Welcome to episode 2 of Sip Happens! The world's only Cougar Town Rewatch Podcast.

The formation of the beloved cul-de-sac crew begins to take shape in "Into the Great Wide Open," the second episode of Cougar Town that set the foundation for the show's true identity. While Jules continues her adventures in dating younger men, specifically Josh, played by Nick Zeno of DC's Legends of Tomorrow fame, we witness the first gathering of friends in Jules' kitchen, sharing stories and wine in what would become a signature setting for the series.
This episode introduces viewers to several elements that would become series staples: Bobby's golf cart, Grayson's pub, and the iconic window conversations between Jules and Ellie. We also get our first taste of the deliciously antagonistic relationship between Ellie and Laurie as they compete for Jules' friendship while reluctantly forming their own bond.
The heart of Cougar Town reveals itself when Jules and Ellie have their first meaningful conflict about friendship and support. Behind the wine jokes (though the famous oversized glasses haven't fully appeared yet) and clubbing montages set to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies," we discover a show about genuine connections and the family we choose. This episode introduces several running gags, including mentions of never-seen characters like Nezzy and Bitchslap, and the short-lived but memorable appearance of "Bessie," Jules' impossibly large handbag. Whether you're revisiting Gulf Haven or discovering it for the first time, pour yourself a generous glass of wine and join us as we celebrate this perfect encapsulation of why Cougar Town remains such a beloved comfort show for so many fans.

Whether you’re rewatching for the 10th time or finally giving this bad-title-good-show a proper binge, Sip Happens is your weekly dose of nostalgia, comedy, and community, best enjoyed with a very large glass of wine.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is fan-made and not affiliated with or endorsed by ABC, Disney, or the creators of Cougar Town. All images and references are used under fair use for commentary and parody purposes.