy, you fill out a quick questionnaire. They do the work, and with over 12 years of experience and a crazy high match rate, they usually get it right the first time. And if not, you can switch therapists anytime. No awkward breakup speech required.

[Danielle Fishel]

There's a reason BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists and has helped more than 5 million people. People really do feel supported.

[Will Friedle]

And so this December, start a new tradition by taking care of you.

[Ryder Strong]

Our listeners get 10 [e-mail] meetsworld world.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's better. H E L P.com meets world. Well, Brad argues that his brother is no better off. He's relegated to the role of the stupid innkeeper. Tim asks, how many lines does the stupid innkeeper have? Randy sighs, one lousy line. Then the entire family recites it together. There's no room at the inn. Tim suggests he adds a little flair to the line by tagging it with, you should have called the 1-800- reservation hotline. But Jill instructs her son to ignore him. Randy admits, I wanted to play Joseph, but they said there were too many lines for me. George Lonergan got that part. And Jill is shocked he couldn't remember the words to Happy Birthday at your party.

[Will Friedle]

I thought they missed a joke here. I thought they missed a big joke here, which they should have said, you know, they said, I didn't have enough, you know, I don't have the memory to remember this many lines. And she should have said, well, who got the part? And he should have said, I don't remember.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't remember.

[Will Friedle]

I thought they missed a great joke. Great opportunity for a joke there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes, but that's one joke. And. But it takes away the fact that it sets up her entire storyline.

[Will Friedle]

But it's such a good joke.

[Danielle Fishel]

It is a funny joke.

[Will Friedle]

And, well, then you, you have the older brother come in and go, it was Brad Lonergan. Oh, right, Whatever. Yeah, that's how you would have done it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Randy reveals that George's dad built the set. And Jill scoffs, that's just favoritism them, Tim. You should have built the set. He sarcastically wonders, is that the voice of the Christmas spirit?

[Ryder Strong]

I hear?

[Danielle Fishel]

Jill doubles down. He forgot the words to Happy Birthday. Is that the Joseph you want? What's he gonna say? Meet my wife, the virgin. Duh, Sheila. Randy insists they don't care about the pageant, but Jill insists they do. This family has the Christmas spirit. When I finish showing your costumes, you're going to be the best Dressed Hebrews in Bethlehem.

[Ryder Strong]

Them.

[Danielle Fishel]

Meanwhile, Mark is still filling out his long list for Santa, and Brad snatches it. Mom and dad aren't going to buy you all this stuff. Mark is offended. Why would they? Santa will make it. Brad shakes his head in disbelief. Are you going to be a dork your whole life? Mark is now concerned. I hope not. Randy decides to take a gentler approach. Mark, you're too old to believe in Santa Claus. Kids are going to start making fun of you. He just comes out and says it. There is no Santa. Mark can't believe it. Well, who drinks the milk and eats the chocolate chip cookies? Then Brad tells him dad loves the chocolate chip cookies. Mark calls them poop heads and takes his list back. Randy quickly changes course. There used to be a Santa, but he died six years ago.

[Ryder Strong]

I love this. That's such a great bit.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, so funny. Okay, fine, fine.

[Ryder Strong]

He does exist. But he's been dead. Like, oh.

[Will Friedle]

For as long as you've been alive.

[Ryder Strong]

Such mean little like brother action. Oh my God.

[Danielle Fishel]

Brad smirks. Yep, you just missed out. Randy explains he had a terrible accident with a reindeer. Blitzen fell on him. Mark can't believe what he's hearing. He's really dead. Brad and Randy hammered home. Kick the bucket six feet under Pushing up the daisies Deader than a doornail, Stiff as a board, cold as ice, mad as maker all as they're completely out of the room. Now, alone. Mark looks at a nearby Santa figurine, which after a few seconds just topples over. So beautiful.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh my God.

[Will Friedle]

By the way, we just recapped a dcom called Twas the Night that so perfectly answers the question of how Santa carries all the presents. Really?

[Ryder Strong]

So it's an infinity bag, isn't it?

[Will Friedle]

Well, it is, but it's an infinity bag where every time he reaches in magically, he grabs exactly the presents he needs for every kid. But they're like slightly bigger than grains of sand. So then he puts them under the tree and then presses a button and they pop up to regular size so he can have all of them in the. In his. In his bag.

[Ryder Strong]

They did the same thing in something else.

[Will Friedle]

Oh, did they? Because I thought it was like shrinking. It's a probably way to say it.

[Ryder Strong]

I feel like there's another. Yeah, there's another movie that does. The whole idea of shrinking is cool. But yeah, I always thought it was just like a bag of holding. Like it's just cute.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, it's a great idea.

[Danielle Fishel]

There's never ending and it doesn't have a bottom.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then we're back in the tailor's kitchen. Later on, Jill comes bursting through the door carrying an array of boxes. She announces to Randy, who's sitting on the couc watching tv, that she found some great stuff for his costume Again, another John Pasquin shot. Them starting on Jonathan sitting on the edge of the couch, hitting the remote and the dolly moving over to the side. Her coming in that first shot is longer than any other shot we've had on board before.

[Ryder Strong]

And just think about the structure of the living room, Even the set with the outside right next door. You see the. Through the windows, you can see the neighbor, you can see their backyard, you can see the neighbor's yard. And the fact that the couch is sideways. Think about how revolutionary that is, because that makes everybody's job harder, but it makes it so much deeper and more dynamic of a set. It's brilliant.

[Will Friedle]

You also having Jonathan sit on the back of the couch that could in any other show, just look like bad blocking, but it so works for his character.

[Danielle Fishel]

Character?

[Will Friedle]

Yeah, that it's. It works.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's like, okay, works. I know. She shows off a long gold piece of fabric. This is your cape. As she drapes him in it, Randy reminds her that he is just an innkeeper. But she corrects him. You are a very sad, successful innkeeper. She then pulls out a big red hat that looks more like a pin cushion than costuming, and she places it on his head. She thinks it looks perfect. But Tim walks in and addresses his son as Alibaba. He wonders, what inn are Mary and Joseph staying at this year? Caesar's Palace. Jill shoos him off and asks Randy to say his line. He recites it with little enthusiasm, so Jill suggests a little more emotion. In response, Randy breaks out in fake tears and screams it in pain. And then in the backyard, Tim approaches Wilson, the identity obscured neighbor, and asks if he has a diesel generator to borrow for a revolving Santa that needs power. Wilson says he just loaned it to Doc Johnson. And based on Tim's reaction, he notices tension between the two neighbors. Tim insists he's just decorating his house. He notes that Wilson never decorates his house, though. And Wilson explains he has a tree in his heart, a wreath in his mind, and a star in his soul. Tim assumes he plugs it all into his belly button. Then Brad comes running outside. Dad, Dr. Johnson just put up two huge spotlights. Tim can't believe the news. He pulls out his binoculars to get a look. Those aren't spotlights. Those are 7,000 watt Xenon super troopers. He calls Doc Johnson sick and grabs a nearby wooden Santa to bring to the roof. It's you and me, Santa against the doctor.

[Will Friedle]

Now, did this remind any of you of the side backyard, side yard, Feeney?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Will Friedle]

Situation. To me, that's all I saw was like, it's, it's wider, obviously. It's got. They've got more depth than we did, but it's like it's a straight up Feeny yard.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, it is. Where it's like, you can tell there's more yard back and around and so back.

[Ryder Strong]

I actually wondered if there was some inspiration here because this is number one. And the idea of like, oh, my neighbor is my teacher, which is a huge part of the Boy Meets World pitch. I wonder if they were envisioning and they. They're pitching the same network. It's Touchstone Television. Same studio, same network. Michael might have just said he'll be like the Wilson. He's right over the fence. And Corey will go for advice, just like Tim Allen does. I bet you that was literally part of the pitch. Because the whole first season you have this scene every two or three episodes. Corey goes to Feeny for advice.

[Will Friedle]

But even with the different levels, Tim climbs the ladder at the end, whereas we were climbing into the treehouse. It's like everything kind of matched up this whole scene. It was great, great.

[Danielle Fishel]

Now we're on the tailor's roof. Tim's drilling Santa Claus and elf cutouts into the shingles as Brad watches on from inside. Tim announces they're about to have a trial run and reminds his son, always attach the spur gear to the final drive. Tim plugs into an extension cord and Santa starts to rotate. Satisfied with his work, Tim tells his son he'll be right in after he grabs his tools. And just as he adjusts himself, Tim notices the roof is slick with snow and he falls. Falls face first onto a hammer. As he slowly gets back up, we see the tool is now stuck to his tongue. As Tim struggles to remove it, Brad watches on in horror as Tim panics. He was repeatedly hit by the moving Santa and his giant sack of presents, throwing him to the ground over and over. I thought that little gag was done so well.

[Ryder Strong]

Yep, yep, yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

All those moments, just so funny.

[Will Friedle]

And they also subverted it because you thought he was going off the.

[Danielle Fishel]

The roof, of course.

[Will Friedle]

And so it was like, we're not gonna do that.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're like, oh, it's slick with snow. That's not gonna be the fall. Yeah, he's not gonna fall.

[Will Friedle]

It's great.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then we're in the Taylor's living room. Jill thanks the two firefighters who've managed to detach the frozen hammer from her husband's tongue. One admits he was surprised at the sight of it and apologizes to Tim for laughing. He adds, we watch your show all the time. I think it's really great. The other firefighter wonders, why didn't you have Al here to help you? I love that guy.

[Ryder Strong]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

This adds insult to injury for the Toolmate man. One of the firefighters jokes, they'll see Tim again next Christmas. And Jill hands the rescue workers some treats for the road. As they walk out the door, they're greeted with paparazzi. Jill looks at her husband and asks him to promise to stop this foolishness. Why was there press?

[Will Friedle]

I didn't know. I wasn't even gonna ask. I assume because she's famous, I guess locally.

[Danielle Fishel]

Local. Like local fame. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Will Friedle]

Or maybe they, you know, this happened. The firefighters happen all the time.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't know. I don't get the sense that it's a national show.

[Will Friedle]

No, it's supposed to be a local act, access thing, I think.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. So what city are they in?

[Will Friedle]

Detroit or near Detroit? Yeah, I think.

[Ryder Strong]

Okay. Michigan.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Okay. It seems like a lot of press.

[Will Friedle]

Yes, it did. It did.

[Danielle Fishel]

Especially for, like. Almost. Almost Christmas.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. Because.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, it's pretty. Okay, so Tim size. I'm through. They're judging the competition in two hours. What more can I do? But once Jill leaves, Tim quietly dials a number on his landline and pretends to be Doc John Johnson. He asks for his power to be turned off in two hours because he and his wife will be off to dinner. What did that. Did anybody ever. Did anyone ever call and just be like, for two hours, I'm gonna be gone?

[Will Friedle]

No, that doesn't make any sense. I love the set, though. I love how he can go around the fridge one way and then he can go the other way and see.

[Ryder Strong]

The stairs and then she can sneak in behind. It's so well done.

[Will Friedle]

Really great. Yep.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Really? Really.

[Ryder Strong]

Danielle, you've talked about to us about shifting gears, doing a similar thing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Exactly the same.

[Ryder Strong]

The depth.

[Danielle Fishel]

And like, John Pasquin is such a genius. The set. I'm realizing there are so many similarities on the shifting gear set. It's a very well done, modern take on it, but it's. It's very similar in the sense that there is lots of living space and things to do deep in the set set, multiple entrances. The kitchen and living room area being right off of. Or at least the kitchen and dining area being right off of a wall that's all windows that leads to the yard. So people can be in the backyard. You can see them, or people can go out that way. Just. Yeah, it's.

[Ryder Strong]

It's so brilliant. It's so. One of the things that I remember David Trainor talking about our set, how perfect our hallway set, second season hallway set was.

[Danielle Fishel]

And.

[Ryder Strong]

And I think it was because Trainor came from theater and he called it a great Shakespearean set because it had multiple levels and different spots. But what Pasquin is doing is probably better for television. So he's thinking. Because I think obviously sitcom evolved out of the theater tradition. So you have these great sets in most sitcoms where you have some depth, but for the most part, it's center. You have spots for people to sit, little corners. But Pasquin is clearly thinking like a lens, like a camera lens and a jib where the camera can get into the set.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly.

[Ryder Strong]

Which is so much smarter and more contemporary. And it's so interesting that more sitcoms didn't pick this up. That, like the Disney Channel still kind of reverts to old school. I mean, on Gormith's World, we have the bay window, right? Like, really kind of not great for camera sets. They were good for theater sets, but they're not great for cameras. So Interesting.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know, what it boils down to is that you either have to agree to a fifth camera every week, which is an expense because now you need a camera operator, a jib itself. Renting a jib is expensive unless you already own the jib. And so they just have to be willing to put the budget in for it. And. Or it needs to be a show that has a lot of, like, performances. And then you're able to get a jib, but it's like on a week to week basis. Do you think you're gonna need a jib for the. This On a John Pasquin show, there is a jib all the time. And.

[Ryder Strong]

And so it's a four camera with a jib is a fifth camera.

[Danielle Fishel]

Camera with a jib as a fifth.

[Ryder Strong]

I thought it was three.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then also then in some sets, the jib works as the fourth camera. It will play in the X camera position or in the. A camera position as you need it, or anywhere really. But. But it. You have five cameras.

[Will Friedle]

It's kind of nice.

[Danielle Fishel]

But while Tim was trying to sabotage his neighbor, Jill has creeped up behind him and is listening in. And on top of that, the operator has figured out it's Tim. Especially because he tried to pull this last year too. A frustrated Tim hangs up and Jill immediately hounds him. You were going to turn off the power in the house of a 76 year old retired proctologist. She calls him pathetic. And he tries to change the subject to the Christmas pageant. She claims she's just trying to build up the boy's self esteem. And Tim asks by making them dress up as the Gabor sisters?

[Will Friedle]

See, they're both. This is the joy. This is why it's not that typical sitcom. The husband's an idiot, the wife knows everything, she's doing it too. Like they're both that kind of just want the best for their kids and they're gonna do. It's a great dynamic between the two. I also, after seeing her, I'd like to watch more episodes of this because my guess is she would be put up there as one of the better sitcom moms ever.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, yeah.

[Will Friedle]

I mean, it's just she's great. And the dynamic the two of them have together I think would probably cement her in that lexicon.

[Danielle Fishel]

I think you're right. Right. Then Mark walks in with the news that Santa Claus died six years ago. Tim insists Santa's not dead, he's old. And when Jill reminds Mark that he sat on Santa's lap at the mall, his mom and dad have a real hard time explaining how he can be at all the malls at once. But they don't.

[Will Friedle]

Do you also realize this is. If I'm. Unless I'm wrong, this is kind of the premise of the movie. Tim Allen brought them the Santa Claus, which is Santa Claus dies. Right. And he takes over as the new Santa Claus.

[Danielle Fishel]

But he doesn't just take over. He's unwillingly. He like. He's like.

[Ryder Strong]

He finds the.

[Will Friedle]

Or whatever. Yeah. So.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. So do you think that they came up with this because of this?

[Will Friedle]

I don't know.

[Ryder Strong]

I mean, it's only like two years later right now. Yeah.

[Will Friedle]

And he does it with John Pasquin and all that kind of. I mean, this might be. You never. You never know where ideas come from. This entire episode could have been. I'm like. What if.

[Ryder Strong]

Just riffing. Yeah. What if he died? What if he found his body?

[Will Friedle]

What if you put on a suit?

[Ryder Strong]

Oh my God, that's so great.

[Will Friedle]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

His mom and dad have a hard time explaining how he can be at all the malls at once. Once Jill pivots and calls them helpers like how Al is Dad's helper. Mark gets it now. Oh, so they do all the work. Tim's visibly hurt and he emphasizes they assist Santa, but Mark gets it.

[Will Friedle]

Yep, agreed.

[Danielle Fishel]

Santa's gotta be alive, cuz you and dad wouldn't lie to me. Once he runs off, Tim points out the obvious. We just lied to him. Jill reminds him that Mark is their last baby. She just wanted him to have one more magical Christmas. Christmas. Tim hopes they're doing the right thing. And then in the backyard, Tim is fiddling with the Christmas decorations again. And Wilson standing by a fire, surprised to see Jill didn't put the kibosh on the display. After the accident, Tim is offended. It's his home and he can do whatever he likes. But when Wilson asks what time Jill left, Tim responds, ten minutes ago. Tim asks Wilson for some advice on what to tell Mark about Santa Claus. Wilson responds by reciting Hamlet, There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Tim explains that Randy and Brad already told their little brother that Santa was dead. And Wilson admits, well, technically that's true. He died in the year 342. When Tim sarcastically asks, well then who's at the mall? Wilson tells him all about the Original Santa Claus. St Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in Asia Minor who went to poor people's houses and dropped gold down their chimney. Tim hopes the St. Nicholas can put a remote controlled dinosaur down his chimney for Mark because the stores are all sold out.

[Ryder Strong]

Out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wilson says it could happen. The spirit of Santa lives on. Then Wilson gets back to his chestnuts. I. We have to obviously keep things kind of concise for these recaps, but I think there are two jokes in here that in this scene that were both very funny that did not make it into this little recap. But Wilson saying that reminds me of a song. And then singing the other. The other song I thought was a really smart joke. And then Tim saying why would he drop donkeys down the chimney? And he said it in a way that was like he really just, he really just misunderstood. So I thought it was. So why, why would he drop donkeys down the chimney?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, it's really good writing.

[Will Friedle]

Just really good writing.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then in the Taylor's living room, Jill returns home with Randy and Brad who are yelling at each other about bloat it. Jill admits she got carried away when it came to their Christmas pageant. Tim asks what happened. I don't know why he wasn't there.

[Will Friedle]

Well, no, no, no. They were rehearsing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh it was.

[Will Friedle]

She says, well, he's no longer playing the ball in the Christmas play. So. Yeah, there, there it was rehearsal. I thought the same thing. I rewound it. Yeah, I rewound it. I was like, why is he not there? I was like, okay, that makes sense.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Jill reveals that Randy is no longer playing the innkeeper because he added some extra lines. Signs. He doubled the price of the room and asked the wise men for id. Randy throws his arms up in the air. They made me a sheep. Jill reminds them no tv. It's part of their punishment for telling Mark that Santa was dead. She offers everyone some hot chocolate and Mark asks his parents a question. How does Santa get gifts for everyone in the world in one bag? Tim hands this one over to Jill, who plainly states that he folds them. Tim nods in agreement. Then he has Mrs. Claus sit on the bag so he can tie it shut. Mark knows that doesn't make any sense. How do you fold a goldfish or a pony? And now they know they've run out of excuses. Jill decides it's time for the talk. Tim starts to explain that as you get older, you learn a lot of new things along the way. The Easter Bunny, Santa Claus. Then there's a knock at the door. Jill continues to talk about the spirit of Santa and Tim goes to open it. Sure enough, Wilson, now dressed in a full Santa outfit, is standing at their front door. He makes his way inside with a bag of.

[Ryder Strong]

Of gifts.

[Danielle Fishel]

Mark lights up. Is this the real Santa? The man nods and Randy argues, no, that's Wilson. But Jill shushes him before Mark can hear. Santa knew Mark needed a little extra Christmas spirit in his heart, so he pulls the remote controlled dinosaur out of his bag. Mark is thrilled. It's not even folded. He thanks Santa before giving him a big hug. Brad pipes up, anything for us, Santa? Santa admits that although the boys now no longer believe in him, he still brought them to gifts anyway. He hands Brad a rubber band.

[Ryder Strong]

Me too. Yep. Come on, play against the sentimentality. I know if the the moment as written or the moment as you're pitching, it will probably be like, oh, and then he gives the other kids presents. But then, no, I'm gonna give him a button and a rubber band. Perfect.

[Danielle Fishel]

Perfect. I. I couldn't agree more.

[Ryder Strong]

Santa's little fu.

[Will Friedle]

You don't believe in me. I don't believe in you.

[Ryder Strong]

Not cold. Not something so obvious. Just like the crappiest.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like here, play with this. Entertain yourself with a rubber band.

[Ryder Strong]

So good.

[Danielle Fishel]

He hands Brad a rubber band and Randy a button. He also gives Tim and Jill a couple words of advice. When it comes to the true meaning of Christmas, it's about coming together and sharing. He has some mistletoe as a reminder, and he holds it over Jill to see if it works. They peck, and Jill thanks him for everything. Then Santa looks at Tim, but the tool man says, don't look at me, man. Santa bids everyone a farewell, and Tim admits to Jill sometimes that Wilson is a fine neighbor. Jill stares into their backyard and asks in shock, you mean that Wilson? Sure enough, Wilson is still tending to his chestnuts in his backyard. Mark runs to the front door and stares out into the snowy night sky in awe as we hear Christmas bells jingle in the background. And then we're in the tag the Taylor's home. Tim is excitedly alerts his family that the decorations are ready. Ready. So the family congregates in front of the house. He flips a switch and everything lights up beautifully. Even the decor is revolving and pivoting without a hitch. But then there's a spark at the control box and everything turns off in a flash. Tim grunts, oh. Then we go to the Taylor's chimney as the credits roll and Tim grunts, jingle bells once again. Did Indy watch this with you? Ryder, did you have to explain?

[Ryder Strong]

I wish he had. I wish he had now. He had already gone to bed. So I'm bummed because. Because, yeah, he would have loved this.

[Will Friedle]

He would have liked this.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, he would have liked it. And I. I want to know, how do you explain the Tim Allen grunting? It's like a catchphrase.

[Will Friedle]

You don't need it. You don't need the explanation.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, I couldn't have loved that up. I really couldn't have enjoyed it more. Couldn't have loved it more.

[Will Friedle]

Me too. This is when I talk about wanting to bring back sitcom. I'm not talking about Friends as much as I would love that. And I'm not talking about Seinfeld as much as I to. Would like, love that. I'm talking about this. I'm Talking about the 22 minutes of a family together. What do you want to solve everyone's problems? 22 minutes. Yes, that's exactly what I want to bring back. So when I saw this, I was like, oh, this is. This is what I'm thinking about when it comes to sitcom. Like, I want to. I want to see this again because it was so much fun. It was great.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, it's good times. Thank you all for joining us for this episode. Of Pod Meets World. As always, you can follow us on Instagram Pod Meets World show. You can send us your emails podmeets worldshowmail.com and we've got Merch.

[Will Friedle]

Merch.

[Danielle Fishel]

Will send us out.

[Will Friedle]

We love you all. Pod Dismissed Pod Meets World is an iHeart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fischl, Will Friedle and Ryder Strong, executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman, executive in charge of production Danielle Romo, producer and editor Tara Sudbaksh, producer Matt Engineer and Boy Meets World superfan Easton Allen. Our theme song is by Kyle Morton of Typhoon and you can follow us on Instagram @podmeatsworldshow or email us at podmeatsworldshowmail.com ever been @ the pharmacy counter and your mind goes blank when the pharmacist asks any questions? That's why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia starting January 14th. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, each episode features real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most, breaking down the questions you wish you'd asked from which meds may not mix well to what vaccines you need before a big trip. They'll bust myths, decode trends and share practical advice you can actually use. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever.

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