Murphy Brown (1988)
The groundbreaking CBS sitcom that put a razor-sharp female journalist at the center of American comedy and culture for a decade.
Murphy Brown - Series Information
- Original Title: Murphy Brown
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Created by: Diane English
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Number of Episodes: 247
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 14, 1988 (United States - TV-PG), November 14, 1988 (Canada - PG), November 14, 1988 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Shukovsky English Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Murphy Brown - Plot
Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) is a recovering alcoholic who returns to the fictional newsmagazine FYI for the first time following a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic residential treatment center. Over 40 and single, she is sharp tongued and hard as nails. In her profession, she is considered one of the boys, having shattered many glass ceilings encountered during her career. Dominating the FYI news magazine, she is portrayed as one of America's hardest-hitting (though not the warmest or more sympathetic) media personalities.
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Murphy Brown - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Diane English
Main Cast
- Candice Bergen
- Faith Ford
- Joe Regalbuto
- Charles Kimbrough
- Pat Corley
- Grant Shaud
- Robert Pastorelli
- Lily Tomlin
- John Hostetter
- Ritch Brinkley
Writers
- Gary Dontzig
- Steven Peterman
- Tom Palmer
- Rob Bragin
- Denise Moss
Executive Producers
- Diane English
- Gary Dontzig
Murphy Brown - FAQs
Where can you watch Murphy Brown online?
Murphy Brown is available to stream on select platforms in the United States. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links available in your region, as availability may vary over time.
Why was Murphy Brown so controversial in the 1990s?
Murphy Brown sparked a major national debate in 1992 when the character chose to have a child as a single mother. Then-Vice President Dan Quayle publicly criticized the storyline as undermining family values, turning a TV plot point into a genuine political flashpoint that dominated headlines for weeks.
Who are the main cast members of Murphy Brown?
The principal cast includes Candice Bergen as Murphy Brown, Faith Ford as Corky Sherwood, Joe Regalbuto as Frank Fontana, Charles Kimbrough as Jim Dial, Grant Shaud as Miles Silverberg, Robert Pastorelli as Eldin Bernecky, Pat Corley as Phil, and Lily Tomlin as Kay Carter-Shepley.
How many Emmy Awards did Murphy Brown win?
Murphy Brown was one of the most decorated comedies of its era, earning 18 Primetime Emmy Awards over its run. Candice Bergen won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy five times for her portrayal of the fearless, quick-witted newsmagazine anchor.
What is Murphy Brown about?
Murphy Brown follows a fiercely independent, sharp-tongued TV journalist who anchors the fictional newsmagazine FYI. Returning from a stint at the Betty Ford Clinic, she navigates a chaotic newsroom, personal milestones, and the absurdities of the media world with biting humor and relentless ambition.
When did Murphy Brown first air on CBS?
Murphy Brown premiered on CBS on November 14, 1988. The series ran for ten seasons, concluding in 1998 after 247 episodes, making it one of the longest-running and most celebrated sitcoms in American television history.
Is Murphy Brown based on a real journalist?
Murphy Brown is a fictional character, though creator Diane English drew inspiration from real-world broadcast journalism culture. The character's tenacity and glass-ceiling-breaking career were seen as composites of trailblazing female journalists of the era, rather than a portrait of any single individual.
How many seasons does Murphy Brown have?
Murphy Brown ran for 10 seasons on CBS, spanning from 1988 to 1998 and comprising 247 episodes in total. Each season averaged roughly 22 to 27 episodes, with the show maintaining strong ratings and critical acclaim throughout most of its decade-long run.
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