Designing Women (1986)
The sharp, Southern-set CBS sitcom that turned an Atlanta design firm into a stage for wit, feminism, and unforgettable characters.
Designing Women - Series Information
- Original Title: Designing Women
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1993
- Created by: Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 163
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 29, 1986 (United States - TV-PG), September 29, 1986 (Germany - 12), September 29, 1986 (France - 12), September 29, 1986 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: The Best of Designing Women (US)
- Production Companies: Columbia Pictures Television, Mozark Productions, Embassy Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Designing Women - Plot
Julia Sugarbaker, Mary Jo Shively, Charlene Frazier-Stillfield and Suzanne Sugarbaker are associates at their design firm, Sugarbaker and Associates. Julia is the owner and is very outspoken and strong-willed. Mary Jo is a divorced single-parent whom is just as strong-willed as Julia, but isn't as self-confident. Charlene is the naive and trusting farm girl from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Suzanne is the self-centered ex-beauty queen whom has a number of wealthy ex-husbands.
Designing Women - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the Southern charm and sharp comedy ahead:
Designed to keep you laughing!
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Designing Women - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Main Cast
- Dixie Carter
- Annie Potts
- Meshach Taylor
- Jean Smart
- Delta Burke
- Alice Ghostley
- Jan Hooks
- Julia Duffy
- Judith Ivey
- Richard Gilliland
Writers
- Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
- Norma Safford Vela
- Michael Ross
- David Steinberg
- Mimi Pond
Executive Producers
- Harry Thomason
- Linda Bloodworth-Thomason
Designing Women - FAQs
Where can you stream Designing Women today?
Designing Women is currently available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. The series ran for seven seasons on CBS from 1986 to 1993, and Hulu remains one of the most accessible platforms for watching all 163 episodes of this beloved classic sitcom.
What is the famous 'night the lights went out' episode?
"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" is one of the most celebrated episodes of Designing Women, in which Julia Sugarbaker delivers a blistering monologue defending Suzanne at a beauty pageant. It perfectly showcases Dixie Carter's commanding presence and became one of the show's most quoted and iconic moments.
Why did Delta Burke leave Designing Women?
Delta Burke departed Designing Women after Season 5 amid widely reported tensions with producers Harry Thomason and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. Disputes over her weight, on-set behavior, and creative differences were cited. Her exit was one of the most publicized cast departures in late 1980s television, and the show continued with new cast members.
Who created Designing Women and when did it premiere?
Designing Women was created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and premiered on CBS on September 29, 1986. The show ran for seven seasons, concluding in 1993, and became known for its sharp political commentary, feminist themes, and the memorable ensemble cast of Southern women.
Is Designing Women based on a true story?
Designing Women is not based on a specific true story, but creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason drew heavily from her own Southern upbringing and the women she knew growing up in Missouri. The characters' voices, attitudes, and social commentary reflect real cultural experiences of Southern professional women during the 1980s.
How many seasons and episodes does Designing Women have?
Designing Women ran for 7 seasons and 163 episodes on CBS. Season 1 through Season 7 each contained between 22 and 28 episodes, with Season 4 being the largest at 28 episodes. There are also 2 special episodes included in the complete series catalog.
Who are the main cast members of Designing Women?
The original core cast featured Dixie Carter as Julia Sugarbaker, Annie Potts as Mary Jo Shively, Jean Smart as Charlene Frazier Stillfield, Delta Burke as Suzanne Sugarbaker, and Meshach Taylor as Anthony Bouvier. Later seasons introduced Alice Ghostley, Jan Hooks, Julia Duffy, Judith Ivey, and Richard Gilliland.
What are shows similar to Designing Women?
Fans of Designing Women may enjoy other ensemble workplace comedies and character-driven sitcoms such as Growing Pains, That '70s Show, Keeping Up Appearances, and What I Like About You. For editorial picks with comparable wit and warmth, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and In Living Color also share a spirited ensemble sensibility.
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