Episodes

Preview site
Business

A nice Business landingpage to showcase your business, services and products!

Preview site
Business Landing Page

A nice Business landingpage to showcase your business, services and products!

More Episodes
Preview site
App Landing Page

A beautiful landingpage perfect for showcasing an iPhone or other mobile app.

Discover more homepages

Episode 302: “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 Director

Learn More

Episode 301: “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.

Learn More

Episode 300: “SNEAK PEEK: Susan and Sharon Spill Secrets for Season 3” FOR THE WEBSITE

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?

Learn More

BONUS: 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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Episode 238: “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."

Learn More

Episode 237: 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 registered for classes at Hillman College TV. And now it’s time for finals. This will ALL be on the test. Professors Lambert and Johnson assigned these episodes to watch:

Learn More

Episode 236: A Different World and Strategies for Revolution in Hollywood | 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 World

Learn More

Episode 235: “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, Susan Fales-Hill. Content Warning: Sexual Assault/Child Sexual Abuse. At approx. 53:00 - 58:00 short discussion of date rape and child sexual assault.

Learn More

Episode 234: “Exploring A Different World | Writer 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.

Learn More

Episode 233: “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 Eliasberg

Learn More

Episode 232: 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.

Learn More

Special Episode: “Nominated For Best Indie Podcast | Help Us Win a Webby Award!”

Vote for 80’s TV Ladies for Best Indie Podcast at the Webby Awards Now!

Learn More

Episode 231: “Moonlighting | Our Top 8 Favorite Episodes”

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?

Learn More

Episode 230 ENCORE: "Revisit Cagney & 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!

Learn More

Episode 229: “Moonlighting | 90’s 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?

Learn More

Episode 228: “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, Moonlighting

Learn More

Episode 227: 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 Caron, creator of Moonlighting

Learn More

Episode 226: 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 Moonlighting

Learn More

Episode 225: “The Rockford Files, 80s TV & 70s Family 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.

Learn More

Episode 224: “Star Trek Ladies: Nana Visitor | Deep Space Nine, Part 2”

“Every new Star Trek show ‘ruins’ Star Trek.” – Nana Visitor

Learn More

Episode 223: “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 Visitor

Learn More

Episode 222: “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.

Learn More

Episode 221: “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.

Learn More

Episode 220: BONUS: From “Golden Girls” to “A Divas Christmas” with 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.

Learn More

Episode 219: Designing Women With Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Part Two

Susan and Sharon continue their discussion with the creator of Designing Women, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason (plus Evening Shade, Hearts Afire).

Learn More

Episode 218: “‘Designing Women’ With Linda Bloodworth Thomason, Part One”

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".

Learn More

Episode 217 “All the Women of Designing Women’”

Susan 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 Annie Potts – PLUS the three cast members that joined up later in the run: Jan Hooks, Julia Duffy and Judith Ivy.

Learn More

Episode 216: 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.

Learn More

Episode 215: “Celebrities, Crushes and Comics with 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.

Learn More

Episode 214: 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!

Learn More

Episode 213: “It’s a Living with The 90’s TV Babies’”

“The key to good women-driven stories is… Sheryl Lee Ralph” – 90’s TV Babies Susan 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!

Learn More

Episode 212: “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’ “What Difference Does It Make?” podcast 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!

Learn More

Episode 211: “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 Valliere Welcome to Susan and Sharon’s very first “Fanbar” event – where we talk with outstanding fans of 80s TV shows.

Learn More

Episode 210: "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 Bricusse Susan and Sharon wrap up their thoughts on “It’s A Living” with a global look at everything “IAL” -- from their 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!

Learn More

Episode 209: "It’s A Living with Paul Kreppel"

“Sonny Mann is a guy with great talent -- but no taste” – Paul Kreppel Continuing 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”.

Learn More

Episode 208: “It’s A Living” with Jane Espenson and Drew Z. Greenberg”

You could tell that they were afraid the show was too sexy…" - Jane Espensen Susan and Sharon start their look back at the under-the-radar 1980s 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.I.E.L.D.” and “Arrow”

Learn More

Episode 207: “80s Fashion with Costume Designer Eilish Zebrasky”

Susan and Sharon get all dressed up and strut their stuff with legendary 80s and 90s TV and Film costume designer Eilish Zebrasky. For over 25 years, Eilish Zebrasky was Aaron Spelling Productions Costume Department Head, 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”, “Fantasy Island”, “Vega$” and “Charmed”.

Learn More

Episode 206: “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 ambition And yawn and stretch and listen in as Susan and Sharon talk "Nine to Five": The TV Series with pop culture podcaster and founder of Weirding Way Media, Chris Stachiw.

Learn More

Episode 205: “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.

Learn More

Episode 204: “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!

Learn More

Episode 203: “Say Gay: 70s, 80s and 90s Queer TV w/ 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.

Learn More

Episode 202: “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”.

Learn More

Episode 201: “Welcome to Season 2: Advanced TV Herstory w/ Cynthia Bemis Abram, 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.

Learn More

Episode 123: “Cagney & Lacey Wrap-Up: Ain’t That the Way’

80’s TV Ladies -- Episode 23?!? Who ever thought we’d get this far?!? Susan and Sharon celebrate the finale of their first season 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 TV series that spanned 7 seasons, 125 episodes and 4 two-hour TV movies?

Learn More

Episode 122: "Cagney & Lacey with the 90's 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 are back!

Learn More

Episode 121: “Directing 80s Television w/ Cagney & Lacey's 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”.

Learn More

Episode 120: "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”.

Learn More

Episode 119: "Cagney & Lacey with Tyne Daly"

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.

Learn More

Episode 118: "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…

Learn More

Episode 117: "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.

Learn More

Episode 116: “Stunts of Steele with 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.

Learn More

Episode 115: “The 90’s TV Babies Take On Remington Steele”

It’s the return of the 90’s TV Babies! Susan and Sharon welcome back Serita Fontanesi, Megan Rubble and Sergio Perez to get their 90s TV take on “Remington Steele”.

Learn More

Episode 114: “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”.

Learn More

Episode 113: "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.

Learn More

Episode 112: “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!

Learn More

Episode 111: “Remington Steele Interview with Stephanie Zimbalist – Part Two”

Steele Chatting: Susan and Sharon continue their talk with award-winning stage, TV and film actress Stephanie Zimbalist who created the 80s icon, Laura Holt…

Learn More

Episode 110: “Remington Steele Interview w/ 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.

Learn More

Episode 108: “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.

Learn More

Episode 109: “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”?

Learn More

Episode 107: "Deep Dark Secrets: Welcome to Remington Steele"

Try this for a deep, dark secret… Susan and Sharon begin their examination of the hit 1980s detective TV series. Premiering on October 10, 1982, “Remington Steele” starred two relative newcomers to the network TV landscape -- Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan.

Learn More

Episode 106: "Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Martha Smith"

Aka - Some Gals Have All The Luck! 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…

Learn More

Episode 105: Slipping sideways into Scarecrow, Mrs. King and Season 3

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…

Learn More

Episode 104: Scarecrow and Ms. 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 Kate Jackson action comedy, feminism in television, and managing long-term success in Hollywood. The discussion includes…

Learn More

Episode 103: “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…

Learn More

Episode 102: “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.

Learn More

Episode 101: 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.

Learn More

Podcast 0: "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 water-cooler conferences about big-hair television: the 1980s!

Learn More