Murphy Brown

Murphy Brown

1988
Murphy Brown
Murphy Brown

Murphy Brown

6.9 | TV-PG | en | Comedy

Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) is a recovering alcoholic who returns to the fictional newsmagazine FYI for the first time following a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic residential treatment center. Over 40 and single, she is sharp tongued and hard as nails. In her profession, she is considered one of the boys, having shattered many glass ceilings encountered during her career. Dominating the FYI news magazine, she is portrayed as one of America's hardest-hitting (though not the warmest or more sympathetic) media personalities.

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Seasons & Episodes

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EP22  Never Can Say Goodbye (2)
May. 18,1998
Never Can Say Goodbye (2)

Jim seeks some career advice from Mike Wallace. Mike tells him he is boring and has lost his spark. Murphy begins her interview with God, who tells her she must make the best of the gifts she has been given. The surgery uncovers the abnormality was just a cyst, Murphy can go on with her life. The gang is happy for her, but unsure what to do with themselves without Murphy as a part of FYI. Frank and Julia finally get together and arrange a date. Jim prepares to leave and Murphy returns to the office. She is ready to tell everyone that she's changed her mind, when they all mention what they have in the works for their careers. Murphy confesses her selfishness, but mentions that she doesn't want to leave. After a group hug, they all get together to reminisce on memories of the past. At the end of the day, Murphy returns to her townhouse. Ten years later, Eldin makes the same entrance back into her life. Seems Avery used his mother's Sprint card to track Eldin down. Eldin proposes marriage

EP21  Never Can Say Goodbye (1)
May. 18,1998
Never Can Say Goodbye (1)

Murphy fires her last secretary, she plans on leaving FYI, it has been six months since her last chemotherapy treatment. She wants to live the rest of her life. Jim mentions it might be time for him to go as well. The rest of the staff tries to come to grips with the situation. Meanwhile, shooting on location down the street, Julia Roberts stops by the offices of FYI hoping to meet Frank Fontana. To be free and clear of cancer, Murphy needs to get another mammogram. Unfortunately, the mammogram shows something that will require exploratory surgery to uncover its nature. Seeking comfort, Murphy reflects on the need to talk with Phil and no one is more surprised than she is when he returns from the dead. Seems he knew too much about Whitewater. Murphy goes under the knife as the gang waits outside. Murphy has an out of body experience that brings up to heaven to conduct the only person she hasn't interviewed, God.

EP20  Dial and Substance
May. 04,1998
Dial and Substance

Murphy finds a secretary that she likes; only nobody else likes his abrasive approach. Jim is planning a rendezvous with Doris in Maine. When he tries to go through the metal detector at the airport he is found to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana, the marijuana that he purchased to help Murphy get through her chemotherapy. He dismisses it all as a minor inconvenience until the press gets hold of the story. In the ensuing media frenzy, Jim prefers to remain silent, Murphy thinks it would be better to tell the truth and when she does, Jim stops talking to her.

EP19  A Man and a Woman
Apr. 27,1998
A Man and a Woman

To prove her point about gender identification, Kay shows up at Phil's dressed as a man. The disguise fools the staff and Murphy uses Kay in her disguise to stop the advances of an IRS tax accountant that has information Muprhy needs for a big story. Unfortunately, the poly jeopardizes Murphy's chances at the story. The staff tries to help Murphy rescue her story.

EP18  Second Time Around
Apr. 20,1998
Second Time Around

For a birthday present, Murphy helps her friend Lisa, from the canccer support group, to meet her high school crush. The gang decides to return the same favor for Murphy when Murphy mentions the name of boy she had a crush on; he was the lead in a high school production of ""The Music Man."" They set up a surprise meeting and they discover that Murphy's old crush is now a lounge singer.

EP17  Seems Like Gold Times
Apr. 13,1998
Seems Like Gold Times

Jerry Gold returns from Germany and it seems just like old times for Murphy and Jerry and the gang. Even Kay sees it as she tells the gang how she thinks there perfect for each other. Murphy and Jerry take the day off from work and feel the old sparks again. He inquires on her health Jerry: Did it hurt. Murphy: At first yes, but it doesn't hurt now Jerry: I can't think of anything hurting you Jerry and Murphy end up in bed together and Murphy tells him she does not want a relationship. Jerry says like wise because he's getting married. After Murphy tries to kick Jerry out of her house he tells her he wants her to be his best man because he cares so much about her. Murphy agrees with much begrudging. Murphy pretends she's not hurt, but Kay can see it. She even goes so far as to say Jerry is in town so she will stop the wedding. Murphy: Kay, Jerry Gold is not the man who got away. Kay: Really, because I would have guessed you two ended up in bed yesterday. Do you want to tell me or

EP16  Opus One
Apr. 06,1998
Opus One

Murphy is done with her chemotherapy and she thinks that is the best birthday she could get for her upcoming 50th birthday. Frank and Murphy decide that it might be interesting to try going out on a date together. Frank has to cut the date short, because has a big surprise planned for Murphy's to go out on a date that Frank has to cut short so that he can get Franks plans a big surprise for Murphy's birthday. He has American Bandstand recreated in the FYI studio, complete with Dick Clark and variety of featured artists.

EP15  Then and Now
Jan. 28,1998
Then and Now

Kay's idea to take the show to Paris turns into the network's idea of airing old stories on a cable special. The staff tries to decide upon which of their old stories to show. Murphy sees herself side-by-side, then and now and that causes her to return to her childhood home in Philadelphia in an attempt to recapture something from her childhood.

EP14  Wee Small Hours
Jan. 21,1998
Wee Small Hours

Murphy battles insomnia and the gang helps her to get through the night. Frank, while he is on a stakeout with a SWAT team. Jim, while he is working on getting back together with Doris. Corky, while she is going through her storage locker of memories. Kay, who was up anyway, helps Murphy make and bake cookies from scratch, over the phone.

EP13  Turpis Capillus Annus (Bad Hair Day)
Jan. 14,1998
Turpis Capillus Annus (Bad Hair Day)

The chemotherapy begins to take its toll on Murphy's hair. She begins to wear a wig and attend support group meetings.

EP12  The Last Temptation of Murphy
Jan. 07,1998
The Last Temptation of Murphy

Murphy's new secretary makes a great cup of coffee, but doesn't have time for much else. Murphy receives a call from a former Wall Street trader who has just been released from his prison sentence for insider trading and he wants to be interviewed on the show. During the on camera interview, he proposes to use some of his money to hold a benefit run for breast cancer research, which he would like Murphy endorse. Later, off camera, she does and really thinks that he might have changed when everything seems to go right with the event. Until he tells her that he doubled the million dollars they rose. She also discovers that public opinion is split, not on what she did, but who she did it with.

EP11  From the Terrace
Dec. 17,1997
From the Terrace

Murphy fires yet another secretary and while searching for a story idea for Corky, Kay suggests the staff go out on the terrace. They get trapped out there, when the door closes and no one has a key. Jim has a dinner date scheduled with Doris, Corky is going to miss the lighting of the White House tree and Frank has a flight to Costa Rica. They have a chance to get back inside when Murphy's recently fired secretary returns to the office, only for the ex-secretary it's revenge time. Kay feels they've been locked out on the terrace for some greater purpose, while Murphy has her doubts. Meanwhile, in a building across the way, a man and a woman fight about the time they're not spending on their relationship, only to be inspired by a group of people on a balcony.

EP10  I Hear a Symphony
Dec. 10,1997
I Hear a Symphony

Corky is working to help the zoo with their charity auction. Murphy's bout with cancer has made her realize there may not another chance to do some of the things she'd like to do. When the one item goes up for bid that she is interested in, it's Murphy Brown vs. Olivia Newton-John for the right to conduct a symphony orchestra. Meanwhile, Doris tells Jim that it is time to file the divorce papers; Murphy encourages him to fight for her.

EP9  Tempus Fugit
Nov. 24,1997
Tempus Fugit

Frank signs his new contract; Murphy is in the midst of negotiating her new deal. After Murphy can't make her appearance on the show, Corky fills in and does a great job conducting the scheduled interview. The network brass wants to give Corky the chance to report from the Middle East. The network only offers Murphy a one year deal instead of the usual three year deal and Murphy won't back down until the network meets her on her terms.

EP8  From Here to Jerusalem
Nov. 19,1997
From Here to Jerusalem

While acting as chaperone for one of Avery's field trips, Murphy meets a younger man who wants to take her out on a date. The staff worry about nominations for the upcoming Humboldt Awards; no one is nominated, except Murphy who is to receive the lifetime achievement award. She is honored but concerned that her illness might be the reason for receiving the honor at this point in her career. Murphy decides to accept the young man's offer and begins to enjoy herself. The gang is reluctant to accept him and even Murphy feels she would be embarrassed to be seen with him when she plans to take him to the Humboldt Awards.

EP7  Petty Woman
Nov. 12,1997
Petty Woman

Murphy's archrival, Athena Gillington, invites her to one of her parties. Murphy doesn't want to go because she thinks it is a pity invitation. Murphy relents and attends the party where she discovers two things about Athena, one that she is using Murphy's presence at the party as publicity for her I just turned 50 book and two, that Athena is much older than 50.

EP6  Waiting to Inhale
Nov. 05,1997
Waiting to Inhale

Murphy begins her chemotherapy treatments. The treatments make her uncomfortable and take a lot out of her. She confronts Jim about his avoidance of her and her condition. In an effort to help her out, Jim purchases some marijuana to help ease her pain. They light up and deal with their issues.

EP5  Florence Night-en Corky
Oct. 29,1997
Florence Night-en Corky

Frank can't stop telling the story about him punching the paparazzi. Murphy returns to work the day after her surgery and she looks like hell and is very disoriented. Corky takes her home at offers to stay with her for a couple of days. Murphy becomes so dependent upon Corky that Corky hasn't got the time to take care of her own problems, such as her failing marriage to Miles.

EP4  Operation: Murphy Brown
Oct. 22,1997
Operation: Murphy Brown

Murphy worries about how she is going to tell Avery about the trip to the hospital she is making to treat a word she can't yet bring herself to say. The gang plans to help Murphy keep the nature of her surgery from an annoying member of the paparazzi. Kay, disguised as Murphy, Jim and Corky try to keep the photographer diverted while Murphy is prepared for the procedure, but are the doctors prepared for her? Despite the efforts, the photographer gets photos and the real information about Murphy's visit. Frank deals with that issue. Meanwhile in recovery Murphy meets a woman whose words help her to say the word, cancer.

EP3  Ectomy, Schmectomy
Oct. 15,1997
Ectomy, Schmectomy

When Murphy and Frank don't show up for dinner, Kay speculates they have are a having a relationship. Murphy drops the bomb on the rest of the staff. Jim is speechless. Frank tries to help in every way that he can. Murphy faces a tough decision with the myriad of treatment options for her breast cancer.

EP2  A Butcher, A Faker a Bummed-Out Promo Maker
Oct. 08,1997
A Butcher, A Faker a Bummed-Out Promo Maker

Murphy needs a biopsy, which she reluctantly gets right away and must wait to hear the results at the end of the next day. In the morning of the next day the staff fights the network lawyers who want to kill their grocery chain story. As a comprise with the network they can do their story if they have a legal consultant with them in the remote unit and Jim must do promos for all the local affiliates. When their undercover operative isn't going to work out and Frank is convinced he is to well known to pull it off, Kay volunteers. Meanwhile, Jim makes his promos. Just before going to dinner that evening, Murphy gets the results of her test and tells Frank the news.

EP1  Murphy Redux
Oct. 01,1997
Murphy Redux

Murphy says her goodbyes to the gang of FYI. She takes a month off before her new job at the White House starts. On her first day, Murphy enters the gate of the White House and forty minutes later she makes her exit. She goes back to FYI looking for her old job; though Joan Lunden is a prime candidate. When she does return, her first show back features a report by Corky on breast cancer. Appalled by the fact that neither Murphy nor Kay has had a recent mammogram, Corky insists they each get one. Kay's test is negative, but Murphy has to speak to the doctor.

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6.9 | TV-PG | en | Comedy | More Info
Released: 1988-11-14 | Released Producted By: Warner Bros. Television , Shukovsky English Entertainment Country: United States of America Budget: 0 Revenue: 0 Official Website:
Synopsis

Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) is a recovering alcoholic who returns to the fictional newsmagazine FYI for the first time following a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic residential treatment center. Over 40 and single, she is sharp tongued and hard as nails. In her profession, she is considered one of the boys, having shattered many glass ceilings encountered during her career. Dominating the FYI news magazine, she is portrayed as one of America's hardest-hitting (though not the warmest or more sympathetic) media personalities.

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The tv show is currently not available onine

Cast

Candice Bergen , Faith Ford , Joe Regalbuto

Director

Gil Hubbs

Producted By

Warner Bros. Television , Shukovsky English Entertainment

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Reviews

cherm500 Who would have thought that a show featuring a recovering alcoholic as the main character could have any redeeming entertainment value or provide much to laugh about. And yet, Murphy Brown did just that. As the fallen-from-grace news celebrity, she became an icon of not only how she turned her life around, but also a symbol of newswomen dedicated to excellence. The show took on subjects not normally tackled in sitcoms of that time period. Murphy was tough, because in the time frame of her rise to the top, a woman had to be tough to succeed. As this show demonstrated, this sometimes came at great personal cost.I cannot believe that this show, which won award after award and challenged sitcoms to be more than "just funny" has not had the entire series released. In recent times, TV Land recognized it as one of the most innovative shows of its time and rightly so! The plots took into consideration real current events and brought attention to real life issues, all the while entertaining us and making us laugh and sometimes cry.Murphy Brown was criticized by none other than, then Vice President, Dan Quayle for deciding to become a single mother, thus catapulting a fictional character into a realistic arena. And yet the character did not make the decision to become a single mother lightly. Once made, however, she stuck by that decision with all the second-guessing that goes into such a dilemma. The show didn't take that course because it was popular with the "family values" proponents of the time, but because it was simply a reality of our society and one the show's creators and writers apparently felt was important to address. One of my favorite scenes was when Murphy had doubts about whether she was doing the right thing. She asked Eldin if he thought she would make a good mother. I believe he reassured her, but I also recall him saying, after she was out of earshot, something to the effect of "I'm not sure if you'll be a good mother, but I know I will be!" I would love to watch that episode again. The list of guest stars alone would be a worthy reason to produce them on DVD, but truly, the entire cast deserves to be immortalized for future generations to view. As the characters grew and developed, I welcomed them into my home every week and was happy to lose myself in Murphy's world for every second. There are so many moments that come to mind, Jim Dial's very proper demeanor dissolving into laughter, Miles Silverberg's frustration in trying to control Murphy's mood swings and prevent disaster on the show to finally earning her respect, Corky Sherwood's growth from beauty queen fluff pieces to emulating her idol, Murphy Brown, to take on more newsworthy items. The friendships between Murphy and Frank and her ever-present house painter, Eldin. I could go on, but there is limited space here, after all. A series of this caliber cannot be duplicated, but needs to be re-introduced and promoted. I've owned the first season DVD for years and would be most happy to find the entire series available. I will continue to hope for the release the series!
planetbloom Correction: Murphy Brown's pregnancy was the result of one-time sex with a lover from her past. I remember this distinctly because she is also an older mom. I believe she is supposed to be 42 at the time. She talks about friends at her age desperately going to fertility clinics to get pregnant and says something like: "And I do it one time...ONE TIME" It was natural conception. Dan Quayle didn't like the fact she was a single mother. There was no insemination about it as bluethunder35 states. Murphy's pregnancy season also had some of the funniest (because they struck chords of truth about the amazing process of becoming a mother) scenes in the annals situation comedy -- such as Murphy buying a whole slew of home pregnancy tests. Then you see them all lined up in her bathroom as they all indicate positive and she is stunned. Or when she attends a birthing class and comes to the conclusion "this is really going to happen."
policy134 This was perceived as something of a sensation back in the late 80's and early 90's. What is strange is that while other sitcoms who were pushing the envelope got virtually no attention, like Married with Children, Murphy Brown was considered cutting edge.What the sitcom actually introduced was that you could portray a woman, who was successful in her job, even though she was pushing middle age and to top it all of she was single. In that respect you can say that the sitcom was out of the ordinary. Just think of Claire Huxtable without 5 children.What was not so great about this was the fact that Murphy Brown relied heavily on stereotypes, at least in the beginning of its run. Aside from Murphy Brown herself there was Phil, the understanding but gruff bartender, the airhead journalist who usually got by on her looks and the jealous co-worker who was as stiff on camera as William Shatner.Oh, yeah. In case you forgot this took place in a newsroom and was one of dozens of shows that aired in the 90's that did. Starting with the feature film "Broadcast News" TV-shows milked this setting for all it was worth in the 90's.Every once in a while they found an interesting hook in this show like having Murphy Brown get a new secretary (this was before the term assistant became the right term) every week. Of course, this was spoofed on Seinfeld but in itself this was the most funny thing about this show.The show was famous for tackling issues but usually it was done in such a straightforward manor that you could just as easily have made this a 50 minute drama series instead.So not that this was the worst sitcom ever, but I couldn't get many laughs out of the situations portrayed here. Just to name a few Murphy Brown was a recovering alcoholic, she gave birth as a single mother (ha-ha), her best friends were a bartender and a man she hired to paint her house.
willem2005 This show is GOOD! I watched it in Pearl Channel, TVB in Hong Kong when I was in high school. I LOVE it!!! Candice Bergeon did a great job in the show! She is also in the movie "Miss Congeniality" and "Sweet Home Alabama."I tried to search for the show in the broadcast network when I came to US. However, I could not find it. But good news is, Nich@Nite channel bought Murphy Brown, and they are going to show it in January 2005. I am excited about this. Also, I think CBS should have it on DVDs, so people can buy and enjoy it whenever they want! We should send request to CBS, asking them to release Murphy Brown's DVDs.