Ep 481: Pepsi Challenged

In this wildly imaginative and self-aware episode of CheapShow, hosts Paul Gannon and Eli Silverman, joined by guest Nick Helm, dive deep into the eccentric history and cult-like appeal of Pepsi, from its humble origins as 'Brad's Drink' to the infamous 'Pepsi Number Fever' riot in the Philippines. The trio embark on a spirited tasting journey through a range of Pepsi variants—Raspberry Pepsi Max, Tropical Pepsi Max, Wild Cherry, and experimental flavors like Bamboo and White Pomelo and Peach and Oolong Tea—praising the aromatic complexity and balance of the more unusual options, with the Bamboo and White Pomelo version emerging as a standout. The episode's playful 'Price of Shite' segment features nostalgic, quirky collectibles like plush toys, die-cast cars, retro shirts, and a Pepsi-shaped FM radio, underscoring the emotional resonance and absurd value of Pepsi memorabilia. As the episode builds toward its climax, the hosts—Eli, Nick, and Paul—launch into a surreal 'Big Pepsi Cocktail' experiment, blending nearly every available Pepsi variant with a Coca-Cola Zero Cherry Float, resulting in a chemically intense, grotesque, yet unexpectedly transcendent drink they dub the 'Jesus Christ of drinks.' This moment spirals into a prolonged, absurdist debate over the nature of the black monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey, culminating in a running joke about a prostitute behind the obelisk, before abruptly cutting to a promotional ad for the Pepsi-Cola NBA Hot Shot Competition aimed at children aged 9 to 18.