Norman Lear Eps. That Changed the World: 'Maude’s Dilemma'

[JamesG]

Maude — Season 1, Eps. 9-10 — “Maude’s Dilemma”
Original Air Date: Nov. 14 – Nov. 15, 1972


CBS only had one objection to the groundbreaking two-parter — which came a year before Roe vs. Wade, though abortion was already legal in New York, where the show was set — that brought the abortion debate into America’s living rooms: that both sides be represented.

The episode, penned by future "Golden Girls" creator Susan Harris, follows Bea Arthur’s Maude Findlay, an outspoken liberal woman on her fourth marriage, discovering a surprise pregnancy at age 47. In the end, a deeply conflicted Maude decides to have the abortion, and cites her age as a key concern.



The episode was aired by all but two of CBS’ nearly 200 affiliates.

It was only when the episode was slated for a re-airing in August 1973 that the United States Catholic Conference mobilized, resulting in 40 affiliates refusing to air it and all corporate sponsors dropping their advertising.

CBS could live with that: Maude finished the season at number 4 in the ratings. – Seth Abramovitch

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv...ld-1235714838/