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 Sh...
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Episode List

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

Feb 18th, 2026 7:00 AM

90s TV Babies Meet The Golden Girls: Uncovering Timeless Comedy | 80s TV PodcastJoin 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 CarteThe 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 ASSIGNMENTIf you want to watch what the 90s TV Babies watched…Here is your assignment should you choose to accept it:S1E1 Pilot, The EngagementS1.E9 Blanche and the Younger ManS1.E13 A Little RomanceS1.E25 The Way We MetS2.E02 Ladies of the EveningS2.E24 To Catch a NeighborS4.E15 Valentine’s DayS6.E9 Mrs. George DevereauxS7.25 & S7.26 One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s NestBONUS EXTRA CREDIT EPISODESS2.E5 Isn’t it RomanticS2.E21 Dorothy’s Prized PupilS6.E14 Sister of the BrideS7.E2 The Case of the Libertine BellS3, Ep1 - Friendship and Memories00:00 Welcome Back + Golden Girls Episode Assignment02:24 Meet the Nineties TV Babies (and Baby Theo!)03:24 Serita’s Life Update: New Baby, Time Off, Paddington Bear05:04 Sailor’s Update: Shows, Audio Fixes, and Holiday Performance11:11 Sailor’s Big News: New Apartment + Promotion12:20 Sergio’s Update: Post-Theater Freedom and Travel Adventures18:57 Back to the Show: Everyone’s Golden Girls History24:29 Sailor’s Take: Why Golden Girls Still Hits in 202628:39 Campy vs. heartfelt: unpacking the dream episode’s wild tonal mix30:00 Bring back 24-episode seasons: why filler, flashbacks & character color matter32:20 Sergio’s first-time watch: rapid-fire jokes, smart writing, and trusting the audience34:15 Standout lines & bold topics: teen pregnancy, grief, and jokes that land36:16 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 ending46:38 Favorite Girl debate: Dorothy vs. Rose, and what makes each character click49:00 Behind-the-scenes: cast dynamics, Estelle Getty’s memory issues, and Betty White lore53:14 Finale reactions: hating Stan, rushed romance, and an ending without a button57:26 Monoculture is gone: streaming chaos, reboot realities, and dream fan-casting01:01:50 Wrap-up & plugs: anniversary special, links, Patreon, and what’s nextAUDIOOGRAPHY🎙️ FEATURED GUESTSSergio Perez – Associate Producer, actor, writer & "90s TV Baby"Sailor Franklin – South Pasadena based stage manager, performer and Visual & Performing Arts Associate | Connect on InstagramSerita 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 GIRLSWatch On Hulu or PhiloAlso YouTube and Apple TVDVDs are available through eBay, Walmart, and your local library.40th Anniversary Special (2025) – 40 Years of Laughter and Friendship | Watch on HuluOfficial Social Media – Stay updated with the girls | Follow on Facebook📻 CONNECT WITH 80s TV LADIESOfficial Website: 80sTVLadies.comEmail 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🛌 SPECIAL DEALS FOR LISTENERSGet awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.Be sure to 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) - This DEAL ENDS SOON!https://MyDeals.Page/19wy🎁Code: 80STVLADIESNEW 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: 80STVLADIESVisit 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.

Inside Scoop with Patrick Hinds: Golden Girls, True Crime, and TV Magic

Feb 4th, 2026 7:00 AM

"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 podcastJoin 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.AUDIOOGRAPHYExplore 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/patrickhindsFIND GOLDEN GIRLSOn Hulu or PhiloAlso 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 DEALSGet 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: 80STVLADIESNEW 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: 80STVLADIES00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:02 Golden Girls Deep Dive with Patrick Hinds01:41 Working with Jennifer Simard02:59 From True Crime to Golden Girls04:04 Theater Podcasting Journey05:33 Memorable Interviews and Broadway Stories13:13 The Birth of Broadway Backstory16:27 Creating a True Crime Podcast with Gillian Pensavalle20:38 The Appeal of True Crime25:36 Golden Girls: A Cultural Phenomenon33:54 Different Standards for Women in Media34:20 Interviewing Wendy Mallick35:20 Stan Zimmerman and Theater Connections37:32 Balancing Podcast Episodes and Interviews38:09 Challenges of True Crime Podcasting44:14 Golden Girls: A Timeless Classic46:54 The Impact of 80s and 90s TV Shows48:07 Patrick Hinds' Book: Failure is Not, Not an Option50:10 Bea Arthur's Tough Exterior52:41 Favorite 80s TV Shows and Final ThoughtsVisit 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.

Maude's Dilemma: Pioneering TV, Abortion Conversations and Reproductive Rights | Jennie Wetter

Jan 21st, 2026 7:00 AM

"It's interesting how relevant these conversations remain today." - Jennie WetterJoin 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.AUDIOOGRAPHYFind 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.comSupport Abortion Funds at abortionfunds.orgNeed an abortion? Go to AbortionFinder.org or Ineedana.comAbortion pills by mail: PlanCpills.orgLawyering for Reproductive Justice at ifwhenhow.orgDonate to TRR Foundation (started by our own Melissa!) Select RePROs Fight Back  episodes on Later Abortions:Access to Later Abortion Will Always Be NeededEverything You Need to Know about Abortion Later in PregnancyWatch Maude for free at Tubi TV. Purchase Maude on DVD via Shout Factory, now Gruv.comOr at Ebay.  SPECIAL 8TL PROMO DEALSGet awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.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: 80STVLADIESNEW 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: 80STVLADIES00:00 Introduction to 80s TV Ladies00:40 Controversial TV Episodes of the 70s and 80s02:50 Vital Women's Healthcare in TV03:37 Introducing Jennie Wetter05:32 Jennie Wetter's Career and Podcast Journey08:31 Golden Girls and Reproductive Rights11:00 Challenges in Accessing Abortion18:47 Pop Culture and Personal Influences23:16 Maude's Dilemma: A Groundbreaking Episode46:21 Exploring Abortion Portrayals in Media47:01 Grey's Anatomy and Real-Life Experiences49:56 Historical Context and Impact of 'Maude'52:57 Rue McClanahan's Role and Show Dynamics01:01:24 Abortion Representation in Modern Media01:15:53 Supporting Reproductive Rights Today01:25:32 Final Thoughts and Upcoming EpisodesVisit 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.

Special Presentation: The Love Boat Podcast with Loretta Swit

Jan 7th, 2026 7:00 AM

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: The Love Boat Podcast with Loretta Swit80s 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/dlvu8lpmsfctfxvsxfylxqhttps://www.loveboatpodcast.comhttps://www.instagram.com/loveboatpodcastSee 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, 2026Synchronicity TheatreGet 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.

The Golden Girls: 10 Not So Great Things About a Great Show

Dec 24th, 2025 7:00 AM

 ”Dorothy's tale of how she and her husband ended up together implies that he slipped her something and had sex with her. Without protection… Yeah…” - Susan Lambert HatemSusan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson dive deep in this episode into the beloved TV show 'The Golden Girls,' discussing its groundbreaking impact and the not-so-great aspects. While celebrating its progressive approach to hot-button topics and its iconic cast, they discuss ten aspects they found problematic, from mean-spirited humor to racial and cultural insensitivity. The episode, inspired by a Vulture article by Steven W. Thrasher, seeks to balance admiration with candid critique, acknowledging both the show's achievements and its shortcomings. Tune in for a balanced look at one of the most iconic TV shows from the '80s, filled with both love and critique.Wishing you all a Happy Belated Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Wonderful Holidays! May you all have a hopeful and very Happy New Year!HOLIDAY PROMO DEALSGet awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.Click through from this page, the discount should automatically apply. If not, use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping!DECEMBER 8TL DEALS BLOCK:80s TV Ladies deals and discounts:Cozy Earth (41% Off)Old Glory (15% Off)🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy🎁Code: 80STVLADIESAUDIOOGRAPHYListen to Grace Anna at ArtMuse Podcast at artmusepodcast.comThe Golden Girls Streaming: Watch on HuluGet DVDs on eBayVulture Article: "The Real Mud on Golden Girls" by Steven W. ThrasherRead the article on VultureOUR 100th EPISODE is coming! What should we do to celebrate?Send us your ideas via: 80sTVLadies @ gmail dot com Other TV Shows Referenced:Mama's Family -Mama's Family (Wikipedia)Married with Children - Married with Children (Wikipedia)All in the Family - All in the Family (Wikipedia)How to Marry a Millionaire (film) - How to Marry a Millionaire (Wikipedia)PeopleBrandon Tartikoff (NBC executive, inspiration for the show)Brandon Tartikoff (Wikipedia)Susan Harris (Creator of The Golden Girls)Susan Harris (Wikipedia)Charles Levin (Actor who played Coco)Charles Levin (Wikipedia)Steven W Thrasher (Author of the Vulture article)Steven W Thrasher (Official Site)CONNECTGo to 80sTVLadies.com for more info and transcripts.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadiesDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture.00:00 Welcome to 80s TV Ladies Podcast00:29 Introducing the Golden Girls Discussion01:02 10 Things We Don't Love About the Golden Girls02:28 Mean-Spirited Humor in the Golden Girls04:05 Sexism and Controversial Jokes07:10 Racism and Cultural Insensitivity14:36 Ageism and Stereotypes17:37 Inconsistencies and Lost Characters20:20 Final Thoughts and Listener EngagementVisit 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.

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