Wisconsin native Dave Nelson arrives in New York to start his new job as the News Director at WNYX. His first task: fire the old News Director. Guest stars Kurt Fuller as Ed Harlow, Greg Lee as Rick, Wallace Langham as Jeff, Beau Billingslea as The Security Guard, and Ella Joyce as Catherine Duke.
Neither Joe Rogan nor Khandi Alexander appear in the pilot. Greg Lee's "Rick" character is similar to Rogan's "Joe" character, and Ella Joyce plays "Catherine." Catherine's last name is not revealed in this episode.
Joyce is mostly offscreen, though she can be heard delivering several newscasts (and can be very briefly glimpsed in the broadcast booth in a few shots). She is seen clearly towards the end of the episode standing outside the broadcast booth, but has no lines during this scene.
Ray Romano was originally slated to play the "Electrician" character, but both Romano and the show's producers mutually agreed that he was not a good fit for the show.
Dave and Lisa's disagreement over how to respond to an on-air gaffe by Matthew leads to a romantic encounter and the start of a secret office relationship. Guest stars Kenny Johnston as Danny.
Coverage of a subway accident is hampered by petty jealousies surrounding Matthew's new desk. Guest stars Steve Arlen as Bob, and Mark Davenport as Delivery Man.
The staff unwittingly confide in Dave their expectations for their annual bonus, not knowing that Jimmy has delegated the task to Dave. During this episode pastries humorously keep appearing on Bill's desk. Guest stars Albie Selznick as Copy Guy, and Joe Wein as Delivery Guy.
Dave's ex-girlfriend from Wisconsin arrives for a visit, under the assumption that they are still dating, and proceeds to make Lisa nervous. Guest stars Janeane Garofalo as Nancy, and Bill Geisslinger as Tom P. Baxter.
Beth attempts to take nude pictures of herself for her boyfriend. Joe tries to find out who has been stealing his gelato. Guest stars Chris Kattan as Employee #3. Steve Susskind returns as Milos the Janitor. The episode title (not seen on screen) is an inside joke amongst the production staff, referring to producer Julie Bean.
Mr. James introduces the staff to "Goofy Ball," an annoying toy made by one of his companies. Dave and Lisa consider revealing their relationship. Bill has a stalker, and buys a taser which has been built by Joe. Guest stars Dennis Miller as The Stalker and Judd Apatow as the voice of the Goofy Ball.
Dave hires a temp to help Beth organize the station's files. Guest stars Bebe Neuwirth as Sandi Angelini. Recurring characters Tone Lōc as Security Guard (Lorenzo), and Toby Huss as Guard #2 (Junior).
Matthew receives a meaningless promotion and his efforts to organize the station are sabotaged by Bill. Lisa tries to find another job, giving a screen test interviewing Anthrax for MTV. Mr. James begins his search for a wife using business tactics, starting with a list of 36 women. Guest stars Anthrax, and Natalia Nogulich as Melanie Sanders.
Mr. James buys sports cars for everyone on the staff except for Matthew, who gets tapes. Bill thinks that the Santa Claus down in the lobby is stalking him. Guest stars David Anthony Higgins as Santa; Recurring characters Tone Lōc as Lorenzo, and Toby Huss as Junior.
Joe tries to teach Matthew about gambling. Dave has to give a speech introducing Bill at a dinner.
Beginning with the previous episode and continuing through the end of season two, each episode is titled after a Led Zeppelinalbum. Steve Susskind returns as Milos the Janitor.
Beth discovers that she has a secret admirer. Mr. James plays April Fool's pranks in the office, despite it being February, resulting in Catherine and Matthew getting green slimed, while a reporter from The Wall Street Journal interviews Bill.
Catherine is out sick, so Bill puts Joe on the air in order to frustrate Dave's plans. Meanwhile, Beth becomes enamored of Mr. James' weird nephew Theo (guest star David Cross.)
Jimmy loses Bill in a poker game, and Lisa has to try to win him back.
In the episode, a Star WarsBoba Fett action figure is shown and discussed in several scenes, which the commentary notes required permission from Lucasfilm. "BOBA FETT COURTESY OF J.T. HUTT" appears in the episode's credits.
27
20
"Coda"
Lee Shallat Chemel
Brian Kelley, Lewis Morton, Josh Lieb, & Paul Simms
Dave, Bill and Mr. James work on a promotional spot. Lisa helps Joe study for a test. Matthew tries to sign up people for a summer house in the Hamptons. Steve Susskind returns as Milos the Janitor.
Matthew discovers the comic strip Dilbert and quits his job when Dave refuses to let him do a story about it. Dave tries to reassure the staff that an underwhelming magazine critique is not as bad as it sounds. Guest stars Scott Adams as coffee shop patron, Michael Adler as man pretending to be Scott Adams, and Mark Fite as coffee shop counterman.
Beth replaces the lobby sandwich machine with the arcade game Stargate Defender, causing Dave's old video game obsession to resurface. Bill is upset because he finds the sandwiches from the old machine to be delicious, and begins hoarding them. After a series of mental lapses, Lisa and Dave retake the SATs to see if they are getting dumber. Guest stars Eugene Jarvis, Wesley Jonathan, and Leelee Sobieski.
The staff is not invited to Mr. James' annual Halloween party because he thinks they're "too cool for school." Dave and Lisa persuade him to let them come. Bill becomes depressed after a psychic tells him the exact date of his death, but then falls in love with an elderly woman.
The staff attends an awards banquet. Matthew frets over his belief that the breakroom is infested with ants. Guest stars Bob Costas as himself, Johnny Crear as elderly man, Steven Gilborn as Marty "The Party" Jackson, and Kevin J. O'Neill as bartender.
A hot day and a broken air conditioner cause the thoughts of every character to drift. This episode is filled with movie/television parodies, particularly Beth's hallucinations, which are inspired by the horror films she saw with Matthew (Aliens, A Nightmare on Elm Street). At the end of the episode, Mr. James has a hallucination (or does he?) that spoofs the famous ending to St. Elsewhere's series finale.
James Caan visits Bill as part of research for his new movie, but he soon becomes fixated by Matthew's odd behavior. Dave tries to buy a television set for Lisa. Superfan Jimmy James has an extra Knicks ticket, and Joe conducts a trivia contest between Beth and Catherine to determine who gets the seat. Guest stars James Caan as himself.
Jimmy teaches Beth how to play the stock market, but refuses to help Bill. Matthew pretends to have flown to Japan, bringing back gifts for the office, including a samuraikatana for Dave. Lisa is reluctant to ask for a new chair because she doesn't want it to look like Dave is playing favorites.
Matthew finally stands up to Bill's bullying, and proceeds to go on a power trip. Catherine teaches Jimmy how to beat a crooked three card monte dealer.
42
14
"Complaint Box"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Joe Furey & Josh Lieb Teleplay by : Brian Kelley & Lewis Morton
Dave agrees to let the staff review each other, while Jimmy takes a con artist to court. Joe teaches Jimmy the secret masonic word "Tubal-cain" that might automatically win him the court case. Guest stars George Lindsey as himself, David Clennon as the Judge, and Glenn Walker Harris Jr. as the con artist.
44
16
"Kids"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Joe Furey & Drake Sather Teleplay by : Sam Johnson & Chris Marcil
Dave must figure out who is leaving pornography around the office in the midst of an elementary school field trip. Jimmy hits on the kids' teacher over a fancy lunch. Guest stars Stephanie Erb as the teacher.
While Bill and Dave are stuck in a St. Louis airport, Lisa runs the office, and Beth and Matthew water Bill's plants. Guest stars Michael James McDonald, Stoney Westmoreland, Jim Fyfe, and Daniel Hagen.
Joe, Dave, and Beth deal with the noisy environmentalists who've moved in upstairs; Lisa covers the Easter Egg hunt at the White House; Bill and Catherine argue over Bill's sponsorship by Rocket Fuel Malt Liquor. Guest stars Sara Paxton as Sara.
48
20
"Our Fiftieth Episode"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Josh Lieb Teleplay by : Joe Furey & Paul Simms
An argument over a traffic ticket gets Bill committed to a mental hospital. Guest stars Jon Lovitz as Fred.
All of Vicki Lewis's scenes were shot separate from primary production because she was away filming Mouse Hunt. She is completely absent from the following episode, "Sleeping," for the same reason.
49
21
"Sleeping"
Judi Elterman
Story by : Alan J. Higgins & Paul Simms Teleplay by : Brian Kelley
Matthew hides in the break room fridge to scare anyone who opens it, eventually causing Mr. James to have a heart attack. Mr. James' lawyer shows Dave and Lisa a video tape wherein Mr. James reveals his wish to spend his remaining time with his friends and colleagues at WNYX in the case of a life-threatening illness. Mr. James is moved into the WNYX break room while he recovers from his coma and the staff is asked to talk to him during the day. Lisa decides that she wants to have a baby. Bill recreates his time as a college overnight DJ. Guest stars Scott N. Stevens as Dr. Mandel.
50
22
"The Real Deal"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Josh Lieb & Lew Morton Teleplay by : Joe Furey & Paul Simms
Desperate to keep "The Real Deal" on the air despite floundering ratings, Bill and Lisa attempt to interview Jerry Seinfeld in a restaurant and record the results. Matthew reveals to everybody that he is still a virgin (at 28½), and subsequently loses his virginity to his gorgeous girlfriend in the breakroom. Guest stars Jerry Seinfeld as himself, Bobbie Brown as Irene, Gregg Daniel as Kevin Sparks, Mark Fite as Waiter.
51
23
"Mistake"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Joe Furey & Paul Simms Teleplay by : Josh Lieb & Drake Sather
Dave faces the wrath of the staff when he makes several disparaging comments about them in a magazine article. Matthew feels threatened by the "weird" new temp Brent. Guest stars French Stewart as Brent.
52
24
"Space"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Brian Kelley & Lewis Morton Teleplay by : Joe Furey & Josh Lieb and Paul Simms
WNYX is imagined as a news radio station in space in the future. The crew still have the same jobs, and WNYX is still a radio station. Bill and Catherine read ads ("Soylent Green, made from the best stuff on Earth: people") and news from the future. Meanwhile, Joe is thawed out after more than 80 years of suspended animation to fix the reactor for the station. Jimmy needs to cut the budget, so he needs to have either Bill or Catherine go into suspended animation for 50 years. Dave and Lisa, meanwhile, are still trying to figure out if they should live together, and where. Although Joe tinkers with the reactor, his repairs (hitting it numerous times with a pair of pliers and then pulling out a circuit board) fail to produce the desired effect, and he announces that the whole station will blow up unless everyone (save for two people) goes into suspended animation pods for 50 years so they can shut the station down and wait for help. The crew, with the exception of Bill (who is paranoid that someone else will wind up making just as much money when he wakes up) and Matthew (who tells his android girlfriend to take his place—even though, as she tries to point out, she doesn't need oxygen or food to survive) get into the pods. Matthew trips over a cord, unplugging the pods from their power source, instantly killing everyone except for himself and Bill. Bill then informs Matthew that they'll have to re-start the human race together. (Matthew agrees--"But no gay stuff.") Guest stars Bobbie Brown as Irene.
When uninsured Matthew is injured goofing off at work, Dave and Lisa try to pass it off as a workplace accident so that workers' compensation will pay for the hospital costs. Bill objects to a fellow newscaster's use of the word "penis" on the air by giving a series of on-air editorials in which he uses the word a number of times himself. Guest stars Bob Odenkirk as Dr. Smith. Norm Macdonald returns as Roger, Mr. James' lawyer.
This episode was intended to appear in season 2. It was delayed because the script called for Bill (Phil Hartman) to repeatedly use the word "penis" (some of which were ultimately edited out). Because of this, the episode is intentionally featured on both the first (Seasons 1 & 2) and second (Season 3) NewsRadio DVD releases.
Mr. James brings in Andrea, an efficiency expert, to bring some order to WNYX. The staff tries to protect Matthew from being fired. Bill auditions for a television news anchor job. Guest stars Scott Valentine as Producer, Charlotte Booker as Makeup Artist, John Vosler as Painter. Recurring characters Lauren Graham as Andrea, and Michael Kostroff as Carl.
Andrea tries to replace Dave with a bland, laconic executive named Steve. Bill decides to embark on a Mark Russell-style piano act, performing satirical songs about politics and angering Dave in the process. Mr. James brings a documentary crew to the station. Matthew continues to lobby Dave for his old job. Guest stars Paul Gleason as Steve Johnson, Peter Spellos as Camera Guy, and Cheryl Kirby as Passenger. Lauren Graham returns as Andrea.
Mr. James hosts a bookstore reading of his newly-republished autobiography, which he had translated back into English because it was a bestseller in Japan; but he finds that Jimmy James: Capitalist Lion Tamer is now titled Jimmy James: Macho Business Donkey Wrestler and is full of bizarre turns of phrase. Andrea subjects the staff to polygraph tests, which leads to Lisa revealing her extensive criminal record. Guest stars Dave Allen as Lackey, Mark Conley as Pilot, Zuhair Haddad as Maitre d', Brian Posehn as Fan, Ron Jeremy as Fan, and Michael Raysses as Technician. Lauren Graham returns as Andrea.
Bill's editorials become more than Lisa can handle. Dave breaks up with Lisa because he thinks the relationship will hurt them at work. Andrea, who is hurt that she didn't know about the relationship, helps Lisa get revenge by making her the boss and making Dave Bill's producer. Guest stars Nancy Bell as Brandi, and Edith Barnes as Mrs. Barnes. Lauren Graham returns as Andrea.
59
6
"Pure Evil"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Brian Kelley & Lewis Morton Teleplay by : Paul Simms
Dave plots against Lisa to get his job back by goading Bill to do fake interviews of President Clinton on the air. Matthew starts sleeping in Lisa's office. Guest stars George Dobesh as Senator, and Grace Morley as Cindy.
Catherine announces she is leaving WNYX. The rest of the staff offer Mr. James their versions of how Catherine quit and why, colored by their own perceptions. Joe makes one last attempt to get with Catherine.
Mr. James offers to give Matthew his job back if WNYX wins the New York Holiday Charity Talent Show, so that he can win a bet with Ted Turner. Dave reveals a new talent - knife-throwing. Bill plays piano for Beth while she sings "Makin' Whoopee", and attempts to coach her in her singing. Ultimately, Matthew takes the stage as a ventriloquist, and his pathetic act wins him the contest on a sympathy vote, getting him his job back. Guest stars Kevin McDonald as Throwdini, and Tom Parks as Emcee.
Bill hires a butler. Lisa asks Mr. James to teach her "The Secret of Management". Matthew is depressed. Guest stars Ian Abercrombie as Cadbury, and Mary Lynn Rajskub as Waitress.
Bill decides that he wants to adopt a child. Lisa grows jealous because Bill has a natural rapport with children which she lacks, but Dave comes to think Bill will be a great father. Mr James takes part in a bachelor auction for charity, and rents a duchess title for Beth so that she can bid on him. Joe accompanies her, acting as her homosexual limo driver. Guest stars Denise Dowse as Adoption Agent, Judy Geeson as Auctioneer, Lynn A. Henderson as Mother #1, Clarinda Ross as Mother #2, Patricia Place as Rich Woman, Logan Craig O'Brien as Charlie, Jim Hanna as Husband, Kate Gladfelter as Wife, and Reed Rudy as Rich Guy.
It is Dave's 32nd birthday, and the other members of his college a cappella group show up at WNYX to reform the group. Guest stars Bob Odenkirk as Bob, David Cross as David, and Brian Posehn as Brian.
Lisa is tired of being the boss and Dave doesn't want the job. They decide to "punish" Bill by making him the boss in order to teach him a lesson after his insubordinate behavior. Most of the office comes to believe Bill is a great boss after he gives pointless tasks to Matthew and Beth.
Mr. James decides to let the staff vote between Dave and Lisa to determine who will be the boss, though they are both open about not wanting the job throughout the entire election. Matthew runs for floor fire marshal. Joe's brothers show up and create mayhem. Guest stars Bryan Callen as Russ Garreli, Nick DiPaolo as Jack Garreli, and Robert Hegyes as Sal Garreli. Michael Kostroff returns as Carl.
67
14
"Security Door"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Joe Furey & Lewis Morton Teleplay by : Sam Johnson & Chris Marcil
Matthew gets involved in a mix-up at the Big Brother program. Bill tries to get Dave jealous by telling him that Lisa is dating somebody else. Guest stars Michael Buchman Silver as Danny, and Mike Colt as Guard.
Mr. James gives Matthew a small battery-powered car for his birthday, and tries to get Dave and Lisa back together so that they can be more productive. Guest stars Antoinette Valente as Mary.
70
17
"Balloon"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Joe Furey & Paul Simms Teleplay by : Josh Lieb
Mr. James decides that he needs to fly around the world in a hot air balloon in order to prove his machismo to the other billionaires. Guest stars Dave Nemeth as TV Anchor.
Ted from accounting is killed by the copy machine and Joe feels responsible. Dave has trouble dealing with his grief over the death even though he didn't know Ted, and Ted's former college roommate comes to the office to talk to the staff about their memories of Ted, in preparation for his eulogy. Guest stars Tom Gallop as Jack, and Christopher Randolph as Paramedic.
72
19
"Monster Rancher"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Brian Kelley & Lewis Morton Teleplay by : Sam Johnson & Chris Marcil
Mr. James makes Dave hire his nephew Walt (Brad Rowe). Dave resents it at first, but Walt is genuinely interested in radio, and has been obsessed with Dave's radio career since seeing him speak in junior high. Dave is touched and begins to give advice to Walt, which soon backfires when Walt reveals his crush on Lisa. Bill feels threatened by Walt's youth and good looks. Matthew asks Lisa out on a date, and she has trouble not hurting his feelings. Joe Rogan does not appear.
Mr. James invites the WNYX staff to a smoker at his men's club, where Matthew and Joe will participate in a no holds barred Ultimate Fight. Walt's crush on Lisa bothers Bill more than it does Dave. Guest stars David Dunard as Referee, and Brad Rowe returns as Walt.
74
21
"Jackass Junior High"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Drake Sather & Paul Simms Teleplay by : Joe Furey & Alan J. Higgins
Beth is on vacation and Lisa is the only woman working in the station. The guys see this as a license to be vulgar, because they think of Lisa as "one of the guys". Bill becomes worried the people don't think he is funny. Mr. James discovers a tax loophole and turns the station into a historic landmark, as long as they host six tours a day. Guest stars Mark Jonathan Davis as himself, Jonelle Kennedy as Cheryl, Michelle Benes as Tour Woman, Doug Gochman as Tourist #1, Allan Murray as Tourist #2, Grady Hutt as Teenager, and Mathew Weiss as Kid. Brad Rowe returns as Walt.
Vicki Lewis is not in this episode; she was away working on Pushing Tin.
75
22
"Sinking Ship"
Tom Cherones
Story by : Chris Marcil, Lew Morton, Drake Sather, & Paul Simms Teleplay by : Joe Furey, Brian Kelley, Josh Lieb, & Sam Johnson
Another "what if" episode that places Newsradio on the Titanic. Guest stars Emil Alexander as Porter, and Brad Rowe returns as Walt.
Vicki Lewis does not appear in this episode, and she is not included in the specially-created opening credits. Her absence was noted at the end of the show, when the audience is told that she was in Toronto working on Pushing Tin. She does, however, appear on the DVD commentary. Hartman himself hosts this episode, book-ending the story. The episode marks his final appearance in the series (He would die later that month).
The staff members mourn Bill's death. Guest stars Khandi Alexander as Catherine Duke.
The cast could barely get through reading the script due to the death of Phil Hartman. They broke down in tears several times while filming the episode. This aired the day before what would have been Hartman's 50th birthday.
Matthew is determined to prove Max a fraud, while Lisa takes a job at a fast food restaurant to ferret out corruption. Guest stars David Anthony Higgins as The Manager.
Joe's smart drink actually makes Matthew smart, but it can't last forever. Beth and Max may have feelings for one another, but Max throws Lisa into the mix.
Jimmy is arrested as infamous hijacker D. B. Cooper. Johnny Johnson temporarily replaces Jimmy, but looks to make it permanent. Guest stars Langdon Bensing as FBI Agent, David Basulto as Guard #1, Jeff Greenwald as Security Guard, and Aaron Knight as Guard #1. Patrick Warburton joins as Johnny Johnson.
Fugitive Jimmy hides out with Dave's parents. Johnny offers to stop being evil if Lisa will marry him. Guest stars Spencer Garrett as G-Man, and Patrick Warburton returns as Johnny Johnson.
Jimmy is cleared of all charges when Adam West confesses to the crime, but now has to fight to get his company back from Johnny. Guest stars Casey Sander as Prosecutor, Julius Tennon as Judge, and Adam West as himself. Patrick Warburton returns as Johnny Johnson.
Joe and Beth paint a mural; Lisa and Matthew wear the same outfit; Max fights with Jimmy's new security consultant. Guest stars Toby Huss as Jack Frost.
87
12
"Apartment"
Skip Collector
Story by : Sam Johnson & Chris Marcil Teleplay by : Tom Saunders & Kell Cahoon
Joe is smitten over Lisa's new assistant; Jimmy redecorates the men's room and Beth fights for access to it. Guest stars Tiffani-Amber Thiessen as Foxy Jackson.
Johnny Johnson (guest star Patrick Warburton) returns--claiming to be no longer evil, but now a wino--to ask for Lisa's hand in marriage. Guest stars Alan Frazier as Bum.
Dave tries to prevent Lisa from marrying Johnny. Guest stars Paul F. Tompkins as Justice of the Peace, and Jeb Barrows as man in Black. Returning guest stars Alan Frazier as Bum and Patrick Warburton returns as Johnny Johnson.
Matthew and Max learn Joe's self-invented martial art of "Joe-Jitsu", with the help of a padded suit. Meanwhile, Dave plans to fire someone, while Jimmy starts a crusade against Mother's Day.
Jimmy and Matthew switch places for a day; Beth is caught cheating a CD club; Max is banned from the break room. Guest stars Wayne Federman as Randy Stark.
