The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Title card with Peignot typeface
Genre	Sitcom
Created by	James L. Brooks Allan Burns
Starring	Mary Tyler Moore Edward Asner Valerie Harper Gavin MacLeod Ted Knight Cloris Leachman Georgia Engel Betty White
Theme music composer	Sonny Curtis
Opening theme	"Love Is All Around", written and performed by Sonny Curtis
Composer(s)	Patrick Williams
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	7
No. of episodes	168 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	James L. Brooks Allan Burns
Producer(s)	David Davis Lorenzo Music Ed Weinberger Stan Daniels
Running time	25–26 minutes
Production company(s)	MTM Enterprises
Distributor	20th Television
Release
Original network	CBS
Picture format	Color
Audio format	Monaural
Original release	September 19, 1970 (1970-09-19) – March 19, 1977 (1977-03-19)
Chronology
Related shows	Rhoda (1974–1978) Phyllis (1975–1977) Lou Grant (1977–1982)
External links
[{{#property:P856}} Website]

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (also known simply as Mary Tyler Moore) is an American television sitcom created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns and starring actress and namesake Mary Tyler Moore. The show originally aired on CBS from September 19, 1970, to March 19, 1977. Moore starred as Mary Richards, an unmarried, independent woman focused on her career as associate producer at the fictional WJM news program in Minneapolis. A central female character who was not married or dependent on a man was a rarity in American television in the 1970s, leading to numerous publications citing The Mary Tyler Moore Show as groundbreaking television in the era of second-wave feminism. Ed Asner co-starred as Mary's boss Lou Grant, alongside Valerie Harper as her friend and neighbor Rhoda Morgenstern and Cloris Leachman as her landlady Phyllis Lindstrom. Other co-stars throughout the series's run included Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight, Georgia Engel, and Betty White.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show is remembered for its realistic and complex characters and storylines, in contrast to the simplistic characters and plots typically seen on broadcast television at that time. It was the subject of consistent critical praise and high ratings during its original run, receiving twenty-nine Primetime Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series three years in a row (1975–1977); Moore received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series three times. The series also launched three spin-offs: Rhoda, Phyllis, and Lou Grant. In 2013, the Writers Guild of America ranked The Mary Tyler Moore Show No. 6 on its list of the "101 Best Written TV Series of All Time".

Summary and setting

See also: List of The Mary Tyler Moore Show episodes

The Mary Tyler Moore Show is an American television series that originally aired from 1970 to 1977. Each season consisted of 24 episodes.

Series overview

All seven seasons have been released on DVD by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Season		Episodes	Originally aired
			First aired	Last aired
	1	24	September 19, 1970	March 6, 1971
	2	24	September 18, 1971	March 4, 1972
	3	24	September 16, 1972	March 3, 1973
	4	24	September 15, 1973	March 2, 1974
	5	24	September 14, 1974	March 8, 1975
	6	24	September 13, 1975	March 6, 1976
	7	24	September 25, 1976	March 19, 1977

Episodes

Season 1 (1970–71)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
1	"Love Is All Around"	Jay Sandrich	James L. Brooks and Allan Burns	September 19, 1970 (1970-09-19)	7001
On the rebound from a broken relationship, Mary Richards relocates to Minneapolis, where she quickly finds a new apartment, an associate producer's job at WJM-TV, and new friends.
2	"Today I am a Ma'am"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	September 26, 1970 (1970-09-26)	7004
Frustrated with their single status, Mary and Rhoda invite dates to a "little gathering" at Mary's apartment.
3	"Bess, You Is My Daughter Now"	Jay Sandrich	John D.F. Black	October 3, 1970 (1970-10-03)	7005
Mary agrees to take care of Phyllis's precocious daughter for a few days.
4	"Divorce Isn't Everything"	Alan Rafkin	Treva Silverman	October 10, 1970 (1970-10-10)	7011
Rhoda convinces Mary to join the "Better Luck Next Time Club," an organization for divorced people, so they can take advantage of its discounted charter flights to Paris.
5	"Keep Your Guard Up"	Alan Rafkin	Steve Pritzker	October 17, 1970 (1970-10-17)	7008
Mary helps out a luckless former pro-football player who wants to be WJM's new sportscaster.
6	"Support Your Local Mother"	Alan Rafkin	Allan Burns and James L. Brooks	October 24, 1970 (1970-10-24)	7002
Mary puts Rhoda's visiting mother up in her apartment when Rhoda refuses to see her. First appearance of Nancy Walker as Rhoda's mother, Ida Morgenstern.
7	"Toulouse-Lautrec Is One of My Favorite Artists"	Jay Sandrich	Lloyd Turner and Gordon Mitchell	October 31, 1970 (1970-10-31)	7013
Mary accepts a date with a very short visiting author.
8	"The Snow Must Go On"	Jay Sandrich	David Davis and Lorenzo Music	November 7, 1970 (1970-11-07)	7003
Put in charge of the station's election coverage, Mary is put to the test when a blizzard completely suspends election results and the crew threatens to mutiny.
9	"Bob and Rhoda and Teddy and Mary"	Peter Baldwin	Bob Rodgers	November 14, 1970 (1970-11-14)	7010
Rhoda's new boyfriend takes an interest in Mary, and the newsroom preoccupies itself with the impending Teddy Awards.
10	"Assistant Wanted, Female"	Peter Baldwin	Treva Silverman	November 21, 1970 (1970-11-21)	7016
Mary reluctantly hires Phyllis to be her assistant in the newsroom.
11	"1040 or Fight"	Jay Sandrich	David Davis and Lorenzo Music	November 28, 1970 (1970-11-28)	7012
Mary's income-tax returns are audited by an amorous IRS agent.
12	"Anchorman Overboard"	Jay Sandrich	Lorenzo Music	December 5, 1970 (1970-12-05)	7018
Mary reluctantly arranges for Ted to speak at Phyllis's women's club.
13	"He's All Yours"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Rodgers	December 12, 1970 (1970-12-12)	7014
Mary must deal with the amorous advances of WJM's obnoxious, and very young, new cameraman.
14	"Christmas and the Hard-Luck Kid II"	Jay Sandrich	James L. Brooks and Allan Burns	December 19, 1970 (1970-12-19)	7023
Mary is forced to work not only on Christmas Day but Christmas Eve, too. Note: The episode's title is an allusion to a 1966 episode of the sitcom That Girl ("Christmas and the Hard-Luck Kid") which James L. Brooks had scripted. Note: TV Guide ranked this the best Christmas television episode ever.
15	"Howard's Girl"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	January 2, 1971 (1971-01-02)	7017
Mary's budding romance with Paul Arnell hits a roadblock—Paul's parents, who insist that Mary belongs with their favorite son, Howard.
16	"Party Is Such Sweet Sorrow"	Jay Sandrich	Martin Cohan	January 9, 1971 (1971-01-09)	7020
Mary is offered a job to produce her own show at another television station.
17	"Just a Lunch"	Bruce Bilson	James L. Brooks and Allan Burns	January 16, 1971 (1971-01-16)	7007
A globe-trotting journalist returns to WJM and catches Mary's eye, but she cannot see beyond the fact that he is still married.
18	"Second Story Story"	Jay Sandrich	Steve Pritzker	January 23, 1971 (1971-01-23)	7024
Mary's apartment is burglarized, twice.
19	"We Closed in Minneapolis"	Jay Sandrich	Kenny Solms and Gail Parent	January 30, 1971 (1971-01-30)	7022
Frustrated playwright Murray has his play accepted by the Twin Cities Playhouse, and Ted and Mary join the cast.
20	"Hi!"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	February 6, 1971 (1971-02-06)	7019
In the hospital for a tonsillectomy, Mary must share a room with a very grumpy patient played by Pat Carroll.
21	"The Boss Isn't Coming to Dinner"	Jay Sandrich	David Davis and Lorenzo Music	February 13, 1971 (1971-02-13)	7021
Mary discovers the real reason Lou has been turning down her dinner invitations—he and his wife have separated.
22	"A Friend in Deed"	Jay Sandrich	Susan Silver	February 20, 1971 (1971-02-20)	7025
A forgotten pal from summer camp turns up as WJM's new receptionist and wants to be Mary's best friend again.
23	"Smokey the Bear Wants You"	Jay Sandrich	Steve Pritzker	February 27, 1971 (1971-02-27)	7015
Rhoda's generous new boyfriend has no apparent source of income, and Mary grows suspicious.
24	"The 45-Year-Old Man"	Herbert Kenwith	George Kirgo	March 6, 1971 (1971-03-06)	7009
To get Lou back his job, Mary pays a visit to the outrageous station owner, Wild Jack Monroe. Lou uses the word "bitching".

Season 2 (1971–72)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
25	"The Birds...and...um...Bess"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	September 18, 1971 (1971-09-18)	7108
When Mary produces a documentary called, "What's Your Sexual I.Q.?," the station gets swamped with calls, and Phyllis asks her to teach Bess, about the "facts of life."
26	"I Am Curious Cooper"	Jay Sandrich	David Davis and Lorenzo Music	September 25, 1971 (1971-09-25)	7105
Lou breaks his rule about fixing people up and sets up a blind date with Mary and one of his old friends, Mike Cooper, then has second thoughts and decides he better go along as a chaperone. Unfortunately, there is no chemistry between Mary and Mike.
27	"He's No Heavy...He's My Brother"	Jerry Paris	Allan Burns	October 2, 1971 (1971-10-02)	7107
The success of Mary and Rhoda's vacation to Mexico depends on whether they are willing to deliver a mysterious package across the border for the owner of a Mexican restaurant.
28	"Room 223"	Jay Sandrich	Susan Silver	October 9, 1971 (1971-10-09)	7115
Frustrated with her lack of progress at WJM, Mary decides to sharpen her skills with a class in television journalism. Naturally, she catches the teacher's eye.
29	"A Girl's Best Mother Is Not Her Friend"	Jay Sandrich	David Davis and Lorenzo Music	October 16, 1971 (1971-10-16)	7110
Rhoda's visiting mother decides to become Rhoda's "friend."
30	"Cover Boy"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	October 23, 1971 (1971-10-23)	7102
Ted receives a visit from his super-competitive brother, a male model.
31	"Didn't You Used to Be... Wait... Don't Tell Me"	Jay Sandrich	Allan Burns	October 30, 1971 (1971-10-30)	7111
Assuming that the relentless Howard Arnell will not be going, Mary decides to attend a high-school reunion, and Rhoda comes along.
32	"Thoroughly Unmilitant Mary"	Jay Sandrich	Martin Cohan	November 6, 1971 (1971-11-06)	7103
The television newswriters union goes on strike, other guilds and unions follow, and Mary has to cross the picket line.
33	"And Now, Sitting in for Ted Baxter"	Jerry Paris	Steve Pritzker	November 13, 1971 (1971-11-13)	7109
Not without reason, Ted is worried that his mandatory vacation might become a permanent one.
34	"Don't Break the Chain"	Jerry Paris	David Davis and Lorenzo Music	November 20, 1971 (1971-11-20)	7116
Mary conjures up a few men from her past when she reluctantly continues Lou's chain letter.
35	"The Six-and-a-Half-Year Itch"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	November 27, 1971 (1971-11-27)	7112
Lou catches his favorite son-in-law at a movie theater with another woman.
36	"...Is a Friend in Need"	Jay Sandrich	Susan Silver	December 4, 1971 (1971-12-04)	7106
Rhoda is not having much luck finding a new job, yet Mary conceals from her an opening at WJM.
37	"The Square-Shaped Room"	Jay Sandrich	Susan Silver	December 11, 1971 (1971-12-11)	7117
Mary arranges for Rhoda to redecorate Lou's living room.
38	"Ted Over Heels"	Peter Baldwin	David Davis and Lorenzo Music	December 18, 1971 (1971-12-18)	7122
Ted falls in love with the daughter of Chuckles the Clown.
39	"The Five-Minute Dress"	Jay Sandrich	Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta	January 1, 1972 (1972-01-01)	7119
Mary's new love interest, an assistant to the governor, keeps breaking their dates.
40	"Feeb"	Peter Baldwin	Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon	January 8, 1972 (1972-01-08)	7120
Mary feels so guilty for getting an incompetent waitress fired that she gets her a job in the newsroom.
41	"The Slaughter Affair"	Peter Baldwin	Rick Mittleman	January 15, 1972 (1972-01-15)	7118
Murray has been moonlighting to earn extra money for a special anniversary gift, but his lack of sleep is starting to affect his performance in the newsroom.
42	"Baby Sit-Com"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	January 22, 1972 (1972-01-22)	7123
Mary is committed to watching Bess over the weekend, so when an old flame unexpectedly comes to town, she turns to an unlikely babysitter — Lou.
43	"More Than Neighbors"	Jay Sandrich	Steve Pritzker	January 29, 1972 (1972-01-29)	7101
There is a vacant apartment in Mary's building, and Ted wants to move into it.
44	"The Care and Feeding of Parents"	Jay Sandrich	Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon	February 5, 1972 (1972-02-05)	7114
Pressured by Phyllis, Mary reluctantly agrees to ask the publishing company in her office building to consider Bess's school composition for "Teen Topics' magazine.
45	"Where There's Smoke, There's Rhoda"	Peter Baldwin	Martin Cohan	February 12, 1972 (1972-02-12)	7124
A friendship is put to the test when Rhoda temporarily moves in with Mary.
46	"You Certainly Are a Big Boy"	Jay Sandrich	Martin Cohan	February 19, 1972 (1972-02-19)	7113
Mary knew the architect she is interested in had a son, but she did not know the son is all grown up. Bradford Dillman guest stars.
47	"Some of My Best Friends Are Rhoda"	Peter Baldwin	Steve Pritzker	February 26, 1972 (1972-02-26)	7121
Mary's new friend, Joanne, is attractive, successful, and polished, but she does not seem to take to Rhoda. Mary Frann guest stars.
48	"His Two Right Arms"	Jay Sandrich	Jim Parker and Arnold Margolin	March 4, 1972 (1972-03-04)	7125
Mary helps the staff of an incompetent councilman prepare for his appearance on WJM's Face the People show. Isabel Sanford and Bill Daily guest stars. Note: This was a pilot for a proposed spin-off series that was not picked up.

Season 3 (1972–73)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
49	"The Good Time News"	Hal Cooper	Allan Burns and James L. Brooks	September 16, 1972 (1972-09-16)	7214
Both Lou and Ted are unhappy about the upbeat "happy news" format Mary has been assigned to develop for the "Six O'Clock News".
50	"What Is Mary Richards Really Like?"	Jerry Belson	Susan Silver	September 23, 1972 (1972-09-23)	7206
A local newspaper columnist, whom Lou is convinced loves to destroy people's reputations, interviews Mary about being the only woman in the newsroom at WJM.
51	"Who's in Charge Here?"	Jay Sandrich	Martin Cohan	September 30, 1972 (1972-09-30)	7205
Lou's promotion to program manager leaves Murray in charge of the newsroom, a task for which he is totally unqualified.
52	"Enter Rhoda's Parents"	Jay Sandrich	Martin Cohan	October 7, 1972 (1972-10-07)	7209
Rhoda is shocked when her parents arrive for a visit and her mother reveals that she is convinced her husband is seeing another woman. First appearance of Harold Gould as Rhoda's father, Martin Morgenstern.
53	"It's Whether You Win or Lose"	Jay Sandrich	Martin Donovan	October 14, 1972 (1972-10-14)	7201
When Lou is kept from joining his poker pals in Las Vegas, he insists Mary set up a poker game at work, which becomes a problem for an Murray, former compulsive gambler.
54	"Rhoda the Beautiful"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	October 21, 1972 (1972-10-21)	7207
Even though she has lost 20 pounds, Rhoda still feels fat and hopeless, but she gets a boost of confidence when she enters Hempel's Department Store beauty contest.
55	"Just Around the Corner"	Jay Sandrich	Steve Pritzker	October 28, 1972 (1972-10-28)	7204
When Mary's parents move into a new house just around the corner from her apartment and then start planning her social schedule, Mary turns to Rhoda for advice.
56	"But Seriously, Folks"	Peter Baldwin	Ed. Weinberger	November 4, 1972 (1972-11-04)	7212
Mary tries to help out when her new boyfriend, the station's "Chuckles the Clown" writer, quits his job in order to fulfill his lifelong ambition of performing as a stand-up comedian.
57	"Farmer Ted and the News"	Jay Sandrich	Martin Donovan	November 11, 1972 (1972-11-11)	7203
Lou realizes he has made a big mistake after he signs a new contract that allows Ted to earn extra money appearing in TV commercials on several local stations.
58	"Have I Found a Guy for You"	Hal Cooper	Charlotte Brown	November 18, 1972 (1972-11-18)	7208
If Mary is crushed when she learns the marriage of her long-time friends is coming to an end, she is stunned when she realizes the husband wants to start dating her after the divorce.
59	"You've Got a Friend"	Jerry Belson	Steve Pritzker	November 25, 1972 (1972-11-25)	7210
Mary's father is having trouble adjusting to his new life in the city because he misses his old buddies, so Mary then invites him to lunch with her and Lou.
60	"It Was Fascination, I Know"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger	December 2, 1972 (1972-12-02)	7211
Bess's 15-year-old boyfriend develops a crush on Mary.
61	"Operation: Lou"	Jay Sandrich	Elias Davis and David Pollock	December 9, 1972 (1972-12-09)	7216
Lou goes to the hospital to have some shrapnel from World War II removed and leaves Mary in charge. Unfortunately, Mary and Murray clash, but, at the same time, Lou bonds with Ted in the hospital.
62	"Rhoda Morgenstern: Minneapolis to New York"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	December 16, 1972 (1972-12-16)	7213
Mary is devastated when Rhoda returns from a vacation in New York and announces she has accepted a job and will be leaving Minneapolis for the Big Apple. First appearance of Georgia Engel as Georgette.
63	"The Courtship of Mary's Father's Daughter"	Jay Sandrich	David Pollock and Elias Davis	December 23, 1972 (1972-12-23)	7218
Mary once again finds herself cast as "the other woman" when an ex-boyfriend invites her to his engagement party, much to the dismay of his new fiancee.
64	"Lou's Place"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger	January 6, 1973 (1973-01-06)	7219
Lou achieves a lifelong dream when he becomes the owner of his favorite bar but quickly realizes he is not lovable enough to keep the customers coming back for more.
65	"My Brother's Keeper"	Jay Sandrich	Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon	January 13, 1973 (1973-01-13)	7215
Phyllis schemes to have her brother fall in love with Mary, but her plans go awry when her brother and Rhoda click.
66	"The Georgette Story"	Peter Baldwin	Ed. Weinberger	January 20, 1973 (1973-01-20)	7223
Mary and Rhoda decide it is time they have a heart-to-heart talk with Georgette, since it appears Ted is taking his new girlfriend way too much for granted.
67	"Romeo and Mary"	Peter Baldwin	Jim Mulholland and Mike Barrie	January 27, 1973 (1973-01-27)	7220
Rhoda's boyfriend finds the perfect guy for Mary. Unfortunately, the guy is overzealous in his intent to marry Mary and will not take no for an answer.
68	"What Do You Say When the Boss Says 'I Love You'?"	Jay Sandrich	David Pollock and Elias Davis	February 3, 1973 (1973-02-03)	7222
Lou realizes he is in over his head when the new boss at the station is a woman who promptly falls for him.
69	"Murray Faces Life"	Jay Sandrich	Martin Cohan	February 10, 1973 (1973-02-10)	7217
Murray sinks into a deep depression after he learns that a former writing classmate has won a Pulitzer Prize for journalism.
70	"Remembrance of Things Past"	Jay Sandrich	Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon	February 17, 1973 (1973-02-17)	7224
Against her better judgment, Mary gets drawn into an affair with an ex-boyfriend who previously broke her heart. Guest star: Joseph Campanella
71	"Put on a Happy Face"	Jay Sandrich	Marilyn Suzanne Miller and Monica Johnson	February 24, 1973 (1973-02-24)	7221
Once Mary gets nominated for a Teddy Award, everything starts going disastrously wrong at work and the awards dinner.
72	"Mary Richards and the Incredible Plant Lady"	John C. Chulay	Martin Cohan	March 3, 1973 (1973-03-03)	7225
Mary and Rhoda's friendship is strained after Rhoda borrows money to set up her new plant store but does not pay Mary back. Guest starring Louise Lasser and Craig T. Nelson.

Season 4 (1973–74)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
73	"The Lars Affair"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger	September 15, 1973 (1973-09-15)	7315
Phyllis discovers that her husband is having an affair with Sue Ann Nivens, the star of WJM's "Happy Homemaker Show". First appearance of Betty White.
74	"Angels in the Snow"	Jay Sandrich	Monica Johnson and Marilyn Suzanne Miller	September 22, 1973 (1973-09-22)	7306
Ignoring the advice of her friends and co-workers, Mary dates a man seven years younger than herself.
75	"Rhoda's Sister Gets Married"	Jerry Belson	Karyl Geld	September 29, 1973 (1973-09-29)	7309
Mary and Rhoda fly to New York for Rhoda's younger sister's wedding, but Rhoda's mother is afraid that Rhoda is overly envious of her sibling.
76	"The Lou and Edie Story"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	October 6, 1973 (1973-10-06)	7301
A heartbroken Lou announces that he and his wife Edie are having marital problems, and that a counselor has suggested a trial separation.
77	"Hi There, Sports Fans"	Jay Sandrich	Jerry Mayer	October 13, 1973 (1973-10-13)	7302
When Mary asks Lou for more responsibility in the newsroom, he assigns her the task of hiring a new sportscaster, but first she must fire the old one. Guest stars Richard Gautier and John Gabriel.
78	"Father's Day"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger	October 20, 1973 (1973-10-20)	7303
Ted is anxious and agitated as he prepares to meet his long-lost father.
79	"Son of "But Seriously, Folks""	Jay Sandrich	Phil Mishkin	October 27, 1973 (1973-10-27)	7305
One of Mary's ex-boyfriends gets a job in the newsroom and attempts to rekindle their old flame.
80	"Lou's First Date"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	November 3, 1973 (1973-11-03)	7312
Mary tries to find a suitable date for Lou to attend the Teddy Awards banquet. The date is less than desirable and to make matters worse, Edie also attends the banquet with a date of her own.
81	"Love Blooms at Hemples"	Jay Sandrich	Sybil Adelman and Barbara Gallagher	November 10, 1973 (1973-11-10)	7308
Rhoda falls madly in love with one of the Hemples' heirs, but she is clueless as to how he really feels about her.
82	"The Dinner Party"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger	November 17, 1973 (1973-11-17)	7321
Mary meets a congresswoman, who accepts a casual invitation for dinner. An unexpected guest, an ill-timed preparation of Veal Prince Orloff, and Lou's ravenous appetite cause the evening to continue Mary's string of terrible parties. Guest star Henry Winkler.
83	"Just Friends"	Nancy Walker	William Wood	November 24, 1973 (1973-11-24)	7304
When a depressed Lou starts having dinner at Mary's every night, she quickly decides to reconcile him with Edie.
84	"We Want Baxter"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	December 1, 1973 (1973-12-01)	7314
Ted quits his job at WJM to pursue a political career after Phyllis convinces him that he would make an ideal city councilman.
85	"I Gave at the Office"	Jay Sandrich	Don Reo and Allan Katz	December 8, 1973 (1973-12-08)	7307
Mary hires Murray's daughter for a part-time job in the newsroom-and winds up regretting it. Guest star: Bruce Boxleitner
86	"Almost a Nun's Story"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	December 15, 1973 (1973-12-15)	7318
Georgette decides to become a nun after catching Ted kissing another woman in his dressing room.
87	"Happy Birthday, Lou!"	George Tyne	David Lloyd	December 22, 1973 (1973-12-22)	7319
Mary plans a surprise party for Lou's birthday, only to find out too late that he hates birthday parties.
88	"WJM Tries Harder"	Jay Sandrich	Karyl Geld	January 5, 1974 (1974-01-05)	7316
Mary starts to have doubts about WJM's relatively small-time operations when she dates the anchorman from the Twin Cities' top-rated station.
89	"Cottage for Sale"	Jay Sandrich	George Atkins	January 12, 1974 (1974-01-12)	7311
Phyllis gets her real estate license and targets a reluctant Lou as her first client.
90	"The Co-Producers"	Jay Sandrich	David Pollock and Elias Davis	January 19, 1974 (1974-01-19)	7322
Mary and Rhoda are thrilled with the opportunity to produce a new show for WJM, until they learn the show must star Sue Ann and Ted, who quickly make things difficult.
91	"Best of Enemies"	Jay Sandrich	Marilyn Suzanne Miller and Monica Johnson	January 26, 1974 (1974-01-26)	7317
Mary and Rhoda's friendship takes serious damage when Rhoda reveals a secret about Mary's past to the office.
92	"Better Late...That's a Pun...Than Never"	John C. Chulay	Treva Silverman	February 2, 1974 (1974-02-02)	7323
Mary writes a humorous obituary as a joke, but when it is mistakenly read on the air, she is suspended from the newsroom.
93	"Ted Baxter Meets Walter Cronkite"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger	February 9, 1974 (1974-02-09)	7324
After winning his first Teddy Award, Ted meets his idol, Walter Cronkite, and assumes that he is on his way to a network career.
94	"Lou's Second Date"	Jerry London	Ed. Weinberger	February 16, 1974 (1974-02-16)	7326
Lou and Rhoda begin dating casually, and everyone-especially Mary-wonders how serious the relationship is turning. Valerie Harper's final appearance as a regular cast member.
95	"Two Wrongs Don't Make a Writer"	Nancy Walker	David Lloyd	February 23, 1974 (1974-02-23)	7325
Ted joins Mary's night school class in creative writing and plagiarizes Mary's assignment.
96	"I Was a Single for WJM"	Mel Ferber	Treva Silverman	March 2, 1974 (1974-03-02)	7327
Mary begins frequenting a singles bar to research a news special. When they air from the bar live, they encounter disastrous results.

Season 5 (1974–75)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
97	"Will Mary Richards Go to Jail?"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	September 14, 1974 (1974-09-14)	4014
When Mary refuses to reveal a source, she is found in contempt of court and is sent to jail, where she befriends two prostitutes. Note: One of the prostitutes, Sherry, is seen again this season in the episode "You Try to be a Nice Guy," and the contempt charge is resolved in the season 7 episode "Mary Gets a Lawyer".
98	"Not Just Another Pretty Face"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	September 21, 1974 (1974-09-21)	4006
Mary dates a gorgeous ski instructor, but reconsiders the relationship when she realizes they have little in common.
99	"You Sometimes Hurt the One You Hate"	Jackie Cooper	David Lloyd	September 28, 1974 (1974-09-28)	4003
Mary and Lou clash over his violent streaks, especially after he injures Ted for another on-air gaffe. Lou changes his ways, but when Ted takes advantage of the situation, Mary wants the old Lou back.
100	"Lou and That Woman"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	October 5, 1974 (1974-10-05)	4007
Lou is in heaven when he starts dating a fantastic lounge singer, but has second thoughts when she reveals she has been with a number of men. Guest star: Sheree North
101	"The Outsider"	Peter Bonerz	Jack Winter	October 12, 1974 (1974-10-12)	4002
The gang is displeased when Lou hires a consultant to raise ratings for the newscast. Just as his methods seem to work and the staff warm to him, he reveals another surprise. Guest star: Richard Masur
102	"I Love a Piano"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	October 19, 1974 (1974-10-19)	4009
Murray meets an attractive divorcee at one of Mary's parties, and the gang is rattled as Murray flirts with having an affair with her. Guest star: Barbara Barrie
103	"The New Sue Ann"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	October 26, 1974 (1974-10-26)	4018
Sue Ann is charmed when a hometown acquaintance of Mary's comes on as an assistant to her show. But things turn ugly when the young woman dates the station manager and aims for Sue Ann's job.
104	"Menage-a-Phyllis"	Jay Sandrich	Treva Silverman	November 2, 1974 (1974-11-02)	4004
Mary meets Phyllis' hunky platonic friend Mike with whom she attends cultural events instead of Lars. When Mike shows an interest in Mary, Phyllis sees green.
105	"Not a Christmas Story"	John C. Chulay	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	November 9, 1974 (1974-11-09)	4001
The gang is furious at each other over an office dispute. When they are all snowed in at the office, they spend a tense evening on the set of Sue Ann's Christmas dinner special.
106	"What Are Friends For?"	Alan Rafkin	David Lloyd	November 16, 1974 (1974-11-16)	4012
Mary and Sue Ann have an unusual time bonding when they both attend a broadcasters' conference in Chicago.
107	"A Boy's Best Friend"	Mary Tyler Moore	David Lloyd	November 23, 1974 (1974-11-23)	4010
Ted is elated when his mother announces she will be getting married. When she decides against marriage after all, Ted determines he must meet her "gentlemen friend" to learn his intentions.
108	"A Son for Murray"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	November 30, 1974 (1974-11-30)	4019
The gang is unwillingly dragged in when Murray and Marie fight over whether or not to try for another child, specifically a boy. Ultimately, they adopt a boy from Vietnam.
109	"Neighbors"	James Burrows and John C. Chulay	Ziggy Steinberg	December 7, 1974 (1974-12-07)	4016
Lou moves upstairs into Rhoda's old apartment and creates tension with Mary when the line between work and home is breached.
110	"A Girl Like Mary"	Jay Sandrich	Ann Gibbs and Joel Kimmel	December 14, 1974 (1974-12-14)	4015
Lou auditions applicants for a new female commentator. Sue Ann and Mary both audition-and fail spectacularly. Guest starring Rosalind Cash.
111	"An Affair to Forget"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	December 21, 1974 (1974-12-21)	4008
Mary is promoted to producer, catching Ted's eye. She then becomes increasingly aggravated as Ted spreads rumors suggesting they are dating.
112	"Mary Richards: Producer"	Norman Campbell	David Lloyd	January 4, 1975 (1975-01-04)	4022
Frustrated that Lou is not allowing her to exercise the full authority of her recently acquired title of producer, Mary convinces him to let her produce the show solo. Although Lou is frustrated at first, he admits the show "didn't stink".
113	"The System"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	January 11, 1975 (1975-01-11)	4026
Lou has a string of bad bets in the new NFL season, while amateur Ted gets lucky. Lou tries Ted's system, but though successful, finds all the fun has gone out of betting. Note: On-screen text shown throughout this episode, which first aired mid-January 1975, shows that the first scene takes place back in September 1974, with subsequent scenes taking place throughout the football season, culminating with the final scene during Super Bowl IX.
114	"Phyllis Whips Inflation"	Jay Sandrich	Stan Daniels and Ed. Weinberger	January 18, 1975 (1975-01-18)	4023
With everyone feeling the crunch of inflation, Phyllis tries to find a job and Mary tries to coax a raise out of Mr. Grant. Final appearance of Cloris Leachman as a regular cast member. Guest star: Doris Roberts
115	"The Shame of the Cities"	Jay Sandrich	Teleplay: Michael Elias Story: Michael Elias and Arnie Kogen	January 25, 1975 (1975-01-25)	4028
Lou is inspired to return to investigative reporting. When he has no luck turning up any worthwhile news Mary convinces him to produce a positive documentary instead-with poor results.
116	"Marriage Minneapolis Style"	Jay Sandrich	Pamela Russell	February 1, 1975 (1975-02-01)	4017
After Murray and Marie celebrate their 20th anniversary, Ted impulsively proposes to Georgette on air-and quickly regrets it.
117	"You Try to Be a Nice Guy"	Jay Sandrich	Michael Leeson	February 8, 1975 (1975-02-08)	4013
Sherry, the hooker Mary met in jail, resurfaces to ask Mary to be a character witness. Mary then tries to help Sherry find a less risqué line of work, and ends up modeling a shocking dress of Sherry's design.
118	"You Can't Lose 'em All"	Marjorie Mullen	David Lloyd	February 15, 1975 (1975-02-15)	4025
It is Teddy Awards time and Ted feels upset when he is not even nominated after last year's win, while Lou feels worse when he is selected for a career award he despises. Guest star: Fred Grandy
119	"Ted Baxter's Famous Broadcasters' School"	Jay Sandrich	Michael Zinberg	February 22, 1975 (1975-02-22)	4024
A scam artist disappears with the money Ted had invested to start a broadcasting school. Mary, Lou, and Murray agree to serve as the faculty to help Ted fulfill his obligations, but are not sure how to proceed when only one student shows up (Leonard Frey) and insists that classes be held regardless. A blind date Mary unwillingly agrees to go out with (Bernie Kopell) at Ida Morgenstern's behest adds to the farcical resolution.
120	"Anyone Who Hates Kids and Dogs"	Jay Sandrich	Jerry Mayer	March 8, 1975 (1975-03-08)	4029
Mary thinks the divorced man she has been dating may be the one. The only problem is, despite her efforts, she dislikes his obnoxious 12-year-old son, and the feeling seems to be mutual. Guest stars: Laurence Luckinbill, Lee Montgomery, Mabel Albertson, Carole King (credited as Carole Larkey)

Season 6 (1975–76)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
121	"Edie Gets Married"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	September 13, 1975 (1975-09-13)	5008
Lou and the gang are taken aback when Edie announces she is remarrying. Hesitant to attend the wedding, with Mary's support, Lou makes peace with Edie and wishes her well.
122	"Mary Moves Out"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	September 20, 1975 (1975-09-20)	5005
Missing Rhoda and Phyllis, Mary feels she has fallen into a rut. She decides to move to a high-rise apartment, and with the help of the gang it soon starts to feel like home.
123	"Mary's Father"	Jay Sandrich	Earl Pomerantz	September 27, 1975 (1975-09-27)	5004
Mary works with a handsome Catholic priest on a documentary. He announces that he is considering leaving the priesthood and Mary is mortified when her intuition tells her that he may be in love with her. Guest star: Ed Flanders
124	"Murray in Love"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	October 4, 1975 (1975-10-04)	5006
Murray realizes he is in love with Mary, who has to let him down gently. Ted resolves to assist Mary in her problem with some overly friendly neighbors. Guest stars: Penny Marshall and Mary Kay Place
125	"Ted's Moment of Glory"	Jay Sandrich	Charles Lee and Gig Henry	October 11, 1975 (1975-10-11)	5007
Ted lands a new job hosting a game show in New York. The gang unexpectedly finds they will miss him after all and Lou sets out to make him stay. Guest star: Dian Parkinson
126	"Mary's Aunt"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	October 18, 1975 (1975-10-18)	5001
Mary's dynamic journalist Aunt Flo is in town. Mary is excited to introduce her to Lou, but they clash in a battle of egos only to find more common ground than expected. Guest star: Eileen Heckart
127	"Chuckles Bites the Dust"	Joan Darling	David Lloyd	October 25, 1975 (1975-10-25)	5009
Chuckles the Clown is killed in an absurd accident and Mary is appalled at the reaction of her coworkers, who make a litany of corny jokes about the death. At the funeral, everyone promises Mary they will cease and desist, but during the service it is Mary who is unable to control her reactions.
128	"Mary's Delinquent"	Jay Sandrich	Mary Kay Place and Valerie Curtin	November 1, 1975 (1975-11-01)	5002
Mary becomes a "big sister" to a juvenile delinquent and is put in a compromising position when the girl steals some money from the office. Guest star: Mackenzie Phillips
129	"Ted's Wedding"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	November 8, 1975 (1975-11-08)	5010
When Ted makes another insincere proposal of marriage during dinner, Georgette insists that they do marry, right then and there in Mary's apartment. A grungy Murray, Sue Ann's last minute accessorizing, and a minister in tennis attire make for a very comical wedding. Guest star: John Ritter
130	"Lou Douses an Old Flame"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	November 15, 1975 (1975-11-15)	5014
Lou has mixed feelings of hope and revenge when contacted by an old girlfriend who sent him a "Dear John" letter 30 years previously. Mary hosts a post-wedding bachelor party for Ted. Guest star: Beverly Garland
131	"Mary Richards Falls in Love"	Jay Sandrich	Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels	November 22, 1975 (1975-11-22)	5011
Mary falls deeply for her latest boyfriend, Joe Warner, but he cannot say "I love you" to her. She is devastated when she learns why. Mary and Rhoda speak on the phone about their respective love interests (both named "Joe"). Guest stars: Valerie Harper, Ted Bessell, David Groh and Beth Howland.
132	"Ted's Tax Refund"	Marjorie Mullen	Bob Ellison	November 29, 1975 (1975-11-29)	5012
Ted gets a large tax refund and vows to change his miserly ways by giving generous gifts to the gang. When he is audited by the IRS, he tries to muster up support for false deductions.
133	"The Happy Homemaker Takes Lou Home"	James Burrows	David Lloyd	December 6, 1975 (1975-12-06)	5015
When Prince Charles has to cancel his appearance on "Talk of the Town", Mary struggles to find a replacement guest. Mary reluctantly helps set up Sue Ann and Lou on a date, which ends with an unusual twist.
134	"One Boyfriend Too Many"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	December 13, 1975 (1975-12-13)	5017
While the romance between Mary and Joe Warner is going well, when Mary's old boyfriend Dan Whitfield comes back to town, Mary is not sure where her heart lies.
135	"What Do You Want to Do When You Produce?"	Jay Sandrich	Shelly Nelbert and Craig Alan Hafner	December 20, 1975 (1975-12-20)	5013
Murray accepts a lucrative position producing Sue Ann's "Happy Homemaker" show. It ends up being a humiliating experience for Murray that he is willing to bear until Mary reveals that his wife is distraught over the change.
136	"Not With My Wife, I Don't"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	January 3, 1976 (1976-01-03)	5016
When Georgette threatens to leave Ted over problems in the bedroom, he gets help from a psychiatrist. Murray researches a story on availability of guns.
137	"The Seminar"	Stuart Margolin	James McDonald and Robert Gerlach	January 10, 1976 (1976-01-10)	5003
Mary and Lou attend a seminar in Washington, D.C. Lou expects to take Mary on a night on the town with his old friends, but when his contacts seem to be a bust, Mary makes her own plans. Meanwhile, Ted is in charge of the news room. Guest stars: Betty Ford and Dabney Coleman
138	"Once I Had a Secret Love"	Jay Sandrich	Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta	January 17, 1976 (1976-01-17)	5018
Lou has a drunken one-night stand with Sue Ann and swears Mary to secrecy. When he finds out she told Murray, Lou declares his friendship with her over.
139	"Menage-a-Lou"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	January 24, 1976 (1976-01-24)	5020
Lou's old girlfriend Charlene is in town so Mary invites her to another disastrous party where Lou makes a scene in front of Charlene's new boyfriend. Lou asks Mary's neighbor to join him on a double date with Charlene to make her jealous. Guest stars: Penny Marshall, Janis Paige and Jeff Conaway
140	"Murray Takes a Stand"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	January 31, 1976 (1976-01-31)	5019
The new station owner's policies infuriate Murray so he calls the owner at home with an irate message. The next morning the owner tells Lou to fire Murray. The gang has to band together to get Murray's job back.
141	"Mary's Aunt Returns"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	February 7, 1976 (1976-02-07)	5021
Aunt Flo returns to Minneapolis to collaborate with Lou on a documentary. When they have different approaches on the material, they hold a competition. Ted plays both sides to be the narrator. Guest star: Eileen Heckart
142	"A Reliable Source"	Jay Sandrich	Richard M. Powell	February 21, 1976 (1976-02-21)	5023
Mary threatens to resign when Lou runs a damaging story on a politician with ties to organized crime, and who is also Mary's trusted personal friend.
143	"Sue Ann Falls in Love"	Doug Rogers	Bob Ellison	February 28, 1976 (1976-02-28)	5024
Sue Ann falls for a hunky outdoorsman. On the eve of the Teddy Awards, he makes a pass at Mary, who is forced to tell Sue Ann just before she wins the award.
144	"Ted and the Kid"	Marjorie Mullen	Bob Ellison	March 6, 1976 (1976-03-06)	5022
Ted confides in Mary that he and Georgette are having trouble conceiving a child. The couple adopt 12-year-old David, and subsequently Georgette announces she has become pregnant after all. Guest star: Robbie Rist

Season 7 (1976–77)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
145	"Mary Midwife"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	September 25, 1976 (1976-09-25)	6001
After Lou and Mary feud about his weight, he shows up to spoil Mary's dinner party. When Georgette goes into labor, Mary and Lou must cooperate to deliver the Baxters' daughter, whom they name Mary Lou.
146	"Mary the Writer"	James Burrows	Burt Prelutsky	October 2, 1976 (1976-10-02)	6006
Mary asks Lou to give an honest opinion on an article she wrote and becomes upset when Lou thinks it "stinks". She goes so far as to lie about it being accepted by Reader's Digest.
147	"Sue Ann's Sister"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	October 9, 1976 (1976-10-09)	6005
Sue Ann's visiting sister gets an offer to do a rival cooking show in Minneapolis. This sends Sue Ann into a depression. The gang comes to her bedside to cheer her up, and the audience is treated to a view of the happy homemaker's tawdry boudoir.
148	"What's Wrong with Swimming?"	Marjorie Mullen	David Lloyd	October 16, 1976 (1976-10-16)	6002
Mary battles Lou to hire a female swimmer, B.J., as the station's sportscaster. When B.J. ends up only reporting on swimming and diving, ignoring important stories about local football and basketball, Mary must take responsibility for the situation.
149	"Ted's Change of Heart"	Jay Sandrich	Earl Pomerantz	October 23, 1976 (1976-10-23)	6010
After having a heart attack on the air, Ted decides life is incredibly precious and takes an incredibly positive view of life. His attitude is infectious among the new staff, but how long will it last?
150	"One Producer Too Many"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	October 30, 1976 (1976-10-30)	6008
Lou makes Murray a co-producer after he gets an offer from another station. Mary is not happy about this situation and there seems no way for Lou to resolve the problem.
151	"My Son, the Genius"	Joan Darling	Bob Ellison	November 6, 1976 (1976-11-06)	6003
When Ted and Georgette's son David is having trouble in school, they bring him to a psychologist and discover he is a genius with an I.Q. of 160. David suddenly becomes a brat and his parents must deal with his new behavior.
152	"Mary Gets a Lawyer"	Jay Sandrich	Burt Prelutsky	November 13, 1976 (1976-11-13)	6014
A grand jury sends Mary to trial for contempt of court for not revealing a news source. Mary's lawyer, a friend of Lou, is taken with her, but when he discovers she is not interested, he goes on a bender, and it seems as though Mary's defense will be ruined. Guest stars: John McMartin, Richard Kline. Note: This episode is a resolution of the contempt charge brought against Mary in the season-5 premiere episode "Will Mary Richards go to Jail?"
153	"Lou Proposes"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	November 20, 1976 (1976-11-20)	6009
Mary's Aunt, Flo Meridith, is visiting town again, and after her usual altercations with Lou, he decides to ask Flo to marry him.
154	"Murray Can't Lose"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	November 27, 1976 (1976-11-27)	6015
A rumor is going around that Murray is a sure thing to win at this year's Teddy awards. Mary is put in charge of entertainment at the ceremony and has Georgette perform the musical number "Steam Heat".
155	"Mary's Insomnia"	James Burrows	David Lloyd	December 4, 1976 (1976-12-04)	6012
Mary uses sleeping pills to help her insomnia and Mr. Grant is concerned when she becomes dependent on them.
156	"Ted's Temptation"	Harry Mastrogeorge	Bob Ellison	December 11, 1976 (1976-12-11)	6013
Mary, Murray and Ted attend a convention in Los Angeles. An attractive young journalist tries to seduce Ted. Guest star: Trisha Noble.
157	"Look at Us, We're Walking"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	December 25, 1976 (1976-12-25)	6004
Mary and Lou ask the new station manager for a raise and threaten to quit otherwise. Guest star: David Ogden Stiers.
158	"The Critic"	Martin Cohan	David Lloyd	January 8, 1977 (1977-01-08)	6017
A very negative critic is hired by the station manager to do a spot on The Six O'clock News, and immediately attacks Minneapolis's population as a whole. Lou wants Mary to go out with him in a futile attempt to get him to put a more positive spin on his reviews. Guest stars: Eric Braeden, David Ogden Stiers.
159	"Lou's Army Reunion"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	January 15, 1977 (1977-01-15)	6016
Lou wants to return a favor to an old Army buddy, but is upset when he asks for a date with Mary. Guest star: Alex Rocco
160	"The Ted and Georgette Show"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	January 22, 1977 (1977-01-22)	6018
Ted and Georgette do a show on WJM that becomes a hit, but Georgette would rather stay at home taking care of her family.
161	"Sue Ann Gets the Ax"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	January 29, 1977 (1977-01-29)	6019
Sue Ann Niven's Happy Homemaker show is canceled. After being given a series of demeaning jobs at WJM, she's hired to work in the newsroom.
162	"Hail the Conquering Gordy"	Jay Sandrich	Earl Pomerantz	February 5, 1977 (1977-02-05)	6020
Gordy, the former WJM weatherman, is now a network news star. In town for a visit, the gang throws him a party, and jealous Ted is hoping for a co-host position with Gordy in New York.
163	"Mary and the Sexagenarian"	Jay Sandrich	Les Charles and Glen Charles	February 12, 1977 (1977-02-12)	6021
Mary agrees to go out on a date with an older man, who turns out to be Murray's father.
164	"Murray Ghosts for Ted"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	February 19, 1977 (1977-02-19)	6025
Ted is unable to write an article requested by a newspaper, so hires Murray to write it for him, insisting that he not reveal the arrangement. When the article gains attention from the Governor and is to be reprinted in Reader's Digest, Mary and Lou want Ted to come clean. Guest star: Helen Hunt
165	"Mary's Three Husbands"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	February 26, 1977 (1977-02-26)	6023
After a long day, Lou, Murray and Ted have a drink and fantasize what it would be like for each of them to be married to Mary. Lou's fantasy takes place on their would-be golden anniversary and aged versions of all four characters are seen. Note: Rhoda is mentioned in the future fantasy via a postcard, whom Mary states is "still waiting for Joe to come back."
166	"Mary's Big Party"	Jay Sandrich	Bob Ellison	March 5, 1977 (1977-03-05)	6026
Congresswoman Gettys from Episode 82 ("The Dinner Party") asks Mary to entertain Johnny Carson, who is visiting Minneapolis. Mary thinks for once she can have a party which is not a disaster. As the gang awaits the celebrity's arrival in Mary's apartment, there is a power failure and no candles or working flashlights are to be found. The guests recall a series of Mary's bad parties through flashbacks. Guest star: Johnny Carson. Valerie Harper and Henry Winkler appear in flashback scenes.
167	"Lou Dates Mary"	Jay Sandrich	David Lloyd	March 12, 1977 (1977-03-12)	6024
At the age of 37, and after another disappointing date, Mary believes she may never meet a good man. Georgette suggests that Mary date Lou. She manages to ask him out, but can the uncomfortable pair hit it off romantically?
168	"The Last Show"	Jay Sandrich	James L. Brooks, Allan Burns, Ed. Weinberger, Stan Daniels, David Lloyd & Bob Ellison	March 19, 1977 (1977-03-19)	6027
The new station manager fires Lou, Mary, Murray, and Sue Ann, but decides to keep Ted on. Lou flies in a couple of old friends to surprise a distraught Mary. After watching their last broadcast together, Mary shares a very emotional farewell in the newsroom with her coworkers and friends and for her, the series ends on a tearful but positive note.

References

Mary Richards (Moore) is a single woman who, at age 30, moves to Minneapolis on the heels of a broken engagement. She applies for a secretarial job at fictional television station WJM, but that position is already taken. She is instead offered the post of associate producer of the station's six o'clock news. She befriends her tough but lovable boss Lou Grant (Ed Asner), newswriter Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod), and buffoonish anchorman Ted Baxter (Ted Knight). Mary is later promoted to producer of the show, though her duties remained the same.

Mary rents a third-floor studio apartment in a 19th-century house from acquaintance and downstairs landlady Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman); Mary and upstairs neighbor Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper) become best friends. Characters introduced later in the series are acerbic, man-hungry television cooking show hostess Sue Ann Nivens (Betty White), and ditzy but sweet-natured Georgette Franklin (Georgia Engel), as Ted Baxter's girlfriend (and later, wife). At the beginning of season 6, after both Rhoda and Phyllis have moved away (providing a premise for two spinoffs), Mary relocates to a one-bedroom high-rise apartment; establishing shots were filmed at Minneapolis' Riverside Plaza.

In the third season, issues such as equal pay for women, pre-marital sex, and homosexuality are woven into the show's comedic plots. In the fourth season, such subjects as marital infidelity and divorce are explored with Phyllis and Lou, respectively. In the fifth season, Mary refuses to reveal a news source and is jailed for contempt of court. While in jail, she befriends a prostitute who seeks Mary's help in a subsequent episode. In a highly rated sixth-season episode, Betty Ford made history, becoming the first First Lady to make a cameo appearance on a television sitcom. In the show's final seasons, it explored humor in death in the episode, "Chuckles Bites the Dust" and juvenile delinquency; Ted deals with intimate marital problems, infertility, and adoption, and suffers a heart attack; and Mary overcomes an addiction to sleeping pills. Mary dates many men on and off over the years, is engaged twice, but remains single throughout the series.

Running joke

One of the running gags throughout the series is the failure of Mary's parties. Two of her closest friends broke-up at one, another did not have enough food because of last-minute guests. At another, the power went out just before the guest of honor arrived. At another one, Georgette gave birth in Mary's bedroom.

Kenwood Parkway house

The house on Kenwood Parkway

In 1995, Entertainment Weekly said that "TV's most famous bachelorette pad" was Mary's apartment. The fictitious address was 119 North Weatherly, but the exterior establishing shots were of a real house in Minneapolis at 2104 Kenwood Parkway. In the real house, an unfinished attic occupied the space behind the window recreated on the interior studio set of Mary's apartment. In January 2017, the house was marketed for a price of $1.7 million.

Once fans of the series discovered where exterior shots had been taken, the house became a popular tourist destination. According to Moore, the woman who lived in the house was "overwhelmed" by people showing up and "asking if Mary was around". To discourage crews from filming additional footage of the house, the owners placed an "Impeach Nixon" sign beneath the window where Mary supposedly lived. The house continued to attract multiple tour buses a day more than a decade after production ended.

Characters

See also: List of minor characters on The Mary Tyler Moore Show

First season cast: (left top) Harper, Asner, Leachman; (left bottom) MacLeod, Moore, Knight. Last season cast: (right top) Knight, MacLeod, Asner; (right bottom) White, Engel, Moore.

• Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), a single native Minnesotan, moves to Minneapolis in 1970 at age 30 and becomes Associate Producer of WJM-TV's Six O'Clock News. Her sincere, kind demeanor often acts as a foil for the personalities of her co-workers and friends.
• Lou Grant (Edward Asner) is the Producer (later Executive Producer) of the news. His tough and grumpy demeanor initially hides his kind-hearted nature which is gradually revealed as the series progresses. He is referred to as "Lou" by everyone, including Mary's friends, with the exception of Mary herself, who can rarely bring herself to call him by his first name rather than "Mr. Grant". He was married to Edie, but during the run of the show they separated and divorced.
• Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod), the head writer of the news makes frequent quips about Ted Baxter's mangling of his news copy, and Sue Ann Nivens' aggressive, man-hungry attitude. He is Mary's closest coworker and close friend. Murray is married to the occasionally seen Marie, and has several children.
• Ted Baxter (Ted Knight) is the dim-witted, vain, and miserly anchorman of the Six O'Clock News. He frequently makes mistakes and is oblivious to the actual nature of the topics covered on the show but, to cover for tormenting insecurity, he postures as the country's best news journalist. He is often criticized by others, especially Murray and Lou, for his many shortcomings, but is never fired from his position. Initially a comic buffoon in the series, Ted's better nature is gradually revealed as the series unfolds, helped along by his sweet, seemingly vague, but frequently perceptive wife Georgette.
• Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper) (1970–1974, 1975, 1977) (Regular, seasons 1–4; Guest, seasons 6–7) is Mary's best friend and upstairs neighbor. She works as a window dresser, first at the fictional Bloomfield's Department Store, and later at Hempel's Department Store. Though insecure about her appearance, she is also outgoing and sardonic, often making wisecracks, frequently at her own expense. Like Mary, she is single. She dates frequently, often joking about her disastrous dates. Rhoda moves to New York City and falls in love after the fourth season, beginning the spinoff series, Rhoda.
• Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman) (1970–1975) (Season 1–5, 7 Guest) is Mary's snobbish friend and neighbor. Phyllis is a recurring character appearing in many episodes of the first two seasons, after which her appearances decline in frequency. She is married to unseen character Lars, a dermatologist, and has a precocious daughter, Bess (Lisa Gerritsen). Phyllis is controlling, egotistical and often arrogant. She is actively involved in groups and clubs and is a political activist and a supporter of Women's Liberation. Rhoda and Phyllis are usually at odds and often trade insults. After appearing in three episodes of season five, Phyllis moves to spin-off Phyllis. In that series it is explained Phyllis has been widowed. Discovering that her husband had virtually no assets and that she must support herself, Phyllis returns to her home town of San Francisco.
• Georgette Franklin Baxter (Georgia Engel) (1972–77) (Season 3–7) is the somewhat ditzy girlfriend of stentorian news anchor Ted Baxter. Mary Tyler Moore described her as a cross between Stan Laurel and Marilyn Monroe. She and Mary get along fantastically, and Georgette helps fill the void after Phyllis and Rhoda leave. Georgette is introduced as a guest at one of Mary's parties and a window dresser at Hempel's Department Store with Rhoda. Later, she works for a car rental service, as a Golden Girl, and for Rhoda selling plants. Georgette is devoted to Ted and they eventually marry in Mary's apartment. They adopt a child named David (Robbie Rist), and later, she gives birth to a girl named Mary Lou, also in Mary's apartment.
• Sue Ann Nivens (Betty White) (1973–1977) (Season 4–7), host of WJM's The Happy Homemaker show. While her demeanor is superficially cheerful, she makes judgmental comments about Mary, exchanges personal insults with Murray, and uses many sexual double entendres, especially around Lou, to whom she is strongly attracted.

Production

Final episode, 1977

When Moore was first approached about the show, she "was unsure and unwilling to commit, fearing any new role might suffer in comparison with her Laura Petrie character in The Dick Van Dyke Show, which also aired on CBS, and was already cemented as one of the most popular parts in TV history". Moore's character was initially intended to be a divorcée, but divorce was still controversial at the time. In addition, CBS was afraid viewers might think that Mary had divorced Rob Petrie, Laura's husband on The Dick Van Dyke Show, so the premise was changed to that of a single woman with a recently broken engagement. Notably, Van Dyke never guest starred in any episode, although his brother Jerry Van Dyke guest-starred in a couple of episodes during the third and fourth seasons. (Jerry had also regularly appeared on The Dick Van Dyke Show.)

According to co-creator Allan Burns, Minnesota was selected for the show's location after "one of the writers began talking about the strengths and weaknesses of the Vikings". A television newsroom was chosen for the show's workplace because of the supporting characters often found there, stated co-creator James Brooks.

Title sequences

See also: The Mary Tyler Moore Show opening sequence

The opening title sequence features many scenes filmed on location in Minneapolis in both summer and winter, as well as a few clips from the show's studio scenes. The sequence changed each season, but always ended with Mary tossing her hat into the air in front of what was then the flagship Donaldson's department store at the intersection of South 7th Street and Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. The hat toss was ranked by Entertainment Weekly as the second greatest moment in television. On May 8, 2002, Moore was in attendance when basic cable network TV Land dedicated a statue to her that captured her iconic throw. In 2010, TV Guide ranked the show's opening title sequence No. 3 on a list of TV's Top Ten credit sequences, as selected by readers. In 2017, James Charisma of Paste ranked the show's opening sequence No. 15 on a list of The 75 Best TV Title Sequences of All Time.

Sonny Curtis wrote and performed the opening theme song, "Love Is All Around". The lyrics changed between the first and second seasons, in part to reflect Mary Richards having become settled in her new home. The later lyrics, which accompanied many more episodes at a time when the show's popularity was at a peak, are more widely known, and most covers of the song use these words. For Season 7, there was a slightly new musical arrangement for the opening theme, but the lyrics remained the same as Seasons 2–6.

No supporting cast members are credited during the show's opening (though from the second season on, shots of them appear). The ending sequences show snippets of the cast, as well as any major guest stars in that episode, with the respective actors' names at the bottom of the screen. Other on-location scenes are also shown during the closing credits, including a rear shot of Mary holding hands with her date, played by Moore's then-husband, Grant Tinker, and Moore and Valerie Harper feeding ducks on the bank of a pond in a Minneapolis park (this shot remained in the credits, even after Harper left the show). The ending sequence music is an instrumental version of "Love is All Around". The ending finishes with Mimsie the cat meowing within the MTM company logo.

Response and impact

Impact on television

In 2007 Time put The Mary Tyler Moore Show on its list of "17 Shows That Changed TV". Time stated that the series "liberated TV for adults—of both sexes" by being "a sophisticated show about grownups among other grownups, having grownup conversations". The Associated Press said that the show "took 20 years of pointless, insipid situation comedy and spun it on its heels. [It did this by] pioneer[ing] reality comedy and the establishment of clearly defined and motivated secondary characters."

Tina Fey, creator and lead actress of the 2006-debut sitcom 30 Rock, explained that Moore's show helped inspire 30 Rock's emphasis on office relationships. "Our goal is to try to be like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, where it's not about doing the news," said Fey. Entertainment Weekly also noted that the main characters of 30 Rock mirror those of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

When the writers of the sitcom Friends were about to create their series finale, they watched several other sitcom finales. Co-creator Marta Kauffman said that the last episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show was the "gold standard" and that it influenced the finale of Friends.

Spin-offs, specials and reunions

Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman and Mary Tyler Moore in the final episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1977)

The show spun off three television series, all of which aired on CBS: the sitcoms Rhoda (1974–78) and Phyllis (1975–77), and the one-hour drama Lou Grant (1977–82). In 2000, Moore and Harper reprised their roles in a two-hour ABC TV-movie, Mary and Rhoda.

Two retrospective specials were produced by CBS: Mary Tyler Moore: The 20th Anniversary Show (1991) and The Mary Tyler Moore Reunion (2002). On May 19, 2008, the surviving cast members of The Mary Tyler Moore Show reunited on The Oprah Winfrey Show to reminisce about the series. Winfrey, a longtime admirer of Moore and the show, had her staff recreate the sets of the WJM-TV newsroom and Mary's apartment (seasons 1–5) for the reunion.

In 2013, the women of The Mary Tyler Moore Show – Cloris Leachman, Valerie Harper, Mary Tyler Moore, Betty White, and Georgia Engel – reunited on the TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland, which aired on September 4. Katie Couric interviewed the cast on Katie as they celebrated acting together for the first time in more than 30 years. It would be their final time on-screen together, as Mary Tyler Moore died in January 2017.

In popular culture

The show has remained popular since the final episode was broadcast in 1977. Several songs, films and other television programs, including The Simpsons, reference or parody characters and events from the show, including the memorable "...can turn the world on with her smile" line from the title song. Parodies were done on shows such as Saturday Night Live, MadTV, and Mystery Science Theater 3000 (which was produced in Minneapolis). The musical artist Barbara Kessler and the groups The Hold Steady and Relient K have all referred to the show in their songs. The show has been mentioned in film as well. In the film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, the name of Burgundy's dog, Baxter, refers to the character Ted Baxter, and the head of the newsroom staff is named Ed, honouring Ed Asner. In Romy & Michele's High School Reunion, the characters argue with each other while exclaiming "I'm the Mary and you're the Rhoda." Frank DeCaro of The New York Times wrote that this was the highlight of the film.

The show's Emmy-winning final episode has been alluded to many times in other series' closing episodes, such as the finale of St. Elsewhere (including the group shuffle to the tissue box), Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Just Shoot Me!

Broadcast history

United States

For most of its broadcasting run, the program was the lead-in for The Bob Newhart Show, which was also produced by MTM Enterprises.

Syndication

The show did not do well initially in syndication, never being shown in more than 25 percent of the United States at a time, according to Robert S. Alley, the co-author of a book about the series. In the fall of 1992, Nick at Nite began broadcasting the series nightly, launching it with a week-long "Mary-thon", and it became the network's top-rated series.

It is currently available on Hulu, and has been a longtime staple of Weigel Broadcasting's MeTV network dating back to its 2003 launch in Chicago, then 2011 nationwide.

United Kingdom

The series was broadcast on BBC1 from February 13, 1971 to December 29, 1972. The BBC broadcast the first 34 episodes before the series was dropped. Beginning in 1975, a number of ITV companies picked up the series. Channel 4 repeated the first 39 episodes between January 30, 1984, and August 23, 1985. The full series was repeated on The Family Channel from 1993 to 1996.

Home media

On the season 7 DVD, the last episode's "final curtain call", broadcast only once on March 19, 1977 (March 18 in Canada), was included at the request of fans. However, some of the season 7 sets did not include the curtain call; a replacement disc is reported to be available from the manufacturer.

Awards and honors

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Emmys

In addition to numerous nominations, The Mary Tyler Moore Show won 29 Emmy Awards. This was a record unbroken until Frasier earned its 30th in 2002.

Honors

• The show was honored with a Peabody Award in 1977. In presenting the award, the Peabody committee stated that MTM Enterprises had "established the benchmark by which all situation comedies must be judged" and lauded the show "for a consistent standard of excellence – and for a sympathetic portrayal of a career woman in today's changing society".
• The 1987 book Classic Sitcoms, by Vince Waldron, contained a poll among TV critics of the top sitcoms of all time up to that date. Mary Tyler Moore was the No. 1 show on that list.
• In 1997 TV Guide ranked "Chuckles Bites The Dust" No. 1 on its list of The 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time. "The Lars Affair" made the list at No. 27.
• In 1998 Entertainment Weekly placed The Mary Tyler Moore Show first in its list of the 100 Greatest TV Shows of all Time.
• In 1999 the TV Guide list of the 50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time ranked Mary Richards 21st and Ted Baxter 29th. Only three other shows placed two characters on the list (Taxi, The Honeymooners and Seinfeld).
• In 1999 Entertainment Weekly ranked the opening credits image of Mary tossing her hat into the air as No. 2 on its list of The 100 Greatest Moments In Television.
• In 2002, The Mary Tyler Moore Show was 11th on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
• In 2003, USA Today called it "one of the best shows ever to air on TV".
• In 2006, Entertainment Weekly ranked Rhoda 23rd on its list of the best sidekicks ever.
• In 2007, Time placed the Mary Tyler Moore Show on its unranked list of "100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME".
• Bravo ranked Mary Richards 8th, Lou Grant 35th, Ted Baxter 48th, and Rhoda Morgenstern 57th on its list of the 100 greatest TV characters.
• In 2013, the Writers Guild of America ranked The Mary Tyler Moore Show as the sixth best written TV series ever.
• Also in 2013, Entertainment Weekly ranked The Mary Tyler Moore Show as the fourth best TV series ever.
• In a third 2013 list, TV Guide ranked The Mary Tyler Moore Show as the seventh greatest show of all time.

External links

• The Mary Tyler Moore Show at the Encyclopedia of Television
• The Mary Tyler Moore Show-related interview videos at the Archive of American Television
• Citysearch: The Mary Tyler Moore Show Tour describing locations featured in the series
• The Mary & Rhoda Magazine, with a brief selection of articles about the series
• Mary Tyler Moore at IMDb
• Mary Tyler Moore at TV.com