In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams dives into the fascinating world of Judy Garland’s series, The Judy Garland Show. Joined by Emmy-nominated performer and Judy Garland scholar Angela Ingersoll, this is the first of a five-part series exploring the powerful intersection of TV, feminism, and the entertainment industry. Cynthia and Angela examine Garland's groundbreaking TV debut, why she initially resisted television, and how her concert career rebuilt her confidence, leading to her historic contract with CBS.
From dazzling performances alongside stars like Barbra Streisand and Mickey Rooney to behind-the-scenes production challenges, this episode unpacks the sexism and mismanagement that overshadowed Garland's brilliance. Tune in for a deep look at the woman behind the show and the lasting legacy she left on TV history.
2/1/19
In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Emmy-nominated performer and Garland scholar Angela Ingersoll return to examine the 50th anniversary of Judy Garland’s passing. With a deep dive into The Judy Garland Show, Cynthia and Angela explore the male-dominated narratives that shaped Garland’s legacy, from books to documentaries. Through a feminist lens, the discussion centers on Garland's remarkable career, her struggles with sexism and ageism in Hollywood, and the social impact of her musical performances.
Discover how the sexism and power imbalances in TV production still resonate today, as Angela and Cynthia offer fresh perspectives on Garland's resilience and her cultural significance.
2/1/19
Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Emmy-nominated performer Angela Ingersoll take a hard look at the monumental production pressures Judy Garland faced during her legendary CBS variety show. The Judy Garland Show was given an unprecedented budget, setting high standards in production quality with lighting, set design, and costumes by the legendary Bob Mackie. Despite these efforts, CBS demanded that Judy beat top-rated competitors like Bonanza, setting up impossible expectations.
Cynthia and Angela unpack how these demands and lack of network leadership led to frustrations, and what these struggles reveal about women’s battles with power structures in entertainment.
2/1/19
Episode 5.4 focuses on The Judy Garland Show’s groundbreaking guest appearances and musical performances. Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Angela Ingersoll explore how Judy Garland’s series brought together some of the most influential talents of the era, from Broadway legends like Ethel Merman to rising stars like Barbra Streisand. Through performances that highlighted both classic Hollywood and the evolving entertainment industry, Judy’s show became a significant cultural touchstone. This episode uncovers how Judy’s collaborations with stars like Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll, and Liza Minnelli transcended entertainment, giving a platform to diverse voices in a male-dominated industry. The conversation also explores the pressures Judy faced from CBS executives and how she navigated the challenges of sexism and constant scrutiny.
Judy's guests fell into three categories: family (her three children), emerging singers and classic Hollywood actors and singers.
While the early, black and white appearances of emerging talents Barbra Streisand, Diahann Carroll and Lena Horne all make The Judy Garland Show the fascinating time capsule that it is, those performances are one kind of offering Judy made to the world. That's where her talent was strongest. Singing. Streisand is now an icon. In 1963, Carroll was a singer and actor who made TV herstory in the mid 60s as the star of Julia, the first modern sitcom about a black woman. Horne, singer, dancer, actor and civil rights activist, was blacklisted from Hollywood and ultimately returned to her singing roots. Her appearance on The Judy Garland Show was a big deal.
2/1/19
In this final episode of the Advanced TV Herstory series on The Judy Garland Show, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Garland scholar Angela Ingersoll examine the feminist lessons from Judy Garland’s groundbreaking TV series. This episode delves into how Garland’s persistence, defiance, and storytelling offer modern insights into women’s roles in the entertainment industry.
With reflections on her famous December 1963 performance of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” dedicated to JFK, Cynthia and Angela highlight Garland’s enduring legacy and the sexism and challenges she faced. Discover how Judy’s fight for creative control, respect, and her heartfelt connection to her audience offer lasting lessons for women in media today.
Only in the last few years have we really come to know Hollywood's darkest secrets about ageism, racism, and sexism. From a feminist perspective, Judy's story feels in hindsight like a tough, tough lesson about show biz's cutthroat nature.
2/1/19
Cynthia delves into deep Hollywood history to help listeners understand and love Carrie Fisher's genius in the made-for-TV movie These Old Broads.
All in their late 60s, Debbie Reynolds, Shirley MacLaine, Joan Collins and Elizabeth Taylor look like they had a ball in this send-up of aging and the scandals of Hollywood's golden years.
8/5/21
What happens when one of Hollywood’s biggest icons subtly takes over network television for a night? In this live-recorded episode from the 2017 Southgate Media Group Podcast Marathon, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams breaks down a curious four-episode CBS Monday night lineup from 1996, all subtly promoting Elizabeth Taylor’s "Black Pearls" perfume. Cynthia reveals how Murphy Brown, The Nanny, High Society, and Can't Hurry Love formed a loosely-connected marketing arc that spotlighted women-led sitcoms—and possibly one of the most elegant product launches in primetime history.
We also reflect on Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy on daytime TV and her 1970 appearance on Here's Lucy, questioning how celebrity clout intersects with network promotion, feminism, and cultural moments that shape media history.
10/16/17
In celebration of Liza Minnelli’s 50-year legacy since Cabaret, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the powerhouse performer’s enduring influence on television and stage. Drawing from moments often overshadowed by her film career, this episode revisits Minnelli’s unforgettable appearances with Goldie Hawn, The Muppets, Judy Garland tributes, and Freddie Mercury’s iconic Wembley concert.
Cynthia reflects on Minnelli’s resilience, personal struggles, and the problematic commentary surrounding her 2022 Oscar appearance, using it as a lens to discuss ageism, representation, and American celebrity culture.
6/19/22
Diana Ross’ 1983 Central Park concert is a story of resilience, cultural significance, and the dawn of new media. Amid dark clouds, lightning, and a downpour, Ross managed the massive crowd with grace, prioritizing safety while keeping her promise to return for a second performance. This concert, broadcast via the then-fledgling Showtime channel, marked a pivotal moment in entertainment history.
Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams dissects Ross’ leadership under pressure, her connection with the audience, and the financial and logistical challenges behind the event. With reflections on race, gender, and the business of music, this episode places Ross’ concert into a broader context of American culture, the NYC Parks Department’s history, and the evolution of televised performances.
12/2/15
This is the first of 2 episodes featuring a deep discussion with poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson about 1983's Showtime worldwide stream of Diana Ross' concert in a summer deluge.
Lawson delivers a candid description of the herstoric concert's impact and what Diana Ross and her authenticity mean to women of color in her 2020 book, This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope.
10/17/21
In this second part of the two-episode series, Cynthia continues her deep discussion with poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson about Diana Ross’ unforgettable 1983 Central Park concert. They explore how the Showtime broadcast amplified Ross’ leadership during the rainstorm and the concert's lasting cultural impact that's made Ross a television legend.
Drawing from Lawson’s book, This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope, the conversation examines what Diana Ross’ authenticity and resilience mean to women of color today. Cynthia and Shayla reflect on how this concert became a global symbol of representation and connection, with Ross proving that great performances can rise above even the most challenging circumstances.
10/24/21
