Designing Women’s Earnest NYE: A Storytelling Classic

By Cynthia Bemis Abrams | 12/28/2017

New Year’s Eve storytelling on television is often hit-or-miss, but Designing Women delivered a timeless masterpiece with the January 1, 1990, episode “The First Day of the Last Decade of the Entire 20th Century.”

Written by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and directed by Harry Thomason, this heartfelt episode features the original cast—Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart, and Annie Potts—gathering in support of Charlene as she welcomes her baby into the world. It also includes Dolly Parton in a dream sequence, delivering a message of hope and wisdom as Charlene’s Guardian Angel. In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the cultural and emotional significance of this classic Designing Women moment, highlighting the late-80s sentimentality, strong female friendships, and enduring legacy of the series.

Podcast Episode Plot Summary

Linda Bloodworth-Thomason captured the heart and optimism of a New Year’s Eve story in Designing Women’s 1990 episode, creating a narrative that still resonates decades later. Cynthia discusses:

  • The original cast’s performances, featuring Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart, and Annie Potts.
  • Dolly Parton’s role as Charlene’s dream Guardian Angel and the wisdom she imparts.
  • The warmth and emotion of the episode’s final moments, as the women reflect on the past decade and the future ahead.
  • How this episode stands out in the history of Designing Women as one of its most emotionally resonant and beloved episodes.

This episode of Advanced TV Herstory looks at why this particular Designing Women story remains a fan favorite and an example of exceptional American TV storytelling.

Episode Resources

Referenced Shows and Networks:

  • Designing Women (CBS, 1986–1993)
  • The First Day of the Last Decade of the Entire 20th Century (Season 4, Episode 13)

Episode Life Lessons

  • TV storytelling can inspire and comfort – The Designing Women New Year’s Eve episode provided a hopeful, heartfelt moment that still resonates.
  • Friendship and support matter – The bonds between the characters remind us of the power of strong female relationships.
  • Timeless themes create classic TV – Great storytelling stands the test of time, and this episode remains an emotional touchstone for fans.