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Advanced TV Herstory: Exploring Cynthia Bemis Abrams' Mission and Impact on Television History
Images in this article are courtesy of Cynthia Bemis Abrams and are the property of Advanced TV Herstory
When I first started writing about TV shows, it was a way to manage my anxiety and stress. TalkTeaV quickly became more than just an outlet for me, it became a way to connect with other TV and movie lovers. As the community grew, I began hearing amazing stories about the industry, each one broadening my understanding.
But it wasn't until I discovered Advanced TV Herstory that I realized how often the contributions of women in shaping the television industry have been overlooked or undervalued. That's where this podcast steps in. Created by Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Advanced TV Herstory is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about TV, history, and the trailblazing women who've made their mark both on and off the screen.
One episode, in particular, had a profound impact on me: Pioneer Women Writers of TV featuring Annie Berke, PhD. Listening to that episode made me take a closer look at my own website and recognize how, in some ways, I was unknowingly contributing to the same issue.
I have to admit, I hadn't given much thought to the behind-the-scenes aspects of the shows I love. My focus with TalkTeaV was always on creating content that allowed myself--and my readers--to escape from the unhealthy, triggering news dominating the world. That's why I stayed away from writing about real-life controversies or actors, choosing instead to spotlight fictional characters and beloved TV shows.
Image (L to R) Annie Berke, PhD and Cynthia Bemis Abrams image courtesy of and are the property of Advanced TV Herstory
When Dr. Berke discussed Rose Marie, the actress behind Sally Rogers on The Dick Van Dyke Show, I realized how much I had been missing. Sally Rogers was a trailblazing character--a comedy writer who held her own alongside her male counterparts in the show's fictional writers' room.
This depiction was groundbreaking for its time. Hearing Rose Marie's story, along with the rest of the episode, opened my eyes to the vital contributions of women both behind the camera and on-screen. Reflecting on my own writing projects, I noticed that much of my content had focused predominantly on male characters.
Despite the progress we've seen, representation in media still has a long way to go. According to Dr. Martha M. Lauzen's The Celluloid Ceiling: Employment of Behind-the-Scenes Women on Top Grossing U.S. Films in 2023, women comprised just 22% of directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and cinematographers working on the top 250 grossing films. That's a decline from 24% in 2022. On the top 100 films, the figure dropped to 21%. (Source: Dr. Martha M. Lauzen, The Celluloid Ceiling: Employment of Behind-the-Scenes Women on Top Grossing U.S. Films in 2023)
These numbers serve as a reminder of why conversations like those on Advanced TV Herstory are so important. They're not just about documenting and celebrating history--they're about addressing the ongoing challenge of shaping the industry's future.
Images in this article are courtesy of Cynthia Bemis Abrams and are the property of Advanced TV Herstory
Recently, I had the privilege of contributing to an episode of Advanced TV Herstory. This gave me a chance to let Cynthia and her guests know how much I appreciate the education and the show itself.
The episode titled Comfort TV: Finding Joy with Karly Beaumont is a perfect example of what makes this podcast so special. In a time when uncertainty about the future weighs heavily on all of us, episodes like this remind us how TV can offer solace.
In the episode, Cynthia speaks with Karly Beaumont, creator of Core Temp Arts and contributor to TV Movie Mistress. Together, they explore the comforting power of television, discussing topics like the value of Shonda Rhimes' Thursday night shows on ABC and how these dramas brought women together.
Karly shared valuable insights about navigating uncertainty, such as listening to understand rather than to reply, and recognizing signs of fear in ourselves and others. The conversation also touches on the enduring significance of inclusivity in media and how representation can offer healing during crises.
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Rosie Perez
Perez opens up about her character in Apple TV+'s Before and shares insights on working with Billy Crystal, and how the cast dealt with the tense scenes- Rosie Perez Discusses Character's Motivation and Personal Connection in Apple TV+'s Before
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Image (L to R) Karly Beaumont and Cynthia Bemis Abrams in Comfort TV: Finding Joy with Karly Beaumont image courtesy of and are the property of Advanced TV Herstory
Towards the end of the episode, Cynthia and Karly offer insightful advice about community and the importance of building bridges of communication with people we've lost touch with--if possible. This message feels especially relevant as we navigate uncertain times. I've purposely left out a lot because I'm a TV guy and hate spoilers, plus I really think you should give this episode a listen.
"I believe that TV is this common place, particularly old TV. If you are going to Thanksgiving or you're trying to find something that you have in common with somebody, sometimes you can start with TV."
-Cynthia Bemis Abrams
This podcast is more than a tribute to television; it's a critical exploration of how TV has reflected feminism and American politics over the decades.
What makes Advanced TV Herstory unique is how it helps people like me recognize the ongoing challenges faced by contemporary writers and creators. Cynthia and her guests also introduce listeners to the pioneers of yesterday and the innovators of today, offering a vital perspective on the evolution of television.
Images in this article are courtesy of Cynthia Bemis Abrams and are the property of Advanced TV Herstory
Cynthia Bemis Abrams' Advanced TV Herstory and her guests are ensuring that the achievements of women in television are preserved and celebrated, offering future generations a powerful reminder of their influence on the TV and film industry.
While I didn't give it much thought when I first started this journey, I now realize that behind the scenes, the writers' room didn't--and still may not look as diverse as the one on the NBC TV show 30 Rock. Advanced TV Herstory and similar shows highlight the importance of diversity in television and film, both in front of and behind the scenes, because people from all walks of life have stories to tell.
Since my first listen, I've been hooked. While every episode offers a wealth of insight, a few stand out as personal favorites:
Pioneer Women Writers of TV with Annie Berke, PhD
The Mother's Day episode, Women Who Raise Us - A Tribute From Victoria Rowell
Annie Potts: Hooked on Helping
I'm also getting ready to watch a crossover episode. Though it has been some time since it aired, my next episode will be Reliving 80s TV, featuring the 80s TV Ladies. In this episode, Cynthia sits down with Susan and Sharon, hosts of another favorite podcast of mine, 80s TV Ladies.
Follow Cynthia Bemis Abrams on:
Podcast Archive: tvherstory.com
Instagram: @advancedtvherstory
YouTube: Advanced TV Herstory Channel
Facebook: Media.Cynthia
Bluesky Social: @cynthiabemisabrams.bsky.social
Follow Karly Beaumont on:
Instagram @karlyvision | Bluesky @karlybeaumont.bsky.social
You made it this far! As always, thanks for reading. And a special thank you to Cynthia Bemis Abrams and the Advanced TV Herstory team, including Nivia Lopez (Video Production) and Marilou Marosz (Audio Editing), for giving me the chance to nervously express my gratitude.
Whether you're a longtime listener or this is your first time checking out the podcast, feel free to comment below and share your thoughts.
Keep It Interesting and Stay Channel Surfing
- Damian
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