80s TV Ladies
134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson
4-time Podcast Awards Winner! Webby nominated for Best Indie Podcast.80s TV Ladies is dedicated to the beloved female-driven shows of the 1980s! Do you love 80s pop culture, television and fabulous women? On our show, you’ll hear a breakdown of how these shows got made, how they were influenced by the times and, in turn, how they influenced pop-culture trends to follow. We love discussing the “two-steps forward, one-step-back” lens of media-driven feminism.Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they talk about the fabulous ladies of television: Cagney & Lacey, Designing Women, A Different World, The Golden...
Mama’s Family, Golden Girls and It's Always Sunny | 90s TV Babies
They’re BAAAACK!It’s 2025 and the world-renowned 90s TV Babies have reconvened around the TV screen to gaze upon 80s classic sitcom, Mama’s Family, starring Vicki Lawrence, Dorothy Lyman, Betty White, Rue Mclanahan and Carol Burnett. Do they see what Mama's fuss is all about!?Serita Fontanesi, Megan Ruble -- and A BRAND NEW 90s TV Baby, Sailor Franklin -- drop in on “Mama” Harper, take a seat on the floral print couch, and weigh in with their thoughts. What did they watch? What did they think?T
Heather Thomas on The Fall Guy, Activism and The Poster
“You’re in acting class and you’re studying Chekov or ‘Waiting for Godot’ -- and then you end up doing 80s tits-and-ass… You caught on pretty quick what it was about and where the power lay.” -- Actress Heather ThomasWhat was it like to be an 80s poster icon and sex symbol? Susan and Sharon welcome The Fall Guy star and “80s Poster Lady” Heather Thomas. She’s an actor, writer and activist -- but may be best known for her “Pink Bikini” poster, one of the best-selling pin-up posters of all time. H
Bonus: Message from a City on Fire | How to Help
Just a quick message and some ways to help from Susan and guest Richard Hatem (Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf) who live in Pasadena, CA. Links below on how to help. Thankfully, the 80s TV Ladies team are all safe - Sharon, Susan, Melissa, Kevin, Sailor, Sergio, Megan and Serita. Rich and I were lucky enough to be in a good spot. We housed evacuees from Altadena and La Canada this week. We know too many people who have lost homes, schools, churches, synagogues and more. Thinking of all of y
Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence and all about ‘The Family’
On March 16, 1974, a sketch appeared on The Carol Burnett Show featuring Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence and Harvey Korman portraying a “normal” American family -- warts and all. This sketch, known as “The Family”, led by a then 25 year-old Vicki Lawrence playing a gray-haired 63 year-old ‘Mama’, spawned 30 more sketches, a TV Movie (Eunice) and finally a spin-off series of its own (Mama’s Family) which ran for 130 episodes over six seasons both on CBS and in syndication (1983-1990).In “The Family
The Facts of Life, The Nanny, Carol Burnett & Mama’s Family | Who Has the Best Holiday Episode?
What's the best Christmas episode of The Facts of Life? The Nanny vs Mama's Family? Let's find out!If you grew up in the 80s, tuning in to the special “Holiday” episodes of our favorite shows was a winter ritual. Susan and Sharon bring that tradition home as they dive into the “Best Holiday Episodes” of three favorite 80’s and 90s TV shows -- The Facts of Life, Mama’s Family and The Nanny. Musical numbers, mixed-up gifts, screwed-up travel plans -- and lots of hot cocoa!80’s TV “Holiday” episode
Mama’s Family, Crushing on Stephanie Zimbalist & Private Lessons | Actor Eric Brown
“I was the highest paid actor in Hollywood -- if you were counting by the word.” - actor Eric Brown THE CONVERSATIONTAKING THE PIPPIN BUS: Nine-year-old Eric played the lead in the original touring company of Bob Fosse’s Pippin! “It was 1974. I was the only child in a cast of adults. One-and-two-night stands. In a bus. Thirty states. Six months.”PRIVATE LESSONS: The lead got fired -- so Eric was promoted to star!15 GOING ON 30: In Private Lessons, Fifteen year-old Eric Brown, played a
All My Children, Mama’s Family, The Nanny | Giving Thanks for Dorothy Lyman
“The roles I’ve played on soap operas are infinitely superior to any roles I’ve played anywhere else. They are about women and women’s stories. The men are just there to screw you -- or screw you over.” -- Dorothy LymanJust three chicks sitting around talking...Susan and Sharon clean house -- and air some dirty laundry -- with The Nanny director and Emmy-award winning actress Dorothy Lyman. You may know her as Opal Gardner from the long-running soap opera All My Children or as Naomi Oates Harper
Punched off a Train by Clint Eastwood and the Path to Resilience | Stuntwoman Marneen Fields
Susan and Sharon are thrilled to sit down with award-winning singer, songwriter, actress -- and stuntwoman -- Marneen Fields. As a gymnast, swimmer and stuntwoman in the 1970s and 80s, Marneen’s career sky-rocketed with roles on Scarecrow & Mrs. King, Lou Grant, Quincy, Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, The Man from Atlantis, The Fall Guy, Murder She Wrote, Dynasty -- as well as the Clint Eastwood film The Gauntlet.But it was only after a devastating car accident ended her career as a stuntwoman
Fan Bar: Get Insider Info on Scarecrow and Mrs. King w/ The Mrs. King’s Chronicles
There is no fandom like the Scarecrow & Mrs. King fandom -- passionate, dedicated and absolutely obsessed with red hats, train stations, the Q bureau, and Cream-&-Wood 1983 Ford LTD Country Squire Station Wagons.In this episode, Susan and Sharon meet up with super-fans Taya Johnston, Jennifer Peterson and Miranda Thomas from The Mrs. King’s Chronicles, a re-watch podcast about -- what else? -- Scarecrow & Mrs. King! From Beaverton, Oregon… to Clarkston, Michigan… to Florence, Kentucky -- these t
Who Can Turn the World on With His Smile | Bruce Boxleitner, Part 2
“Katie and I, our relationship could be a little exciting -- I had to watch my step, I had to toe the line. I had to behave myself or I’d get taken to the principal’s office... And she was the principal.” -- Bruce BoxleitnerIn Part Two of their conversation, Bruce reflects on the differences between doing TV then and now, his relationship with Kate Jackson -- and how the long hours can sometimes turn your co-stars into your family…Bruce Boxleitner’s television career started way back in 1973 wit
The Scarecrow and his Mrs. King | Bruce Boxleitner, Part One
“Kate was able to go off script. Then I found I could go with her. Pretty soon we’re doing stuff that is not on the written page. That’s where we found the little ‘in-between’ moments.” - Bruce BoxleitnerSusan and Sharon are so excited to talk with the star of one of their favorite 80s TV shows of all time -- Bruce Boxleitner from Scarecrow & Mrs. King! Bruce’s television career started way back in 1973 with an appearance on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He has since appeared in over 100 films an
Casting Jeff Bridges, Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightly and more | Marcia Ross, part 2
‘The Princess Diaries’, ‘Romy & Michelle’, ‘10 Things I Hate About You’, ‘Clueless’… Whenever I think my work doesn’t mean anything to anyone at any time and never will… somebody says to me, ‘Those movies -- I watched them and I showed them to my kid.” -- Casting Director Marcia RossIn Part Two of our conversation with Casting Director Marcia Ross, Susan and Sharon discuss the changing business of Hollywood, favorite finds, shrinking budgets, and going from in-person auditions -- to auditioning
Casting Thirtysomething & Creating Stars | Marcia Ross, Part 1
“An actor is either compelling -- or they are NOT compelling. Doesn’t matter if they’re green. You want to watch them. That’s what makes them a star. How do I know? I just feel it.” -- Marcia Ross, Casting DirectorHow did “Clueless” and “Princess Diaries” and “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion” find their leads? Casting Director Marcia Ross has been instrumental in putting together amazing ensembles for classic films and TV shows since 1983.Susan and Sharon sit down this week with Ms. Ros
When Women Invented Television | NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Keishan Armstrong
Welcome to Season 3!Sharon and Susan kick off a new season with Jennifer Keishan Armstrong, the New York Times bestselling author of Seinfeldia: How a Show about Nothing Changed Everything, When Women Invented Television, Sex and the City and Us, and Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted. Jennifer writes about entertainment and pop culture for the New York Times Book Review, Fast Company, Vulture, BBC Culture, and Entertainment Weekly. Her latest book So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We're S
SNEAK PEEK: Susan and Sharon Spill Secrets for Season 3
In this special bonus episode, Susan, Sharon and Melissa spill a few secrets about our upcoming season and fun guests coming soon to 80s TV Ladies. Can you guess what female-driven television shows from the 1980s we’ll be covering in our upcoming season?THE CONVERSATIONDo we know what we did this summer? How was your summer?What is that feeling in the air? Is it hope?!! Are you ready to Vote?Does Melissa even want to talk about her summer?Okay, for real: what shows are we gonna cover in Season T
ENCORE: Revisit Stephanie Zimbalist Talks Remington Steele, Part 2
BONUS: Check out this exciting encore episode from Season 1: Part TWO of our interview with true show business icon and classic 8os TV Lady -- “Remington Steele’s” one-and-only Laura Holt -- Stephanie Zimbalist.In a career spanning six decades, Stephanie has performed on stage and screen with everyone: Alec Baldwin, Walter Matthau, Jessica Tandy, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Patricia Neal, Alfred Molina, Tommy Tune, Jimmy Stewart AND her own father, the legendary Efrem Zimbalist Jr.Steele Tal
ENCORE: Revisit Stephanie Zimbalist Talks Remington Steele, Part 1
It's more Summer Reruns. Check out this cool encore episode from Season 1:Susan and Sharon sit down with a true show business icon and classic 8os TV Lady -- “Remington Steele’s” one-and-only Laura Holt -- Stephanie Zimbalist.In a career spanning six decades, Stephanie has performed on stage and screen with everyone: Alec Baldwin, Walter Matthau, Jessica Tandy, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Patricia Neal, Alfred Molina, Tommy Tune, Jimmy Stewart AND her own father, the legendary Efrem Zimbalis
ENCORE: Revisit Cagney & Lacey with Tyne Daly
Encore! Encore! For the summer break, Sharon and Susan take you back to the 80s with reruns, and back to Season 1 with a very special encore presentation of Ep. 119. Meet the woman behind Mary Beth Lacey. Sharon and Susan are excited and honored to talk with Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and the star of Cagney & Lacey, Tyne Daly. In a career spanning eight decades, Tyne Daly has appeared on stage and screen in over 100 roles in everything from “The Mod Squad” and “Judging Amy” to co-starri
Top Ten Guest Stars of A Different World!
"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
Does A Different World Need a Reboot? | 90s TV Babies
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
A Different World and Hollywood Strategies For Revolution | Director Neema Barnette
“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 Happe
A Different World | Showrunner, Writer Susan Fales-Hill
“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 executiv
Exploring A Different World | Niceole Levy
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 show
Directing Miami Vice and Cagney & Lacey | Jan Eliasberg
“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 S
Welcome New Listeners! April 8TL Mailbag + In Memorium
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.Richar
Nominated For Best Indie Podcast | Help Us Win a Webby Award!
Help us win a Webby Award - Vote at WebbyAwards.com.Vote for 80’s TV Ladies for Best Indie Podcast at the Webby Awards Now!Voting ends Thursday, April 18th, 2024. Vote: tinyurl.com/vote80tvlThanks to our dear friends, Weirding Way Media and Astonishing Legends for all their support!Cheers and welcome to any Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf fans. One Day More!
Moonlighting | Our Top 8 Favorite Episodes!
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 on
ENCORE: Revisit Cagney and Lacey with Sharon Gless
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
Moonlighting | The 90s TV Babies
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 f
Moonlighting Magic | Sheryl Main
“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 collaborate
The Making of Moonlighting | Glenn Gordon Caron, Part 2
“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 Sheph
The Making of Moonlighting | Glenn Gordon Caron, Part 1
“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 Bruc
70s and 80s Fun, Family and The Rockford Files l Elayne Heilveil
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 layer
Star Trek Ladies: Nana Visitor | Deep Space Nine, Part 2
“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
Star Trek Ladies: Nana Visitor | Deep Space Nine, Part 1
“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 earl
Director Ladies: Mary Lou Belli | From Steve Martin to Ms. Pat
“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’
Designing Women and First Wave Feminism | 90’s TV Babies
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
BONUS: From “Golden Girls” to “A Divas Christmas” | Stan Zimmerman
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 gla
Designing Women with Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Part 2
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 Design
Designing Women with Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Part 1
Susan and Sharon are honored to speak with the creator and writer of Designing Women, Linda Bloodworth Thomason. Novelist, playwright, documentary filmmaker and philanthropist, Linda is a five-time Emmy Award nominee who has created, written and produced such signature hits as "Evening Shade", "Hearts Afire", "Women of the House" and "Filthy Rich".Her TV writing career began with episodes of classic shows including "Rhoda", "Paper Moon" and "MASH". In a career spanning six decades, Linda Bloodwo
All the Women of Designing Women
“She didn't twirl just a baton. That baton was on fire. And when she threw that baton into the air, it flew higher, further, faster than any baton has ever flown before, hitting a transformer and showering the darkened arena with sparks!” - Julia SugarbakerSusan and Sharon continue “‘Designing Women’ November” with an episode devoted to the actresses – all seven of them – who played all those outspoken Southern Women! We’re talking the Original Fab Four: Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart and
Designing Women with Maggie Friedman
Susan and Sharon get to sit down with writer/producer/show-runner Maggie Friedman to talk about the show that inspired her to embark on a career in television: Designing Women.Designing Women (1986-1993) was created by the legendary Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and starred Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart, Annie Potts and Meshach Taylor as the owners and staff of the Atlanta-based interior design firm “Sugarbaker & Associates”. In its seven-year run, Designing Women was known for sharp wr
Celebrities, Crushes and Comics with Bryan Edward Hill
“Our ethical language lives in our popular culture.” – Bryan Edward Hill Susan and Sharon welcome writer, producer, filmmaker, pop-culture philosopher and good friend Bryan Edward Hill. Bryan has spent the better part of the last 40 years processing the hundreds of TV shows and movies he watched as an only child – then later, creating his own work –- and then reflecting on how the two experiences speak to each other. Along with Susan and Sharon, Bryan talks about being raised by television in th
The Ultimate Fan's Guide to Scarecrow and Mrs. King
“When you’re doing the right thing, the right things happen” – Lynda Carter to David Johnson about creating “The Ultimate Fan’s Guide to Scarecrow and Mrs. King”. Susan and Sharon geek out with SMK experts David R. Johnson, Taya Johnston and Sabine Ludewig – the authors of “The Ultimate Fan’s Guide to Scarecrow and Mrs. King” - a #1 Bestseller in TV and Film on Amazon Books! How do three people from far-flung parts of the world come together to write the ultimate book about their favorite show?
It's a Living with the 90s TV Babies
“The key to good women-driven stories is… Sheryl Lee Ralph” – 90’s TV BabiesSusan and Sharon welcome back the 90’s TV Babies! It’s been a while since we’ve seen them, but they’re back and ready for action. Serita Fontanesi, Sergio Perez and Megan Ruble take a look at “It’s A Living” – and they do not hold back!THE CONVERSATIONToo many characters in Season One? The Babies don’t think so.Was Season One too sexy – or too sex-positive?Did the more conservative outfits make the jokes funnier? Serita
Favorite TV Theme Songs with What Difference Does It Make Podcast
What’s your favorite 80s television theme songs?Susan and Sharon were invited to be on Dave Sloan and Holly Cantos podcast “What Difference Does It Make?” to talk 80s TV theme songs and retro music -- and they all had so much fun they’re bringing Part Two of the conversation here! If you want to hear Part One, here’s the link to the 80s TV Ladies episode of “What Difference Does It Make?” And get ready to relive – and rehear -- some great TV theme songs! (“Moonlighting” with Al Jarreau, anyone?)
FANBAR: SMK 40th Anniversary with Jeanette Valliere
“It seemed possible in the ‘80s that someone would walk up to you at a train station and hand you a package – and you would take it!” -- Jeanette ValliereWelcome to Susan and Sharon’s very first “Fanbar” event – where we talk with outstanding fans of 80s shows. We’re starting off with a big one! Jeanette Valliere has been organizing the "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" Anniversary events since 2003, and she’s got lots of stories – including meeting with and getting to know cast members Bruce Boxleitne
Our Favorite Episodes of It's A Living
“Life’s not the French Riviera; life’s not a charity ball…” – theme song by George Tipton & Leslie BricusseSusan and Sharon wrap up their thoughts on “It’s A Living” with a global look at everything “IAL” -- from their top favorite episodes, to the amazing careers of the stars – and don't forget that unforgettable theme song! So, if you’ve ever wanted to hear Sharon sing “You Only Live Twice” – this is the episode for you!Plus -- The 5 Things You Need to Know About “It’s A Living”!THE CONVER
It's a Living with Paul Kreppel
“Sonny Mann is a guy with great talent -- but no taste” – Paul KreppelContinuing their deep dive into “It’s A Living”, Susan and Sharon sit down with beloved Tony award-winner, actor and director Paul Kreppel, known to 80s TV lovers as the “always on the make” singer and piano player ‘Sonny Mann’ on “It’s A Living”.Paul’s stage career began in 1968 with the Boston Improvisational theater group “The Proposition” where he performed with Jane Curtin, Judith Kahan, Josh Mostel and Fred Grandy. Since
It’s A Living with Jane Espenson and Drew Z. Greenberg
"You could tell that they were afraid the show was too sexy..." - Jane EspensenSusan and Sharon start their look back at the under-the-radar 1980’s comedy “It’s A Living” with modern-day TV writer/producers Jane Espenson and Drew Z. Greenberg. Jane Espenson has written for shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Once Upon A Time”, “Gilmore Girls”, “Jessica Jones”, “Battlestar Galactica” and “Game of Thrones”. Drew Greenberg’s credits include “Dexter”, “Warehouse 13”, “Firefly”, “Agents of S.H
80s Fashion with Costume Designer Eilish Zebrasky
“On Sundays, I couldn’t wait for Monday.” – Eilish Zebrasky, Head of Wardrobe for Aaron Spelling.Susan and Sharon get all dressed up and strut their stuff with legendary 80s TV and Film costume designer Eilish Zebrasky. For over 25 years, Eilish Zebrasky was the Costume Department Head for Aaron Spelling Productions, responsible for all the amazing clothes you saw on classic shows like “Murder, She Wrote”, “Dynasty”, “The Love Boat”, “Charlie’s Angels”, “Hart to Hart”, “Hotel”, “Fantas
Talking 9 to 5: The TV Series with The Kulturecast's Chris Stachiw
Tumble out of bed/and stumble to the kitchen/pour yourself a cup of ambitionAnd yawn and stretch and listen in as Susan and Sharon talk "Nine to Five": The TV Series with podcaster and founder of Weirding Way Media, Chris Stachiw.On this special cross-over episode with The Kulturecast, we dig into one of the strangest, funniest and least-known film-to-TV transplants: Nine To Five. The film “9 to 5” debuted on December 19th, 1980 starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton.Running 85 episod
Striking 9 to 5: Union Strong with WGA Strike Captain Katherine DiSavino
“What do we want? Fair Pay! When do we want it? NOW!”The 80’s TV Ladies fast-forward from the 1980s to the RIGHT NOW – for a special "breaking news" episode about the ongoing 2023 WGA Writer’s Strike that is having a major impact on television production – and the future of entertainment as we know it. As the strike enters its third month writers and other guilds are calling out for “transformative change” and insisting “now is not the time to meet in the middle.”But what’s really going on? It's
Gay 90s (and 80s): The Rainbow Remix with Denise Warner & JD Danner
“To be able to see it represented on TV means so much to a young mind."Susan and Sharon continue their celebration of Pride Month by welcoming JD and Denise, hosts of "The Rainbow Remix", a podcast featuring LGBTQ lifestyle news, music, arts, media -- and mixology! Denise Warner is an out lesbian and veteran podcaster going all the way back to 2006 with “The Lesbian Lounge". JD Danner is a musician and songwriter who came out after a 25-year marriage. She reached out to Denise during the COVID
Say Gay: 70s, 80s and 90s Queer TV with Matt Baume
What did Queer representation look like in 70s, 80s and 90s television? Could you say gay?Susan and Sharon kick off their Pride Month celebration with author, podcaster and video maker Matt Baume. His latest book, “Hi Homey, I’m Homo!” traces the evolution of LGBTQ+ characters on American sitcoms. His previous book - “Defining Marriage” - chronicles the personal stories of people who fought for marriage equality over the last forty years.In this fun, fact-filled interview, Matt shares stories fr
Advanced TV Herstory w/ Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Part Two
In Part Two of our conversation with Cynthia Bemis Abrams, host of the “Advanced TV Herstory” podcast, we continue our discussion of feminism in American culture and its effect on television as we delve into sports, politics, female stereotypes – and the unsung feminist heroes of Hollywood’s mysterious “Secret Sisterhood”. THE CONVERSATIONWOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE: What stereotypes were women assigned when they made their way into the offices of America in the 1970s? (“The Seductress” and “The Iron
Welcome to Season 2: Advanced TV Herstory w/Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Part 1
Welcome to 80’s TV Ladies: Season Two!Susan and Sharon kick-off the new season with Cynthia Bemis-Abrams, the host of sister podcast “Advanced TV Herstory” -- a fascinating deep dive into the backstory of women in television, that connects the dots between TV, feminism, American culture and politics.In Part One of a two-part conversation, we’ll talk about the shows, actresses and characters that stood out as landmarks for women over the past five decades. We also tease what’s coming up as Susan
Cagney & Lacey Wrap-Up: Ain’t That the Way
Episode 23 - Who ever thought we’d get this far?!?Susan and Sharon celebrate their first season finale with a wrap-up on “Cagney & Lacey.” How did a little idea about having a female “Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid” buddy movie turn into a legendary, award-winning TV series that spanned 7 seasons, 125 episodes and 4 TV movies?We discuss the show’s origins and controversies, its impact on American culture in the 1980s and how network television used to be the most powerful way for cutti
Cagney & Lacey and the 90s TV Babies
What do those crazy 90s kids think of 80s Cagney & Lacey? We’re gonna find out!Susan and Sharon welcome back Serita Fontanesi, Megan Ruble and Sergio Perez – the 90’s TV Babies! We asked them to watch three episodes: the original one-hour pilot, starring Tyne Daly as Lacey and Loretta Swit as Cagney; the “new” pilot with Meg Foster in the role of Cagney; and finally, Sharon Gless’s first turn as Cagney, the Season Two opener “Witness to an Incident”.The 90’s TV Babies loved “Scarecrow &
Directing 80s Television with Karen Arthur
What was it like to break into directing in the 1970s and '80s? Let's find out!Sharon and Susan are honored to talk with Emmy-winning director Karen Arthur. Karen started out as an actress on such shows as “Get Smart”, “The Streets of San Francisco”, “Mannix”, “That Girl” and “The Monkees”. In 1975 she made the transition to directing and has since helmed episodes of classic TV series including “Judging Amy”, “Hart to Hart”, “7th Heaven” and “Remington Steele”, as well as the powerful true story
Cagney & Lacey with Sharon Gless
Susan and Sharon are thrilled 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 b
Cagney & Lacey with Tyne Daly
Join us to meet the woman behind Mary Beth Lacey! Sharon and Susan are excited and honored to talk with Emmy and Tony-award winning actress and the star of Cagney & Lacey, Tyne Daly.In a career spanning eight decades, Tyne Daly has appeared on stage and screen in over 100 roles in everything from “The Mod Squad” and “Judging Amy” to co-starring with Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry film “The Enforcer”. She has received six Emmy awards – four for her outstanding portrayal of Mary Beth Lacey
Cagney & Lacey & Barney Rosenzweig, Part 2
Wait! There were THREE Cagneys?In Part 2 of our conversation with creator/executive producer Barney Rosenzweig, we follow along as the massive success of the Cagney & Lacey TV movie launches it directly into a weekly series for CBS and into a very tumultuous road from multiple cancellations to hit ratings and 14 Emmys. The rest, as they say, is 80’s TV herstory…THE CONVERSATIONGOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS, PART 1: “We want ‘Cagney & Lacey’ as a mid-season pick-up!” BUT… “You’ve got to be on the ai
Cagney & Lacey & Barney Rosenzweig, Part 1
Buckle up, kids - We’re kicking off our series on Cagney & Lacey!Sharon & Susan begin their look back at the classic 80’s TV series Cagney & Lacey with a conversation with the show’s creator and executive producer, Barney Rosenzweig. Rosenzweig’s career spans five decades and hundreds of hours of television including Charlie’s Angels, Daniel Boone, Christie, Twice in a Lifetime, and The Trials of Rosie O’Neill.But he made TV history when he approached writers Barbara Avedon and Barba
Stuntwoman and Living Legend Debbie Evans
Could you be a stuntwoman? Find out what it takes.Susan and Sharon are honored to talk with legendary award-winning stuntwoman Debbie Evans Leavitt. In a career spanning six decades, Debbie has risked life and limb in classic television shows and massive blockbuster movies. She talks doubling Stephanie Zimbalist on Remington Steele and what that moment between take-off and crash-landing feels like. Debbie has flipped and fallen and raced in Charlie’s Angels, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Vega$, ChiPs
The 90s TV Babies Take On Remington Steele
It’s the return of the 90’s TV Babies!Susan and Sharon welcome back Serita Fontanesi, Megan Ruble and Sergio Perez to get their 90s TV take on “Remington Steele”. We asked them to watch three episodes and share their thoughts:The pilot: “License to Steele”S1, Ep21, “Sting of Steele”, featuring Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. as Steele’s mentor Daniel Chalmers – and Beverly Garland, making a return appearance as Laura’s mother, Abigail HoltS2, Ep03, “Red Holt Steele” – you know, the one where Laura’s house
Remington Steele: Making it Happen with Jerram Swartz
Susan and Sharon sit down with “Remington Steele” assistant director Jerram Swartz. In a career spanning 5 decades, Jerram has worked on movies including “E.T.: The Extraterrestrial” and “The Blues Brothers” as well as 80’s TV classics such as “The A-Team”, “Cagney & Lacey” and “Riptide”. In this episode, he shares stories about the fun, excitement and controversy of working on the fifth – and final – season of “Remington Steele”.THE CONVERSATION- Susan and Sharon’s fav Season 4 & 5 epis
Steele Talking Cars with Evan Ball
In 1980s television, cars were the stars -- From “Knight Rider’s” KIT to Miami Vice’s Testarossa to the A-Team van, everyone knew who drove what -- and why. But what did the women get to drive? The 80s TV Ladies sit down with television writer and auto aficionado Evan Ball (“Stargirl”, “Colin in Black and White”, “Mayor of Kingstown”) to talk Remington Steele and 80s cars.THE CONVERSATION The 3 Cars of Laura Holt: the Volkswagen Rabbit Convertible (modeled after Stephanie Zimbalist’s own real-li
Remington Steele Holiday Fun: Deep Dive Into Seasons 2 & 3
Susan and Sharon take on Season Two and Three of “Remington Steele” as they talk TV tropes, favorite episodes and the introduction of Doris Roberts as fan-favorite Mildred Krebs! THE CONVERSATIONDoris Roberts -- and how she completed the Remington Steele “family”.Everyone Loves Doris: a rundown of (almost) everyone Doris Roberts has ever played “mother” to on the big and small screen.Ms. Roberts senate testimony on ageism in Hollywood.TV TROPES – or, why every detective show in the 80’s went to
Remington Steele with Stephanie Zimbalist – Part Two
Steele Talking: Susan and Sharon continue their interview with award-winning stage, TV and film actress Stephanie Zimbalist who created the 80s iconic character, Laura Holt…THE CONVERSATION- Working with her real-life dad – showbiz legend Efrem Zimbalist Jr – How he became a father figure for co-star Pierce Brosnan. (And how he taught Stephanie the secret to “playing drunk”…!)- Her decades-long friendship with Alec Baldwin.- When James Stewart was almost on Remington!- The Amazing Remington Stee
Remington Steele with Stephanie Zimbalist – Part One
Susan and Sharon sit down with a true show business icon and classic 80’s TV Lady -- “Remington Steele’s” one-and-only Laura Holt -- Stephanie Zimbalist.In a career spanning six decades, Stephanie has performed on stage and screen with everyone from Alec Baldwin, Walter Matthau, Jessica Tandy, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Patricia Neal, Alfred Molina, Tommy Tune, Jimmy Stewart AND her own father, the legendary Efrem Zimbalist Jr.The Conversation…- Growing up Zimbalist: what it’s like to be bor
Writing Remington Steele with Robin Bernheim, Part Two
But did they?Join Part Two of our interview with TV writer/producer Robin Bernheim, to discover the complicated answer to the burning question: Did Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan get along while filming “Remington Steele”? The Conversation:- Laura vs. Remington: Who got the most screen-time? Who got to drive the car? And whose show was it, anyway?- How did a writing staff of mostly men handle writing a female voice?- An episode where Laura Holt poses nude?? The script, Stephanie Zimbali
Writing Remington Steele with Robin Bernheim, Part One
From Remington Steele to Princess Switch -Susan and Sharon sit down with legendary television writer Robin Bernheim. Robin’s career began in her mid-twenties with the “Remington Steele” episode “Steele in the Chips”, co-written with series star and long-time friend Stephanie Zimbalist. In a career spanning five decades, Robin has gone on to write and produce episodes of “MacGyver”, “Matlock”, “Quantum Leap”, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Mystery 101”. Robin is the c
Deep Dark Secrets: Welcome to Remington Steele
"Try this for a deep, dark secret..." Susan and Sharon begin their examination of the hit 1980s series “Remington Steele”. Premiering on October 10, 1982, “Remington Steele” starred two relative newcomers to the network TV landscape -- Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan. The premise was simple: Private eye Laura Holt finds that clients are reluctant to hire a female investigator. So she invents a fictitious male “boss” named Remington Steele to increase business. The ruse works perfectly unt
Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Martha Smith
Sharon and Susan talk with “Scarecrow & Mrs. King’s” one-and-only “Francine Desmond” – actress Martha Smith. Our conversation covers everything from her early days as a model for the Ford Motor Company to her “National Lampoon’s Animal House” adventures and finally to working on the show she first knew only as “The Secret Kate Jackson Project” – we’ll find out why Martha Smith truly is the “Gal With All The Luck”! Along the way, we’ll discuss…- Brunching with John Belushi! Touring with Rod Stew
Slipping Sideways Into Scarecrow, Mrs. King and Season 3 w/ Richard Hatem
Season 3 of “Scarecrow & Mrs. King” is a fun, and kind of bonkers, 22-episode journey that is anything but straight-forward. International intrigue, poisoned food and wine, eclectic guest stars and a herky-jerky path to romance all add up to a season with surprising rewards – and puzzling road blocks. In this week’s tour of near-misses and near-kisses, we discuss…- Are Lee (Bruce Boxleinter) and Amanda (Kate Jackson) heating up – or on slow-boil? And why is WKRP in Cincinnati’s Frank Bonner sudd
Scarecrow and Ms. King with Eugenie Ross-Leming
Susan and Sharon sit down with the co-creator of “Scarecrow & Mrs. King” - Eugenie Ross-Leming - to get some real behind-the-scenes insight on the show's creation, Kate Jackson, Bruce Boxleitner, feminism in television, and managing long-term success in Hollywood. The discussion includes…- Eugenie’s early years with the legendary improvisation troupe Second City, where she performed with the likes of John Belushi, Harold Ramis and Bill Murray.- Writing for Norman Lear on the ground-breaking
Let's Go: Europe w/ Mrs. King and 90s TV Babies
What the heck happened in Season 2 of “Scarecrow & Mrs. King”? Oh, we have all the dish on 80s TV Ladies™. More action, more romance, more Europe – and more opportunities for Amanda to show off her skills as a legit spy – and a mom. Along the way, Susan and Sharon discuss… 80s clothes and hairdos – and Kate Jackson’s mid-season Hair-DON’T. Is Archie Bunker’s Jean Stapleton a British lady, an American citizen, or a KGB agent? How could she possibly be all three?Wait, I know that guy! What are Sei
Scarecrow and Ms. Jackson, If You're Nasty
But really: How much fun is it to be a spy and a mom? In this episode, Susan and Sharon continue their conversation about the TV show “Scarecrow & Mrs. King'', focusing on how Amanda balanced her home life with her new (secret!) career as a spy and how her desire to embrace this new career drives the Season One episodes. And did Kate Jackson’s foot injury nearly derailed the season? Along the way, we also discuss… Kate Jackson’s “reputation” on set: What was it? And was it true?The barely there
The First Time w/ Scarecrow and Mrs. King
What TV show shall we cover for our first time? How about the pilot of Scarecrow and Mrs. King, starring Kate Jackson and Bruce Boxleitner?Susan and Sharon talk about the show, the stars, and the mysteries of this hit 1983 TV action-comedy drama. Amanda King is a divorced mother with two young sons looking for a job. When she cute-meets secret agent Lee Stetson, a.k.a “The Scarecrow,” she is swept up into a world of intrigue, spies and danger! Will her first case be her last? Or does Amanda fin
Podcast Zero - Try This
Episode Zero - “Try This”What the heck are we doing? In Podcast Zero, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson take you to the fabulous and exciting television past and particularly, that special time in pop-culture and big-hair television: the 1980s! We cover:What the 1980s meant to America and to our own personal history.Jimmy Carter to President Ronald Reagan and ushering in the “Greed” decade.The rise of cable television, CNN and the VCR.Wait? An amusement park based on The World of Sid
Trailer
The awesome trailer for 80s TV Ladies - the podcast for female-driven television shows of the 1980s.