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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/.

  1. All Episodes
  2. Designing Women vs. Body Shaming: Delta Burke’s Story

Designing Women vs. Body Shaming: Delta Burke’s Story

Jan 23, 2016

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Dr. Wendy Burns-Ardolino, author of TV Female Foursomes and Their Fans, to discuss the groundbreaking 1989 Designing Women episode, "They Shoot Fat Women, Don't They?"

The episode tackled the tabloid-fueled controversy surrounding Delta Burke and her weight gain, which was sensationalized in the press as a supposed feud with showrunner Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. Cynthia and Wendy analyze how this episode was ahead of its time in addressing fat-shaming, media scrutiny, and the impact of beauty standards on women in Hollywood.

This conversation sheds light on how body image, sexism, and workplace tensions were woven into a prime-time sitcom while exploring Delta Burke’s real-life struggles and her legacy in television.

Podcast Episode Plot Summary

By the late 1980s, Delta Burke, best known for her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker, faced relentless media scrutiny over her changing appearance. Designing Women responded directly with the episode "They Shoot Fat Women, Don’t They?", in which Suzanne is publicly shamed at a high school reunion.

Cynthia and Dr. Wendy Burns-Ardolino explore:
  • The historical significance of the episode as one of the earliest sitcoms to directly challenge fat-shaming.
  • The tabloid culture of the late ‘80s and how it fueled rumors about Delta Burke’s on-set difficulties.
  • Burke’s pageant past and how beauty standards shaped public perception of her career.
  • The ongoing conversation about weight bias, feminism, and self-worth in entertainment.
The discussion highlights the cultural impact of this episode and how body image and self-acceptance remain relevant issues today.

Episode Resources
Referenced Shows and Networks:
  • Designing Women (CBS, 1986–1993)
  • They Shoot Fat Women, Don’t They? (Season 4, Episode 6) – Aired December 11, 1989
 
Guest Resources:
  • TV Female Foursomes and Their Fans by Wendy Burns-Ardolino

Related Episodes:

Episode Life Lessons
  • TV has the power to challenge cultural norms – Designing Women used comedy to confront fat-shaming decades before mainstream media fully embraced body positivity.
  • Tabloid narratives shape public perception – The media’s treatment of Delta Burke mirrored larger issues of sexism and body image policing in Hollywood.
  • Women’s worth is more than appearance – The episode’s message remains relevant in today’s ongoing discussions about self-image, confidence, and media representation.