Wild network demands… that was one of the factors that caused The Judy Garland Show to falter. The suits at CBS created unthinkable expectations, moved the goal posts and undermined her creative authority. It’s a feminist story and lesson as old as the ages. And six years later, this multiple-episode series on The Judy Garland Show, still sticks with me.

In 2018 I recorded from a fabulous conversation with Emmy-nominated performer Angela Ingersoll about Judy Garland. Angela is a Garland scholar and skilled interpreter of the singer’s craft and career. She and I examined the production pressures Judy Garland faced during her legendary CBS variety show which ran 1963-1964. 

The Judy Garland Show was given an unprecedented budget. It’s still known for its high standards in production quality with lighting, set design, and costumes by the legendary Bob Mackie. Despite these efforts, CBS’s wild network demands included Judy beating top-rated competitors like Bonanza. Angela and I discuss demands and lack of network leadership that lead to frustrations. The lesson about women’s battles with entertainment powerbrokers, as Judy experienced, bear telling over and over.

Coyne Steven Sanders (1990) The Judy Garland Show: Rainbow’s End  https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/coyne-steven-sanders-2/rainbows-end-the-judy-garland-show/