80s TV Ladies

"One of the things I love about looking back at 80s television is you get to see some early and amazing young stars and very exciting stunt casting."It's Guest Stars Galore on 80s TV Ladies! We're taking a nostalgic trip back to the iconic 80s sitcom "A Different World." Susan and Sharon debate -- and celebrate -- the amazing roster of guest stars that walked the halls of Hillman College during the six seasons of A Different World. As one of the only black-centered shows of its time, A Different World was in many ways “the only game in town” for a certain generation of black performers, and under show-runner Debbie Allen it became a real showcase for black celebrities who -- even in the 80’s and 90’s -- didn’t have as many opportunities when it came to network television exposure.Legendary performers—such as Lena Horne, Josephine Premice, Patti LaBelle, Diahann Carroll, Robert Guillaume, Gladys Knight—and modern stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Raven Symone, Halle Berry… and Tupac Shakur—found a spotlight. Susan and Sharon get out their red pens and grade books and fight it out, narrowing down who will finally be “Best in Class” -- The Top Ten Guest Stars of A Different World!THE CONVERSATIONTHE TOP TWO: How Patti LaBelle and Diahann Carroll are so hilarious -- and perfectly cast -- as the moms of Dwayne and Whitley: two parents from very “different worlds”.Whoopi Goldberg was the secret weapon that allowed the show to do an “AIDS Episode” (“If I Should Die Before I Wake” S4; EP23). Once she signed on, the network couldn’t say no. It became the highest rated episode of the season.Josephine Premice played the art dealer that Whitley works for in S4 -- and is the mother of writer/showrunner Susan Fales-Hill! (She later plays Dwayne and Whitley’s landlord in S6!)The beautiful Billy Dee Williams plays a former baseball player (S6; EP23) who decides to finish college -- and ends up in the classroom of his old flame: Leslie Uggams!But is it a true 80s TV Ladies show? Sharon calls out showrunner Debbie Allen. She directed 83 episodes of the show (104 were directed by women) and steered it through most of its run.Jennifer Lewis -- as Dean Dorothy Dandridge Davidson -- hits the heights in the Lena Horne Episode -- “A Rock, A River, A Lena” (S6; E22)Susan calls out Gladys Knight in “Three Girls Three” (S2; EP5) -- a classic 80’s stunt casting coup that is everything you want it to be!Can you believe it? Susan also loves a very “guy-centric” episode: “Citizen Wayne” (S2; EP21) -- starring Jesse Jackson. But this isn’t on Sharon’s list for reasons…Who are the TWO GUEST STARS who get cut from the list? One is a guy… And one is… ALSO A GUY!So -- join Susan and Sharon as they talk Brian’s Song, Kris Kross, Tisha Campbell, high-kicks, the “Evolution of Whitley,” Gilbert Gottfried, “checking the gate” -- and showering with Blair Underwear (we mean Under-wood!).AUDIOGRAPHYFind out more about “A Different World College Tour 2024” at adwtour.com.Read about Whoopi Goldberg and the A Different World AIDS episode at Hollywood Reporter.Read an oral history of A Different World in Vanity Fair.Watch A Different World -- streaming on MAX.Find out more about A Different World at the official Facebook page.Check out Tammy at the true-crime podcast: Grits with a Side of Murder.Sign up to nominate 80s TV Ladies for a Podcast Award! Go here to sign up & nominate us.We're in the running for Best TV & Film and Best Female Hosted podcast!PS - You can also vote in other categories for our pals at Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf, SoCal Voices and Grits With a Side of Murder!CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts on our host sight, Weirding Way Media.It's the 45th anniversary of President Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech. Get Susan’s new play about it: Confidence (and the Speech) at Broadway Licensing.

The 90s TV Babies are back to examine the 80s sensation A Different World!Serita Fontanesi, Sergio Perez and Megan Ruble signed up for classes at Hillman College TV. But now it’s time for finals. This will ALL be on the test. Professors Lambert and Johnson assigned these episodes to watch: S1: E1 -- “Pilot”S2: E1 -- “Dr. War Is Hell”S2: E20 -- “No Means No”S6: E9 & 10 -- “Faith, Hope and Charity: Part One and Two”So -- will the Babies return for another semester at Hillman College? Or will they drop out? Find out -- right now!THE CONVERSATIONPREGNANCY ROULETTE: Serita is stunned by how much “pee” is involved in getting pregnant.Megan knew nothing about A Different World -- had never seen a single episode.Sergio has binged all of Seasons 1 & 2 - and helped Susan and Sharon create social media for the podcast.For Serita, A Different World has been a part of her TV life pretty much since she was born. She’s seen the whole series, front to back, multiple times.The Babies know OF “The Cosby Show” -- but none of them ever watched it!SERGIO THE RULE-BREAKER: As a little kid he watched Nick-at-Night even though he wasn’t supposed to.Megan LOVED A Different World -- and was surprised by how much the show CHANGED every season…SERITA’S HOT TAKE: You can skip Season One -- the “Lisa Bonet” Season. Sergio disagrees.Serita calls out how grounded the show is -- while still having “wacky” episodes tossed in for spice!Sergio: “Can we please go back to TV shows with 23 episodes a season -- not 8?!?”Do Megan and Sergio agree about Jaleesa and her storyline?Serita’s favorite character is Whitley -- but she relates the most to Kim.Does this show need a reboot?NO MEANS NO: Megan thought the episode about sexual assault was excellent and totally on-point -- except for one key moment…So, join Susan, Sharon -- and Serita, Sergio and Megan -- as they talk Patti LaBelle, Diahann Carroll, AIDS, is it feminist and is it progressive? -- and all the ways to say “Shut Up!AUDIOGRAPHYWatch A Different World -- streaming on MAX.Check out Tammy at the true-crime podcast: Grits with a Side of Murder.Check out Serita’s podcast “Not Ugly Pod”.Find out about Megan’s “Shakespeare By The Sea” at Shakespearebythesea.orgFind out about Sergio’s production of “CinderAlice” at tinyurl.com/cinderalice.NOMINATE US FOR A PODCAST AWARD 2024You can help us win. We need your vote. Nominate 80s TV Ladies for a Podcast Award! Go here to register & nominate us. We're in the running for Best TV & Film and Best Female Hosted podcast!PS - You can also vote in other categories for our pals at Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf, SoCal Voices and Grits With a Side of Murder!CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts and more.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

“A lot of production companies… who decide to do stories about people of color are not used to having the people of color they hire coming in with an opinion. Coming in contradicting them on certain things.” -- Neema Barnette, director, A Different WorldSusan and Sharon welcome legendary producer-director Neema Barnette to talk about her journey from Harlem to Hollywood. Ms. Barnette made history in 1986 when she became the first African-American woman to direct a prime-time sitcom (What’s Happening Now?). She followed this up with episodes of Frank’s Place, It’s A Living and The Cosby Show before directing seven episodes of A Different World. She has directed over 50 movies and television shows and was also the first African-American woman to get a three-picture deal with Sony Pictures.Neema was also the producer-director of Season One of Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey’s Queen Sugar. She shares stories of making the transition from New York theater to Hollywood films and television, fighting the good fight for herself and others, and inspiring a new generation -- with the truth.THE CONVERSATIONHead of Columbia Pictures Barbara Corday took one look at Neema’s reel and said “Get this woman a job!”“I’ve had two jobs in my life. Directing and teaching. And they have a lot of similarities. ‘Sit down. Shut up. Move over.’Supportive words from the great Shirley Hemphill on the ground-breaking episode of What’s Happening Now?:  “We’ve got your back.”IN THE 60s: Getting Sherman’s BBQ and going to the Apollo from noon to midnight to see everyone -- especially Aretha Franklin.The troubles and battles with Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and National Geographic during the making of Genius: Aretha.“When I was in college, I took a course called ‘Strategies For Revolution’. I took that course and I applied it when I came to Hollywood.”Directing The Cosby Show -- in the episode where Bill gets pregnant!Working with Tyra Ferrell, Mare Winningham, Rosilyn Heller and Gloria Steinem on Better Off Dead.Getting pulled away from teaching to do Queen Sugar. “The ratings came out and I started getting calls.”How Ava DuVernay changed the landscape of television by hiring only women directors on Queen Sugar -- and supporting their careers ongoing.So, join Susan, Sharon -- and Neema -- as they talk Michael B. Jordan, Superfly, The Young Lords, Queen Latifah, Seventh Heaven, Pam Grier -- and “Cut--print that sucker!”AUDIOGRAPHYWatch A Different World -- streaming on MAX.Find Neema Barnette at instagram.com/neemafilms. On Twitter https://x.com/neemrick Watch Neema’s mini-docs on BlackHistoryMiniDocs.com.Check out Tammy at the true-crime podcast: Grits with a Side of Murder.Get & read Susan’s new play Confidence (and the Speech) at Broadway Licensing.Abortion access in America is severely limited – Help or Get Help at AbortionFinder.org.CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for more.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

“You can be anything you want in this world, darling. But if you become an actress or a nun, I’ll kill myself.”   -- legendary actress Josephine Premice to her daughter, writer/producer Susan Fales-Hill.Susan and Sharon welcome writer and showrunner Susan Fales-Hill as they continue their look back at the classic 80’s comedy series A Different World. Ms. Fales-Hill’s writing career began on The Cosby Show and continued on A Different World where she rose from story editor all the way to executive producer during the course of the show’s seven-year run. Content Warning: Sexual Assault/Child Sexual Abuse. At approx. 53:00 - 58:00 short discussion of date rape and child sexual assault. Susan Fales-Hill is currently writer/executive producer on HBO’s Sex And The City sequel series And Just Like That. She is also the author of four books including her memoir "Always Wear Joy." Susan shares stories of growing up bi-racial in a show biz legacy family, how comedy comes from pain, and the help (and hinderances) she got from men, women and people of color along the way…THE CONVERSATIONBeing Whitley Gilbert’s alter ego: “She said a lot of the things I wanted to say -- but was too polite!"FINDING YOUR VOICE: Susan reflects on learning how to speak up in a writer’s room even though she was the youngest, newest writer -- and a woman.GO WEST YOUNG WOMAN: The “Big Move” from The Cosby Show in New York to A Different World in Los Angeles.THE IMPORTANCE OF A NEW POT: Sometimes you have to "re-plant" yourself to grow.HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARISA? The challenge of featuring a white character attending an HBCU.JUST A TIME SLOT SUCCESS? Some people grumbled that ADW only succeeded because it followed the massive hit The Cosby Show.How Debbie Allen insisted the show be topical -- and the surprise when Bill Cosby agreed.The story of how Susan personally got Diahann Carroll to be on the show.Being told by her agents after running a Top Ten show: “We can’t get you on a white show.”On the joy of casting your own mom -- singer, dancer, actress Josephine Premice.Susan reflects on which “issue” episodes worked -- and which ones maybe missed the mark (looking at you, Los Angeles Uprising…)The network was adamantly opposed to the “Los Angeles Uprising” episodes -- and some believe it signed the shows death warrant.So, join Susan, Sharon -- and Susan -- as they talk pig noses, possible spin-offs, Billy Dee Williams, The Amistad, “Benevolent Karens”, Jennifer Lewis… and the danger of saying “shut up” to your mom!AUDIOGRAPHYWatch A Different World -- streaming on MAX.Watch the classic 2-part Thanksgiving Episode “Faith, Hope & Charity” (S6; EP 9 & 10) -- with Diahann Carroll AND Patti LaBelle! on HBO Max.Get Susan Fales-Hill’s books and find out about all her projects at SusanFales-Hill.com.Watch Susan Fales-Hill “In Praise of Complexity” at the Met Museum "Met Speaks".CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts and more.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Support our show and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

Sharon and Susan begin an all-new series of episodes looking at the groundbreaking 80s sitcom A Different World (1987-1993). This Cosby Show spin-off starred Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Charnele Brown, Dawn Lewis and Marissa Tomei. It explored the lives of students at Hillman College, a fictional HBCU, and addressed issues such as race, sexual assault, HIV/AIDS and equal rights while still keeping the laughs coming. In 1988, Lisa Bonet and Marissa Tomei left the show and a new showrunner was brought on -- the legendary actress, producer, director and choreographer Debbie Allen.To help kick off this in-depth look at A Different World, we welcome A Different World fan and amazing “2020s TV Lady” -- writer, producer and author Niceole Levy.  Niceole’s numerous TV writing/producing credits include Cloak and Dagger, Shades of Blue, SWAT, The Recruit and Found. She is the co-writer, along with George Nolfi, of the 2020 feature film The Banker. She has also written a book for aspiring TV writers called "The Writer’s Room Survival Guide."THE CONVERSATION80s TV made marriage look easy and fun -- cuz the couples were usually crime solving millionaires!How watching every syndicated show on TV -- Perry Mason, I Love Lucy, Marcus Welby, Dick Van Dyke Show, Ironside -- prepares you for a life of TV writing.Everything retro is new again: Getting that first gig -- with Blair Underwood -- on the 2013 re-boot of Ironside!Niceole’s advice for getting into TV and film -- DON’T GO TO FILM SCHOOL!For Niceole -- and so many others -- A Different World’s Hillman College was her first exposure to an HBCU.RUN THE NUMBERS: 20 of the 47 writers on ADW were women!SEASON 2 RE-SET: How the addition of show-runner Debbie Allen re-ignited the series with a new sense of excitement and vitality.A DIFFERENT LOOK -- How A Different World achieved a bigger, more expansive look than other sitcoms of the time.So, join Susan, Sharon -- and Niceole -- as they talk Miami Vice, watching 1,000 television shows, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,keeping a TV journal, Boyz II Men, dancing with Kamala Harris, scheduling your life around a TV show -- and the importance of not messing up the lunch order!AUDIOGRAPHYWatch A Different World -- streaming on MAX.Find out about Niceole at niceolelevy.com.Read her “What I Learned Watching 1,000 Television Shows” here. Buy Niceole Levy’s book "The Writer’s Room Survival Guide" at Bookshop.org.Get Susan’s President Carter play Confidence (and the Speech) at Broadway Licensing.Help Abortion Access at Abortionfinder.org.CONNECTSign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media. 

“I was quite set on theater. I was going to go out to Los Angeles for one year -- and that was it. Then I was going to go back to New York and devote myself to the theater. It didn’t work out that way.” -- Jan Eliasberg80s TV Ladies "Director Ladies" series continues as Susan and Sharon welcome legendary director Jan Eliasberg. Jan began her television director career in the 1980s with an episode of Cagney & Lacey -- and she went on to be the first female director ever on Miami Vice, Crime Story and 21 Jump Street. She has also directed episodes of Dirty Dancing, L.A. Law, Dawson’s Creek, Party of Five, Sisters, Parenthood, Nashville, Supernatural, Bull and NCIS: Los Angeles. Jan recently published her first novel, Hannah’s War.In this enlightening conversation, Jan discusses how the American Film Institute (AFI) and “The Original Six” opened up opportunities for her and other female directors; how to navigate directing a network television show for the first time -- and how courage, tenacity and little guile can make all the difference …THE CONVERSATIONHow do you get 10,000 hours of experience when directing requires so much time, money and people: Europe or Yale?What can Shakespeare and Ibsen teach you about directing TV? Everything…Frances McDormand, Angela Bassett, John Turturo, Tony Shalhoub and Courtney Vance -- how do you quickly figure out what different actors need to create great performances?What happens when you direct a play about South African apartheid in St. Louis in the early 1980s?On shadowing directors: “I’m already a director -- what am I doing watching these people? I mean, they’re good, but I’m good, too. And that was the kind of confidence -- or maybe you could say arrogance, fearlessness - -that it takes to go into a field that is predominantly male and actually make a dent and get a job.”How a twisty game of cat-and-mouse with Barney Rosensweig led to Jan’s first directing gig -- on Cagney & Lacey. (S5, EP13 -- “Act of Conscience”).Directing L.A. Law -- and David Kelly’s very first script!How asking others for advice is a gift that goes both ways.Directing two classic, fan-favorite episodes of Miami Vice.Jan gets her first feature film in 1988: How I Got Into College -- but you won’t believe what happened to her on Day Two of filming…Past Midnight -- working with the great Rutger Hauer and Natasha Richardson.Is the window for women directors opening or closing? Jan gives us her take.So, join Susan, Sharon -- and Jan -- as they talk Dennis Farina, Michael Moriarty, Rutger Hauer, Paul Giamatti, Daniel Craig, Meg Foster, Sela Ward, Swoosie Kurtz, Kirsten Dunst, George Clooney, Patricia Arquette, Stanley Tucci -- and creamsicles!AUDIOGRAPHYFind out more about Jan at JanEliasberg.com.Buy Jan’s new novel Hannah’s War at Bookshop.Read Michael Cieply's 1988 article on Jan and other fired women directors at LA Times.  80s TV LADIES NEWSCatch 90s TV Baby Serita Fontanesi’s “Not Ugly” podcast at Apple.CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

The Best Indie Podcast nomination IS the award!Susan and Sharon thank ALL the listeners who came out to support “80’s TV Ladies” as Best Indie Podcast for the WEBBY AWARDS. A big welcome to all our new listeners! And a sincere thank you to all who voted and to our listeners who reached out.  BIG THANKS to our friends who shouted us out, including:Chris Stachiw from Weirding Way Media Network and the Kulturecast Podcast.Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess of the Astonishing Legends podcast.Richard Hatem of Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf podcast.And an extra special thank you to TikTok superstar and creator of Phineas and Ferb, Dan Povenmire, and all his fans.  All of you went the extra mile to support us and bring new listeners to the show, so THANK YOU!And of course, the biggest thank you of all -- TO OUR LOYAL FANS!And listen in on the first official 8TL Mailbag, where we get feedback and answer questions and get feedback from you, our fans! PLUS --  an April 2024 “In Memorium Salute”.AUDIOGRAPHY Check out the Webby Nominee Press Release with our names and Michelle Obama. We’re 26 lines ABOVE Michelle Obama. Just saying.Watch Matt Baume’s YOUTUBE Channel episode “Bewitched: It Was Gay All Along?”Listen in on the new podcast, Richard Hatem’s Paranormal BookshelfAnd Chris Stachiw’s movie review podcast, The Kulturecast.Explore the world of Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess’s Astonishing Legends podcast.Find Dan Povenmire on TikTok And Twitter.Watch Hamster and Gretel and Phineas and Ferb.Abortion access in America is severely limited – if you need help go to Abortionfinder.org.CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Tell us what shows we should cover at 8TL Facebook or via 80sTVLadies.com.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

BREAKING: 80s TV Ladies has been nominated for a Webby Award! Help us win. VOTE HERE!  Back to our episode: Sharon and Susan burst into the Blue Moon Detective Agency and hire Maddie and David to help them answer ONE BURNING QUESTION: What are their Top 8 favorite episodes of the entire series?Maddie: “Eight? Eight? Why not ten?” David: “Can’t do it. It would make them too tens.”  In the words of Miss Dipesto: “We’re never late, we won’t make you wait, but if you want favorite episodes -- you only get eight!”1) The Pilot (S1; EP 1)2) The Next Murder You Hear (S1; EP 4)3) The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice (S2; EP 4)4) My Fair David (S2; EP 5)5) ‘Twas The Episode Before Christmas (S2; EP 10)6) Big Man on Mulberry Street (S3; EP 6)7) Atomic Shakespeare (but only for one of them!) (S3; EP 7)8) It’s A Wonderful Job (but only for one of them!) (S3; EP 8)9) The Straight Poop (S3; EP 9)THE CONVERSATIONWHAT WAS HE THINKING? Glen Gordon Caron had a secret plan for what he wanted Moonlighting to do to network television: he wanted to kill the detective genre once and for all!Why were the seasons so short? Well, there was a little problem with getting episodes done on time...If Maddie was the “parent” and David was the “child” -- did David ever grow up?Is the show feminist? Or progressive? Susan and Sharon have thoughts!Why is the agency always broke? Maybe it’s all those people in the office who don’t do anything!That time when Susan got thrown off the set of The A-Team by George Peppard!Which Season of Moonlighting is the Moonlighting-est?What the hell happened with Season 4?? Warring stars, a missing showrunner -- and Die Hard!So join Susan and Sharon as they talk Dirk Benedict, Cybill Shepherd, Bruce Willis, Melissa’s candy, The Princess Bride -- and the challenges of producing a show AND a baby at the same time!AUDIOGRAPHYWhat are YOUR favorite Moonlighting episodes?  Let us know!!Watch Moonlighting on Hulu. On Apple TV or at Amazon Prime Video. Check out Moonlighting: The Podcast.Read Moonlighting: An Episode Guide and Moonlighting: An Oral History. Both ON SALE at Tucker Press.  80s TV LADIES NEWSCatch 90s TV Baby Serita Fontanesi’s “Not Ugly” podcast at Apple.80s TV Ladies is nominated for a Webby Award! Help us win. VOTE HERE!  CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Tell us your fav Moonlighting episodes at 8TL Facebook or via 80sTVLadies.com.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

Encore! Encore! In celebration of the premiere of Cagney & Lacey 42nd years ago this week, here is a look back at the special Sharon Gless interview we dropped one year ago today! Sharon and Susan are at Podcast Movement Evolutions and The Ambies this week! So here's a look back to when they go to sit down with show business legend Sharon Gless. Multi-Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Sharon Gless has appeared in dozens of television shows such as “Nip/Tuck”, “Rizzoli & Isles”, “The Rockford Files”, “House Calls,”The Bob Newhart Show”, “Station 19” and “The Exorcist.” She has created iconic and ground-breaking characters in the shows “Burn Notice”, “Queer as Folk”, “The Trials of Rosie O’Neill” and of course “Cagney & Lacey”.In 2021 she published her bestselling, no-holds-barred autobiography “Apparently There Were Complaints”. In this in-depth interview, Sharon Gless talks frankly about feminism, her ongoing friendship with Tyne Daly, her affair, marriage and almost-divorce from Barney Rosenzweig, her struggles with substance abuse and recovery -- and the lasting legacy of the characters she’s played.THE CONVERSATIONThe moment Sharon Gless knew she wanted to be an actress – and knew she would not fail“The first feminist I ever met…” -- Barney Rosenzweig??How Cagney and Lacey we’re NEVER friends.How Sharon was actually the VERY FIRST person approached to play Christine Cagney – and why she turned it down.Earning $186 a week as the last contract player at Universal.“The Woman Behind the Woman”: how talent manager Monique James left her position as VP at MCA/Universal to become Sharon’s personal manager – and changed her life.Being forced to watch herself on film to learn what she was doing right -- and wrong.Hashing out billing, and rehearsing her first table read as Cagney, with Tyne Daly over a bottle of champagne.Why Christine Cagney wanted to be first through the door with a gun.Improvising and window shopping for the Cagney & Lacey main titles.Participating with Tyne Daly and Gloria Steinem in the 2004 Women’s March on Washington –- and seeing the true impact of “Cagney & Lacey” for the first time.Being Stephen J. Cannell’s “good luck charm!”Falling in love with Debbie Novotny on “Queer as Folk”.So join Susan, Sharon – and Sharon Gless -- as they talk poker nights with Tyne, the “C”-word, the other “C”-word -- and what did she really say to that flasher??AUDIOGRAPHYOfficial website: SharonGless.com Sharon Gless Facebook page.Sharon Gless’ autobiography “Apparently There Were Complaints” at Bookshop. Watch the trailer for Sharon’s Award-winning documentary - Show Her The MoneyWHERE TO WATCHCagney & Lacey on ROKU. On PLUTO. On Apple TV.Trials of Rosie O’Neill on Roku. On Amazon Prime.Queer as Folk on Amazon. On Apple TV.Burn Notice on HULU. On Apple TV.Visit 80sTVLadies.com for podcast episode transcripts. Help us AND get ad-free audio, video and other goodies: We're ON PATREON!

The 90’s TV Babies return: Serita Fontanesi, Sergio Perez and Megan Ruble are back to do a little Moonlighting! Do you agree with the 90s Kids about Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis' hit show?Susan and Sharon served up five key episodes for the Babies' viewing pleasure:S1: E1 – “Pilot”S2: E3 – “Money Talks, Maddie Walks”S2: E4 – “The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice”S2: E18 – “Camille”Bonus Episode: S3: E6 “Big Man on Mulberry Street”Plus -- YouTube scenes and snippets….So, did the Babies ask for seconds – or send their meal back? Do bears bear? Do bees bee? Do wah diddie diddie dum diddie do? We’re going to find out! THE CONVERSATIONDON’T FIGHT HIM ON THIS: Sergio, on his mom and the recipes of Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines.Megan struggles with translating her personal worth into a dollar amount!Serita’s dog gets sent to reform school!Wait?!? Sergio has never seen “Die Hard” or “The Sixth Sense” – or any other Bruce Willis movie! What?!?ACCORDING TO THE BABIES: Moonlighting feels like Bruce’s show – Cybill feels like a secondary character.90’s BABY ADVANTAGE: Megan just skipped ahead to the “good parts” episode – where David and Maddie finally get together! No fair!Which Baby thought the show was too… SLOW?!?!And which Baby thinks the show isn’t feminist but “femin-ish”?When Serita’s mother was a baby, she was quieted from crying by… ORSON WELLS?!?! So join Susan and Sharon – and Megan, Sergio and Serita – as they talk civil rights, shoulder pads, “throwing vases”, Judd Nelson, Whoopi Goldberg – and “Muppet-level nonsense”!AUDIOGRAPHYWatch the special Moonlighting playlist clips at YouTube.com/80sTVLadies.Check out the book Sergio raved about: Atching Lillian’s Heirloom Recipes.Watch Megan in Bardic Inspiration’s Twelfth Night’s on Twitch.Catch Serita’s “Not Ugly” podcast at Apple.Watch Moonlighting on Hulu.See more great Moonlighting content at Moonlighting21.com.WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTHHistory - and Herstory - is happening right now. Abortion access in America is severely limited – if you want to help or need help go to Abortionfinder.org 80s TV LADIES NEWSMarch 26 - 29: The 80s TV Ladies will be at Podcast Movement Evolutions. Come say hello! CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

“I was never so tightly wound as the night we transmitted the show directly from ABC in Los Angeles to New York. We basically went live.”– Sheryl Main, post-production supervisor, MoonlightingSusan and Sharon take you “behind the scenes” with Moonlighting post-production supervisor – and legendary publicity strategist Sheryl Main. As a Unit Publicist, she’s worked on such films as Creed 3, Judas and the Black Messiah, The Expendables, Terminator 3, The Perks of Being A Wallflower and collaborated with hundreds of celebrities including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Clint Eastwood, Emma Watson – and everyone in between! But she "cut her teeth" with Moonlighting. Sheryl talks about the “insanely creative” atmosphere created by Glenn Gordon Caron, the long hours and crazy good times – and the lifelong friends she “met on the way.”THE CONVERSATIONExperiencing sexism and harassment in the movie industry: The Pope of Greenwich Village director “Stuart Rosenberg sent me home for wearing pink jeans. So Mickey Rourke said: “$*@! him. Work with me. Be my assistant.”When she interviewed to be Bruce Willis’s assistant, she recognized him – as “Bruno Radolini” – his musical alter ego from New York!Moonlighting on Moonlighting: “The editors pulled all-nighters. They slept there. But we had fun.”On Glen Gordon Caron: “He changed TV when you think about it. Everything we did from ‘Atomic Shakespeare’ to the black and white episode to… well, we thought we killed Orson Wells.”ARNOLD AND SLY AND BRUCE AND ME: “They all impacted my career and my life in different ways."On Arnold the Governor: “We went up there thinking ‘Woo-Hoo! We’re gonna change the world! But the mechanism in place doesn’t want you to change the world.”On Bruce Willis: “He was a craftsman with words. He could memorize a scene in a minute. What’s happening with him… it’s heartbreaking. I wouldn’t have a career without him.”So, join Susan and Sharon – and Sheryl – as they talk crisis-managing Rust, partying in Cybil’s trailer, Dennis Dugan, The Expendables, Jed the Fish on KROQ -- and the “Curtis Armstrong Day” parade!AUDIOGRAPHYCheck out Moonlighting: The Podcast: https://moonlightingthepodcast.com/ Watch Moonlighting on Hulu.Stream it on Apple TV or at Amazon Prime Video.Follow Glenn Gordon Caron on Twitter.com/GlennGCaron.80s TV LADIES NEWSSusan’s new play Confidence (and the Speech) has been published!Now available for purchase and licensing at DPS via Broadway Licensing.CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Tell us your fav Moonlighting episodes at 8TL Facebook or via 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

“I said to Cybill Shepherd, ‘You are a Prima Donna!’And she said, ‘Yes. I am. Do you know what ‘Prima Donna’ means, Glenn? It means First Woman. And don’t you forget it.”– Glenn Gordon CaronIn the second of our two-part conversation with Moonlighting and Medium creator Glenn Gordon Caron, we cover everything from Al Jarreau’s iconic theme song to sparring with Cybill Shepherd, to a forty-year career spent working with “audacious people”…Moonlighting, which ran from 1985-1989 starred Cybill Shepherd, a then-unknown Bruce Willis, Allyce Beasley and Curtis Armstrong, and become a landmark classic of 1980s television. Glenn also directed movies such as Clean and Sober, Picture Perfect and Love Affair.THE CONVERSATIONGetting invited to the horse races by Cary Grant – who then dies before they could go!How dinner with Stanley Donen led to Glenn asking him to direct the dance sequence from “Big Man on Mulberry Street” as a favor. But what did Donen ask in return? That Glenn co-write that year’s Academy Award show with Larry Gelbart!How a chance meeting with Rona Barrett resulted in one of the weirdest -- and most talked-about -- episodes of Moonlighting ever!On Cybill Shepherd: “The topography of her life fit the topography of the story. She was a model. She became a huge movie star. And then she lost everything.”On Bruce Willis: “He was like thirty guys I grew up with. And I understood, underneath all that bravura, and all that jazz, there’s a genuineness that’s hard to resist."WHEN LES IS MORE: How Now and Again was born when Les Moonves told Glenn: “Write me a pilot, and if I don’t make it, I’ll give you one million dollars.”How for Glenn, the TV show Medium is less the story of a mystic – and more the story of a marriage.So, join Susan and Sharon – and Glenn – as they talk Pierce Brosnan, Love Affair, Jennifer Aniston, Clean and Sober, -- and Susan’s Vicodin mood swings!AUDIOGRAPHYWatch Moonlighting on Hulu.Stream it on Apple TV or at Amazon Prime Video.Follow Glenn Gordon Caron on Twitter.com/GlennGCaron.80s TV LADIES NEWSSusan’s new play Confidence (and the Speech) has been published!Now available for purchase and licensing at DPS via Broadway Licensing.CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Tell us your fav Moonlighting episodes at 8TL Facebook or via 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.

“They said I could do whatever I want. So I thought, I’ll write a boy-girl detective show that kills this stupid genre.” – Glenn Gordon Caron, creator of MoonlightingSome walk by night, some fly by day… Susan and Sharon cross paths with legendary writer, director, producer and creator of the classic 80’s series Moonlighting for a rollicking conversation about David, Maddie, Ms. DiPesto – and everything in between!Moonlighting ran from 1985-1989. It starred Cybill Shepherd and a then-unknown Bruce Willis and would become a landmark classic of 80s television. Tasked with making “one of those boy-girl detective shows” Caron agreed on the condition that he could do whatever he wanted. What he – and as it turns out, we – wanted, was Moonlighting. Glenn Gordon Caron has been a force in television for over four decades, since his first job on Taxi – followed by a stint on Remington Steele -- before going on to create the seminal 80s romantic comedy/detective series Moonlighting. Caron later went on to create the long-running Patricia Arquette show, Medium. Moonlighting is now streaming on Hulu.THE CONVERSATION300 SONGS in 66 episodes – the MANY hurdles of getting the music rights for Moonlighting for the Hulu broadcasts.Glenn’s first pilot turned out to be for a little actor named… James Stewart.Steven Bochco asked Glenn to come work on his new show, then called Hill Street Station: “I said no – this is never gonna go.”On the crazy tone of Moonlighting: “I’m showing the episodes to my youngest child, who’s fourteen. He’s come to believe that I’m mentally ill.”Cybill Shepherd signed on to Moonlighting -- after reading only half the pilot!On casting the role of David Addison: “I brought Bruce Willis in to audition eleven times. They rejected him ten times.”The role of David Addison’s brother was originally written for… David Lee Roth?!GETTING PAST THE CENSORS: ABC censors wouldn’t allow David & Maddie to say “frig”. But “fig”? Um, Okay.On being a maverick: “I was young and arrogant and didn’t care about my reputation. I would live to regret that.”So, join Susan and Sharon – and Glenn – as they talk Aaron Spelling, Pierce Brosnan, Peter Peter Bogdanovich, 100-page scripts, directing Orson Wells – and getting kicked by nuns!AUDIOGRAPHY Watch Moonlighting on Hulu.Check out the Moonlighting fan website, DavidandMaddie.com Susan’s new play Confidence (and the Speech) has just been published! Now available for purchase and licensing at DPS via Broadway Licensing.8TL EXCLUSIVE OFFERS!Special 80s TV Ladies offer!Invest in yourself at TheNextish.com - Get 10% off an already 30% off promotion on their newest online course that will help you chart a course forward: "Be The Disruptor" - Use code "8TL24" at checkout at TheNextish.com. Act now. Offer expires: Feb 15.CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out 8TL on Linkedin.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.The 80s TV Ladies traveled to ShePodcasts UNPLUGGED and Podfest Expo 2024! We were thrilled to be learning from and meeting many wonderful fellow podcasters.

Susan and Sharon sit down with actor, director, and writer Elayne Heilveil. Elayne has worked with Mike Nichols and Mark Rydell in the classic 70s television series Family and has guested on such shows as The Rockford Files, The Waltons, Emergency!, Hawaii 5-0, Hill Street Blues and The Mary Tyler More Show. She has appeared opposite such legendary stars such as James Garner, Rip Torn, Ben Vereen, Jeff Goldblum, Valerie Bertinelli, David Jansen, Robert Culp and Dame Judith Anderson.In this layered conversation, Elayne discusses standing up for yourself on set, learning to trust your instincts, navigating dicey auditions -- and discovering the joy and artistic rewards of writing.THE CONVERSATIONHow a “mystical” experience reading “The Creation” by James Weldon Johnson at eleven years old led to Elayne’s start in show business.Going to the Fame school –the movie and TV show barely scratched the surface!Topless go-go dancers and drunk bodies in the streets: living and acting in 70’s New York.What do you say when an agent wants you to change your name – to Daisy Astor?On being asked to take her top off at an audition: “I broke out laughing and said, ‘Are women buying this bullshit?’ ”On casting quirks: “I’ve played three nuns. It’s every Jewish girl’s dream to be a nun.”Being “beyond nervous” auditioning for Mike Nichols.Doing the TV movie, A Cry For Help – and wearing Columbo’s trench coat the whole time!What do you do when your lines aren’t quite right on The Waltons? Give them to Richard Thomas’ John-Boy!LIVING WITH AN ‘ANGEL’ – what’s it like secretly living with Stuart Margolin, and then getting “married” on-screen?What’s the best therapy after an abusive moment on set? Try throwing drinking glasses at a brick wall.So join Susan and Sharon – and Elayne – as they talk nude photos, James Garner, reverse nepotism, finding your sweet spot – and getting tear-gassed by Rip Torn! AUDIOGRAPHYThe Rockford Files is streaming FREE on Roku.So Fetch, The Making of Mean Girls (and Why We’re Still Obsessed with It) by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong. Get it at Bookshop or your favorite bookstore.Pre-order the book: The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore by Stan Zimmerman. Will ship Feb. 13.Read The Creation by James Weldon Johnson.8TL EXCLUSIVE OFFERS!Invest in yourself at TheNextish.com - Special 80s TV Ladies offer! Get 10% off an already 30% off promotion on their newest online course that will help you chart a course forward: "Be The Disruptor" - Use code "8TL24" at checkout at TheNextish.com.CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out 8TL on Linkedin.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.The 80s TV Ladies travel to Podfest 2024! If you'll be there, find us and say hello to Sharon and Susan.

“Every new Star Trek show ‘ruins’ Star Trek.” – Nana VisitorIn the second episode of their two-part conversation, Susan and Sharon open a channel into Star Trek: Deep Space Nine with Nana Visitor who starred as “Kira Nerys” on the classic television series. Nana reflects on the differences between working in television then vs. now, balancing work and personal life -- and what it’s like to forever be a part of the singular Star Trek family.THE CONVERSATIONGOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS: Auditioning for L.A. Law – casting director Junie Lowry told her, “You’re not getting it. But there is a show you’d be great for…” Yes - It was DS:9On the demands of a Star Trek television show: "Deep Space Nine was forty-nine of the best years of my life. I know it was just seven. But it felt like forty-nine.”On Star Trek - Discovery: “Women are writing, women are directing, women are executive producing... Women being in the room changes the dynamic.”On the set: David Hasselhoff or Andy Griffith? Daniel Hugh Kelley or Brian Keith? Who was “lovely”? And who definitely was not?On attending a Star Trek convention: “It was like a flock of exotic birds had descended. It was fascinating.”Being a role-model: What was it like talking to astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti while she was in orbit on the International Space Station as Cristoforetti told Nana she followed her dreams into space because of Kira Nerys?On Sci-Fi fandom: “A percentage of (the fans) are weirdos, but if you take any apartment building in New York – it’s the same percentage. And it’s wonderful.”Doing Cameos for parents who named their daughters “Kira”.On being a working actress and a mother: “I was in labor on the set. And I went behind the set to get through the worst of it… I tried to have my baby and have it bother no one. And I said to myself, ‘If anyone has to suffer because I’m working and I have an infant, it’s gonna be me’. And that’s not sustainable.”So join Susan and Sharon – and Nana – as they talk Avery Brooks, podcasting with your son, managing fear -- and “Opening A Channel” to greater opportunities for women!AUDIOGRAPHYVisit the “Nana Visitor Library” on Youtube.Listen to Nana Visitor’s podcast, Sunday Dinner with Nana and Django.Find Nana Visitor on Instagram and Twitter.Pre-order Nana Visitor's book: Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman's TrekWhere to begin? How to Watch Star Trek in chronological and release order on ToyNK.8TL EXCLUSIVE OFFERS!Invest in yourself at TheNextish.com - Special 80s TV Ladies offer! Get 10% off an already 30% off promotion on their newest online course: "Be The Disruptor" -Use code "8TL24" at checkout at TheNextish.com.CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out 8TL on Linkedin.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.LISTENER FEEDBACKSend us a message on our 8TL website:What Star Trek Lady should we cover next?Who is your favorite Star Trek Lady?What show should we cover at 80s TV Ladies?HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let’s get more out of 2024.

“I remember an agent saying to me: ‘You’re not pretty, you’re not fat – I don’t know what to do with you.’… They still don’t know what to do with me.” – Nana VisitorAll-New 8TL Pop-Up Series - "Star Trek Ladies". Explore out-of-this-world conversations with and about the women of the Star Trek universe! Sharon and Susan begin with Nana Visitor, who starred as “Kira Nerys” on the classic television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.In Part One of a two-part conversation, Nana talks about her early days as a Broadway dancer in the 70’s, and starring in 80’s TV favorites such as Remington Steele, Scarecrow & Mrs. King, Matlock, Hunter, Knight Rider, MacGyver, Highway to Heaven, and In The Heat Of The Night.THE CONVERSATIONA Dancer's Life: Growing up with Jerome Robbins, Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse dancing around your parent’s apartment!All That Jazz – singing, acting and dancing with Bob Fosse -- and the life-changing advice he gave her about doing drugs.What is it like kissing your best friend’s husband for a guest role in 1991's Baby Talk – especially when it’s George Clooney?Riding horses for years on Wildfire… even though she’s terrified of horses!Vixen, Murderer or Dead Body – Nana has played them all. But which one is almost always blonde?Getting a warm welcome on the Remington Steele set – from Stephanie Zimbalist and especially Pierce Brosnan!So join Susan, Sharon – and Nana – as they talk It’s A Living, Angela Lansbury, Ryan’s Hope, Kate Jackson – and “dancing through the pain”….AUDIOGRAPHYSharon’s favorite: Watch Deep Space Nine on Paramount+.Susan’s favorite: Own the OG Star Trek Original Series on Special Edition DVD. Find Nana Visitor on Instagram and Twitter. Keep the Holiday fun going: Susan, Sharon, Melissa and 90s TV Baby Serita Fonanesi recorded a hilarious live watch-thru of Lifetime’s Ladies of the 80’s: A Diva’s Christmas!Try it for FREE ON PATREON!CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.LISTENER FEEDBACKSend us a message on our 8TL website:What Star Trek Lady should we cover next?Who is your favorite Star Trek Lady?And what is your favorite show or movie in the Star Trek universe/franchise?HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let’s get more out of 2024.

“The thing I loved about the theater was ‘the puzzle’. And in television, it was a new puzzle every week. And I LOVED that.” – Mary Lou Belli, on the joy of directing.In a career spanning five decades, Emmy Award-winning director Mary Lou has directed episodes of Charles In Charge, Major Dad, The Hughleys, Girlfriends, Monk, The Game, Heart of Dixie, Devious Maids, Station 19, Black Lightening, NCIS: New Orleans, Sweet Magnolias and The Ms. Pat Show. She is the co-author of four books: Director’s Tell the Story, The Sitcom Career Book, Acting For Young Actors and The NEW Sitcom Career Book.She has also opened doors for the next generation of women directors through diversity programs at ABC and CBS, and teaching and mentoring young directors through DGA, AFI, Women in Film, Film Fatale, Women in Media and Alliance of Women Directors. Ms. Belli reflects on her transition into directing, and how the landscape of opportunities has changed for women in Hollywood over the past four decades.THE CONVERSATIONSTARTING SMALL: After graduating college at Penn State, Mary Lou still “looked 14 years old” -- so she went to New York where she immediately got roles playing children on stage and in films.Domestic Life – learning about “perfection, refinement and improvement” with Steve Martin and Martin Mull.Teaching “Anne Shirley” (Megan Follows, Anne of Green Gables) how to drive on the back lot at Universal Studios!How Jack Riley – Mr. Carlin from The Bob Newhart Show – lit the fire that led to Mary Lou becoming a director.Getting her start as a director at Betty Garrett’s Theater West in Los Angeles.Being mentored by Debbie Allen, Nancy Malone, Lee Shallat-Chemel, Linda Day, Joan Darling.MARY LOU IN CHARGE: Directing Ellen Travolta and Scott Baio on Charles in Charge.How identifying women as minorities opened up the playing field – and how affirmative action overwhelmingly helps open up career pathways.How being “the only woman in the room” leads to a lack of opportunity – but with MORE women in the room, generosity of opportunity follows.Running into CCH Pounder at Trader Joe’s!So join Susan and Sharon – and Mary Lou – as they talk road trips, Estelle Getty, Sydney Pollack, Emmy nominations, “Don’t Touch My Hair”, the joy of Scott Bakula – and the wisdom of passing out Xerox copies of your good reviews!AUDIOGRAPHYFind out more at her website, MaryLouBelli.com.Buy Mary Lou Belli’s books at Bookshop.org.Watch The Ms. Pat Show on BET. On Amazon Video.Listen to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast Wiser Than Me.SPECIAL PATREON-ONLY EPISODE! – Listen to a live watch-thru of Lifetime’s Ladies of the 80’s: A Diva’s Christmas with Susan, Sharon, Melissa and 90’s TV Baby Serita Fontanesi! Don't miss it on Patreon (Try it for FREE for 7 days!).CONNECTRead transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.LISTENER FEEDBACKSend us a message on our 8TL website:What 80s Ladies Directors should we have on the show?What show should we cover next on 80s TV Ladies?And let us know: Do you watch holiday movies? Where do you watch them? What are your favorites?Wishing you a wonderful holiday, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Is “Reservations for Eight” your favorite or LEAST favorite episode of “Designing Women”? How can a simple television comedy cause us to dive into a deep discussion of First Wave Feminism? Yes, it’s time for the 90’s TV Babies to weigh in on Linda Bloodworth-Thomason’s Designing Women.Serita Fontanesi, Sergio Perez and Megan Ruble were given the assignment: Watch nine seminal episodes of the series, from the first season to the last, that feature all seven main cast members -- and be prepared to discuss. Find out who loved it, who hated it – and who wants a reboot!Here are the episodes they watched – in case you want to check them out, too:S1, EP1: “The Pilot”S1, EP2: “The Beauty Contest”S2, EP22: “Reservations For Eight”S4, EP11: “They Shoot Fat Woman, Don’t They?”S6, EP8: “The Strange Case of Clarence and Anita”S7, EP1: “Of Human Bondage”S7, EP7: “Fools Rush In”S7, EP 18: “It’s Not So Easy Being Green”S7, EP 20: “A Difficult Cross To Bear” (a.k.a. “The Lying Game)THE CONVERSATIONCan Serita, Sergio and Megan agree what makes the best Thanksgiving sides?Did Designing Women help invent First Wave Feminism?Was Anthony straight? Gay? Gay coded? Or just Southern?A 90’s TV Babies drinking game?? It’s on. Let’s go!Shipping Anthony and… Julia? Okaaaaaaaay…Did Sheryl Lee Ralph confront Harry Thomason at a political event for the Clintons – and end up with a role on the show?Cos-playing Mary Jo? Megan’s considering it…SERITA ON DELTA: How discussions of body image issues have – and haven’t -- changed over the past 30 years.Sharon and Megan could NOT be further apart when it comes to their feelings for “Reservations for Eight” (S2, EP22)THE LEVEL OF DISCOURSE: What the show got right in its political discussions and comedy – and what hasn’t aged as well.So join Susan and Sharon – and Megan and Sergio and Serita – as they talk sweet potato mash, big Texas hair, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Beyoncé – and “the 11:00 o’clock rant”!AUDIOGRAPHYWatch Designing Women on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Pluto!Read the 2016 MTV News article on "Confirmation" and The Strange Case of Clarence and Anita.Watch Ladies of the 80’s: A Divas Christmas on Lifetime. THE 90s TV BABIESListen to Serita Fontanesi's podcast: Not Ugly Pod. Also on Apple Podcasts and Goodpods. A weekly podcast challenging traditional colonial beauty standards one conversation at a time. CONNECTFor transcripts, contact info and more, visit 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool pods on WeirdingWayMedia.LISTENER FEEDBACKSend us a message on our 8TL website:What modern day show talks to current events in ways similar to Designing Women? When the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings were taking place, did any scripted show – comedy or drama – do an episode highlighting their characters' reactions?And let us know: Do you watch holiday movies? Where do you watch them? What are your favorites?What are your favorite episodes of Designing Women? And what do you prefer: mashed potatoes or rice pilaf?Have a beautiful Holiday season!

On this special Bonus Holiday-themed episode, Susan and Sharon welcome Stan Zimmerman, co-writer of Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas.Stan Zimmerman is a prolific producer and director but is perhaps best known for his work with writing partner James Berg on A Very Brady Sequel and on the classic television as Roseanne, Gilmore Girls and The Golden Girls. In Ladies of the 80’s: A Divas Christmas, Loni Anderson, Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills and Nicolette Sheridan star as five glamorous ‘80s soap opera icons who reunite to share the spotlight to shoot the final Christmas episode of their long-running soap opera.Lifetime’s Ladies of the 80’s: A Divas Christmas premieres tomorrow!-- Friday, December 2nd @ 8:00 EST!THE CONVERSATIONSTAN TV: As a kid Stan created an imaginary “Fourth Network” in his bedroom, programming a show lineup 7-days a week -- including giving Lily Tomlin her own comedy-variety series!Stan started out as a writer so young he had to wear a pair of fake glasses to pitch meetings to appear older.In 1985, Stan and his writing partner James Berg were one of the first gay writing teams on network TV – but their agents insisted they stay in the closet for fear they’d be fired.LOOKING FOR A ‘BEA ARTHUR TYPE’: How Susan Harris – the creator of The Golden Girls -- ended up snagging the real thing!THE BIRTH OF ST. OLAF: Stan tells the story of finding Betty White’s character Rose Nylund’s hometown in the first season of The Golden Girls.How Stan and James had to trim their scripts -- because they were getting too many laughs!In the 1980’s, you could walk down Santa Monica Blvd on a Saturday night and hear The Golden Girls playing in all the gay bars!What happened the night they filmed an episode on the day Bea Arthur’s mother died.“ADULT EDUCATION” – how this classic episode came about when Rue McClanahan specifically asked the writers to “challenge my character”.The huge network fight about airing the “Lesbian Kiss” episode of Roseanne.Which Golden Girl was Stan’s favorite to write for?And which one had terrible stage fright every time they filmed an episode?How Joan Collins and Jacklyn Smith were almost in A Divas Christmas!So join Susan and Sharon – and Stan – as they talk Meryl Streep, Fame, teachable moments – and emailing with Lily Tomlin!AUDIOGRAPHYPremieres Friday, December 2nd. Watch Ladies of the 80’s: A Divas Christmas on Lifetime. Pre-order Stan’s book on Bookshop.org: The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore.CONNECTFor transcripts and more, visit 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.Find more cool podcasts on our network, Weirding Way Media.BEST FEMALE HOSTED - BEST TV & FILM - BEST ART PODCAST80’s TV Ladies WON three People’s Choice Podcast Awards!

Susan and Sharon continue their discussion with the creator of Designing Women, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason (also Evening Shade, Hearts Afire, Filthy Rich, and more!).In Part Two of their conversation, Linda touches on the challenges of television production, her experiences with Dixie Carter, Delta Burke’s struggles on the show -- and the differences between the north and south.THE CONVERSATIONLOVE IS IN THE AIR: We get the inside scoop on the real-life romances between the cast members of Designing Women and their male co-stars.When CBS refused to cast Delta Burke as Suzanne Sugarbaker – and only changed their minds three days before the pilot was shot!How Julia and Suzanne Sugarbaker’s mother was almost played by Elizabeth Taylor!DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH: How Linda and casting director Fran Bascom discovered Jean Smart and Annie Potts -- playing a pair of Arkansas diamond thieves… in Amsterdam?!?The president of CBS actually apologized for Designing Women at the network upfronts in New York – and was booed by the press who had seen the pilot and loved it!“KILLING ALL THE RIGHT PEOPLE”: How a comment Linda overheard while caring for her mother who was dying of AIDS led her to write one of her most memorable scripts.SEND THE MESSENGER! Most of the first season scripts were written by Linda on the weekend before they were shot.The telegram Oprah Winfrey sent Linda that she still has to this day.“RESERVATIONS FOR EIGHT” – this “Battle of the Sexes” episode is a favorite of Sharon’s – and Linda’s!So join Susan and Sharon – and Linda – as they talk therapy, Dolly Parton, southern racism -- and Designing Women: The Play!BONUS EPISODE COMING: Find us THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1st --With special guest, television writer/producer Stan Zimmerman (“Gilmore Girls” “Golden Girls”), talking about “The Girls”, working with Rosanne, Betty White, and most recently – writing the new Lifetime Network movie, Ladies of the 80’s: A Diva’s Christmas!AUDIOGRAPHYRead Linda's 2018 Hollywood Reporter column: Not All Harassment is SexualRead Linda’s 2017 Hollywood Reporter column: Lessons From Witnessing Four Decades of Harassment in HollywoodStream Designing Women on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Pluto!The Facebook page: Facebook.com/DesigningWomenOfficialRead Designing Women producer/director Harry Thomason’s autobiography:“Brother Dog: Southern Tales and Hollywood Adventures” on Amazon.Read Linda Bloodworth Thomason’s romantic Southern novel, “Liberating Paris” - on Amazon.CONNECTFor transcripts, contact info and more, visit 80sTVLadies.com.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Follow 8TL on Facebook.Check out Instagram/80sTVLadies.Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.BEST FEMALE HOSTED - BEST TV & FILM - BEST ART PODCAST80’s TV Ladies WON three People’s Choice Podcast Awards!