15 Surprising Facts About Murphy Brown

Murphy Brown was a popular American television sitcom that aired from 1988 to 1998. “Murphy Brown” was a groundbreaking and influential sitcom that tackled political and social issues in a way that was ahead of its time. The show followed the life of Murphy Brown, a journalist and news anchor for a fictional television network. Here are 15 surprising facts about the show:

1. The character of Murphy Brown was created by writer Diane English, who named the character after her family’s insurance agent.
2. Candice Bergen was not the first choice to play the role of Murphy Brown. Other actresses, including Heather Locklear and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, were considered before Bergen was cast.
3. Murphy Brown was a controversial show for its time, with its portrayal of a strong, independent woman who was unapologetic about her career and personal life.
4. Vice President Dan Quayle famously criticized the show in 1992, saying that the character of Murphy Brown was “mocking the importance of fathers.”
5. The show won 18 Emmy Awards during its run, including five consecutive awards for Outstanding Comedy Series from 1990 to 1994.
6. The show’s cast included some notable guest stars, including Bette Midler, George Clooney, and Don Rickles.
7. Charles Kimbrough, who played anchor Jim Dial on the show, was the only actor to appear in all 247 episodes.
8. The show tackled a number of social and political issues over the course of its run, including breast cancer, addiction, and the Gulf War.
9. Murphy Brown’s fictional network, FYI, was based on the real-life network CBS, where the show aired.
10. The show’s finale in 1998 featured real-life news anchors Tom Brokaw, Katie Couric, and others, who praised the character of Murphy Brown for her contributions to the field of journalism.
11. Candice Bergen won five Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Murphy Brown, making her one of the most decorated actresses in Emmy history.
12. In 2018, CBS announced that it was bringing back Murphy Brown for a 13-episode revival season, which aired that year.
13. The revival season addressed contemporary issues, including the rise of fake news and the Trump presidency.
14. Many of the original cast members returned for the revival season, including Bergen, Kimbrough, Joe Regalbuto, and Grant Shaud.
15. The show’s revival season was well-received by critics and fans, and was praised for its timely commentary on current events.

In conclusion, the show’s lead character, Murphy Brown, was a trailblazing and complex female character who challenged traditional gender roles. With its talented cast and writers, the show left a lasting impact on television and popular culture. Even though it only ran for ten seasons, “Murphy Brown” continues to be remembered as a beloved and important series.