The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)
The beloved CBS sitcom that redefined the American working woman and transformed television comedy forever.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - Series Information
- Original Title: The Mary Tyler Moore Show
- First Air Year: 1970
- Last Air Year: 1977
- Created by: Allan Burns, James L. Brooks
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 25 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 168
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 19, 1970 (United States - NR), September 19, 1970 (Canada - PG), September 19, 1970 (Germany - 6), September 19, 1970 (Italy - T), September 19, 1970 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: MTM Enterprises
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Oh Mary! (DE)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - Plot
30-year-old single Mary Richards moves to Minneapolis to start a new life after a romantic break-up. There she reacquaints with Phyllis who rents her a room, and meets her upstairs neighbor and new best friend Rhoda. Mary unexpectedly lands a job as associate producer at the TV station WJM, where she works alongside her bristly boss, Lou; the comical newswriter, Murray; and the newscast's often-incompetent anchor, Ted.
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The Mary Tyler Moore Show - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Allan Burns
- James L. Brooks
Main Cast
- Mary Tyler Moore
- Ed Asner
- Gavin MacLeod
- Ted Knight
- Valerie Harper
- Cloris Leachman
- Georgia Engel
- Betty White
- John Amos
- Lisa Gerritsen
Writers
- David Lloyd
- Treva Silverman
- Lorenzo Music
- James L. Brooks
- Elias Davis
Executive Producers
- James L. Brooks
- Allan Burns
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - FAQs
Was The Mary Tyler Moore Show groundbreaking for women on TV?
Absolutely. The series presented one of television's first single, independent career women as a lead character. Mary Richards was not defined by marriage or family aspirations but by professional ambition, making the show a cultural touchstone for the women's liberation movement of the 1970s and a pivotal moment in American sitcom history.
How many Emmy Awards did The Mary Tyler Moore Show win?
The series was one of the most decorated in Emmy history, winning 29 Emmy Awards across its seven-season run. It claimed Outstanding Comedy Series three times and set a remarkable record in 1977 by sweeping all four major acting categories in a single ceremony — a feat that has never been repeated.
Where can you stream The Mary Tyler Moore Show?
The Mary Tyler Moore Show is available to stream on Philo with a subscription. Episodes can also be purchased digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so checking JustWatch is recommended for the most current and complete streaming options near you.
Who are the main cast members of The Mary Tyler Moore Show?
The principal cast includes Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards, Ed Asner as Lou Grant, Gavin MacLeod as Murray Slaughter, Ted Knight as Ted Baxter, Valerie Harper as Rhoda Morgenstern, Cloris Leachman as Phyllis Lindstrom, Georgia Engel as Georgette Franklin, and Betty White as Sue Ann Nivens.
When did The Mary Tyler Moore Show first air?
The show premiered on September 19, 1970, on CBS. It ran for seven seasons, concluding in 1977 with 168 episodes in total. The finale remains one of the most celebrated in television history, widely praised for its emotional resonance and the dignified, affectionate send-off it gave its beloved ensemble cast.
What is The Mary Tyler Moore Show about?
The show follows Mary Richards, a 30-year-old single woman who moves to Minneapolis after a breakup and lands a job as associate producer at fictional TV station WJM. Balancing friendships with neighbors Rhoda and Phyllis alongside workplace dynamics with gruff boss Lou Grant, the series blends warm character comedy with sharp social observation.
Who created The Mary Tyler Moore Show?
The series was created by Allan Burns and James L. Brooks, developed for CBS under MTM Enterprises — the production company founded by Mary Tyler Moore and her then-husband Grant Tinker. Both Burns and Brooks served as executive producers throughout the show's entire seven-season run on CBS.
How many seasons does The Mary Tyler Moore Show have?
The Mary Tyler Moore Show ran for seven seasons on CBS from 1970 to 1977. Each of the seven main seasons comprised 24 episodes, totalling 168 episodes across the series. An additional collection of special episodes is catalogued separately. The show concluded on its own terms, widely regarded as ending at the height of its creative powers.
More About The Mary Tyler Moore Show
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