Episode 253: HBO's BrainGames, Sublime's Breakthrough, Beloved TV Programming Blocks(7-22-2026)

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A brief show that left a lasting impact. A band whose rise was cut short. Some of the most popular television programming blocks ever.

Episode 253 shows the pop culture randomizer on full display.

It begins with a look back at a show that only lasted a short time but left a big imprint on a lot of GenXers. BrainGames was a revelation in children's education. The HBO show lasted a whopping 6 episodes, yet somehow is still fondly remembered to this day by many who saw it. We look at why this little show had a big impact.

30 years ago this week, an indie band with a cult following released their breakout hit song. Unfortunately, it came shortly after their lead singer had lost his life. The band was Sublime, and the singer was Bradley Nowell. On this anniversary, we do a deep dive into the rise, fall, and full-circle rebirth of one of the most popular bands of the mid-1990s.

TGIF? Must-See TV? This week's Top 5 looks at those and some of the other beloved television programming blocks of all-time. How many of these were part of your weekly scheduling plans?

Finally there is a brand-new This Week In History and Time Capsule, looking at the very first Billboard Magazine music chart(it's not what you might think).

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Helpful Links from this Episode

• Buy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!
• Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime Book
• Hooked By Kiwi - Etsy.com
• DJ Williams Music
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• MSFTS Community
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• Christopher Setterlund.com
• Cape Cod Living - Zazzle Store
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Listen to Episode 252 here