One and Done TV Trivia: Single-Season TV Shows | Dorky Geeky Nerdy Trivia Podcast

Welcome one and all to Season Eight of the podcast. This season, I’m going to try something a little different. Rather than one topic per episode, I’ll have one topic per round. They’ll still be loosely connected.

This week, it’s one and done. These are all TV shows that lasted only one season but had a lasting impact or have a strong cult following. They are: The sci-fi western, Firefly, the coming-of-age teen drama, Freaks & Geeks, and lastly the dramady Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

Book of the Week

Firefly: Big Damn Hero

It should have been a routine job, transporting five crates from the planet of Persephone to a waiting buyer. And Lord knows, Captain Mal Reynolds needs the money if he’s to keep Serenity flying. But the client is Badger, and nothing that involves him is ever straightforward. The crates are full of explosives, which might blow at the slightest movement.

Just before take-off, Mal disappears. As the cargo grows more volatile by the minute, and Alliance cruisers start taking an interest in the tenacious smuggling ship, it’s down to Serenity’s first mate, Zoë, to choose between rescuing her captain and saving her crew.

Meanwhile, rumours are spreading on Persephone of a band of veteran Browncoat malcontents who will stop at nothing to be revenged on those responsible for their terrible defeat. Is Mal harboring a dark secret from the war? And can the crew of Serenity find him before it’s too late?

We Need Your Reviews & Support

Extra Credit Podcasts & Videos

Previous Episodes

Episode Transcript/Quiz

Episode Intro

If you need scorecards or want more trivia, visit DorkyGeekyNerdy.com.

I’m your host and the guy who is way to possessive of the remote, Brian Rollins. This is episode 371 of the Dorky Geeky Nerdy Trivia Podcast. Let’s get this show on the road.

The Dorky Round

Firefly

Who starred as the ship’s Captain, Malcolm Reynolds?
a. Nathan Fillion
Firefly was the class of ship, what was the ship’s name?
a. Serenity
What was the clothing-inspired nickname given to the Independent Planets during the Unification War?
a. Browncoats
What network originally aired Firefly (admittedly out of order)?
a. Fox
How many episodes did Firefly have in total?
a. Fourteen episodes
Of the show’s fourteen episodes, how many were never aired?
a. Three. They were released on DVD.
Who was the ship’s mechanic?
a. Kaylee Frye
What was Inara’s occupation?
a. She was a companion
What Mad Men star made two guest appearances on Firefly (under various names)
a. Christina Hendricks
What was the first episode of the series that was aired on television?
a. The Train Job. The show’s actual pilot, Serenity, was aired three months after the show debuted.

The Geeky Round

Freaks and Geeks

What Joan Jett song was the theme song for Freaks and Geeks?
a. Bad Reputation
In what year did Freaks & Geeks debut?
a. It started in 1999
The show takes place in the fictional town of Chippewa in what US state?
a. Michigan
The show takes place during which decade?
a. The 1980s. Specifically, it takes place from 1980 to 1981.
Before playing Marshall on How I Met Your Mother, who played Nick Andopolis on Freaks & Geeks?
a. Jason Segal
Before becoming the live-action Velma in two movies, who played the lead, Lindsay Weir?
a. Linda Cardellini
Before directing movies like Bridesmaids, A Simple Favor, and the 2016 Ghostbusters, who created Freaks & Geeks?
a. Paul Feig
What role playing game is featured in the show’s final episode?
a. Dungeons & Dragons
In the final episode, Lindsay runs away for a series of concerts in Colorado by what band?
a. The Grateful Dead
What network originally aired Freaks & Geeks?
a. NBC. Like Firefly, three episodes weren’t aired with the original run, but were later aired on Fox Family Channel.

The Nerdy Round

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

What West Wing writer created Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip?
a. Aaron Sorkin
What Friends actor played Matt Albie?
a. Matthew Perry
What former West Wing actor played Danny Tripp?
a. Bradley Whitford
The format of the show-within-a-show of Studio 60 is based on what long-running NBC sketch comedy?
a. Saturday Night Live
What actor received an Emmy Award for his guest role as a Nevada judge for two episodes?
a. John Goodman
Studio 60 premiered on the same network and in the same year as what similarly themed sitcom starring Tina Fey?
a. 30 Rock. Studio 60 had better ratings, but 30 Rock was much cheaper to produce.
What Taxi alum guest starred on the Pilot episode and whose rant is what kicks off the in-show drama?
a. Judd Hirsch
What actress’ real-life pregnancy was written into the show?
a. Amanda Peet
Which cast member directed five of the episodes?
a. Timothy Busfield. He played the in-show director, Cal Shanley.
What was the title of the series finale? Hint: The title of the episode has been used with three other Aaron Sorkin shows.
a. “What Kind of Day Has It Been”

Episode Conclusion

One down, another 50 more to go for the Season.

Let me know on social media how you did and let me know what you’d like to see with this newish format. Are there other single season shows you think should be covered? Shoot me a note.

If you’re not yet a patron, please consider becoming one. It’s only $5 a month and you get ad-free episodes plus goodies like stickers and a T-shirt. If that’s not in your budget, might I suggest a $5 donation to Wikipedia? I donated last year and since I use it a lot, I feel a lot better. They are still ad-free after all these years and I’d love for them to stay that way. Your call.

I’ll be back next week with another thirty questions. Here’s a clue to tide you over:

What do Helga, Rowena, and Salazar have to do with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Some unsung characters from the fantasy series. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday.

This was the Dorky Geeky Nerdy Trivia Podcast. If you’d like to help support the show and get extra stuff, consider becoming a patron at Patreon.com/dorkygeekynerdy.

This podcast is written, produced, and hosted by Brian Rollins. If you love audiobooks or are looking to have a book turned into an audiobook, contact me at TheVoicesInMyHead.com.

The theme music is Punchfunk by the band, Punchfunk. Listen to all their music on Spotify.

Thanks for listening.