Advanced TV Herstory

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams interviews playwright, producer, actor, and author Domenica Feraud about the lasting influence of television on identity, relationships, gender, and body image.

Drawing from her book You Are What You See, Feraud discusses how shows such as Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, Gilmore Girls, The O.C., and Beverly Hills, 90210 shape viewers’ ideas about womanhood and relationships. The conversation explores eating-disorder representation, sexual assault, sexual harassment, misogyny, Latina stereotypes, and the importance of adding historical and cultural context when revisiting older programs. Cynthia and Domenica also discuss women’s roles behind the scenes, gene...

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams speaks with Caroline Heldman, PhD, about the power of media to shape cultural change and the political imagination. They explore how television, streaming, film, advertising, social media, and AI influence who audiences see as leaders, experts, protagonists, and decision-makers.

Heldman explains her work developing "The Scully Effect" as it related to representation of women in STEM fields. Further, she stresses the importance of both quantitative and qualitative representation, the impact of inclusive storytelling on career aspirations, and continuing gaps affecting women, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ people and those of differing physical abilities and...

Minnesota-born actor Linda Kelsey reflects on her television career, including her role as reporter Billie Newman on Lou Grant (1977–1982) and her guest appearance on M*A*S*H in 1976. She discusses her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, her work across television, and how the writers and directors of Lou Grant tackled controversial social topics that helped give the series lasting cultural significance.

Linda and Cynthia discuss Billie Newman’s importance as representation of women in the male-dominated field of journalism post-Watergate, her on-screen relationship with Margaret Pynchon, and her off-screen connection with Nancy Marchand.

Linda revi...

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams interviews Dr. Clare Sears about her upcoming book on Killing Eve for Wayne State University Press’s TV Milestone Series.

Dr. Sears explains why Killing Eve qualifies as milestone television. The series created groundbreaking queer representation and framing within the traditional spy thriller genre.

Further, Sears explains how Killing Eve's creators subverted the cat-and-mouse thriller to stage desire, obsession, and power in ways TV rarely allows women characters to inhabit.

They also explore the show’s lasting impact on contemporary television and the series's fandom's focus on every detail.

Summer means the anniversary episode of Advanced TV Herstory. Cynthia Bemis Abrams reflects on the journey of her podcast, sharing insights and stories that shaped episodes during the past year. She revisits instances from interviews and correspondence that fortify her examination of storytelling through TV, and how it documents social progress and challenges.

Highlights:

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams examines the pivotal moments in TV talk show history where hosts overstepped boundaries and guests were challenged to stand up for themselves. Through a series of iconic examples like Lily Tomlin's poised resistance on The Dick Cavett Show and Joan Rivers' sharp retort on CNN, Cynthia highlights the crucial role of media training and self-awareness.

When talk show hosts use their power to obtain a newsworthy moment and a guest challenges them, it's like listening to a game of chess.

This episode underscores the importance of understanding and asserting personal boundaries...

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams speaks with Denise Nicholas, the iconic actress and writer known for her roles in Room 222 (1969-75) and In the Heat of the Night (1988-95). Promoting her long-awaited 2025 memoir Finding Home, Denise opens up about her groundbreaking career in television, the cultural impact of her roles as Liz McIntyre and Harriet DeLong, and her transition to writing. Discover how her personal experiences and passion for storytelling led to her acclaimed novel, Freshwater Road, and the influence of her work on the representation of Black women in media. Denise also shares anecdotes about working with producer and...

Advanced TV Herstory's host Cynthia Bemis Abrams takes listeners on a deep dive into the profound connections between television, feminism, and broader cultural and political shifts.

Recorded in April 2026, Cynthia explores the implications of the newly revealed Epstein files and their potential impact on how we understand television from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. She examines the role of powerful media figures and the male gaze in shaping TV content, particularly sitcoms, during these decades.

By analyzing the rise and fall of iconic sitcoms and comparing the portrayal of women in these shows, Cynthia sheds...

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams takes listeners on a survey of the connections between television, feminism, and broader cultural and political shifts. Recorded in April 2026, Cynthia explores the implications of the newly revealed Epstein files and their potential impact on how we understand television from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. She examines the role of powerful media figures and the male gaze in shaping TV content, particularly sitcoms, during these decades. By analyzing the rise and fall of iconic sitcoms and comparing the portrayal of women in these shows, Cynthia sheds light on evolving power dynamics, the normalization...

TV historian and host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Neal Sabin, Vice Chairman of Weigel Broadcasting, for a conversation about the enduring popularity of classic television and the role of "comfort TV" in modern broadcasting. Sabin oversees programming strategy for Weigel's widely distributed multicast networks, including MeTV, Catchy Comedy, Start TV, Heroes & Icons, Dabl, and Story Television Network.

Together they explore how classic television continues to find new audiences across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. In this episode, Sabin discusses the technical, legal, and creative work involved in preserving and presenting vintage television for modern viewers, including the...

Lifelong Minnesotan and veteran podcaster Cynthia Bemis Abrams reflects on Minnesota's outsized influence on American television, journalism, and culture in this timely solo episode of Advanced TV Herstory. Prompted by recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis beginning in December 2025, Cynthia revisits the mission of the podcast and reframes it through Minnesota's unique television legacy.

Cynthia highlights Minnesota-born or Minnesota-connected women who shaped American TV and public life, including Judy Garland, Jessica Lange, Lea Thompson, Marion Ross (Happy Days), Mary Tyler Moore, Loni Anderson and others. Cynthia also reflects on the role of comfort television, women in...

TV herstorian Cynthia Bemis Abrams spotlights Regina Jones, a pioneering media entrepreneur who made history as the first Black woman to publish nationally with a focus on soul music.

In this episode, Cynthia is joined by Alissa Shapiro, executive producer of Who in the Hell is Regina Jones?, a documentary that explores Jones' impact and SOUL Newspaper, and premieres on Weigel Broadcasting's Dabl TV, Story TV, and Start TV in February 2026 for Black History Month.

Together, they discuss:

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Mary Owen, daughter of Golden Age film and TV icon Donna Reed, to explore how The Donna Reed Show (1958–1966) pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and influenced portrayals of motherhood and feminism in sitcoms.

Reed's character, Donna Stone, was the first TV mom to lead a show focused on everyday family life — earning her a Golden Globe and backlash from Second Wave Feminists. Mary shares first-hand stories about growing up on set, preserving her mother's legacy, and how progressive ideas, like casting a Black neighbor boy, were shut down by the network. Cynthia and Mary...

Award-winning showrunner Beth Sullivan joins host Cynthia Bemis Abrams for a deep dive into the creation and legacy of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and The Trials of Rosie O'Neill. Sullivan, a UCLA graduate and screenwriting professor, shares how she built empowering female characters, assembled diverse ensembles, and balanced historical realism with emotional storytelling.

The conversation also features actor Jonelle Allen, known for portraying Grace on Dr. Quinn, who reflects on her experience working with Sullivan and the show's intentional representation of race, gender, and frontier life.

🎧 Highlights include: The historical importance of portraying a woman doc...

TV herstorian Cynthia Bemis Abrams reports back from a star-studded week in Los Angeles, where she met creators, paid tribute to icons, and reflected on the past, present, and future of women in Hollywood.

In this personal recap, Cynthia shares highlights from her California adventure, including:

Cynthia Bemis Abrams sits down with actor and singer Stepfanie Kramer at the Paley Center for Media to revisit her trailblazing role as Sgt. Dee Dee McCall on Hunter (1984–1991).

Together, they unpack:

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams connects the dots between TV, feminism, and workplace protections in this powerful episode inspired by her law review article, co-authored with legal scholar Mary Trevor.

Their work explores how decades of television shaped public understanding of sexual harassment, particularly the form known as quid pro quo. From prime-time depictions to real-life milestones like Anita Hill's Senate testimony, Cynthia and Mary walk us through the TV, cultural and legal shifts that defined the transition from Second to Third Wave Feminist movement.

The law review article, Power Plays: Women and Progressive Television Battle...

Celebrate 11 years of Advanced TV Herstory with host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and special guest Elsie Escobar, Podcast Hall of Famer and co-founder of She Podcasts. This milestone conversation dives into the evolution of independent podcasting, technological innovations, and the power of diverse voices in audio storytelling.

Cynthia and Elsie explore:

Elsie's trailblazing journey as a Latina podcasting leader;

Key shifts in podcast technology, audience experience, and distribution;

How women-led podcasts are shaping the industry;

Lessons from Elsie's advocacy for creators in non-English-speaking communities; and

TV series that...

Award-winning writer and professor Georgia Jeffries joins Cynthia Bemis Abrams to reflect on her pioneering work in television and screenwriting. From her early magazine articles to Emmy-winning work on Cagney & Lacey, China Beach and Sisters, Jeffries reveals how she broke into Hollywood's writers' rooms and built a career defined by dramatic integrity and feminist storytelling.

Georgia discusses:

Learn more...

Why do cozy mysteries still dominate the mystery genre, decades after their prime? Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Prof. Bridget Kies of Oakland University for an insightful conversation exploring the fan favorite series Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996) and the enduring appeal of the cozy crime format.

Explore:

From Lucille Ball to Tina Fey, from Joan Rivers to Margaret Cho, women have been rewriting the rules of comedy for decades, and they're not done yet. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by Lynn Harris, founder of Gold Comedy, to explore the legacy and future of funny women on TV. Together, they dissect the comedic influence of legends like Mary Tyler Moore, Moms Mabley, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus — and discuss why shows like SNL still present challenges for women today. With a nod to streaming, social media, and evolving industry gatekeepers, this episode dives into how women and non-binary cr...

Cynthia says,"There's no better definition of representation than the career of Connie Chung."

Look no further than TV news anchor Connie Chung's groundbreaking career for the textbook definition of representation. Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores Chung's impact as a trailblazing Chinese-American journalist through the lens of her 2024 book, Connie, A Memoir.

Revisit Chung's rise through national television journalism, her lasting legacy, and her influence on American culture—including the surprise moment during her 2024 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson. Cynthia also reflects on Chung's open letter in The Washington Post, written in su...

Cynthia Bemis Abrams sits down with Oscar-nominated documentary director Julie Cohen to explore her career in network TV journalism and filmmaking. The conversation covers Cohen's path to power as a storyteller, highlighting her work on films about Pauli Murray, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Julia Child.

Cohen shares insights into her acclaimed projects, including:

RBG (2018), the documentary about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which gained widespread recognition.

My Name is Pauli Murray (2021), the film on the groundbreaking but lesser-known civil rights activist and attorney. Every Body (2023), a documentary about the intersex rights movement and personal...

In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by author Angela Beauchamp to explore how Eleanor Roosevelt, a trailblazing communicator, shaped early public affairs programming. They discuss Roosevelt's prolific media presence, from her "My Day" newspaper column and radio broadcasts to her groundbreaking television appearances.

The conversation highlights how Roosevelt's political influence extended beyond her time as First Lady, using media to engage the public and advocate for change. Angela Beauchamp shares insights from her book Eleanor Roosevelt on Screen: The First Lady's Appearances in Film and Television, 1932-1962, that details the...

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and filmmaker Lisa D'Apolito pick up the conversation about documentaries, this time about Gilda Radner and the 2018 film, Love, Gilda. In fall 2024, Lisa was a guest along with Mallory Lewis to discuss the documentary, Shari and Lamb Chop.

Cynthia and Lisa explore Lisa's journey from acting to filmmaking and why Lisa uses her talents to tell the stories of women whose accomplishments and impact have been overlooked. They discuss Gilda's diaries, comedians interviewed for the film like Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolf, Bill Hader and Melissa McCarthy and how Lisa built trust with Gilda's...

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams takes you to The Paley Center for Media in New York City, exploring its role in preserving television history and hosting key industry events like PaleyFest.

Cynthia dives into The Paley Archive during her visit, recounting her observations while watching the iconic 1973 broadcast of Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs in the historic "Battle of the Sexes." Listen in as Cynthia unpacks the significance of the archive, her first searches in the database, and her candid reactions to Howard Cosell's commentary alongside Rosie Casals and Gene Scott.

Episode Resources Battle of...

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams speaks with Karly Beaumont, creator of Core Temp Arts and contributor to TV Movie Mistress, about the comforting power of television. As a Dominican native and lifelong creative, Karly shares her journey as a podcaster and media critic, offering insights into how shows like Bluey, You're the Worst, and UnREAL are her emotional touchstones during challenging times.

Cynthia and Karly probe ways to navigate this time of uncertainty, including listening to understand and recognizing signs of fear. Damian Ali of TalkTeaV contributes a timely message about inclusion and storytelling in today's TV landscape...

In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams discusses the compelling documentary Shari and Lambchop with Mallory Lewis and director Lisa D’Apolito (Love, Gilda).

The film chronicles Shari Lewis' life and her constant reinvention across a variety of roles—TV show host, magician, dancer, singer, actress, author, and even symphony conductor. Featuring archival footage and interviews, this documentary uncovers the multifaceted talent of Shari Lewis, including her work as a feminist, philosopher, and visionary in children’s television. Sesame Street’s Megan Piphus Peace provides a generational perspective on Shari Lewis’ enduring influence and creati...

In the last 10-20 years, attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people in America have shifted due to more positive visibility and evolving cultural norms. Cynthia takes a look at two moments from 1970s television that revealed glimpses of LGBTQ+ allyship—a talk show moment and a 1974 episode of Police Woman.

In 1970, June Lockhart appeared on The Virginia Graham Show and stopped the hostess in her tracks, pushing back on stereotypes and tropes common for the time. And the story of how a 54-year-old clip is available for viewing is its own testament to advocacy. LGBTQ+ scholar and media documentarian St...

"One look comparing TV from the early part of the 80s to the latter years reveals A LOT of change - technology, sophistication and subject matter most immediately come to mind," Cynthia observes.

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams loves to talk TV. "I really enjoy every exchange with Susan [Lambert] and Sharon [Johnson], otherwise known as the 80s TV Ladies. When their podcast, 80s TV Ladies, launched, they invited me to be a guest. It was a blast and over the last two years, the two podcasts have furthered a shared exploration of how women...

Welcome to this anniversary episode of Advanced TV Herstory which is our annual chance to reflect on past highlights and share vision. Join Cynthia Bemis Abrams as she reflects on a decade of podcasting, noting the journey, and growth that led the mission of connecting the dots between feminism, TV, and American culture.

In This Episode

Before Oprah. Before Arsenio. There was Della.

Singer, talk show host, actor, minister, and cultural icon Della Reese shattered barriers across media genres — and made history as the first Black woman to host her own syndicated talk show in 1969. In this heartfelt episode, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams pays tribute to Reese’s remarkable career and unrelenting spirit.

Drawing from Reese’s 1997 memoir Angels Along the Way, this episode explores:

In this special Mother's Day episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the profound impact of women who shape our lives, with inspiration from Victoria Rowell's compelling memoir, The Women Who Raised Me.

Rowell, a two-time Emmy nominee and 11-time NAACP Image Award winner, shares her incredible journey through the foster care system and the women who nurtured her into a successful actor, dancer, and advocate. From her iconic roles on The Young and the Restless and Diagnosis: Murder to her advocacy for foster children and mental health, Victoria Rowell's story is a testament...

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Dr. Sherry Ginn, the current president of the Pop Culture Association (PCA) and a renowned scholar in pop culture and science fiction. Recorded live at the PCA National Conference in Chicago, the discussion covers a range of topics, including:

Dr. Ginn shares her insights on female representation and role models in science fiction, the intersections of feminism and diversity, and the challenges posed by male writers and...

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams delves into a captivating 1958 episode of Edward R. Murrow’s Small World, featuring Vivien Leigh, Samuel Goldwyn, and Kenneth Tynan.

As we explore this rare television appearance, we uncover the dynamics of a conversation that challenges cultural norms of the time. With topics ranging from ethnic representation in theater to the transition of performers in different roles, Leigh’s voice shines through, highlighting her as a fierce advocate for artistic integrity. Despite her struggles with bipolar disorder, Leigh's contributions continue to resonate in modern discourse. This episode is a tribute to h...

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Yvonne Perry to Advanced TV Herstory. Yvonne is an award-winning actor, drama teacher, director, and intimacy coordinator. In addition to her work in film and prime-time television, she originated the role of Rosanna Cabot on As the World Turns.

Yvonne's experience in daytime TV, with its groundbreaking storylines and thoughtful intimacy handling, has informed her approach to work today. Cynthia and Yvonne reflect on the wins in the 2023 SAG-AFTRA contract, including new standards and protocols for the use of intimacy coordinators. Yvonne discusses her experience working in this emerging field and the...

In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, we celebrate the "Parade of Accomplished Women" by highlighting notable contributions of women in television, both in front of and behind the camera. Co-hosts Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Ashley Pacini delve into the legacies of women who have portrayed themselves on TV or represented the unseen, as well as those who have had prolific careers without becoming household names. This episode is a tribute to their enduring impact on entertainment and culture, showcasing a diverse array of talent across different roles and genres.

Ashley Pacini - Co-host and collaborator

In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, we celebrate the "Parade of Accomplished Women" by highlighting notable contributions of women in television, both in front of and behind the camera. Co-hosts Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Ashley Pacini delve into the legacies of women who have portrayed themselves on TV or represented the unseen, as well as those who have had prolific careers without becoming household names. This episode is a tribute to their enduring impact on entertainment and culture, showcasing a diverse array of talent across different roles and genres.

Ashley Pacini - Co-host and collaborator

Advanced TV Herstory's special series on TV Talk Shows examines one interview that became the focus of multi-year, high profile litigation. Big talk show moments, especially the controversial ones, provide snapshots that we can use to examine our politics and culture at a singular point in time. Some of the moments we discuss in this series may be unfamiliar to you or they may seem obscure or forgotten, but that's the point. We're here to preserve TV Herstory.

Today, when alternative facts are part of our daily life, it's especially instructive to look back more than 40 years...

We know her as Meemaw, Mary Jo Shively, Emmie Sims, and the voice of Bo Peep. But Annie Potts is hooked on helping others, and she's here to tell us about that part of her life. In doing so, she inspires us with her commitment and challenges us to "turn the car around," an important phrase in a story she tells listeners.

Annie's charitable organization, The Heart Channels, provides direct support quickly and creatively to people at critical crossroads in their life. Its mission reflects what Annie witnessed growing up—that wherever there was a need, people op...