14 Television Shows That Let Women Shine - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-25-2009, 04:06 PM

Link

Here at wOw, we were recently discussing television shows — particularly, those that had the biggest positive impact on women by highlighting female strength and independence. Curious about the moments in TV we came up with? Read on … and weigh in below with your own picks.

Our Miss Brooks: It could be argued that Eve Arden’s "Our Miss Brooks" paved the way for almost all these other television shows. "Brooks" began on the radio, but broke into television in 1952 and received national praise for celebrating working women — in this case a teacher — rather than using the leading lady for purely comedic purposes. Watch as Arden dreams of Desi Arnez.

The Loretta Young Show: When Academy Award-winning actress Loretta Young broke into television, she did so in a big way as host of her eponymous show, which ran from 1953 until 1961. It was, at the time, the longest-running show hosted by a woman and definitely cleared the way for countless other actresses. Here’s footage of Young reading a letter from one of her viewers, which was an integral part of the show’s early years.

Julia: How could we not include "Julia," the first show to feature an African American woman, played by the incomparable Diahann Carroll, who had complete control of her life. The titular character wasn’t a maid or some other subservient character: She was a widow, a nurse and a mother of two. And, most importantly, a strong woman! Here’s some footage from an episode entitled "The Wheel Deal."

That Girl: That Girl, which ran for five years and starred our girl Marlo Thomas, deserves credit for featuring television’s first single girl living on her own, which no doubt paved the way for our next entry. Before that, however, watch Thomas — aka Anne Marie — charm her way into an audition for a wild drink called "Pop."

The Mary Tyler Moore Show: The first single career woman on television, Mary Richards taught all women that they don’t need a man to be successful – or happy. Moore’s smile and charm lit up television screens from 1970 until 1977. Here’s video from the very first episode’s opening, which shows Moore striking out on her own.

The Avengers: Diana Rigg wasn’t the first woman to play a spy on "The Avengers," but it was her character, Emma Peel, who made the best impression. Not only could Peel hold her own among the big boys, but she did it with style, showing women they could look good while fighting evil. ClassicTV.com insists, "Emma Peel, in her leather boots and miniskirts, is now considered one of the most liberated women on ’60s television.” Here Peel does a little sleuthing.

MASH: Major Margaret J. "Hot Lips" Houlihan, based on a real woman, kept the boys in Korea happy with her blonde hair and sexy demeanor. As the series progressed, however, Hot Lips’s sex appeal waned and the character, played by Loretta Swit, became stronger, steadier and more determined than many of the men at her camp. She was, in a word, fierce. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any clips of Swit on MASH, but we did find one of her with another admirable lady: Miss Piggy.

Taxi: Marilu Henner made waves as Elaine Nardo, a single mother who was working to keep food on the table. While most of television’s blue-collar gals had held waitressing or other “lady” jobs, Henner got down and dirty with the boys of Sunshine Cab Company — and brought loads of laughs in the process. Watch as Nardo runs into an old friend while on the job — awkwardness ensues.

Cagney and Lacey: Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless definitely broke new ground with their 1980s drama series, which was the first to star two lady leads. And, more than that, they were police officers, a rarity for female actresses – and one we admired. Above we’ve included the opening credits for season one of the show, which ran from 1982 until 1986.

Murphy Brown: wOw contributor Candice Bergen’s "Murphy Brown" makes the cut for a few reasons: First, what woman didn’t admire the news reporter’s determination? Second, Brown’s decision to keep an unexpected child – and raise it alone – sparked political outcry and a public debate with then-veep Dan Quayle. Here’s a lighter moment: Bette Midler’s guest appearance on the final episode of the series.

The Oprah Winfrey Show: Not only was Oprah the first African American woman to have her own talk show, but she has consistently featured stories and figures who make it their mission to help women. Plus, she gives away all that delicious loot, which definitely gives some women a boost – or a lift, at least. Above you’ll see a clip from the March 25 episode, which features women who left their men for other women.

Ellen: Ellen’s come a long way, baby. Yes, now she’s a successful talk-show host, but do you remember when she announced on a 1997 episode of her eponymous sitcom that she’s gay? It was, in a word, a moment – and gave voice to lesbians the world over. If that’s not helping women, we don’t know what is. Here’s the first part of the episode in which Ellen came out — a move about which the supporting cast is hilariously aware.

Helen Reddy’s Grammy Acceptance Speech: Who could forget when Helen Reddy, who won a Grammy for "I Am Woman," thanked a female god during her acceptance speech. Said Reddy, "I would like to thank God, because she makes everything possible."

Billie Jean King Beats Bobby Riggs: Alright, this wasn’t a television show – it was an event. Female tennis player Billie Jean King proved women can be just as good – nay, better – than men, when she beat Bobby Riggs in a battle-of-the-sexes tennis match. Riggs had boasted his maleness would help him triumph over the much-younger King, but she prevailed in three sets: The scores were 6-4, 6-3 and 6-3. Riggs later admitted, "She was too good, too fast.” We cheered then and we cheer now.

factsoflife · 03-25-2009, 04:11 PM

The Golden Girls: This show showed females of a certain age living full, meaningful lives that included friendships, romances and more than just being grandmothers.

Designing Women: This show explored women's issues in every way. It showed women of different socio-economic backgrounds, different sexual appitites and different mindsets working together and being friends.

ER: This show has done a superb job of showing female characters in all lights--from scrub nurses to doctors to patients this show has a heavy female cast and has always done right by them.

Kate & Allie: This show was groundbreaking and ahead of it's time. One of the first series to feature two divorcees as it's starring comedic characters. These two females were each other's best friends, confidantes and balanced each other out. It made a point of saying "we don't need men to be happy"

and i can't believe they forgot "MAUDE". perhaps the best women's show EVER.

Chocoholic · 03-25-2009, 04:13 PM

I always thought Helen on Wings was a strong female character. She didn't take crap from anybody.

Clair Huxtable had a successful law career and raised five children and Cliff.

MickeyMac · 03-25-2009, 05:02 PM

I'd throw in:

The Donna Reed Show

Bewitched

I Dream of Jeannie

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

Jude The Obscure · 03-25-2009, 11:33 PM

The Facts of Life, for Mrs. Garrett, a divorced woman who raised 2 sons, did various jobs from nurse, to housekeeper, to dietitan, to successful entrepreneur.

megamanj2004 · 03-26-2009, 02:10 AM

I'll throw in:

Police Woman - before there was Charlie's Angels, before there was Cagney & Lacey, this show was arguably the 1st show to have a lady in the lead role as a detective.

And to some degrees...Roseanne.

Lee · 03-26-2009, 05:30 AM

How could you forget One Day At A Time?-A divorced woman independently
raising her two teenage daughters.

comedyfreak · 03-26-2009, 05:42 AM

They left out so many more deserving shows about women, they should have left out Helen Reddy and Billie Jean King as they were not in sitcoms or dramas. Hazel should have also been mentioned she worked for a man but, she was the real one in charge.

andress_jade · 03-26-2009, 06:34 PM

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman- The show was about a woman doctor in the 1800's. It revolved around her and her life. It showed that a woman could be a professional and a doctor and still have a husband and family in the 1800's. It was definitely before it's time.

tv star collector · 03-26-2009, 07:05 PM

Any list of "strong" women on television has to include:

WONDER WOMAN
THE BIONIC WOMAN
CHARLIE'S ANGELS
XENA, WARRIOR PRINCESS
BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
TRU CALLING
RELIC HUNTER

Each of the above shows had a recurring male character--who was always
being saved/assisted by the female lead(s). Wonder Woman always came
to Col. Steve Trevor's rescue, for example. It was a true case of role
reversal: the male was there to be rescued by the female character.
Charles Townsend (and Bosley) gave the orders, but it was the Angels who
did all the legwork. And Nigel Bailey's bacon was saved more than once by
the resourceful relic hunter Sydney Fox.

factsoflife · 03-26-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyMac

I'd throw in:

The Donna Reed Show

Bewitched

I Dream of Jeannie

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

The Donna Reed Show? no way. That show presented females as nothing more than mindless drones that did whatever men told them too and who loved to clean, cook and serve men all while dressed in heels and pearls. It was NOT a realistic view of life as a female. ask any TV histrorian or feminist expert.

Bewitched--- maybe---at least Samantha tried to rebell against the authority of men and use her powers to sometimes prove that she could do more than just do what her husband said. But I dream Of Jeannie did nothing more than present a scantily clad sex symbol doing what she was told--- i mean she even called him MASTER. how does that make women shine?

factsoflife · 03-26-2009, 08:22 PM

And i'm not entierly convinced that "That Girl" was as progressive a show as they led us to believe in the article above. For one, wasn't Ann Marie always LOOKING for a man or at least the approval of a man? at least Mary Richards was happy without a man and made a point of discussing how happy she was to live her own life.

Grace Under Fire was definetly a show that let women shine. It showed that a woman could be the smarter one in the family and how a woman can escape from a life of domestic violence and drinking abuse to live a productive life. AND be a good role model in the process. it showed a woman can overcome a shady past.

I would also add Judging Amy because it showed not only a single woman raising her child--- BUT it showed that a woman could reach the high position of being a JUDGE. It also featured the character of Maxine a elderly, productive, WORKING WOMAN who had a full and productive life.

catlover79 · 03-26-2009, 08:23 PM

Bewitched, Mary Tyler Moore, One Day at a Time, Alice, and Charlie's Angels would be my picks. Also, below is a description of the sadly short-lived CBS drama, Christy (1994-95, CBS), based on one of my all time favorite books. The three strong females played by Kellie Martin, Tyne Daly and Tess Harper definitely fit the bill in this category.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/27616...mplete-series/

MickeyMac · 03-26-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factsoflife

The Donna Reed Show? no way. That show presented females as nothing more than mindless drones that did whatever men told them too and who loved to clean, cook and serve men all while dressed in heels and pearls. It was NOT a realistic view of life as a female. ask any TV histrorian or feminist expert.

Bewitched--- maybe---at least Samantha tried to rebell against the authority of men and use her powers to sometimes prove that she could do more than just do what her husband said. But I dream Of Jeannie did nothing more than present a scantily clad sex symbol doing what she was told--- i mean she even called him MASTER. how does that make women shine?

About the Donna Reed Show, we're going to have to agree do disagree on that one.

Overdose · 03-26-2009, 11:19 PM

Roseanne anyone?

Roseanne probably showed female independence and strength more than any other show, ever.

What a dumb list.

03-25-2009, 04:06 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,412	14 Television Shows That Let Women Shine Link Here at wOw, we were recently discussing television shows — particularly, those that had the biggest positive impact on women by highlighting female strength and independence. Curious about the moments in TV we came up with? Read on … and weigh in below with your own picks. Our Miss Brooks: It could be argued that Eve Arden’s "Our Miss Brooks" paved the way for almost all these other television shows. "Brooks" began on the radio, but broke into television in 1952 and received national praise for celebrating working women — in this case a teacher — rather than using the leading lady for purely comedic purposes. Watch as Arden dreams of Desi Arnez. The Loretta Young Show: When Academy Award-winning actress Loretta Young broke into television, she did so in a big way as host of her eponymous show, which ran from 1953 until 1961. It was, at the time, the longest-running show hosted by a woman and definitely cleared the way for countless other actresses. Here’s footage of Young reading a letter from one of her viewers, which was an integral part of the show’s early years. Julia: How could we not include "Julia," the first show to feature an African American woman, played by the incomparable Diahann Carroll, who had complete control of her life. The titular character wasn’t a maid or some other subservient character: She was a widow, a nurse and a mother of two. And, most importantly, a strong woman! Here’s some footage from an episode entitled "The Wheel Deal." That Girl: That Girl, which ran for five years and starred our girl Marlo Thomas, deserves credit for featuring television’s first single girl living on her own, which no doubt paved the way for our next entry. Before that, however, watch Thomas — aka Anne Marie — charm her way into an audition for a wild drink called "Pop." The Mary Tyler Moore Show: The first single career woman on television, Mary Richards taught all women that they don’t need a man to be successful – or happy. Moore’s smile and charm lit up television screens from 1970 until 1977. Here’s video from the very first episode’s opening, which shows Moore striking out on her own. The Avengers: Diana Rigg wasn’t the first woman to play a spy on "The Avengers," but it was her character, Emma Peel, who made the best impression. Not only could Peel hold her own among the big boys, but she did it with style, showing women they could look good while fighting evil. ClassicTV.com insists, "Emma Peel, in her leather boots and miniskirts, is now considered one of the most liberated women on ’60s television.” Here Peel does a little sleuthing. MASH: Major Margaret J. "Hot Lips" Houlihan, based on a real woman, kept the boys in Korea happy with her blonde hair and sexy demeanor. As the series progressed, however, Hot Lips’s sex appeal waned and the character, played by Loretta Swit, became stronger, steadier and more determined than many of the men at her camp. She was, in a word, fierce. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any clips of Swit on MASH, but we did find one of her with another admirable lady: Miss Piggy. Taxi: Marilu Henner made waves as Elaine Nardo, a single mother who was working to keep food on the table. While most of television’s blue-collar gals had held waitressing or other “lady” jobs, Henner got down and dirty with the boys of Sunshine Cab Company — and brought loads of laughs in the process. Watch as Nardo runs into an old friend while on the job — awkwardness ensues. Cagney and Lacey: Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless definitely broke new ground with their 1980s drama series, which was the first to star two lady leads. And, more than that, they were police officers, a rarity for female actresses – and one we admired. Above we’ve included the opening credits for season one of the show, which ran from 1982 until 1986. Murphy Brown: wOw contributor Candice Bergen’s "Murphy Brown" makes the cut for a few reasons: First, what woman didn’t admire the news reporter’s determination? Second, Brown’s decision to keep an unexpected child – and raise it alone – sparked political outcry and a public debate with then-veep Dan Quayle. Here’s a lighter moment: Bette Midler’s guest appearance on the final episode of the series. The Oprah Winfrey Show: Not only was Oprah the first African American woman to have her own talk show, but she has consistently featured stories and figures who make it their mission to help women. Plus, she gives away all that delicious loot, which definitely gives some women a boost – or a lift, at least. Above you’ll see a clip from the March 25 episode, which features women who left their men for other women. Ellen: Ellen’s come a long way, baby. Yes, now she’s a successful talk-show host, but do you remember when she announced on a 1997 episode of her eponymous sitcom that she’s gay? It was, in a word, a moment – and gave voice to lesbians the world over. If that’s not helping women, we don’t know what is. Here’s the first part of the episode in which Ellen came out — a move about which the supporting cast is hilariously aware. Helen Reddy’s Grammy Acceptance Speech: Who could forget when Helen Reddy, who won a Grammy for "I Am Woman," thanked a female god during her acceptance speech. Said Reddy, "I would like to thank God, because she makes everything possible." Billie Jean King Beats Bobby Riggs: Alright, this wasn’t a television show – it was an event. Female tennis player Billie Jean King proved women can be just as good – nay, better – than men, when she beat Bobby Riggs in a battle-of-the-sexes tennis match. Riggs had boasted his maleness would help him triumph over the much-younger King, but she prevailed in three sets: The scores were 6-4, 6-3 and 6-3. Riggs later admitted, "She was too good, too fast.” We cheered then and we cheer now.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

03-25-2009, 04:11 PM	#2
factsoflife Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 11, 2000 Posts: 8,745	The Golden Girls: This show showed females of a certain age living full, meaningful lives that included friendships, romances and more than just being grandmothers. Designing Women: This show explored women's issues in every way. It showed women of different socio-economic backgrounds, different sexual appitites and different mindsets working together and being friends. ER: This show has done a superb job of showing female characters in all lights--from scrub nurses to doctors to patients this show has a heavy female cast and has always done right by them. Kate & Allie: This show was groundbreaking and ahead of it's time. One of the first series to feature two divorcees as it's starring comedic characters. These two females were each other's best friends, confidantes and balanced each other out. It made a point of saying "we don't need men to be happy" and i can't believe they forgot "MAUDE". perhaps the best women's show EVER.
	__________________ "and to the fans. I was only supposed to be on every other Tuesday. But, thanks to you, I'm here, and I promise! I will try my best never to let you down. I am going back into that studio on Monday, and I'm going to play Erica Kane for all she's worth!"-- Susan Lucci, May 1999 Daytime Emmy Speech.

03-26-2009, 02:10 AM	#6
megamanj2004 Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 21, 2004 Posts: 2,359	I'll throw in: Police Woman - before there was Charlie's Angels, before there was Cagney & Lacey, this show was arguably the 1st show to have a lady in the lead role as a detective. And to some degrees...Roseanne.
	__________________ 10 AND A HALF YEARS GOING STRONG!!!

03-26-2009, 05:30 AM	#7
Lee veteran member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Pulaski, Tennessee Posts: 4,768	How could you forget One Day At A Time?-A divorced woman independently raising her two teenage daughters.
	Last edited by Lee; 03-26-2009 at 05:51 AM.

03-26-2009, 05:42 AM	#8
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,060	They left out so many more deserving shows about women, they should have left out Helen Reddy and Billie Jean King as they were not in sitcoms or dramas. Hazel should have also been mentioned she worked for a man but, she was the real one in charge.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

03-25-2009, 04:13 PM	#3
Chocoholic Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 11,235	I always thought Helen on Wings was a strong female character. She didn't take crap from anybody. Clair Huxtable had a successful law career and raised five children and Cliff.

03-25-2009, 05:02 PM	#4
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,006	I'd throw in: The Donna Reed Show Bewitched I Dream of Jeannie Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

03-25-2009, 11:33 PM	#5
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,520	The Facts of Life, for Mrs. Garrett, a divorced woman who raised 2 sons, did various jobs from nurse, to housekeeper, to dietitan, to successful entrepreneur.

03-26-2009, 06:34 PM	#9
andress_jade Life Goes On... Moderator Senior Member Join Date: Mar 04, 2004 Location: Iola, KS or Glenbrook Posts: 1,220	Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman- The show was about a woman doctor in the 1800's. It revolved around her and her life. It showed that a woman could be a professional and a doctor and still have a husband and family in the 1800's. It was definitely before it's time.
	__________________ In Memoriam: John Ritter, Hayden Rorke, Sidney Sheldon, Bob Denver, Don Knotts, Andy Griffith, Elizabeth Montgomery, Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, David Angell, Christopher Reeve, Shirley Temple Black, Larry Hagman, Lucille Ball, Patrick Swayze, Robin Williams, Alan Thicke, Mary Tyler Moore, Prince, George Michael, Jim Nabors, John Mahoney, Penny Marshall, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.

03-26-2009, 07:05 PM	#10
tv star collector I Love Susie Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 4,486	Any list of "strong" women on television has to include: WONDER WOMAN THE BIONIC WOMAN CHARLIE'S ANGELS XENA, WARRIOR PRINCESS BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER TRU CALLING RELIC HUNTER Each of the above shows had a recurring male character--who was always being saved/assisted by the female lead(s). Wonder Woman always came to Col. Steve Trevor's rescue, for example. It was a true case of role reversal: the male was there to be rescued by the female character. Charles Townsend (and Bosley) gave the orders, but it was the Angels who did all the legwork. And Nigel Bailey's bacon was saved more than once by the resourceful relic hunter Sydney Fox.

03-26-2009, 08:22 PM	#12
factsoflife Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 11, 2000 Posts: 8,745	And i'm not entierly convinced that "That Girl" was as progressive a show as they led us to believe in the article above. For one, wasn't Ann Marie always LOOKING for a man or at least the approval of a man? at least Mary Richards was happy without a man and made a point of discussing how happy she was to live her own life. Grace Under Fire was definetly a show that let women shine. It showed that a woman could be the smarter one in the family and how a woman can escape from a life of domestic violence and drinking abuse to live a productive life. AND be a good role model in the process. it showed a woman can overcome a shady past. I would also add Judging Amy because it showed not only a single woman raising her child--- BUT it showed that a woman could reach the high position of being a JUDGE. It also featured the character of Maxine a elderly, productive, WORKING WOMAN who had a full and productive life.

03-26-2009, 08:23 PM	#13
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Bewitched, Mary Tyler Moore, One Day at a Time, Alice, and Charlie's Angels would be my picks. Also, below is a description of the sadly short-lived CBS drama, Christy (1994-95, CBS), based on one of my all time favorite books. The three strong females played by Kellie Martin, Tyne Daly and Tess Harper definitely fit the bill in this category. http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/27616...mplete-series/
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

03-26-2009, 11:19 PM	#15
Overdose Don't mess with Roseanne! Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 27, 2007 Posts: 303	Roseanne anyone? Roseanne probably showed female independence and strength more than any other show, ever. What a dumb list.
	__________________ Roseanne Barr on being a tyrant for the direction and control of her show: "If you're male you have a vision and if you're female you're a tyrant" "Roseanne" = Greatest. Show. Ever. Created.