Advanced TV Herstory

What role does Judy Garland and her short-lived TV series play in TV Herstory? This episode explores storytelling, persistence, and sexism in entertainment, offering modern lessons on power within television. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by Emmy-nominated performer and Garland scholar Angela Ingersoll to discuss Judy’s impact and the feminist insights drawn from her work.

A particular focus is given to Judy’s December 1963 performance of Battle Hymn of the Republic, a historic TV moment few know about. The discussion reflects on Hollywood’s long-standing issues of ageism, racism, and sexism, as well as how Judy’s resilience in show business continues to inspire generations.

This episode dives into The Judy Garland Show as a case study in both television history and feminist storytelling. Cynthia and Angela explore how Garland's vocal talent and show format had to adapt to changing musical trends. Judy's career, struggles, and impact on women in entertainment are analyzed within a broader cultural and media framework.

The conversation also highlights how network interference played a role in the show’s instability and how Judy’s unwavering artistry challenged industry norms. The discussion ultimately underscores the significance of reclaiming women’s contributions to television history.

Referenced Shows and Performances:

• The Judy Garland Show
• Battle Hymn of the Republic (December 1963)

Guest Resources:

• Angela Ingersoll and Joey Luft, Mothers Day 2017 Show (YouTube)
• https://youtu.be/dZZzqGnDPdc
• Angela Ingersoll https://angelaingersoll.com/
• Coyne Steven Sanders (1990) The Judy Garland Show: Rainbow’s End (Book Review)
• https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/coyne-steven-sanders-2/rainbows-end-the-judy-garland-show/
• The Judy Garland Show excerpt: Battle Hymn of the Republic (1963)
• https://youtu.be/e4Xz7VW_qJ8?si=GSPlWB8G7fEhjmvL

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Advanced TV Herstory knows no boundaries when it comes to examining women characters on television, and the animated holiday classic Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer is fair game! Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams conducts a character analysis of the two women, the protagonist and antagonist respectively and wanders into a plot that seems more complex than the norm. Based on Elmo Shroppshire's song of the same name from the mid-90s, the made-for-TV movie's plot and quirkiness may just earn it cult status.

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Why is America so divided and how did we get here? Cynthia probes that question from a TV Herstoric perspective.

Also, be the first to hear how changing the podcast's distribution schedule will enable the team to research, develop and promote the relevant matters of TV women and representation, sexism, racism, feminism, equity and power.

Much like the athletic world itself, TV was slow to include women in sports reporting. After 40+ years of effort, the number of highly visible women covering TV sports remains minuscule. That reality prompted Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams to connect with podcaster/radio regular Jim Jax in an herstoric look at legends and workhorses. Listeners will enjoy a rich list of the achievements and career paths of these notable sideline reporters and commentators: Phyllis George, Doris Burke, Robin Roberts, Hannah Storm, Jayne Kennedy, Ann Myers, Lesley Visser and more .

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Enjoy this special episode hosted by Advanced TV Herstory sound designer, Catherine Yang. Catherine was influenced by the original series of Charmed and intrigued at the prospect of a high quality reboot. Charmed (1998 -2006) aired on the WB, and is now considered TV classic available on streaming and DVD. Charmed tells the story of the three (sometimes four) Halliwell sisters who discover that they're powerful witches with the duty to fight all matter of evil.

With the 2018 reboot of Charmed premiering just earlier this week and declaring itself a "fierce, funny, and feminist reboot of the original," Catherine seizes the prime opportunity to ask (and answer) the question: is the original Charmed actually feminist? How does it compare to the reboot?

In this episode, we discuss Charmed's roots, its central themes, and the unwavering activism of two of its main actresses, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan, in the #MeToo movement. On top of that, we include a very brief history of feminism with reference to an amazing article by Constance Grady written for Vox.com.

Enjoy & thanks for listening!

Links

History of waves of feminism

https://www.vox.com/2018/3/20/16955588/feminism-waves-explained-first-second-third-fourth

Charmed actresses reaction to reboot

https://news.avclub.com/none-of-the-original-charmed-actresses-are-into-the-reb-1828306336

Brad Kern's Firing

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/02/arts/television/brad-kern-cbs-fired.html

Tarana Burke & MeToo

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/20/us/me-too-movement-tarana-burke.html

Alyssa Milano & MeToo

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/dec/01/alyssa-milano-mee-too-sexual-harassment-abuse

Rose McGowan Memoir

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/01/29/11-big-revelations-from-rose-mcgowans-memoir-brave-including-her-childhood-in-a-cult/?utm_term=.77ef5bd17c0e

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Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes actor Briana Venskus of Agents of SHIELD, Grace & Frankie, Walking Dead and Outcast to discuss the roles available in the industry. Brianna offers wisdom about fan engagement, particularly in the age of conventions and fan gatherings, as well as social media. Further, she sees progress of LGBTQ storylines and casting, due in part to the strength of streaming platforms in attracting transformative writers. Venskus is part of Clexacon, an international LGBTQ women's media experience with major events in Nov. 2018 and April 2019.

Venskus has appeared as an agent in both the DC TV and Marvel Cinematic universes. Portrayed Agent Piper in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013) and Agent Vasquez in Supergirl (2015).

Advanced TV Herstory spotted an important first-hand account of #MeToo Hollywood misogyny. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores Linda Bloodworth-Thomason's guest column in The Hollywood Reporter, which sheds light on her creative exile. The low-profile showrunner of Designing Women, Evening Shade, and other hit series details the professional damages she suffered at the hands of CBS' Les Moonves. Moonves' role at CBS was terminated following a series of accusations of sexual harassment.

Cynthia examines Bloodworth-Thomason's claims and ponders how television might have evolved had she been allowed to continue creating for prime-time.

Resources: The Hollywood Reporter article by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/linda-bloodworth-thomason-i-knew-harvey-weinstein-you-did-guest-column-1049819/

Related Episodes: That Girl and Sexual Harassment (4.14) https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/5391f7c3-d5a6-4d65-9dd9-83133ca3deda.mp3

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PRODUCTION

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Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Whether you've ever watched Aaron Sorkin's 1998–2000 classic series Sports Night or not, this episode explores its ongoing relevance and calls for a reboot. The episode revisits a sexual harassment plot from That Girl (1967) and connects it to a similar storyline in Sports Night, sparking a broader conversation about journalism's commitment to changing workplace harassment.

This episode examines the cultural and industry impact of Sports Night, particularly in light of the #MeToo movement.

The discussion includes:

• How Sports Night highlighted the ethical dilemmas of journalism, gender dynamics, and workplace harassment.
• Parallels between That Girl and Sports Night in portraying sexism in media environments.
• Calls for a modern Sports Night reboot that addresses contemporary workplace issues.

The conversation considers how Aaron Sorkin's storytelling in Sports Night was ahead of its time and remains relevant in discussions about mentorship, gender disparities in journalism, and the ongoing push for safer work environments.

Episode Resources Referenced Shows:

Sports Night (1998–2000) That Girl (1966–1971)

Related Episodes: Sports Night 1.3 – Mentors in Journalism https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/89b8151d-ca54-43f0-9ed8-2273b66d9a62.mp3

That Girl and Sexual Harassment https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/5391f7c3-d5a6-4d65-9dd9-83133ca3deda.mp3

Advanced TV Herstory shines a spotlight on the influential role that television has played in shaping societal perceptions of unmarried women and their impact on feminist movements. Hosted by Cynthia Bemis Abrams, this four-part series delves into Jeanine Furino’s insightful book, “All the Single Girls,” which examines six decades of how unmarried women have been portrayed in women-centric TV series. Each episode explores different facets of this depiction:

1. TV’s Single Women: This episode sets the stage by discussing the evolution of single female characters on television and their cultural significance.

2. The Single Woman Who Doesn’t Know What She Wants: Here, the focus is on characters who struggle with indecisiveness and the quest for self-discovery.

3. Caregivers and ‘Give Me a Break!': Featuring insights from Jennifer Fuller, PhD, this episode examines the trope of Black women as caregivers, highlighting characters.

4. The Feminerd: Furino introduces the concept of the "feminerd," discussing female characters who are pioneering yet relatable, such as those portrayed by trailblazers like Tina Fey.

Through interviews and analysis, the series offers a comprehensive look at how these TV portrayals have mirrored and influenced Second and Third Wave feminism. It also considers why certain series have become timeless classics.

Storytelling from a woman's perspective is an important area of focus when examining what we see on television. From Dancing with the Stars to her latest documentary, Nevertheless, Sarah Moshman tells stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The producer and director joins Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams to discuss funding, Netflix's increasing power and platform, representation, worldwide impact, privilege and unity.

Sarah Moshman's website: https://www.sarahmoshman.com/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

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PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/