It’s been nearly five years since Studio209 launched as MNC’s first web series, providing a digital companion to our many publications, including the Turlock Journal and 209 Magazine. During that time the show has evolved in terms of quality and content, but 2018 was arguably the busiest year for the show’s continued growth. As the new year approaches, it’s time to look back and reflect on the highlights from the 48 episodes and extras produced in 2018.

Aside from making content for our viewers to enjoy, the best part of working on Studio209 comes from the fun and oftentimes novel situations I find myself in during production. After starting 2018 with a visit to several hidden marijuana farms in the area (#153), I found myself getting kicked in the face by a professional wrestler (#158), joining the Union Army as a reenactor (#163), cruising the streets of Modesto with a Faro (#173), winning Best Puke at my first Beer Mile (#185) and interviewing reigning Miss California MacKenzie Freed (#194). Quite the crazy ride!

And that’s not even factoring in the added experiences of Angelina Martin, who temporarily became a Celtic Faire Maiden (#162), Cowchella concertgoer (#166), academy archer (#184), Murphys witch (#189) and candy cane maker (#195) for the show.

Even with all that, the brightest highlights of the year were undoubtedly our first-ever live episode of Studio209 from the Stanislaus County Fair (#177) in a local return to tradition. Another highlight was our coverage of “The Bachelorette” Becca Kufrin’s hometown date in Manteca that garnered more than 60K views on YouTube alone.

Highlights from the past year aren’t relegated to content alone, though. In 2018 we also changed the show to a more streamlined and contemporary format; created a 209 offshoot with the 209 Podcast; and entered into a content-sharing agreement with Studio40 Live to broadcast select episodes over television airwaves.

Now, as we approach 2019 and with it our 200th episode, we’re ready to keep the evolutionary ball rolling with Studio209. So, keep coming back! And if for some reason you missed an episode or two, don’t fret, you can watch all of our past episodes at the same place you can find new episodes every Thursday — Studio209.TV.

Happy New Year from the entire Studio209 crew!