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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. TV’s Funniest Women: Past, Present & Future

TV’s Funniest Women: Past, Present & Future

May 3, 2025

From Lucille Ball to Tina Fey, from Joan Rivers to Margaret Cho, women have been rewriting the rules of comedy for decades — and they're not done yet. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by Lynn Harris, founder of Gold Comedy, to explore the legacy and future of funny women on TV. Together, they dissect the comedic influence of legends like Mary Tyler Moore, Moms Mabley, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus — and discuss why shows like SNL still present challenges for women today. With a nod to streaming, social media, and evolving industry gatekeepers, this episode dives into how women and non-binary creatives are shaping the next chapter of television comedy.

Background & Mentions

Gold Comedy – https://goldcomedy.com/

1.21 – Lucille Ball’s Humility & Pride
https://traffic.libsyn.com/advancedtvherstory/Lucille_Balls_Humility__Pride.mp3

6.15 – Presenting Margaret Cho
https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/presenting-margaret-cho

11.1 – SNL’s Gilda Radner: A Life Celebrated in Film
https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/snls-gilda-radner-a-life-celebrated-in-film
 
Book recommendations: Joan Rivers (1986) Enter Talking and Carol Burnett (2011) This Time Together
 
Learn more about Moms Mabley https://nmaahc.si.edu/moms-mabley
 
TV series Ellen (1994-98) S.4, e 22 The Puppy Episode https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnty3f
 
WI Public Radio interview with Hacks creators https://www.wpr.org/culture/hacks-co-creators-on-their-emmy-winning-comedy-show
 

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