Mary Tyler Moore Show

Sonny Curtis "Love is All Around" (Mary Tyler… by sfrogers

I am not much of TV watcher as an adult although I know that there are several amazing shows out there.  It is just one of those things that I read a lot and Fred nods off the minute the TV goes on so I just opted out.  But as a kid, I loved TV. 

One of my favorites was the Mary Tyler Moore Show.  Didn't every young woman want to be as independent as Mary?  I did have a huge spot in my heart for Rhoda too.  Somehow I related better to her brassy attitude.

I recently read the book Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted; And all the Brilliant Minds that made the Mary Tyler Moore Show a Classic.  I loved the book.  It remember each show that was made and through the book got to learn about it.  What was the most interesting is that this show was one of the first where women were given the opportunity to write for the show.  Their stories were bold for TV at that time but they all clearly believed in what they were doing and miraculously although controversial the shows were made.  It was really James L. Brooks and Alan Burns that believed in the woman writers and fought for those shows. 

Against all odds the Mary Tyler Moore show is a true classic.  After reading the book I went back and watched a few of the shows on Hulu.  What is more amazing is that they have stood the test of time.  The writing is great, the sets and clothes are spot on for the times, their relationships and synergy among the characters is apparent.  I watched the shows with my 11 year old niece and she loved it. 

If you were a fan of the show growing up, read the book.  It is like having a date with an old friend.