
Dead Pilots Society
In Dead Pilots Society, scripts that were developed by studios and networks but were never produced are given the table reads they deserve. Starring actors you know and love from television and film, a live audience, and a good time in which no one gets notes, no one is fired, and everyone laughs. Presented by Andrew Reich (Friends; Worst Week) Ben Blacker (The Writers Panel podcast; co-creator, Thrilling Adventure Hour), and Noah Findling (The New York Times, Comedy Central).
Latest episodes

Mar 25, 2024 • 1h 11min
Episode 144: Andy Bobrow's List Of Sitcom Writing Rules
Another #maxfundrive bonus episode for you! Thank you to everyone who has boosted or become a #maxfundrive member, it's because of you that we can put out episodes like this. We sat down with comedy writer Andy Bobrow about his sitcom writing rules. Andy is a writer who's script Greatest American Heroes (ep link here) was last year's MaxFunDrive episode. We had an incredible cast for that one including Will Forte, Stephen Root, Rachel Harris, Sam Richardson and more. Andy has written on Malcolm In The Middle, Community, Last Man On earth, Brooklyin Nine-Nine and currently he's been writing for Krapopolis. Recently, he posted some of his sitcom writing rules on twitter that we found to be super spot on and we wanted to talk to him about it. There's a lot of extremely practical advice in this one. Things that can help comedy writers at any level who are maybe stuck on a scene or looking for general things not to do. You can find his list here This is for all writers or fans who are interested in the craft of how comedy shows are written. If you get something useful out of this conversation please consider becoming a #maxfun member at just $5 a month by going to maximumfun.org/donate. Thanks for listening! Enjoy!

Mar 23, 2024 • 54min
Episode 143: Open Mike Eagle (The New Negroes) & Mike Benner (Bob's Burgers) Interview (Principle After Show)
This is our after show interview with Open Mike Eagle (The New Negroes) & Mike Benner (Bob's Burger) about their pilot Principle. Mike and Mike developed Principle for Comedy Central wanting to explore the differences between a rapper's public and private persona. In this interview, you'll hear them talk about their comedy and hip hop influences, Open Mike's move from rapper to comedy writer/rapper and the process of pitching and developing a rap show for Comedy Central. If you'd like to support our podcast, now is the time. It's MaxFunDrive; the one time of year where listeners like you can directly support our podcast. Your support is what allows us to keep putting out dead pilot after dead pilot. Help us out for as little as $5 a month.

Mar 20, 2024 • 49min
Episode 142: Principle written by Open Mike Eagle (The New Negroes) & Mike Benner (Bob's Burgers) LIVE at The Elysian Theater
We have a hilarious MAX FUN DRIVE episode for you! It's the table read for Principle written by Open Mike Eagle (The New Negroes) & Mike Benner (Bob's Burgers) recorded LIVE at THE ELYSIAN THEATER! Principle was sold to Comedy Central. It's about a rapper trying to change his life and image but keeps being pulled back into the gangster character that made him famous. This show should be on the list along with Atlanta and Dave of the great television hip hop comedy of the last decade but alas it never it never made it to air. It's only available here on Dead Piltos Society and Dead Pilots Society only exists because of listeners like you becoming Maximum Fun members. Your support is what keeps this podcast going. You can become a member for as little as $5 a month by going to maximumfun.org/joinPrinciple stars Open Mike Eagle, Shakira Ja'nai Paye, Tawny Newsome, Langston Kerman, Jamel Johnson, Paul F. Tompkins, Phil Lamarr, Aaron Branch, Taylor Garron and Andrew Reich with stage directions. For more Dead Pilots Society episodes and information about our live shows, please subscribe to the podcast!Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter, and visit our website at deadpilotssociety.com

Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 6min
Episode 141: Q & A with Ben Blacker & Andrew Reich moderated by J. Keith van Straaten (Go Fact Yourself)
This is a special episode in honor of The MaxFunDrive where Andrew and Ben answer a variety questions sent to us from listeners. We had J. Keith van Straaten from Go Fact Yourself drop by to moderate. It was a lot of fun and we know you're going to love it. Thank you for supporting our show!This special network wide event is a celebration of The MaxFunDrive! If you’d like to support podcasts you love for just $5 a month and get bonus gifts in the process, go to maximumfun.org/join.

Mar 18, 2024 • 18min
Go Fact Yourself #MaxFunDrive Kick-off Spectacular featuring Austin Taylor, Brenda Snell, Manolo Moreno, and Andrew Reich
This special network wide event is a celebration of The MaxFunDrive! If you’d like to support podcasts you love for just $5 a month and get bonus gifts in the process, go to maximumfun.org/join. We’re kicking off the most exciting time of the year for the MaxFun Network with a trivia game show featuring hosts from tons of great podcasts.J. Keith van Straaten and Helen Hong from “Go Fact Yourself” are joined by:Austin Taylor & Brenda Snell -“Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries” Manolo Moreno - “Dr. Gameshow”Andrew Reich - “Dead Pilots Society”If you’d like to hear more hosts competing for trivia supremacy, visit Maximumfun.org for the full version of this show.

Mar 2, 2024 • 1h 11min
Episode 140: Tommy Johnagin (That 90s Show, Man With A Plan) Interview (You're Only Young Twice After Show)
This is our after show interview with Tommy Johnagin (That 90s Show, Man With A Plan) about his pilot You're Only Young Twice. Tommy tells us about starting his stand up career at the age of 19, inspired by David Letterman. How he went from being a touring comedian to writing on a television show. Andrew shares some good insight from his time on Friends and they both spend time figuring out a better second act complication for Tommy's pilot. This is a great one! Enjoy it!For more Dead Pilots Society episodes and information about our live shows, please subscribe to the podcast!Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter, and visit our website at deadpilotssociety.com

Feb 23, 2024 • 36min
Episode 139: You're Only Young Twice written by Tommy Johnagin (That 90s Show, Man With A Plan)
A young couple face the challenges and excitement of becoming empty nesters while still young. Family secrets unfold over sushi, leading to turmoil and revelations. Unexpected news and roommate dynamics add humor and intrigue to the story.

Jan 26, 2024 • 54min
Episode 138: Alex Burnett & Brendan McCarthy Interview (Localized After Show)
This is our after show interview with Alex Burnett & Brendan McCarthy (Grace & Frankie) about their pilot Localized. Alex's recounts his personal connection to the show, having grown up on Nantucket. You'll hear about the persistence it took to sell this show, their experience working with Mitch Hurwitz (creator of Arrested Development) and their journeys to becoming tv writers. They also share some really great writing insight they received from Mitch Hurwitz during the development process. You won't want to miss this one. Enjoy!For more Dead Pilots Society episodes and information about our live shows, please subscribe to the podcast!Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter, and visit our website at deadpilotssociety.com

Jan 19, 2024 • 45min
Episode 137: Localized written by Alex Burnett & Brendan McCarthy (Grace & Frankie)
Alex Burnett and Brendan McCarthy, writers of 'Localized', discuss their wonderfully weird pilot based on a real-life doctor on Nantuckett island. The unique pilot was sold to HBO Max with Mitch Hurwitz as executive producer. Topics include auto brewery syndrome, unconventional surgical practices, and the consequences of not apologizing.

Dec 29, 2023 • 1h 15min
Episode 136: Vali Chandrasekaran Interview (Fulfillment After Show)
This is the after show for Fulfillment with its writer Vali Candrasekaran (Modern Family, 30 Rock). Vali is a respected veteran comedy writer who's written on all of your favorite sitcoms. You'll hear the crazy story about how he landed his first job on "My Name Is Earl". He talks about a show he created with Christopher Lloyd (Modern Family, Frasier) starring two A-list actors that somehow didn't get picked up to series. Vali shares some great advice he received from Chris regarding multi-camera sitcom writing and some of his own advice on writing a pilot. Writers, do not miss this episode. Enjoy!WE HAVE A LIVE SHOW COMING UP on January 21st from 3PM to 5PM at The Elysian Theater in Los Angeles. Come see us table read scripts the following scripts: Principle written by Open Mike Eagle (The New Negroes) & Mike Benner (Bob's Burgers)You're Only Young Twice written by Tommy Johnagin (That 90s Show, Man With A Plan). TICKETS at elysiantheater.comFor more Dead Pilots Society episodes and information about our live shows, please subscribe to the podcast!Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter, and visit our website at deadpilotssociety.com