Hell hath no fury like a webmaster scorned, and while the evidence has been buried via redirect to the show’s DVD site you can still find it if you know where to look.

Show & Episode:

Two and a Half Men – Last Chance To See Those Tattoos (S02E11)

How is CharlieHarperSucks.com used?

After the tavern target of his affections turns the tables by revealing his standard pick-up lines and moves before leaving in a fit of laughter, Charlie Harper suspects that one of his previous conquests is spreading the word about him. Suspicions that turn out to be true when a Google search on his name turns up CharlieHarperSucks.com, a site devoted to exposing all his dating secrets.

Ah, old Google. How I miss you

Breakdown:

The Domain

The WHOIS search for CharlieHarpersSucks.com shows that it was registered roughly a month before the initial air date of the episode by Warner Bros, which is less than the usual 3-4 month lead time but the decision to have fun with the domain may have been a last minute one.

From the first airing till sometime between April and June of 2008, Archive.org shows that the domain name was pointed to a very close version of the site shown on screen, which contains a ridiculous amount of content (more in Website below.) From 2008 onward, the domain has been redirected to the show’s DVD page.

The Website

Go to the cached version of this site courtesy of Archive.org. I’ll wait.

 <20 minutes later>

The design for this website within the context (design by psycho ex) and limitations of the presentation (seconds long screen time) is spot on. The header contains the site name in bold black block lettering. The flame motif with the horizontal bar and rectangular beveled buttons with flaming mouseovers. All surrounding the centerpiece – an large animated GIF of Charlie turning into the devil with a scrolling flame background. An excellent job all around.

Hidden in the footer: Web Design by Chuck Lorre

If you compare the TV version with what was posted online, there are some differences. The Chat Room, Contact Us, Anti-Charlie T-Shirts and Links to Other Cads were replaced with Archives, Word Scramble, Poetry Corner, Top 10 List, and Links. But if you’re a fan of the show, it’s worth your time to click through and read the pages through the eyes of the many women Charlie has dated through the seasons.

I understand why they eventually redirected the domain name to the DVD show page, after 4 years it’s obviously a case of diminishing returns and they might as well try to get some sales out of it. But it’s such an interesting artifact of the series they should reconsider or at the very least post a link to a copy of the site elsewhere on the show page. A wonderful example of a website referenced in an episode that provides deeper insight in multiple mediums.

An offhanded suggestion by Charlie provides new hands-on material for Alan and a fun easter egg for viewers in the form of MalibuPuddingGirls.com

Show & Episode:

Two and a Half Men - Twanging Your Magic Clanger (S08E06)

How is MalibuPuddingGirls.com Used On-Screen?

Needing a little privacy at home in case the night’s big date with his dermatologist goes well, Charlie goes to Alan’s room to ask if he can disappear for the night. Walking in he discovers Alan alone, naked, with his laptop before scurrying to the side of the bed.

A few extremely awkward minutes later, Charlie gets his agreement for absence from Alan. As he’s leaving, he recommends that Alan checks out MalibuPuddingGirls.com. Alan types it in, and the scene ends with “Oh. Yikes.”

Clang, clang, clang went the Alan. Ding, ding, ding went his bell….

Breakdown:

The Domain

Where most shows register domains used in a episode at the beginning of its production cycle 3-4 months before the air date, the WHOIS results for MalibuPuddingGirls.com shows it was registered a scant month before the episode aired, similar to what was done for CharlieHarperSucks.com years prior.

The website that the domain was registered to doesn’t appear in the episode, the audience is shown the back of the laptop as Alan enters in the address. But the producers set up a nice Easter egg for the domain. If you go to MalibuPuddingGirls.com, you are redirected to a simple page set up on the official Warner Bros. site specifically for Two and a half Men that says exactly what the writers think of you.

This site shouldn’t be confused with the official show page on CBS, or the promotional page for the show DVDs set up on the WB network site that CharlieHarperSucks.com currently redirects to. In fact, if the producers stay true to form, they’ll probably redirect the domain to the DVD page in a couple of years as well. Which is understandable, even if it does get rid of a nice gag.

Conclusion:

I won’t further ruin the surprise with a screenshot or full description, just go visit. It’s a great quick gag.

Related – ShaunaShower.com

When the question of maturity in a relationship turns out to have too many layers, Charlie learns to walk away despite being intrigued by ShaunaShower.com. However, it’s definitely not a case of puppy love for Charlie and real life visitors alike.

Show & Episode:

Two and a Half Men – Twanging Your Magic Clanger (S08E06)

How is ShaunaShower.com used?

When Charlie discovers his date Michelle is four years older than him, he’s originally freaked out and unsure of seeing her again. After a talk with his brother Alan convinces him to focus on her other qualities, he goes to her home to let her that it’s not a problem. But when their evening is interrupted by Michelle’s 20-yr old daughter Shauna, Charlie’s discomfort comes back with a vengeance as the mother and daughter argue and Shauna shares details about her bisexuality, threesomes, and her need for money brought about by the impact of free porn on her webcam job.

Michelle reassures Shauna that she’s always be there no matter what, and Charlie uses the reconciliation to beat a quick retreat from the situation and his growing perverse attraction to them both. Telling himself that it’s wrong as he leaves, he still can’t resist trying to find the webcam site using ShaunaShower.com.

Would ShaunaSink be more or less disturbing?

Breakdown:

The Domain

Where most shows register domains used in a episode at the beginning of its production cycle 3-4 months before the air date, the WHOIS results for ShaunaShower.com shows it was registered a scant month before the episode aired, similar to what was done for CharlieHarperSucks.com years prior.

The website that the domain was registered to doesn’t appear in the episode, the audience is shown the back of the Charlie’s smart phone as he enters in the web address. But the producers set up a nice Easter egg for the domain. If you go to ShaunaShower.com, you are redirected to a simple page set up on the official Warner Bros. site specifically for Two and a half Men that says exactly what the writers think of you.

This site shouldn’t be confused with the official show page on CBS, or the promotional page for the show DVDs set up on the WB network site that CharlieHarperSucks.com currently redirects to. In fact, if the producers stay true to form, they’ll probably redirect the domain to the DVD page in a couple of years as well. Which is understandable, even if it does get rid of a nice gag.

I won’t further ruin the surprise with a screenshot or full description, just go visit. It’ll be quick and worth your time.

Related - MalibuPuddingGirls.com

In the season nine premiere of Two and a Half Men, Alan says goodbye to his brother and hello to Walden Schmidt, the billionaire responsible for making the Zune the massively successful iPod killer it is through the sheer popularity of BlunGoGo.com.

Show & Episode:

Two and a Half Men- Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt (S09E01)

How is BlunGoGo.com used?

After the untimely death of his brother Charlie Harper, Alan takes some time to say goodbye over his ashes and is on his way to spread them over the nearby beach when he is surprised at the glass patio door by soaking wet billionaire Walden Schmidt.

Finding out that Walden’s condition is due to an abortive suicide attempt over the separation from his wife, Alan invites him to a nearby local bar to convince him that his life isn’t so bad. What with the being tall, good looking, smart, and rich. Over drinks, Alan can’t help but ask how Walden became a billionaire and Walden reveals that he developed an application/website called BlunGoGo.com that was purchased by Microsoft for 1.3 billion dollars and bundled with the Zune – never to be heard of again.

Plus….WINNING!

Breakdown:

The Domain

WHOIS search results for BlunGoGo.com show that the domain name was registered a little under two months prior to the episode premiere by the show producers (Warner Bros.). Unfortunately, due to either lack of time or interest they chose not to direct the domain to either a gag page like MalibuPuddingGirls.com or to their show DVD page like CharlieHarperSucks.com. The domain is currently unconfigured, and trying to go to it returns a “Server Not Found” error message.

In a later episode (The War Against Gingivitis), it’s revealed that the domain was chosen because it’s the sound Walden’s business partner makes while Walden is choking him.

I’m curious if the explanation for the domain name was originally meant to be included in the pilot and was edited for time and used later, or if they came up with the domain on the fly (Quick! Something silly and unregistered!) and decided to reference it again as a quick gag later in the season. If I get a chance to watch the episode again on DVD, I’ll check the commentary for an explanation and update accordingly.

Related – MusicAlgorithm.com

On Two and a Half Men, MusicAlgorithm.com demonstrates the principle that while the literal approach to business branding is boring, it’s often better than the alternative. Also, why you should always do a web search on a domain name or URL you’re uncertain of instead of visiting it directly.

Show & Episode:

Two and a Half Men- The War Against Gingivitis (S09E18)

How is MusicAlgorithm.com used?

When Walden Schmidt’s ex-wife contacts him over Skype to arrange a meeting with his ex-business partner Billy Stanhope (guest star Patton Oswalt), Walden wants nothing to do with him. After Alan asks, Walden shows him why via YouTube videos of Billy ranting about how Walden sold him out, in some cases literally talking out his butt.

However, Billy shows up anyway with an idea too good to pass up, and after an apology and scuffle the two start reminiscing about their partnership and the start of their Zune-destined application. The personalities of the partners are revealed with the suggestions for the name – Billy’s was MusicAlgorithm.com, while Walden’s was SongSnatch (unfortunately not given as a domain name.)

They ended up with BlunGoGo.com, which is the sound Billy makes when Walden chokes him.

I took him more seriously with the beard

Breakdown:

The Domain

Here’s another instance where the producers either figured the domain name was already registered or didn’t think it was worth checking. Either way, WHOIS results show that the domain was registered the same day the episode originally aired (February 27, 2012) by a company not associated with the show.

Currently, MusicAlgorithm.com is pointed to a page that serves as an advertisement for a celebrity-type website. [CAUTION] is used in this post title because the domain name is not used with a website related to the show, CBS, or Warner Bros. Entertainment. Visit at your own risk.

So what do you think? Did the producers assume MusicAlgorithm.com was registered based on the generic nature of the name, that it wasn’t worth registering, or that it just slipped through the cracks? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Related - BlunGoGo.com