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/.

Diana Ross' 1983 Central Park Concert

Dec 2, 2015

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams puts on her leadership professor cap to wax enthusiastically about the 90 minute of video of one of the most significant concerts of the 20th century. In the early 80s, budding paid-cable channel Showtime courted new subscribers with novel streaming opportunities like Diana Ross in concert in...

Women Writers of MTM Pt 3 (Treva Silverman)

Nov 23, 2015

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong to talk about what she learned researching her book "Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted: And All the Brilliant Minds Who Made The Mary Tyler Moore Show a Classic." Jennifer shares insights into the key role of Treva Silverman who helped develop all...

Women of MTM Pt 2 (Words, Casting, Fashion)

Nov 18, 2015

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams continues her conversation with author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong about her book "Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted: And All the Brilliant Minds who Made The Mary Tyler Moore Show A Classic." They discuss the contributions and stories of writers Susan Silver, Jenna McMahon, Gail Parent, Marilyn...

Women of MTM (1970-77) Pt 1

Nov 12, 2015

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong to discuss the women behind the scenes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Jennifer tells of her experience having the creative women agree to be interviewed for her book, and together, they recall the Rhoda look and the infamous Chuckles the Clown funeral.

6 Lost Episodes of Cagney and Lacey

Nov 6, 2015

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams continues the examination of the early years and struggle of television's groundbreaking series, Cagney and Lacey. She reviews the Movie-of-the-Week / pilot that starred Loretta Swit as Cagney, alongside Tyne Daly and the challenges presented by the casting of Meg Foster and an ever-changing...