10 Epic Moments in Murphy Brown-dom
“Make America Murphy Again!“ -Murphy Brown
In the past thirty years, society’s opinion on what is deemed an acceptable lifestyle has changed drastically. And television has been a driving force behind this positive change, notably in status quo–challenging TV moments like Ellen DeGeneres's coming out episode, Family Matters’ “Car Wars” episode which discussed sexism, and Murphy Brown’s choice to be a single mother.
Murphy Brown, the title character of the Emmy-winning, provocative sitcom that ran 1988–1998 (and was just rebooted on CBS), was a progressive and feminist leader within television. She claimed her spot as a journalist and as a news anchor in a male dominated industry and did more than just claim it, she excelled in it! Unlike most women displayed on television, she was a sharp shooter and go-getter without needing a femme fatale persona to get her way. Murphy said what was on her mind and never filtered how she felt about relevant social issues like the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, single motherhood, and breast cancer. She was a pioneer for so many great television leading ladies like Liz Lemon from 30 Rock, Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec, and Carrie on Sex and the City. Murphy Brown paved the way for smart, funny, and true-to life women in television. As per a recent tweet, Murphy Brown’s revival this year is gonna be yuuuggeeee and I, for one, cannot contain my excitement enough for what is to come this season.
I celebrate Murphy’s self-assurance and feminist flair and these are my favorite ten epic Murphy Brown moments.
1) “Waiting to Inhale”
In season ten, Murphy was undergoing chemotherapy and due to nausea and illness, had to take time off from her work as a television anchor. Her coanchor, Jim, decided to go buy medical marijuana to help Murphy relieve her pain. This was a huge step in the media industry toward to normalizing the use of weed on television.
2) Disclosing the Realistic Difficulties for New Mothers
It took years for pregnancy to be portrayed on television. Murphy Brown’s realistic representation of new-motherhood, and the challenges that come with it, such as nursing, was a huge step forward.
3) She Knows How to Stand Up for Herself and Women Everywhere
She was an open and trailblazing feminist throughout the entirety of the show which was a rare find in ‘80–90s television. The producers of the show called Murphy Brown “Mike Wallace in a Dress” because of her sharp-tongued and hard-nosed attitude.
4) She Doesn’t Need Any Man to Save Her
She embraced single-hood with open arms. Bring it in, ladies!
5) She Uncovers the Hard Truth About Breast Cancer
Women receiving mammograms increased by 30% after this episode was aired.
6. When Murphy Sang with the Queen of Soul Herself
RIP Queen of Soul. We love and miss you dearly. Hopefully they’ll have an episode commemorating Aretha Franklin and the beauty and goodness she brought to the universe.
7. Defending Corky from Sexual Harassment
Check out that grip! That guy never sexually harassed Corky again.
8. Political Goddess
Although Murphy Brown herself was a political genius, Candice Bergen is a progressive knight in shining armor in every way and to that, we tip our hat in utmost respect.
9. Still Able to Kick Butt as a News Anchor Even After Rehab
Murphy Brown was a recovering alcoholic returning from rehab and managed to overcome her issues, kick down glass ceilings like the news ninja she was, and be the best news anchor FYI ever saw.
10. Obviously the Whole Dan Quayle Episode
On the first two episodes of season five entitled “You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato,” Murphy Brown addressed Dan Quayle’s actual criticism of her “single mother lifestyle” and disputed his claims. Dan Quayle earlier that year made the embarrassing mistake of misspelling the word “potato” as “potatoe”; hence the title of this episode which mocked Quayle’s intelligence (or lack thereof).
Although she was the progressive champion of the ’80/’90s, her impact has carried forward until today. Topics such as #MeToo, #TimesUp, and other relevant current issues will be explored in the new season of Murphy Brown as we see how Murphy reacts and conquers the new hurdles that are thrown at her. I don’t know about you, but I am psyched to see superhero Murphy Brown back in action!
Murphy Brown star Candice Bergen along the show’s creator Diane English will be at PaleyFest NY on October 13 offering an inside look on what we can expect this season. She will be returning to Thursday this fall on CBS! You can refresh your memory by watching full episodes at the Paley Center library.
Paley Matters is a publication of The Paley Center for Media.
Rachel is an intern in the creative services department at the Paley Center for Media this fall. Rachel is a senior at Lander College for Women, majoring in marketing management. She is a huge Disney geek who will be running the Disney Princess Marathon this winter, and her lifelong dream is to become Stan Lee’s adoptive granddaughter. Fingers crossed.
