80s TV Ladies

“ Barney and I were interviewed about that episode on Entertainment Tonight because the word “condom” had never been used on television before.” - Georgia Jeffries, Cagney & Lacey writer

Hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson welcome writer-producer-professor Georgia Jeffries, an Award-winning writer known for Cagney & Lacey, China Beach, and Sisters. Jeffries recounts growing up as an only child, loving The Twilight Zone, reading history, and finding an early spark for writing through school assignments and UCLA journalism and creative writing courses.

She talks about her time working as a freelance journalist while caring for her family. And the pivotal LAPD ride-along that inspired her first produced Cagney & Lacey episode, “An Unusual Occurrence,” which won a WGA Award. 

She compares the culture of Cagney & Lacey with China Beach, discusses unproduced pilots and projects (including HBO series, and an unmade Cher/Jessica Lange/to-be-directed by Frank Oz movie, Confessions) She reflects on writing episodes that tackled addiction, AIDS-era conversations, and sexual assault. Jeffries also shares details about her novel, The Younger Girl, current writing projects, and advice to emerging writers.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:33 Childhood TV Influences
03:56 Good Girl Expectations
05:16 Finding Writing Path
07:48 Early Jobs and Teaching
10:43 LAPD Ride Along Story
14:34 Cagney and Lacey Breakthrough
16:09 Feminism and California Move
18:09 Film Journalism to Screenwriting
19:34 Unmade Cher Lange Film
24:16 Women in Film Opens Doors
29:47 HBO Script to Book Rights
34:54 Working Mother on Set
36:14 Writers Room Culture Then
39:55 Favorite Episodes Tease
40:09 Why This Story Matters
40:47 Writing Cagney and Lacey
44:28 TV Breaking Taboos4
6:45 Breaking Into Screenwriting
48:17 Saying Yes and No
49:11 Joy and Rejection
51:11 Unmade Pilots Heartbreak
52:55 China Beach Bigger Canvas
55:55 Writers Room Culture
57:50 Showrunner Dream Team
58:39 Vista Clara and Timing
01:00:31 Teaching at USC
01:01:07 Resist AI Stay Original
01:02:00 You Write Like a Man
01:04:33 Working on Sisters
01:06:27 The Younger Girl Novel
01:14:36 Prose Versus Screenwriting
01:16:49 New Work and Wrap Up
01:19:11 Where to Find Everything
01:21:58 Final Thanks and Callouts

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Find out more about Georgia Jeffries at georgiajeffries.com
Get Georgia’s book, The Younger Girl at Bookshop.org
Find out more about the groundbreaking and Emmy-winning show at CagneyandLacey.com
Call your Reps. Let your voice be heard. Go to 5calls.org
Watch on Roku for Sisters and China Beach. 

PROMO DEALS
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Be sure to use the promo code: 80STVLADIES.
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MARCH 8TL DEALS BLOCK:
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📻 CONNECT WITH 80s TV LADIES
Official Website: 80sTVLadies.com 
Email Us: [email protected]
Support 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.org
Instagram: @ArtsALaCarteLA

CELEBRATE 100!
OUR 100th EPISODE is coming! Don't miss our special episode with Ms. Morgan Fairchild!! 

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90s TV Babies Meet The Golden Girls: Uncovering Timeless Comedy | 80s TV Podcast

Join co-hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they welcome back the “’90s TV Babies”—Sergio Perez, Sailor Franklin, and Serita Fontanesi—plus first-time (almost silent) guest: the 20s² TV Baby Theo —for a 2026 discussion of The Golden Girls.

The group is assigned a lineup of key episodes across Seasons 1, 2, 4, 6, and the two-part series finale.

They catch up on the last six months: Serita welcomes baby Theo (nearly six months old), shares his love of his Paddington bear, and talks about returning to work; Sailor celebrates a new solo apartment in South Pasadena, a promotion to visual and performing arts associate at a nonprofit, and performing in a 134 West variety show (“Merry Queerness: A Wildly Inappropriate Holiday Show”) featuring a “Last Christmas” number; Sergio describes his first “adult summer” without children’s theater, a year in a new apartment with Koji, and travel to the dunes at Pismo Beach.

Theo’s teething, sock-removing, and foot-in-mouth milestones frequently steal the spotlight.

On The Golden Girls, the guests discuss its lasting impact, rapid-fire joke writing, and how boldly early seasons tackled topics like LGBTQ+ themes, age gaps, consent/power dynamics, teen pregnancy, grief, and loss—often balancing heart with humor. 

Sergio admits he’s watching the series for the first time and praises the show’s intelligence and influence on later sitcoms; Sailor highlights the value of 24-plus-episode seasons and names Dorothy as her favorite; Sergio chooses Rose and admires Betty White’s performance.

They single out “Mrs. George Devereaux” for its emotional weight and structure, and critique the pacing and feel of the series finale’s ending. They also touch on behind-the-scenes context discussed on the podcast, including Estelle Getty’s later-season memory issues and reported tensions between Bea Arthur and Betty White, and briefly fan-cast a hypothetical reboot.

The episode includes a Cozy Earth ad read (41% off with the show’s promo code - ONLY GOOD UNTIL MARCH), mentions a 40th anniversary Golden Girls special on Hulu (2025), shares Serita’s Venmo for diaper money, and plugs Susan’s arts organization Arts à la Carte

The hosts preview upcoming episodes featuring writer/producer/professor Georgia Jeffries (episode 99) and announce Morgan Fairchild as the special guest for the show’s 100th episode.

THE ASSIGNMENT
If you want to watch what the 90s TV Babies watched…
Here is your assignment should you choose to accept it:

S1E1 Pilot, The Engagement
S1.E9 Blanche and the Younger Man
S1.E13 A Little Romance
S1.E25 The Way We Met
S2.E02 Ladies of the Evening
S2.E24 To Catch a Neighbor
S4.E15 Valentine’s Day
S6.E9 Mrs. George Devereaux
S7.25 & S7.26 One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nest

BONUS EXTRA CREDIT EPISODES
S2.E5 Isn’t it Romantic
S2.E21 Dorothy’s Prized Pupil
S6.E14 Sister of the Bride
S7.E2 The Case of the Libertine Bell
S3, Ep1 - Friendship and Memories

00:00 Welcome Back + Golden Girls Episode Assignment
02:24 Meet the Nineties TV Babies (and Baby Theo!)
03:24 Serita’s Life Update: New Baby, Time Off, Paddington Bear
05:04 Sailor’s Update: Shows, Audio Fixes, and Holiday Performance
11:11 Sailor’s Big News: New Apartment + Promotion
12:20 Sergio’s Update: Post-Theater Freedom and Travel Adventures
18:57 Back to the Show: Everyone’s Golden Girls History
24:29 Sailor’s Take: Why Golden Girls Still Hits in 2026
28:39 Campy vs. heartfelt: unpacking the dream episode’s wild tonal mix
30:00 Bring back 24-episode seasons: why filler, flashbacks & character color matter
32:20 Sergio’s first-time watch: rapid-fire jokes, smart writing, and trusting the audience
34:15 Standout lines & bold topics: teen pregnancy, grief, and jokes that land
36:16 Sponsor break: Cozy Earth bamboo sheets (41% off)
36:59 Why Golden Girls still feels ahead of its time (and the case for a reboot)
39:53 Surprises on rewatch: dramatic acting, theater-style sitcoms, and that gut-punch ending
46:38 Favorite Girl debate: Dorothy vs. Rose, and what makes each character click
49:00 Behind-the-scenes: cast dynamics, Estelle Getty’s memory issues, and Betty White lore
53:14 Finale reactions: hating Stan, rushed romance, and an ending without a button
57:26 Monoculture is gone: streaming chaos, reboot realities, and dream fan-casting
01:01:50 Wrap-up & plugs: anniversary special, links, Patreon, and what’s next

AUDIOOGRAPHY

🎙️ FEATURED GUESTS
Sergio Perez – Associate Producer, actor, writer & "90s TV Baby"
Sailor Franklin – South Pasadena based stage manager, performer and Visual & Performing Arts Associate | Connect on Instagram
Serita Fontanesi – New mom to baby Theodore; host of Not Ugly | Venmo Theo diapers!  Visit Serita.co or Listen to Not Ugly Pod
👵 GOLDEN GIRLS RESOURCESFIND GOLDEN GIRLS
Watch On Hulu or Philo
Also YouTube and Apple TV
DVDs are available through eBay, Walmart, and your local library.
40th Anniversary Special (2025) – 40 Years of Laughter and Friendship | Watch on Hulu
Official Social Media – Stay updated with the girls | Follow on Facebook
📻 CONNECT WITH 80s TV LADIES
Official Website: 80sTVLadies.com
Email Us: [email protected]
Support the Show: Get ad-free episodes and bonus content | Support on Patreon
🎭 SUSAN'S NEW VENTURE
Arts A La Carte – A non-profit dedicated to helping develop new works in theater.
Website: ArtsALaCarte.org
Instagram: @ArtsALaCarteLA
🛌 SPECIAL DEALS FOR LISTENERS
Get awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.
Be sure to use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping!

FEBRUARY 8TL DEALS BLOCK:
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Cozy Earth bamboo sheets and pjs (41% Off) - This DEAL ENDS SOON!

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NEW DEALS - Just added!
Bear Knuckles premium leather work gloves (15% Off)
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"Golden Girls is just so good. It's been with me my entire life, and there were opportunities to do more than just a rewatch podcast. We could bring in historical stuff and the history of the show." - Patrick Hinds, Golden Girls Deep Dive podcast

Join hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem on 80s TV Ladies as they chat with the award-winning podcaster Patrick Hinds. Known for his work on Theatre People, Broadway Backstory, True Crime Obsessed, and The Golden Girls Deep Dive podcast, Patrick Hinds is a familiar name for fans of podcasting. In this episode, Hinds delves into his experiences creating podcasts, his episode walkthrough of The Golden Girls, and his journey from theater to true crime. He discusses working with Jennifer Simard, the impact of Golden Girls on the LGBTQ community, and his book 'Failure is Not, Not an Option.' 

Patrick also talks about working with Gillian Pensavalle on creating the True Crime Obsessed podcast. The conversation touches upon behind-the-scenes stories, the enduring appeal of The Golden Girls, getting hated on by Bea Arthur, and the importance of community and storytelling. Perfect for those who delight in 80s TV, podcasting, and theater.

AUDIOOGRAPHY

Explore the world of Patrick Hinds and his shows:
Golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast 
True Crime Obsessed Podcast 
Get Patrick's book, Failure is Not, Not an Option 

Connect with Patrick at PatrickTours.com  
Or at Instagram.com/patrickhinds

FIND GOLDEN GIRLS
On Hulu or Philo
Also YouTube and Apple TV
 For those interested in physical copies, DVDs are available through eBay, Walmart, and your local library.
Dive into the beats of nostalgia and learn more about your favorite shows, actors, and the intricate stories behind them with the "80s TV Ladies" podcast!

SPECIAL 8TL PROMO DEALS
Get awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.
Use the promo code: 80STVLADIES.
Happy Shopping!

FEBRUARY 8TL DEALS BLOCK:
Get your 80s TV Ladies deals and discounts:
Cozy Earth bamboo sheets and pjs (41% Off)
Old Glory iconic music, movies, TV and sports shirts (15% Off)

🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy
🎁Code: 80STVLADIES

NEW DEALS - Just added!
Bear Knuckles premium leather work gloves (15% Off)
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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:02 Golden Girls Deep Dive with Patrick Hinds
01:41 Working with Jennifer Simard
02:59 From True Crime to Golden Girls
04:04 Theater Podcasting Journey
05:33 Memorable Interviews and Broadway Stories
13:13 The Birth of Broadway Backstory
16:27 Creating a True Crime Podcast with Gillian Pensavalle
20:38 The Appeal of True Crime
25:36 Golden Girls: A Cultural Phenomenon
33:54 Different Standards for Women in Media
34:20 Interviewing Wendy Mallick
35:20 Stan Zimmerman and Theater Connections
37:32 Balancing Podcast Episodes and Interviews
38:09 Challenges of True Crime Podcasting
44:14 Golden Girls: A Timeless Classic
46:54 The Impact of 80s and 90s TV Shows
48:07 Patrick Hinds' Book: Failure is Not, Not an Option
50:10 Bea Arthur's Tough Exterior
52:41 Favorite 80s TV Shows and Final Thoughts

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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"It's interesting how relevant these conversations remain today." - Jennie Wetter

Join 80s TV Ladies hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson with guest Jennie Wetter, director of the RePros Fight Back Initiative at the Population Institute, as they explore the groundbreaking two-part 'Maude' episodes addressing abortion - Maude's Dilemma, Part 1 and 2.

They discuss the historical context of reproductive rights in America, the impact of the Roe v. Wade decision, and the portrayal of women's healthcare on television before and after its airing. The episode dives into the relevance of these discussions in today's political climate, offering insights on supporting reproductive rights. Featuring reflections on impactful pop culture moments, this conversation underscores how far we’ve come and the battles still ahead.

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Find RePROs Fight Back Podcast at Reprosfightback.com
   - FInd them on major podcast platforms and socials under "RePROs Fight Back"

Find Shout Your Abortion at ShoutYourAbortion.com
Support Abortion Funds at abortionfunds.org
Need an abortion? Go to AbortionFinder.org or Ineedana.com
Abortion pills by mail: PlanCpills.org
Lawyering for Reproductive Justice at ifwhenhow.org
Donate to TRR Foundation (started by our own Melissa!) 

Select RePROs Fight Back  episodes on Later Abortions:
Access to Later Abortion Will Always Be Needed
Everything You Need to Know about Abortion Later in Pregnancy

Watch Maude for free at Tubi TV. 
Purchase Maude on DVD via Shout Factory, now Gruv.com
Or at Ebay.  

SPECIAL 8TL PROMO DEALS
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Click through from this page, the discount should automatically apply. If not, use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping!

JANUARY 8TL DEALS BLOCK:
Get your 80s TV Ladies deals and discounts:

Cozy Earth bamboo sheets and pjs (41% Off)
Old Glory iconic music, movies, TV and sports shirts (15% Off)
🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy
🎁Code: 80STVLADIES

NEW DEALS - Just added!
Bear Knuckles premium leather work gloves (15% Off)
Afuera Coffee sustainable coffee (15% Off)
🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy
🎁Code: 80STVLADIES

00:00 Introduction to 80s TV Ladies
00:40 Controversial TV Episodes of the 70s and 80s
02:50 Vital Women's Healthcare in TV
03:37 Introducing Jennie Wetter
05:32 Jennie Wetter's Career and Podcast Journey
08:31 Golden Girls and Reproductive Rights
11:00 Challenges in Accessing Abortion
18:47 Pop Culture and Personal Influences
23:16 Maude's Dilemma: A Groundbreaking Episode
46:21 Exploring Abortion Portrayals in Media
47:01 Grey's Anatomy and Real-Life Experiences
49:56 Historical Context and Impact of 'Maude'
52:57 Rue McClanahan's Role and Show Dynamics
01:01:24 Abortion Representation in Modern Media
01:15:53 Supporting Reproductive Rights Today
01:25:32 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

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SPECIAL PRESENTATION: The Love Boat Podcast with Loretta Swit

80s TV Ladies is thrilled to introduce you to The Love Boat Podcast with this exclusive Feed Drop from The Love Boat Podcast. 

Before we set sail, we pause to honor the remarkable Loretta Swit.

Emmy-winning star of MASH, beloved guest on The Love Boat, and an icon of television’s golden age. In what would become her final recorded interview, Loretta joins Fred, Ted, Jill (and Bernie Kopell) for an unforgettable conversation about craft, chemistry, and courage. From her trailblazing portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan to her heartfelt stories about The Love Boat and co-star Bernie Kopell, Loretta reflects on breaking barriers for women in television, finding humanity in every role, and the joy of creating something that lasts.

Warm, witty, and full of love, this episode is both a celebration and a farewell — a reminder that true classics never fade. Listen to more episodes of The Love Boat Podcast and follow the podcast: https://play.megaphone.fm/dlvu8lpmsfctfxvsxfylxq

https://www.loveboatpodcast.com
https://www.instagram.com/loveboatpodcast

See The Flirt Bar concert reading in Atlanta.
Written by Susan Lambert Hatem. Songs by Amy Ray and Michelle Malone.
Directed by Amanda Wansa Morgan.

January 10-11, 2026
Synchronicity Theatre
Get tix and info at Eventbrite.

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 and exclusive content on PATREON.