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80s TV Ladies

80s TV Ladies

By: 134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson
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Summary

 4-time Podcast Awards Winner! Webby nominated for Best Indie Podcast.
80s TV Ladies is dedicated to the beloved female-driven shows of the 1980s! Do you love 80s pop culture, television and fabulous women? On our show, you’ll hear a breakdown of how these shows got made, how they were influenced by the times and, in turn, how they influenced pop-culture trends to follow. We love discussing the “two-steps forward, one-step-back” lens of media-driven feminism.

Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they talk about the fabulous ladies of television: Cagney & Lacey, Designing Women, A Different World, The Golden Girls and more.

With special guests, TV creators and stars! Do these shows we hold so dear hold up? Let's find out.

Season 1: We examine three “detective duo shows” this season, with multiple episodes and awesome guests for each TV show we cover.
Scarecrow and Mrs. King
Remington Steele
Cagney & Lacey

Season 2: Multiple episodes per TV show exploring representation and behind-the-scenes insight in science fiction, drama and sitcoms!
Queer representation in 70s and 80s
9 to 5 television show
It's a Living
Designing Women
Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas
Star Trek Ladies
Moonlighting

Special guests: Eugenie Ross-Leming, Martha Smith, Robin Bernheim, Stephanie Zimbalist, Evan Ball, Debbie Evans, Barney Rosenzweig, Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless, Karen Arthur, Cynthis Beemis Abrams, Matt Baume, Jane Epsensen, Drew Greenberg, Paul Kreppel, Bryan Edward Hill, Maggie Friedman, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Stan Zimmerman, Mary Lou Belli, Nana Visitor, Glenn Gordon Caron, Shery Main and more!

We publish every other Wednesday.
Tell us: Who should we interview and what's your favorite 80s Ladies television show? https://www.80stvladies.comSusan Lambert and 134 West Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • RERUN: Bruce Boxleitner | The Scarecrow And Mrs. King Years, Part 2

    RERUN: Bruce Boxleitner | The Scarecrow And Mrs. King Years, Part 2
    May 13 2026
    “Katie and I, our relationship could be a little exciting -- I had to watch my step, I had to toe the line. I had to behave myself or I’d get taken to the principal’s office... And she was the principal.” -- Bruce BoxleitnerREWIND EPISODE: The 80s TV Ladies - Sharon and Susan - are both moving! More details in our next episode. Meanwhile, please enjoy a few of our favorite episodes on repeat - consider it early summer rerun season. Let us know what you think about Bruce, Lee Stetson, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King. We think it's one of the most adorable interviews with Bruce Boxleitner ever. :)In Part Two of their conversation, Bruce reflects on the differences between doing TV then and now, his relationship with Kate Jackson -- and how the long hours can sometimes turn your co-stars into your family…Bruce Boxleitner’s television career started way back in 1973 with an appearance on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and he has since appeared in over 100 films and TV shows including Gunsmoke, Baretta, Police Woman, Hawaii 5-0, Babylon 5, Crossing Jordan, Commander in Chief, American Dad, Cold Case, Heroes, Chuck, NCIS, Supergirl, The Orville, When Calls The Heart, How The West Was Won, Bring ‘Em Back Alive, The Gambler and Tron.THE PART 2 CONVERSATIONTHE UGLY SIDE OF LEE STETSON: When Lee slaps Amanda in “Burn Out” (S2; EP.21) What was going on? -- “Kate said, “Hit me.” It was no fun. I didn’t enjoy doing it at all.”ON THE JAZZ: In Europe, Mel Stuart -- a saxophonist -- fell in with some local jazz musicians and ended up sitting-in in clubs all over Munich.DOUBLE TROUBLE: Bruce finds out the strange reason his stunt double Gary Davis did the pilot’s helicopter stunts with no safety cable!On doing network TV: “This is where I come off sounding like a grumpy old man, but in my day, we had fun. Nobody is having fun anymore. Because we have cell phones on the set, everyone’s on their cell phone. No one’s talking.”WHO CAN TURN THE WORLD ON WITH HIS SMILE? Bruce got his first gig on The Mary Tyler Moore Show because the producer owed his agent a favor.On doing a streaming series: “I’m doing a series now -- six episodes. They call that a series? I call it a two-parter.”Bruce gets a surprise walking onto the Gunsmoke set when he discovers the entire town is built inside a soundstage.On filming pilots: “George Clooney says he’s the king of the unsold pilots. Well, buddy, I’m the runner-up!”While shooting The Orville, Bruce finds out that the biggest SMK fan… is Seth McFarlane!How do you marry Lee and Amanda? Should you marry Lee and Amanda?So, join Susan and Sharon -- and Bruce -- as they talk How The West Was Won, Ted Knight, Tron, Juanita Bartlett, Susan Diol, Police Woman. Plus pranking Martha Smith -- and Kate Jackson -- AND Beverly Garland… and the sad, tragic life of “Dean, the Boyfriend”!AUDIO-OGRAPHYFind out more about Bruce Boxleitner at Facebook.comFollow him at Instagram.com/BoxleitnerBruceCatch him on Cameo at Cameo.com/BoxleitnerBruceWatch S2, Ep. 21: Burn out on TubiGet The Ultimate Fan’s Guide to Scarecrow & Mrs. King by David Johnson, Taya Johnston and Sabine Ludewig at Amazon. CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.AUDIO-OGRAPHYFind out more about Bruce Boxleitner at Facebook.com Follow him at Instagram.com/BoxleitnerBruceCatch him on Cameo at Cameo.com/BoxleitnerBruceWatch SMK for free at Internet Archive.Watch S2, Ep. 21: Burn out on Internet Archive here. Read the NY Times review of Bruce’s 1973 Broadway play debut, Status Quo Vadis. And guess who else was in the cast? (Hint: Sam from Cheers!) CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.VOTEREMEMBER: Make sure you're ready.Register or Check your US Election Registration at Vote.orgBe sure to vote in your primaries. Find out what's on your ballot at BallotReady.orgJuly 15th this year is the 47th anniversary of President Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech. Read Susan’s play about the speech and the confidence it takes to be president in challenging times: Confidence (and the Speech) at Conchord Publishing DPS. Credits: 80s TV Ladies™ Episode RERUN 305: Produced by 134 West and Susan Lambert Hatem. Hosted by Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson. Guest: Bruce Boxleitner. Sound Engineer and Editor: Kevin Ducey. Producers: Melissa Roth, Richard Hatem, Sharon Johnson. Associate Producers: Sergio Perez, Sailor Franklin. Music by Amy Engelhardt. Copyright 2024 2026 134 West, LLC and Susan Lambert. All Rights Reserved. Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.Listen to 80s TV Ladies at YouTube. Subscribe and help us grow.Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list!Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes, video interviews, and exclusive content on PATREON.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • RERUN: Bruce Boxleitner: The Scarecrow and Ms. King Years, Part 1

    RERUN: Bruce Boxleitner: The Scarecrow and Ms. King Years, Part 1
    Apr 29 2026
    “Kate was able to go off script. Then I found I could go with her. Pretty soon we’re doing stuff that is not on the written page. That’s where we found the little ‘in-between’ moments.” - Bruce BoxleitnerREWIND EPISODE: The 80s TV Ladies are both moving! More details in a later episode, so please enjoy a few of our favorite episodes on repeat - consider it early rerun season. Let us know what you think about Bruce, Lee Stetson, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King. We think it's one of the most adorable interviews with Bruce Boxleitner ever. :)Susan and Sharon are so excited to talk with the star of one of their favorite 80s TV shows of all time -- Bruce Boxleitner from Scarecrow & Mrs. King! Bruce’s television career started way back in 1973 with an appearance on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He has since appeared in over 100 films and TV shows including Gunsmoke, Baretta, Police Woman, Hawaii 5-0, Babylon 5, Crossing Jordan, Commander in Chief, American Dad, Cold Case, Heroes, Chuck, NCIS, Supergirl, The Orville, When Calls The Heart, How The West Was Won, Bring ‘Em Back Alive, The Gambler and Tron.In Part One of this two-part interview, Bruce reflects on getting the role of Lee Stetson, working with Kate Jackson and the cast of Scarecrow & Mrs. King and filming some of the show’s most memorable episodes during the summer of 1984 in Europe.THE CONVERSATIONGETTING THE SHOW: "I was in a daze. I ended up on the roof... The security guard down below: 'What are you doing up there?' 'I don't know!'"UN-“HAPPY DAYS”: How Bring ‘Em Back Alive fought a losing battle on Tuesday nights against Richie Cunningham and the Fonz… But how it led to Bruce’s most famous TV role of all time!CALLING ALL SPIES: What was it like auditioning with Kate Jackson -- in front of the same executives that just cancelled his last show?On Mel Stuart: “He was the best. I miss him so much. He made me laugh more than anyone I’ve ever worked with.”THE OLD CAR: Driving that ’63 Porsche Speedster around Washington, D.C. during the pilot: “It died after every take.”THE NEW CAR: a 1984 Corvette: “It fit me like a pair of fiberglass pants.”Gary Davis -- Bruce’s secret stunt double -- did all Lee Stetson’s stunts, and doubled for Bruce more times than you might think.NOT TOO MANY GUNFIGHTS AT 8PM: The Scarecrow editors assembled a gag reel of all the times top agent Lee Stetson lost his gun.SAVING MS. SMITH: While filming in Munich, Bruce and Martha Smith walked into the wrong punk bar. Bruce got her out -- but only after throwing some Stetson-style punches!Working in the Alps and in Amanda's house with Jean Stapleton -- “I wish she could have done more episodes.”One of Bruce’s favorite episodes? S2; EP1 “To Catch a Mongoose”S2; EP21: “Burn Out” -- and the scene where Lee slaps Amanda. How did that feel for Kate -- and Bruce?So, join Susan and Sharon -- and Bruce -- as they talk Beverly Garland, James Garner, quirky humor, Scotland Yard, Lee Stetson’s wardrobe, “When should we kiss?” -- and what happened the day Moonlighting premiered!Make sure to join us NEXT EPISODE for Part Two of our conversation with Bruce Boxleitner!AUDIO-OGRAPHYFind out more about Bruce Boxleitner at Facebook.com Follow him at Instagram.com/BoxleitnerBruceCatch him on Cameo at Cameo.com/BoxleitnerBruceWatch SMK for free at Internet Archive.Watch S2, Ep. 21: Burn out on Internet Archive here. Read the NY Times review of Bruce’s 1973 Broadway play debut, Status Quo Vadis. And guess who else was in the cast? (Hint: Sam from Cheers!) CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.VOTEREMEMBER: Make sure you're ready. Register or Check your US Election Registration at Vote.orgBe sure to vote in your primarys. Find out what's on your ballot at BallotReady.orgJuly 15th this year is the 47th anniversary of President Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech. Read Susan’s play about the speech and the confidence it takes to be president in challenging times: Confidence (and the Speech) at Conchord Publishing DPS. Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.Listen to 80s TV Ladies at YouTube. Subscribe and help us grow.Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list!Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes, video interviews, and exclusive content on PATREON.
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • 80s TV Legends: Stefanie Powers on Acting, Activism, and the Hart to Hart Legacy

    80s TV Legends: Stefanie Powers on Acting, Activism, and the Hart to Hart Legacy
    Apr 15 2026
    "It was very dangerous to be a friend of the Harts because... yes, they were always getting killed." -- Stefanie PowersGet ready for a masterclass in sophisticated glamour!In this episode of 80s TV Ladies, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson sit down with the incomparable Stefanie Powers. Known to millions as the elegant and erudite Jennifer Hart from the smash-hit series Hart to Hart, Stefanie redefined what a TV marriage could look like alongside co-star Robert Wagner—showing us a partnership that was sexy, equal, and genuinely fun.But Stefanie’s legacy goes far beyond the "chauffeur and limousines" of the 80s. We dive into her history as a true television pioneer, including her groundbreaking role as the first woman to lead an hour-long series in the 1966 spinoff The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Harts or a lover of television history, this conversation is a sparkling look back at one of the most iconic eras of TV.THE CONVERSATIONTHE FIRST LADY OF ACTION: Exploring Stefanie’s groundbreaking role in The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. as the first woman to headline her own hour-long action series.THE LOVE OF HER LIFE: Led her to her 45-year lifetime legacy of conservation. Creating the William Holden Wildlife Foundation to honor and expand the work of William Holden.THE GREATEST STRIKE EVER: Getting the call from Aaron Spelling, writer Tom Mankiewicz, and Robert Wagner – and the lucky newspaper strike that led to her starring in Hart to Hart, instead of going to Broadway with Stacy Keach.HART TO HART: Diving into the "tennis match" rapport with Robert Wagner and the creation of a TV marriage built on equality, sexy banter, and high-stakes mystery.SOFTBALL COACH TO SHOWRUNNER: Stories of Sidney Sheldon, Leonard Goldberg, and how Aaron Spelling was Stefanie’s softball coach before he became the legendary showrunner and creator of so many hit shows, they often called ABC, Aaron’s Broadcasting Company.THE LA SCALA “THREE ROOMS: A look at the old Hollywood social hierarchy when Hollywood was a very small town.KIDDIES BALLET CLASS: The surprising shared history between Stefanie, Natalie Wood, and Jill St. John.STUDIO SYSTEM SURVIVOR: Stefanie reflects on her early days at MGM, being one of the last contract players, and working under the rigorous eye of brilliant - and monstrous - Jerome Robbins in West Side Story.WORKING WITH “FREEWAY”: Behind-the-scenes secrets of their canine co-star, including the hilarious truth about how they made such a friendly dog look like a fierce protector.A GLOBAL LEGACY: Stefanie discusses her 45-year journey as Founder and President of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation and her hands-on work in conservation and education in Kenya.SUCCESS VS. FAILURE: A candid look at why the industry prepares artists for failure, but rarely gives them the tools to navigate massive, life-changing success.WILLIAM HOLDEN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION: Why Stefanie believes that if you have a passion for a cause, you can’t wait for others—you have to be the one to step up. “Participation is not just asked for, it is required.”AUDIO-OGRAPHYWatch episodes of Hart to Hart on Tubi or Roku.Catch The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. on DVD at Ebay. Or find it at Internet Archive.Learn more about the work of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation at WHWF.orgGo directly to the WHWF DONATE page. Check out her official website: StefaniePowersOnline.comFollow Ms. Powers on Facebook and Instagram.Watch Stefanie guest star in The Rockford Files episode, The Real Easy Red Dog at Apple TV.VITAL READINGCheck out Democracy Docket here.Learn more about the ACLU here.Make sure you're registered to VOTE at Vote.orgPROMO DEALSGet 21% OFF on awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.Be sure to use the promo code: 80STVLADIES.Happy Shopping!MARCH 8TL DEALS BLOCK:80s TV Ladies deals and discounts:Cozy Earth (21% Off)🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy🎁 Code: 80STVLADIES📻 CONNECT WITH 80s TV LADIESOfficial Website: 80sTVLadies.com Email Us: 80sTVLadies@gmail.comSupport the Show: Get ad-free episodes and bonus content | Support on Patreon🎭 SUSAN'S NEW VENTUREArts A La Carte – A non-profit dedicated to helping develop new works in theater.Website: ArtsALaCarte.orgInstagram: @ArtsALaCarteLA"Playing tennis you have to have a kind of rhythm and you have to hit the ball back. And good acting partners are good tennis players. They hit the ball back to you." -- Stefanie PowersVisit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.Listen to 80s TV Ladies at YouTube. Subscribe and help us grow.Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list!Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes, video interviews, and exclusive content on PATREON.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
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