Advanced TV Herstory

Welcome to Advanced TV Herstory, the podcast that connects the dots of TV & feminism and American politics & culture. We tell the stories of women in TV who have had a profound impact on the confidence and aspirations of generations of girls and women.

We highlight the pioneering journalists, talented actresses, and gutsy writers who challenged societal norms and provide historical context for their achievements within the cultural and political trends of the time. By exploring the past, we ensure that the struggles, triumphs, and milestones of these women are not lost to history.

Hosted and produced by television scholar Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Advanced TV Herstory is more than just a podcast. It is a research-based examination of the evolution of television and women in our society. Each episode is an opportunity to inspire listeners to believe in themselves, challenge norms, break barriers, and shape the future of television and our world.

Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at www.tvherstory.com/.

A Trip to NYC's Paley Center: Revisiting Battle of the Sexes

Dec 23, 2024

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, her top destination. She recounts her observations while watching the iconic 1973...

Comfort TV: Finding Joy with Karly Beaumont

Nov 26, 2024

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...

Shari Lewis’ Reinventions: A Documentary on Legacy and Talent

Oct 17, 2024

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,...

June and Pepper: Early 70s LGBTQ+ Allyship

Sep 10, 2024

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...

Reliving 80s TV, feat. 80s TV Ladies

Aug 16, 2024

I love to talk TV and I really enjoy every exchange with Susan and Sharon, 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 have been represented...