Raised on Television
Raised on Television
We grew up in a time when TV wasn’t just background noise – it was the main event. Raised in the era between bell-bottoms and big hair, we didn’t just watch history; we lived it through our TV screens. We witnessed television transform from angst-filled sitcoms and gritty hour long dramas to feel-good family comedies and hour long dramas that highlighted the excess of the 80’s. These shows not only entertained us but also reflected the shifting tides of the times. Our love for television runs deep – maybe a little too deep – but we’re okay with that. There was a ton of great TV when we were growing up, and we think those unforgettable episodes in our past, plus the ones that came before and after, deserve another moment in the spotlight. Whether it’s for the laughs, the lessons, or just a fat cup of nostalgia, these shows had that special something that keeps us coming back. That’s why we’re diving headfirst into the best episodes ever (handpicked by experts and some by our very biased selves), sharing our thoughts, a few laughs, and maybe even some trivia you didn’t know you needed. So, if you’re as TV-obsessed as we are, put down the remote, grab your buds (ear and otherwise!) and join us as we check out some binge, and sometimes cringe-worthy television!
May 29, 2025

#53. The Phil Silvers Show (1955) "The Eating Contest"

#53. The Phil Silvers Show (1955) "The Eating Contest"

This week on Raised on Television

It’s 1955, and we’re diving fork-first into one of the earliest sitcom classics: The Phil Silvers Show !

In this episode, Company B—perpetual underdogs in everything from inspections to softball—finally sees a glimmer of hope in an unlikely arena: an eating contest .


Their secret weapon? The legendary Ed "The Stomach" Honnegan, a man whose appetite is as bottomless as his stomach is boundless.

But when Bilko’s involved, you know there’s going to be a twist—or three.


Will Company B finally taste victory? Or is this just another classic setup for a spectacular (and hilarious) flameout?

Hit play to find out ... and decide for yourself whether this episode earns its place on TV Guide’s 100 Best Episodes of All Time ,

or if our hosts’ takes left you hungrier for something else.


Don’t forget to feed our egos : tap those five stars, leave a quick review, and share us with your fellow classic TV lovers!


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