Name: Murphy Brown
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 5.6
Cast: Candice Bergen, Faith Ford, Joe Regalbuto, Charles Kimbrough, Lily Tomlin

Candice Bergen

Faith Ford

Joe Regalbuto

Charles Kimbrough

Lily Tomlin

Pat Corley

Grant Shaud

Robert Pastorelli

John Hostetter

Ritch Brinkley

Diane English

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.

Murphy Brown

After completing treatment at the Betty Ford Center, celebrated investigative reporter Murphy Brown returns to FYI determined to resume her career. She discovers that the program is now run by young executive producer Miles Silverberg and that former beauty queen Corky Sherwood has joined the reporting team. At home, Murphy hires philosophical house painter Eldin Bernecky, whose work promises to take much longer than expected.

Respect

Murphy investigates a businessman suspected of involvement in drug smuggling, but Miles insists that Corky accompany her. Murphy expects the inexperienced former beauty queen to be a hindrance until Corky unexpectedly obtains the evidence needed to break the story. Murphy must then decide whether she is prepared to share the credit.

Devil with a Blue Dress On

Murphy investigates allegations that a federal prosecutor is connected to a prostitution operation controlled by organized crime. When a death threat is delivered to the FYI newsroom, Miles becomes alarmed by the risks Murphy routinely accepts while pursuing a story.

Nowhere to Run

Murphy is assigned to interview radical activist Jake Loewenstein, whom she briefly married years earlier. Their unresolved feelings and conflicting accounts of the relationship make it increasingly difficult for Murphy to conduct an impartial interview.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Shortly before Christmas, a desperate mother unexpectedly leaves her children in Murphy’s care. Completely unprepared for instant parenthood, Murphy tries to look after the children while searching for their mother and attempting to give the family a proper holiday.

Murphy's Pony

Spending time with a pregnant friend causes Murphy to question whether she wants a child of her own. She begins investigating artificial insemination and approaches Frank about becoming the biological father, leading to an increasingly awkward discussion about friendship, parenthood and their future responsibilities.

Baby Love

An armed man enters the FYI studio and demands that the program broadcast his grievances. Murphy attempts to control the dangerous situation while Miles and the rest of the staff struggle to respond. At home, Eldin transforms what was supposed to be a routine painting job into an extensive and apparently endless renovation.

Set Me Free

Murphy is asked to deliver the eulogy for a longtime professional rival. She initially regards the assignment as an opportunity to settle old scores, but reflecting on their contentious history forces her to recognize the respect and affection hidden beneath years of competition.

And So He Goes

Murphy is outraged when everyone at FYI except her receives an invitation to George H. W. Bush’s inaugural ball. Determined to identify the person responsible for excluding her, she launches an investigation of her own. Meanwhile, Miles hesitates over inviting a woman who is taller than he is.

I Would Have Danced All Night

Murphy’s investigative reporting helps exonerate Kyle, a man who has spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit. After his release, Kyle struggles to adjust to ordinary life, and Miles gives him an opportunity to work as Murphy’s latest secretary.

Kyle

Miles suspends Murphy after she disregards his instructions during an interview. Murphy initially welcomes the forced vacation, confident that she can enjoy a life away from television, but soon discovers that her identity and sense of purpose are inseparable from her work.

Off the Job Experience

Murphy and Frank agree to arrange romantic dates for one another, only to discover that each has badly misjudged what the other wants in a partner. Meanwhile, Murphy’s newest secretary develops an obvious attraction to the happily married Jim Dial.

Why Do Fools Fall in Love?

Murphy challenges an exclusive Washington club that refuses to admit women. After discovering a possible loophole in its membership rules, she pressures Jim into sponsoring her application and prepares to confront the institution on its own terms.

Soul Man

The FYI staff fears that viewers will ignore Frank’s serious report on homelessness. To attract a larger audience, they imitate the sensational promotional tactics of rival television personality Jerry Gold, but their effort to win the ratings battle threatens to overshadow the story itself.

It's How You Play the Game

Murphy’s formidable mother, Avery Brown, arrives for an open-ended visit. Avery’s relentless criticism quickly revives the arguments and insecurities that have long defined their relationship, leaving Murphy desperate to regain control of her home and emotions.

Mama Said

Murphy prepares for a joint American-Soviet television broadcast and meets Soviet journalist Vladimir Tishenko. She is startled to discover that her counterpart’s personality, interviewing style and professional reputation closely resemble her own.

Moscow on the Potomac

Murphy begins dating brilliant physicist Dr. Victor Rudman to prove that intelligence matters more to her than physical attraction. Her supposedly reserved intellectual companion soon reveals that he has a far more active and adventurous social life than she anticipated.

My Dinner with Einstein

An insulting remark Murphy makes near an open microphone inspires a newspaper cartoonist to create a caricature called “Mouthy Brown.” Murphy’s attempts to suppress or retaliate against the cartoon only give the artist more material and draw the rest of the FYI staff into the satire.

Funnies Girl

A judge suffers a fatal heart attack while Murphy is questioning him on the air. Although she insists that the death has not affected her, Murphy loses her usual confidence and reluctantly attends group therapy in an attempt to understand her reaction.

The Unshrinkable Murphy Brown

Phil remembers Murphy’s arrival in Washington in 1977, when she competed with Frank Fontana and journalist Linda Ellerbee for a position at FYI. In the present, Eldin meets Corky and is immediately captivated by her.

The Summer of '77

A minor traffic collision involving Murphy and a seemingly harmless elderly couple escalates into a $1.5 million lawsuit. Suspicious of the Bickners’ exaggerated injuries and innocent appearance, Murphy becomes determined to prove that they are experienced frauds.

The Bickners

During a scheduled break from FYI, Murphy and Corky are assigned to co-host the network’s cheerful morning program. Corky adapts naturally to the lighter format, while Murphy struggles with cooking demonstrations, celebrity interviews and the relentlessly upbeat atmosphere.

The Morning Show

Miles becomes increasingly uncomfortable when his confident older brother, Josh, visits Washington and immediately develops a mutual attraction with Murphy. His efforts to interfere in their relationship quickly become intrusive.

The Brothers Silverberg

The network sends Jim on a temporary assignment in Libya, allowing executives to audition handsome young reporter Miller Redfield as his possible replacement. Murphy and the rest of the FYI staff unite to undermine the network’s plan.

Anchors Away

A teenage computer hacker obtains a private memorandum in which Murphy candidly evaluates her colleagues. When he threatens to publish it in his school newspaper, Murphy attempts to recover the document before the FYI staff discovers what she wrote about them.

The Memo that Got Away

A television network develops a sitcom inspired by FYI and sends glamorous actress Julia St. Martin to study Murphy for the leading role. Although the staff initially resents the project, everyone soon becomes eager to influence how they will be portrayed.

TV or Not TV

While on vacation, Miles' return flight is delayed by an Air Force pilot who has hijacked an F15-Eagle loaded with nuclear warheads.

Miles' Big Adventure

Frank and Murphy compete for the same story, but their intense competition puts the story in jeopardy. Phil, to improve his business at night, tries adding live entertainment to the bar.

Buddies Schmuddies

Jerry Gold bets the staff that they can't be environmentally responsible for a two week period, if they lose Murphy must appear on his show.

Whose Garbage is it Anyway?

Murphy & Frank lose the Humboldt Award to Corky. Then to ride the PR wave, the network brass decide to give next week's lead story to the award winner.

And the Whiner Is...

The staff plans a surprise roast for Jim on his 25th anniversary at the network, he tells Murphy before the event that he ""couldn't handle a chance meeting with anyone I know.""

Roasted

Murphy is set to receive the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, so the rest of the staff convince her that at least one of her estranged parents should attend. She concedes and invites her father, but the sparks fly when her father arrives with his new young wife and child and later her mother shows up.

Brown Like Me (1)

The sparks and the barbs fly back and forth; however, eventually the Browns call a truce. To quote Murphy: ""Interesting family, kind of like a Fellini version of the Waltons.""

Brown Like Me (2)

To start a significant dialog, Murphy decides she will break the technicians' strike by bringing both sides together for cake and conversation.

The Strike

While Murphy is throwing a birthday party for Gene Kinsella, Miles recognizes a woman he had a one-night stand with at a broadcaster's convention, Mrs. Kinsella. However, Kinsella thinks that his wife is having an affair with Frank.

Here's to You Mrs. Kinsella

Corky is having a New Year's Eve party, and Murphy wants to avoid it. Everyone challenges her to be able enjoy the occasion without the her old vice. Sober, Murphy can still bring life to a dull party.

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Murphy is subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury, but instead of divulging her source she goes to jail. Prison is not what she hoped for or expected, but then neither is the duration of her stay.

Subpoena Envy

Miles asks the staff to be mentors for a group of young reporters who will be doing a pilot for FYI For Kids; Murphy over helps her protégé.

I Want My FYI

Frank meets the woman of his dreams, a woman he dates more than once. However, she is a psychologist and analyzes every little thing Frank does, something that drives him crazier than he already is.

Frankly Speaking

Murphy's journalism mentor from her high school days has retired, to combat inactivity he comes to Washington to open a journalism school using her name.

The Murphy Brown School of Broadcasting

It's February and sweeps month, so Miles gets Murphy and Corky to pose as hookers to break open an oil company scandal.

Bad Girls

When Murphy learns things about Jerry Gold that no one else is privy to, she looks at him in a different light. They begin to have an affair that shocks everyone at FYI.

Heart of Gold

On a publicity jaunt, Murphy and Jim find themselves snowbound in Kansas. While killing time in the bar Murphy challenges Jim's ability to flirt, something Jim may later regret.

On the Road Again

A worried viewer urges advertisers to boycott FYI for an upcoming piece Murphy has on sex education. Murphy flies out to keep the one sponsor they have for the controversial show.

But First a Word From Our Sponsor

A series of outrageous practical jokes, which start with a visit from ""Deep Throat,"" get out of hand.

Frank's Appendectomy

When a secret admirer sends a fax to Miles, Murphy takes it as a challenge to answer for him and then winds up starting a correspondence.

Fax or Fiction

Miles orders the staff to take a stress reduction class. After reluctantly showing up for it, Murphy slips a disc however that doesn't stop her from working on a hot story.

The Bitch's Back

When a ""geek"" from her high school days comes to Washington, Corky's mother & his mother arrange to have them get together. They meet, fall in love, and within two weeks announce their plans to get married. Corky runs out into the night with Eldin, when she thinks that maybe she hasn't really experienced life.

Going to the Chapel (1)

Upon returning, Corky decides to go ahead with the wedding, but the event is marred by even more last minute indecision, and then Murphy brings out the ""soul.""

Going to the Chapel (2)

With the start of the 13th season, Miles decides it's time to change the image of FYI, so he hires a consultant.

The 390th Broadcast

Murphy wants to interview a controversial comic, but after seeing some tapes of his act she changes her mind. Miles sets up the interview so Murphy decides to go ahead with it, the result of which makes for interesting viewing.

Brown and Blue

Frank rescues people trapped in a hostage situation, but falls to pieces when his parents come to town for the celebration of 50th their wedding anniversary bash. A party Frank forgot to plan.

Loco Hero

The on-air talent goes on strike, so management brings in Miller Redfield to handle Murphy's pending interview on the S&L crisis. When the only question Miller wants to know is why parking isn't validated, Miles must do the interview.

Strike Two

Jerry Gold joins FYI where in a new feature he goes ""Nose to Nose"" with Murphy and the sparks fly, then the fire is rekindled and the sparks fade away.

The Gold Rush

Avery comes to stay with Murphy when she decides it's time to ""change the scenery of my existence""; Murphy suggests she gets a boyfriend. Two hours later she has a double date for herself and Murphy.

Bob & Murphy & Ted & Avery

Jim goes into hiding after losing control on the air, fearing the only thing people will remember about him is that one moment in his long career.

The Last Laugh

Finished early with her story, Murphy terrorizes the rest of the staff with her practical jokes. When a gang of environmental terrorists kidnap her, nobody believes her.

Rootless People

For Murphy's 42nd birthday present, Frank hires an actress to be Murphy's sister for a full twelve hours. The novelty wears off quickly for Murphy, when her ""sister"" keeps turning up.

The Bummer of 42

On a ""suggestion"" from Murphy, Will and Corky throw a dinner party to feign togetherness. The event turns into a disaster.

Trouble in Sherwood-Forrest

After Murphy gets the staff to agree to no presents this year, Murphy's little gifts for the rest of the staff causes a last-minute Christmas gift-buying frenzy.

Jingle Hell, Jingle Hell, Jingle All the Way

When tensions arise among the staff, Miles arranges for a corporate weekend retreat. Where they learn to develop their teamwork as they compete against a group of bankers.

Retreat

When Murphy throws a party, Eldin's artistic talent is discovered. Three weeks later Eldin has a showing at a premiere art gallery. Eldin's mural causes a stir that turns his life upside down.

Eldin Imitates Life

The Wolf network tries to woo Murphy away, something she isn't interested in until she finds out the network is taking her for granted.

Contractions

Ten years ago Murphy was banned from the White House press conferences. To top off her story on the education crisis, Murphy decides she needs a quotation from the ""Education"" president. When she manages to get a pass, she loses her voice two days before the conference.

Hoarse Play

Jim's new novel, seems to uncover his affection for Murphy, when the central character meets a blonde female reporter.

The Novel

The network is sold to American Industrial, a large corporation, who send in a management consultant to streamline the network. Miles and Murphy go to New York to meet with the new mis-management.

Terror on the 17th Floor

When their plane gets in trouble: Murphy and Frank's lives flash before their eyes.

On Another Plane (1)

Frank and Murphy witness their wake, giving them further time for reflection on their lives.

On Another Plane (2)

While the FYI staff car pool together, Murphy works on her will, Frank gets over a relationship, Corky obsesses over being right about a trivia question, Jim tries to think of an anecdote for an interview and Miles almost gets everyone killed.

Driving Miss Crazy

Suffering from ""3rd year burnout,"" Miles asks for a positive uplifting story. When everyone else fails, Murphy takes on the challenge. She gets a perfect story, until the interview is on the air.

Everytime it Rains... You Get Wet

Corky gets her own network special, she decides to do it as an interview show with a ""tea party"" theme. Murphy comes on as her first guest and is humiliated when Corky asks her really tough, Murphy Brown type of questions.

Corky's Place

Murphy makes a flip remark that insults short men, especially members of ""The 66 Club."" She shows them their ""short"" sightedness.

Small

Murphy goes off the deep end when a tabloid prints lies about her, one of which says she is drinking again.

The Usual Suspects

The FYI staff vies against Yale on a TV quiz show, but at the dress rehearsal, they realize just how much they've forgotten since their school days.

Q & A on FYI

Jake resurfaces with matrimony on his mind, Murphy is caught between him and her ex-lover, Jerry Gold, when he returns unexpectedly. Later Murphy takes a home pregnancy test, the results are positive.

Uh-Oh (1)

Murphy begins to ponder her fate, tells Frank her suspicions and tries more tests (all positive). Murphy tells Jake the news.

Uh-Oh (2)

Jake tells Murphy he has decided he isn't ready to settle down, and they both agree they can't do it together. Murphy decides to exercise her right to choose and her choice is motherhood. Even though it's Jake's baby, Jerry knows fatherhood isn't for him. While everyone else freaks out at the news, only Eldin is truly happy for Murphy. Murphy ""Do you think I'll make a good mother."" Eldin ""No, but I will.""

Uh-Oh (3)

Gene Kinsella finds out about Murphy's pregnancy and considers the idea of taking her off the air.  But Miles convinces him not to.  Once that is solved, Murphy must get a quote from the president for her latest story.  Frank says the only way to get this quote is jogging with him.

Murphy thinks she's up for the job but Frank and Jim don't think so because of her pregnancy.  So, Murphy accepts Frank's offer of getting the quote for her.  When that doesn't work, Murphy tries to get it herself and ends up running over the president with her bike.

Even though Murphy didn't get her quote she's happy, and concludes that her pregnancy will not make her life any more difficult, all she has to do is be a little more creative.

I'm As Much of a Man as I Ever Was

Out to prove the new men's movement is a fraud, Murphy attends a men's-only workshop to get the real story on the new men's movement and Frank, Miles and Jim are participants.

Male Call

Murphy gets a competent secretary in Miles' girlfriend, Audrey. The pressure of working together causes their break up and Frank becomes the tool Audrey uses to get back at Miles.

The Square Triangle

After learning about her mother's death, Murphy doesn't seem to be that upset, which makes the FYI gang think that she's hiding her true feelings.  She claims it's because of a letter her mother left to her saying that she must not cry, and if it's allowed she'll make one last visit to Murphy at the end of the night.

So, Murphy and the Phil crowd decide to celebrate Avery's spirit.  Murphy's father, Bill Brown shows up and suggests that they go home so they can talk about the good times the three of them had together.

At Murphy's townhouse, Eldin is grieving Avery's passing and refuses to actually believe it.  After he's gone, Murphy and her father decide to open the big trunk Avery left to Murphy containing a photo album, Murphy's indian blanket among other things.

After arguing with her father over things from the past, Murphy finds a little box inside of the trunk, with one of Avery's hats, which Murphy tries on, also in that box there's a smaller one wrapped up as a present with a

Full Circle

It's Nightline vs. FYI when both shows court a small town family that inadvertently taped a senator's romantic rendezvous.

The Smiths Go to Washington

When Murphy looks after a friend's 18-year-old daughter she begins to learn about what being a mother is all about.

It Came From College

Murphy's chance to interview the "Queen of Soul" is in jeopardy when her train arrives late and the limo gets detoured and the staff struggles to fill the air time.

The Queen of Soul

Murphy has an appointment with a gynecologist for a test she can't drive to, when no one else is available, Jim must take her. The results of the test are normal with one exception, it's a boy.

Inside Murphy Brown

Murphy volunteers the FYI staff to serve Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter.

Mission Control

After being nominated every year, for ten years straight, Frank wins the Humboldt Award and it brings out the worst in him.

Be it Ever So Humboldt

Feeling neglected by her husband, Corky considers ""moving down the food chain,"" when she becomes involved with Miller Redfield.

Love is Blonde

When the existing Sunday news anchor dies, the competition heats up between Jim and Murphy, when the network test both of them for the job.

Anchor Rancor

When Corky gets an invitation to a Barbara Bush luncheon, Murphy tries to scam her so she can get back into the White House, a placed she has been banned from.

Guess Who's Coming to Luncheon

Murphy returns from a trip feeling a little ill, turns out she is having pre-term labor pains, common for pregnant women over forty. Jerry Gold offers to move in with Murphy to help her out and they both learn about having a live-in relationship.

Lovesick

Miles succumbs to stress when he has heart attack symptoms at his 30th birthday party.

Heartfelt

Following her story on the personal spending habits of government officials, a Senate committee must decide whether to find her in contempt of Congress.

Send in the Clowns

Murphy gets everyone to reluctantly join her, for an old fashioned weekend at the farm she is considering buying. The neighbors in the area aren't as old fashioned as Murphy would like.

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