The Mary Tyler Moore Show is an American television series that originally aired from September 19, 1970, to March 19, 1977. Each season consisted of 24 half-hour episodes.
Series overview
All seven seasons have been released on DVD by CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Pictures In addition, the series is also available for streaming and download in the digital format.[1]
| Season | Episodes | Originally aired | Rank[2] | Rating[2] | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||||
| 1 | 24 | September 19, 1970 | March 6, 1971 | 22 | 20.3 | |
| 2 | 24 | September 18, 1971 | March 4, 1972 | 10 | 23.7 | |
| 3 | 24 | September 16, 1972 | March 3, 1973 | 7 | 23.6 | |
| 4 | 24 | September 15, 1973 | March 2, 1974 | 9 | 23.1 | |
| 5 | 24 | September 14, 1974 | March 8, 1975 | 11 | 24.0 | |
| 6 | 24 | September 13, 1975 | March 6, 1976 | 19 | 21.9 | |
| 7 | 24 | September 25, 1976 | March 19, 1977 | 39 | 19.2 | |
Timeslot:
Seasons 1–2: Saturday at 9:30 pm.
Seasons 3–6: Saturday at 9:00 pm.
Season 7: Saturday at 9:00 pm for episodes 1–6, then 8:00 pm for episodes 7–24.
Cast
Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards
Gavin MacLeod as Murray Slaughter
Cloris Leachman as Phyllis Lindstrom
Valerie Harper as Rhoda Morgenstern
Episodes
Season 1 (1970–1971)
- Consisted of 24 half-hour episodes airing on CBS.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Film date | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Love Is All Around" | Jay Sandrich | James L. Brooks and Allan Burns | July 3, 1970 | September 19, 1970 | 7001 |
| Mary Richards moves to Minneapolis. She had been dating a doctor, Bill (Angus Duncan), for two years during his internship and residency. Bill had promised they would marry when he began his practice, but after two years, he continued to stall. Mary moved to Minneapolis and into an apartment in the same building as her old friend Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman). Brassy Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper) lives in an apartment upstairs and claims to have a prior claim on Mary's apartment. Mary applies for a secretarial job at WJM-TV, but the position has been filled. Lou Grant (Ed Asner) concludes that Mary has "spunk" and hires her as an associate producer. Bill surprises Mary with a visit to Minneapolis. An inebriated Lou shows up at Mary's apartment before Bill arrives, noting that his wife is away for a whole month and praising Mary's "great caboose." Lou decides to write a letter to his wife telling her how much he misses her. When Bill arrives, Mary notices how he chokes over his words when he says he loves her. Mary says a final "goodbye" to Bill. Lou comforts Mary, saying that she didn't miss out on much, and Mary notes that Bill has. | |||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Today I am a Ma'am" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | July 17, 1970 | September 26, 1970 | 7004 |
| The ratings for WJM's 6 o'clock news have dropped among the "young" audience. Mary is disappointed because she is outside the 15–29 age group designated as young. Adding to Mary's concern, a mailroom messenger (David Hayward) calls her "Ma'am". Mary and Rhoda try to come up with ideas for men for Mary to date. Phyllis reminds Mary of an old boyfriend, Howard Arnell (Richard Schaal), who was crazy about Mary. Mary agrees to call Howard, and Rhoda calls Armond (Jack De Mave), a man who she hit with her car. They set up a double date at Mary's apartment. Armand misunderstands Rhoda's invitation and attends with Nancy (Sheilah Wells), his beautiful wife of three weeks. Howard is still crazy about Mary and praises her effusively. Howard incorrectly presumes that Mary wants marriage and tells her he just can't be tied down. Mary does not want a relationship with Howard and happily says goodbye to him. Guest star: Richard Schaal | |||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Bess, You Is My Daughter Now" | Jay Sandrich | John D.F. Black | TBA | October 3, 1970 | 7005 |
| Ted mixes up the wording ("vegetarian" instead of "veterinarian") on a "lost dog" story written by Murray, and Ted takes offense that Murray and Lou call his cue cards "idiot cards." Phyllis's husband Lars is diagnosed with chicken pox, and Phyllis asks Mary to take care of her daughter Bess (Lisa Gerritsen) for a few days. After a rocky start, Mary and Bess enjoy a shopping day. Phyllis announces that the chicken pox diagnosis was in error and she is taking Bess home. Bess says she wants to stay with Mary, and Phyllis agrees to respect Bess's choice. Lou is angry when Bess visits the news room because he can't cuss in the presence of a child. Bess overhears Phyllis crying over the fact that Bess wants Mary to be her mother. Phyllis's emotional response persuades Bess that her mother needs her, and Bess returns home. | |||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Divorce Isn't Everything" | Alan Rafkin | Treva Silverman | TBA | October 10, 1970 | 7011 |
| Murray wants to write a story about an organization for divorced people called the "Better Luck Next Time Club". Rhoda suggests that she and Mary join the club to become eligible for the club's discounted airfare to Paris. They attend a meeting and meet several odd characters, including Hal (David Ketchum), Sparkie (Patte Finley), Roy (Gino Conforti), Karen Norris (Jane Connell), and Richie (Vernon Weddle). Mary is elected as the club's vice president after being nominated by Dr. Walter Udall (Shelley Berman), a dentist who admires Mary's teeth. Mary makes a dental appointment with Dr. Udall and admits she is not divorced. Dr. Udall insists that Mary continue pretending to be divorced and then resign after claiming to have reconciled with her fictional ex-husband. Mary instead confesses that she lied about being divorced, and other members confess they also lied about being divorced. Guest star: Shelley Berman | |||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Keep Your Guard Up" | Alan Rafkin | Steve Pritzker | TBA | October 17, 1970 | 7008 |
| A luckless former second-string football offensive guard and life insurance salesman, Frank Carelli (John Schuck), seeks Mary's help in securing a job as WJM's sportscaster. Frank's audition goes badly, and WJM instead chooses former halfback Timothy Brown (as himself). Frank decides to move back to his home state, Florida, where he gets a job as a playground director at a park. | |||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Support Your Local Mother" | Alan Rafkin | Allan Burns and James L. Brooks | August 28, 1970 | October 24, 1970 | 7002 |
| Rhoda's mother, Ida Morgenstern (Nancy Walker), visits from New York City. Rhoda does not want to see her mother, and Mary invites Ida to stay with her. Mary's job performance suffers as she finds herself subjected to the guilt-inducing behavior that Rhoda sought to avoid. Rhoda reconciles with her mother before she returns to New York. First appearance of Nancy Walker as Rhoda's mother. | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Toulouse-Lautrec Is One of My Favorite Artists" | Jay Sandrich | Lloyd Turner and Whitey Mitchell | October 2, 1970 | October 31, 1970 | 7013 |
| Ted calls in sick and is unable to interview author Eric Matthews (Hamid Hamilton Camp). Mary is assigned to conduct the interview. At the end of the interview, Matthews invites Mary to dinner. Matthews is much shorter than Mary, and their conversation repeatedly turns to height, including Mary's noting that Toulous-Lautrec is one of her favorite artists. Afterward, Mary worries that, despite Eric's intelligence and wit, she is a "height bigot". In Ted's absence, Murray hosts the 6 o'clock news while wearing a toupee. Mary agrees to a second date with Eric and struggles to overlook his short stature. Eric asks Mary to read his new book which he has dedicated to Mary and titled, "Toulouse-Lautrec is One of My Favorite Artists". The book is about Eric's life experiences being short. Eric hits it off with Rhoda who was fat as a school girl. Mary was head cheerleader and voted most popular. | |||||||
| 8 | 8 | "The Snow Must Go On" | Jay Sandrich | David Davis and Lorenzo Music | August 14, 1970 | November 7, 1970 | 7003 |
| Lou puts Mary in charge of WJM's election-night coverage. A blizzard knocks out the teletype and phone lines, preventing the station from accessing the election returns. As they await the results, Ted awkwardly stalls with Humphrey Bogart impersonations, recipes, and silently staring at the camera. Mary recruits Father Flint (Ivor Francis), the host of Sermonette, to join the on-air coverage. During a break, Ted learns that Channel 3 called the mayoral election for Turner and insists on doing the same. Mary refuses to report unofficial results, and Ted backs down when Mary threatens to fire him. After being on the air all night, Chuckles the Clown (Richard Schaal) arrives for his children's show, carrying the newspaper announcing that Mitchell (and not Turner) has won the election. Chuckles announces the result on the air and gives the new mayor his "Chuckle-uck" cheer. | |||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Bob and Rhoda and Teddy and Mary"[3] | Peter Baldwin | Bob Rodgers | September 18, 1970 | November 14, 1970 | 7010 |
| Ted, Mary, Lou, and Murray are all nominated for Teddy Awards. Rhoda's new boyfriend, Bob Peterson (Greg Mullavey) begins including Mary in "group" dating as the Three Musketeers. Bob tells Rhoda he is actually interested in Mary. Rhoda attends the Teddy Awards and incorrectly tells Mary they called her name, prompting Mary to walk to the stage to accept an award she didn't win. Lou purchases a trophy he calls the "Tinker" to improve morale in the newsroom. Dick Patterson appears as the master of ceremonies at the awards and Henry Corden as Mr. Hartunian, a wedding guest who arrives early and is seated at the WJM table. | |||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Assistant Wanted, Female" | Peter Baldwin | Treva Silverman | September 11, 1970 | November 21, 1970 | 7016 |
| Lou announces that the 6 o'clock news is being expanded from half an hour to an hour. An overworked Mary gets permission from Lou to hire an assistant. Phyllis persuades a reluctant Mary to hire her. Phyllis avoids performing the menial, "boring" work assigned by Mary and instead spends her time with Ted. Phyllis goads Ted to threaten to quit unless he gets a raise and the hiring of new writers like Norman Mailer and Truman Capote. Lou calls Ted's bluff and begins callin candidates to replace Ted. Ted backs down and, Lou directs Mary to fire Phyllis. | |||||||
| 11 | 11 | "1040 or Fight"[4] | Jay Sandrich | David Davis and Lorenzo Music | TBA | November 28, 1970 | 7012 |
| Mary's income tax returns are audited by a quirky IRS agent, Robert C. Brand (Paul Sand). Brand becomes enamored of Mary, taking her to dinner, sending her flowers and presents, and kissing her – all as they continue with the audit. Brand prolongs the audit and, when it ends, he's worried that Mary won't want to see him further, but Mary agrees to continue seeing him. | |||||||
| 12 | 12 | "Anchorman Overboard" | Jay Sandrich | Lorenzo Music | TBA | December 5, 1970 | 7018 |
| Mary reluctantly arranges for Ted to speak at Phyllis's women's club. Ted's appearance is a disaster, as he is unable to answer any questions. Ted fears he has lost his charisma and his on-air performance also suffers. The ratings go up as people tune in to laugh at Ted's bloopers. A publicity man, Ted Curson (Bill Fiore) seeking to book the yo-yo association on WJM is persuaded by Mary to give their "Yo-Yo Man of the Year" award to Ted, thus restoring Ted's confidence. | |||||||
| 13 | 13 | "He's All Yours" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Rodgers | TBA | December 12, 1970 | 7014 |
| WJM's new, young cameraman, Allen Stevens (Wes Stern), is chewed out by Lou after returning from the scene of fire with footage of ants living near the scene. Mary invites Allen to dinner to cheer him up. Mary rejects Allen's advances and tells him to go home. The next morning, Allen brags to Murray and Ted that Mary came on to him. Lou reveals that Allen is his nephew and asks Mary to be sympathetic and understanding. Phyllis pretends to be interested in Allen, believing it will scare him away, but Allen reciprocates Phyllis's advances. Allen confesses to Mary that he's a virgin and that he's been waiting for someone kind, gentle and compassionate to help him find himself. He grabs Mary, but Lou arrives, tells Allen that he thinks of Mary like his own daughter, and reassigns Allen as third apprentice in the photo lab. Having heard Allen's reports, Ted asks Mary if maybe they can have dinner, and Mary responds, "Of course not." | |||||||
| 14 | 14 | "Christmas and the Hard-Luck Kid II" | Jay Sandrich | James L. Brooks and Allan Burns | TBA | December 19, 1970 | 7023 |
| Lou assigns Mary to work on Christmas Day, requiring her to cancel a trip to visit her family. A co-worker, Fred (Ned Wertimer), then guilts Mary to work for him on Christmas Eve so he can be with his family. Mary is alone at the studio on Christmas Eve when Lou, Ted, and Murray make a surprise visit. Henry Corden is the voice of Charlie who radios in from the transmitter. TV Guide ranked this as the best Christmas television episode.[5] | |||||||
| 15 | 15 | "Howard's Girl" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | TBA | January 2, 1971 | 7017 |
| Mary makes a date with speech writer Paul Arnell (Richard Schaal), the brother of Howard Arnell who she dated in Episode No. 2. Paul and Mary visit his parents (Mary Jackson and Henry Jones), who are under the impression that Mary is in a steady relationship with Howard, their favorite son. Paul informs his parents that Mary is his date and is not Howard's girl. | |||||||
| 16 | 16 | "Party Is Such Sweet Sorrow" | Jay Sandrich | Martin Cohan | TBA | January 9, 1971 | 7020 |
| Mary is offered a job by Bob Freelander (Richard Clair), the general manager of a competing station, as the producer of a women's talk show. Mary doesn't want to take the job, but she needs the extra money. Lou is unable to get a raise for Mary, and Mary accepts the new job. Lou and Murray hold a going-away party on Mary's last day. Mary breaks down in tears at leaving WJM. Ted gets intoxicated and admits he's a terrible news man and should have been a male fashion model. Lou tells Mary that he got the general manager to match Freelander's offer by threatening to quit himself, and Mary agrees to stay at WJM. | |||||||
| 17 | 17 | "Just a Lunch" | Bruce Bilson | James L. Brooks and Allan Burns | TBA | January 16, 1971 | 7007 |
| Network war correspondent John Corcoran (Monte Markham) returns from Vietnam and visits WJM. An attraction develops between Mary and Corcoran. Corcoran is married, though he claims to be separated. Mary decides not to see Corcoran, but he continues to pursue her. Includes Joyce Bulifant's first appearance as Murray's wife, Marie. | |||||||
| 18 | 18 | "Second Story Story" | Jay Sandrich | Steve Pritzker | TBA | January 23, 1971 | 7024 |
| Mary's apartment is burglarized twice in a few days. Officer Larry Tully (Bob Dishy) takes an interest in Mary and, with his partner Officer Jackson (Vic Tayback), catches the burglar and recovers Mary's property. Burt Mustin appears as an old man at the police station who has been mugged 13 times. | |||||||
| 19 | 19 | "We Closed in Minneapolis" | Jay Sandrich | Kenny Solms and Gail Parent | December 11, 1970 | January 30, 1971 | 7022 |
| After prior rejections, Murray's play about a newsroom is accepted by the Twin Cities Playhouse. Ted is cast as the anchorman and Mary as a cute, perky, and dumb woman named "Mary" who works in the newsroom. Mary takes offense at being portrayed as dumb. Lou takes offense at the portrayal of the angry newsroom director named "Lou". Ted wants Murray to give his character better lines. A newspaper review titled, "Bomb Hits Minneapolis", pans the production with the exception of Mary's performance which is called "adequate". Joyce Bulifant appears as Murray's pregnant wife, Marie. | |||||||
| 20 | 20 | "Hi!" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | December 18, 1970 | February 6, 1971 | 7019 |
| In the hospital for a tonsillectomy, Mary shares a room with Loretta Kuhne (Pat Carroll). a grumpy patient suffering from a broken leg, a stomach ulcer, and a troubled marriage. Bruce Kirby appears as Loretta's friend, Bert. Robert Casper appears as Mary's anaesthesiologist. | |||||||
| 21 | 21 | "The Boss Isn't Coming to Dinner" | Jay Sandrich | David Davis and Lorenzo Music | TBA | February 13, 1971 | 7021 |
| Following the wedding of Lou's daughter, Lou and his wife are alone in the house together. Lou makes excuses to reject Mary's invitations to have Lou and his wife over for dinner. Mary calls Lou's wife and learns that she and Lou are separated. Weatherman Gordy (John Amos) plays a more prominent role in the episode's newsroom banter. | |||||||
| 22 | 22 | "A Friend in Deed" | Jay Sandrich | Susan Silver | January 15, 1971 | February 20, 1971 | 7025 |
| Mary's bubbly forgotten pal from summer camp, "Twinks" McFarland (Patte Finley), turns up as WJM's new receptionist and wants to be Mary's best friend again. Mary tires of "Twinks" but is asked to be the maid of honor at her wedding. At the last minute, Twinks' best friend from out of town agrees to attend the wedding, and Twinks withdraws Mary's role as maid of honor. Finley had previously appeared as "Sparkie" in episode 4. | |||||||
| 23 | 23 | "Smokey the Bear Wants You" | Jay Sandrich | Steve Pritzker | TBA | February 27, 1971 | 7015 |
| Rhoda's new boyfriend, Chuck Pelligrini (Michael Callan), takes her to the best restaurants and offers to give her his car. His job is a mystery, and Mary and Rhoda suspect Chuck may be involved in organized crime. He finally discloses that he was the vice president of a snowblower and lawnmower company, but he quit two months ago and plans to go back to college to become a forest ranger. He invites Mary and Rhoda on a camping trip. After the trip, Rhoda concludes that forest life is not for her; she wants a "wild life, not wildlife." Despite their differences, Rhoda and Chuck decide to continue seeing each other. | |||||||
| 24 | 24 | "The 45-Year-Old Man" | Herbert Kenwith | George Kirgo | TBA | March 6, 1971 | 7009 |
| Ted and the new station manager, Barry Phelps (Richard Roat), repeatedly mistake Gordy the weatherman for the sports guy. Phelps fires "Big Chicken" (Richard Libertini), the host of a children's show. The newsroom staff (except for Lou) is called into a meeting with Phelps and the advertising manager (Sid Clute). They are told that Lou is being fired. Mary shares the news with Lou. To save Lou's job, Mary visits the eccentric station owner, Wild Jack Monroe (Slim Pickens), a former western movie star who lives on a ranch outside Minneapolis. While riding a stuffed horse and waving a rifle, Wild Bill agrees to look into it. Ed is packing his desk when Wild Bill walks into the newsroom, mistakes Gordy for the sports guy, and overrules the firing of Lou (and of Big Chicken as well). | |||||||
Season 2 (1971–1972)
- Consisted of 24 half-hour episodes airing on CBS.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Film date | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 1 | "The Birds...and...um...Bess" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | June 11, 1971 | September 18, 1971 | 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 | 2 | "I Am Curious Cooper" | Jay Sandrich | David Davis and Lorenzo Music | TBA | September 25, 1971 | 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. Lou is impressed that Mike has a phone in his car. Michael Constantine guest stars. | |||||||
| 27 | 3 | "He's No Heavy...He's My Brother"[6] | Jerry Paris | Allan Burns | TBA | October 2, 1971 | 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 | 4 | "Room 223"[7] | Jay Sandrich | Susan Silver | August 13, 1971 | October 9, 1971 | 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 | 5 | "A Girl's Best Mother Is Not Her Friend" | Jay Sandrich | David Davis and Lorenzo Music | July 2, 1971 | October 16, 1971 | 7110 |
| Rhoda's visiting mother decides to become Mary's "friend." | |||||||
| 30 | 6 | "Cover Boy" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | June 18, 1971 | October 23, 1971 | 7102 |
| Ted receives a visit from his super-competitive brother, a male model. Jack Cassidy guest stars. | |||||||
| 31 | 7 | "Didn't You Used to Be... Wait... Don't Tell Me" | Jay Sandrich | Allan Burns | TBA | October 30, 1971 | 7111 |
| Assuming that the relentless Howard Arnell will not be going, Mary decides to attend a high school reunion, and Rhoda comes along. | |||||||
| 32 | 8 | "Thoroughly Unmilitant Mary" | Jay Sandrich | Martin Cohan | August 20, 1971 | November 6, 1971 | 7103 |
| The television newswriters union goes on strike, other guilds and unions follow, and Mary has to cross the picket line. | |||||||
| 33 | 9 | "And Now, Sitting in for Ted Baxter" | Jerry Paris | Steve Pritzker | TBA | November 13, 1971 | 7109 |
| Not without reason, Ted is worried that his mandatory vacation might become a permanent one. | |||||||
| 34 | 10 | "Don't Break the Chain" | Jerry Paris | David Davis and Lorenzo Music | TBA | November 20, 1971 | 7116 |
| Mary conjures up a few men from her past when she reluctantly continues Lou's chain letter. | |||||||
| 35 | 11 | "The Six-and-a-Half-Year Itch" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | September 24, 1971 | November 27, 1971 | 7112 |
| Lou catches his favorite son-in-law (Lawrence Pressman) at a movie theater with another woman. | |||||||
| 36 | 12 | "...Is a Friend in Need" | Jay Sandrich | Susan Silver | TBA | December 4, 1971 | 7106 |
| Rhoda is not having much luck finding a new job, yet Mary conceals from her an opening at WJM. | |||||||
| 37 | 13 | "The Square-Shaped Room" | Jay Sandrich | Susan Silver | October 1, 1971 | December 11, 1971 | 7117 |
| Mary arranges for Rhoda to redecorate Lou's living room. | |||||||
| 38 | 14 | "Ted Over Heels" | Peter Baldwin | David Davis and Lorenzo Music | November 5, 1971 | December 18, 1971 | 7122 |
| Ted falls in love with the daughter of Chuckles the Clown. Arlene Golonka guest stars. | |||||||
| 39 | 15 | "The Five-Minute Dress" | Jay Sandrich | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | TBA | January 1, 1972 | 7119 |
| Mary's new love interest, an assistant to the governor, keeps breaking their dates. | |||||||
| 40 | 16 | "Feeb" | Peter Baldwin | Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon | TBA | January 8, 1972 | 7120 |
| Mary feels so guilty for getting an incompetent waitress fired that she gets her a job in the newsroom. | |||||||
| 41 | 17 | "The Slaughter Affair" | Peter Baldwin | Rick Mittleman | TBA | January 15, 1972 | 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 | 18 | "Baby Sit-Com" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | TBA | January 22, 1972 | 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 | 19 | "More Than Neighbors" | Jay Sandrich | Steve Pritzker | TBA | January 29, 1972 | 7101 |
| There is a vacant apartment in Mary's building, and Ted wants to move into it. | |||||||
| 44 | 20 | "The Care and Feeding of Parents" | Jay Sandrich | Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon | TBA | February 5, 1972 | 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 | 21 | "Where There's Smoke, There's Rhoda" | Peter Baldwin | Martin Cohan | December 10, 1971 | February 12, 1972 | 7124 |
| A friendship is put to the test when Rhoda temporarily moves in with Mary. | |||||||
| 46 | 22 | "You Certainly Are a Big Boy" | Jay Sandrich | Martin Cohan | TBA | February 19, 1972 | 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 | 23 | "Some of My Best Friends Are Rhoda" | Peter Baldwin | Steve Pritzker | November 26, 1971 | February 26, 1972 | 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 | 24 | "His Two Right Arms" | Jay Sandrich | Jim Parker and Arnold Margolin | TBA | March 4, 1972 | 7125 |
|
Mary helps the staff of an incompetent councilman prepare for his appearance on WJM's Face the People show. Bill Daily and Isabel Sanford guest star. | |||||||
Season 3 (1972–1973)
- Consisted of 24 half-hour episodes airing on CBS.
- Recurring Character Debuts: Georgette Franklin.
- This is the last season to have the 1966 CBS in Color logo.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Film date | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 1 | "The Good Time News" | Hal Cooper | Allan Burns and James L. Brooks | August 4, 1972 | September 16, 1972 | 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 | 2 | "What Is Mary Richards Really Like?" | Jerry Belson | Susan Silver | TBA | September 23, 1972 | 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 | 3 | "Who's in Charge Here?" | Jay Sandrich | Martin Cohan | TBA | September 30, 1972 | 7205 |
| Lou's promotion to program manager leaves Murray in charge of the newsroom, a task for which he is totally unqualified. | |||||||
| 52 | 4 | "Enter Rhoda's Parents" | Jay Sandrich | Martin Cohan | TBA | October 7, 1972 | 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. Note: This is the last episode that Ted Knight does not appear in. | |||||||
| 53 | 5 | "It's Whether You Win or Lose" | Jay Sandrich | Martin Donovan | TBA | October 14, 1972 | 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 Murray, former compulsive gambler. | |||||||
| 54 | 6 | "Rhoda the Beautiful" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | June 30, 1972 | October 21, 1972 | 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's beauty contest. | |||||||
| 55 | 7 | "Just Around the Corner" | Jay Sandrich | Steve Pritzker | June 16, 1972 | October 28, 1972 | 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. Guest stars: Nanette Fabray and Bill Quinn. | |||||||
| 56 | 8 | "But Seriously, Folks" | Peter Baldwin | Ed. Weinberger | TBA | November 4, 1972 | 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. Guest star: Jerry Van Dyke. | |||||||
| 57 | 9 | "Farmer Ted and the News" | Jay Sandrich | Martin Donovan | August 18, 1972 | November 11, 1972 | 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 | 10 | "Have I Found a Guy for You" | Hal Cooper | Charlotte Brown | TBA | November 18, 1972 | 7208 |
| If Mary is crushed when she learns the marriage of her longtime friends (guest stars Bert Convy and Beth Howland) is coming to an end, she is stunned when she realizes the husband wants to start dating her. | |||||||
| 59 | 11 | "You've Got a Friend" | Jerry Belson | Steve Pritzker | TBA | November 25, 1972 | 7210 |
| Mary's father is having trouble adjusting to his new life in the city because he misses his old buddies, so Mary invites him to lunch with her and Lou. Nanette Fabray and Bill Quinn again appear as Mary's parents, with this episode being Nanette Fabray's final appearance as "Dottie Richards". | |||||||
| 60 | 12 | "It Was Fascination, I Know" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger | TBA | December 2, 1972 | 7211 |
| Bess's 15-year-old boyfriend develops a crush on Mary. | |||||||
| 61 | 13 | "Operation: Lou" | Jay Sandrich | Elias Davis and David Pollock | TBA | December 9, 1972 | 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 | 14 | "Rhoda Morgenstern: Minneapolis to New York" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | September 15, 1972 | December 16, 1972 | 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 | 15 | "The Courtship of Mary's Father's Daughter" | Jay Sandrich | David Pollock and Elias Davis | October 13, 1972 | December 23, 1972 | 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. Bill Quinn's final appearance as "Walter Richards". | |||||||
| 64 | 16 | "Lou's Place" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger | TBA | January 6, 1973 | 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 | 17 | "My Brother's Keeper" | Jay Sandrich | Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon | October 27, 1972 | January 13, 1973 | 7215 |
| Phyllis schemes to have her brother fall in love with Mary, but her plans go awry when her brother and Rhoda click. Guest star: Robert Moore. | |||||||
| 66 | 18 | "The Georgette Story" | Peter Baldwin | Ed. Weinberger | November 3, 1972 | January 20, 1973 | 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 | 19 | "Romeo and Mary" | Peter Baldwin | Jim Mulholland and Mike Barrie | TBA | January 27, 1973 | 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. Guest star: Stuart Margolin. | |||||||
| 68 | 20 | "What Do You Say When the Boss Says 'I Love You'?" | Jay Sandrich | David Pollock and Elias Davis | TBA | February 3, 1973 | 7222 |
| Lou realizes he is in over his head when the new boss at the station is a woman who promptly falls for him. Guest star: Lois Nettleton. | |||||||
| 69 | 21 | "Murray Faces Life" | Jay Sandrich | Martin Cohan | TBA | February 10, 1973 | 7217 |
| Murray sinks into a deep depression after he learns that a former writing classmate has won a Pulitzer Prize for journalism. | |||||||
| 70 | 22 | "Remembrance of Things Past" | Jay Sandrich | Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon | TBA | February 17, 1973 | 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 | 23 | "Put on a Happy Face" | Jay Sandrich | Marilyn Suzanne Miller and Monica Johnson | December 8, 1972 | February 24, 1973 | 7221 |
| Once Mary gets nominated for a Teddy Award, everything starts going disastrously wrong at work and the awards dinner. | |||||||
| 72 | 24 | "Mary Richards and the Incredible Plant Lady" | John C. Chulay | Martin Cohan | December 22, 1972 | March 3, 1973 | 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 as Anne Adams at the bank, and Craig T. Nelson as Charlie. Last appearance of: The 1966 CBS in Color logo. | |||||||
Season 4 (1973–1974)
- Consisted of 24 half-hour episodes airing on CBS.
- Recurring Character Debuts: Sue Ann Nivens.
- This was Valerie Harper's final season before leaving to star in a spin-off called Rhoda.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Film date | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 1 | "The Lars Affair" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger | July 20, 1973 | September 15, 1973 | 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. In 1997, TV Guide ranked this episode number 27 on its list of the 100 Greatest Episodes.[8] | |||||||
| 74 | 2 | "Angels in the Snow" | Jay Sandrich | Monica Johnson and Marilyn Suzanne Miller | July 13, 1973 | September 22, 1973 | 7306 |
| Ignoring the advice of her friends and co-workers, Mary dates a man seven years younger than herself. Guest star: Peter Strauss | |||||||
| 75 | 3 | "Rhoda's Sister Gets Married" | Jerry Belson | Karyl Geld | TBA | September 29, 1973 | 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 | 4 | "The Lou and Edie Story" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | TBA | October 6, 1973 | 7301 |
| A heartbroken Lou announces that he and his wife Edie are having marital problems, and that a counselor has suggested a trial separation. First appearance of Priscilla Morrill. | |||||||
| 77 | 5 | "Hi There, Sports Fans" | Jay Sandrich | Jerry Mayer | TBA | October 13, 1973 | 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 | 6 | "Father's Day" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger | TBA | October 20, 1973 | 7303 |
| Ted is anxious and agitated as he prepares to meet his long-lost father. | |||||||
| 79 | 7 | "Son of "But Seriously, Folks"" | Jay Sandrich | Phil Mishkin | TBA | October 27, 1973 | 7305 |
| One of Mary's ex-boyfriends gets a job in the newsroom and attempts to rekindle their old flame. Jerry Van Dyke returns as "Wes Callison". | |||||||
| 80 | 8 | "Lou's First Date" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | September 21, 1973 | November 3, 1973 | 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 | 9 | "Love Blooms at Hemples" | Jay Sandrich | Sybil Adelman and Barbara Gallagher | TBA | November 10, 1973 | 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 | 10 | "The Dinner Party" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger | October 5, 1973 | November 17, 1973 | 7321 |
| Mary meets a congresswoman (Irene Tedrow), 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 | 11 | "Just Friends" | Nancy Walker | William Wood | TBA | November 24, 1973 | 7304 |
| When a depressed Lou starts having dinner at Mary's every night, she quickly decides to reconcile him with Edie. | |||||||
| 84 | 12 | "We Want Baxter" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | December 1, 1973 | 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 | 13 | "I Gave at the Office" | Jay Sandrich | Don Reo and Allan Katz | TBA | December 8, 1973 | 7307 |
| Mary hires Murray's daughter for a part-time job in the newsroom—and winds up regretting it. Guest star: Bruce Boxleitner | |||||||
| 86 | 14 | "Almost a Nun's Story" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | TBA | December 15, 1973 | 7318 |
| Georgette decides to become a nun after catching Ted kissing another woman in his dressing room. | |||||||
| 87 | 15 | "Happy Birthday, Lou!" | George Tyne | David Lloyd | October 26, 1973 | December 22, 1973 | 7319 |
| Mary plans a surprise party for Lou's birthday, only to find out too late that he hates birthday parties. Mary states Lou was born in 1925. | |||||||
| 88 | 16 | "WJM Tries Harder" | Jay Sandrich | Karyl Geld | TBA | January 5, 1974 | 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 | 17 | "Cottage for Sale" | Jay Sandrich | George Atkins | TBA | January 12, 1974 | 7311 |
| Phyllis gets her real estate license and targets a reluctant Lou as her first client. | |||||||
| 90 | 18 | "The Co-Producers" | Jay Sandrich | David Pollock and Elias Davis | TBA | January 19, 1974 | 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 | 19 | "Best of Enemies" | Jay Sandrich | Marilyn Suzanne Miller and Monica Johnson | December 7, 1973 | January 26, 1974 | 7317 |
| Mary and Rhoda's friendship takes serious damage when Rhoda reveals a secret about Mary's past to the office. | |||||||
| 92 | 20 | "Better Late...That's a Pun...Than Never" | John C. Chulay | Treva Silverman | January 11, 1974 | February 2, 1974 | 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 | 21 | "Ted Baxter Meets Walter Cronkite" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger | January 18, 1974 | February 9, 1974 | 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 | 22 | "Lou's Second Date" | Jerry London | Ed. Weinberger | January 25, 1974 | February 16, 1974 | 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 | 23 | "Two Wrongs Don't Make a Writer" | Nancy Walker | David Lloyd | February 1, 1974 | February 23, 1974 | 7325 |
| Ted joins Mary's night school class in creative writing and plagiarizes Mary's assignment. | |||||||
| 96 | 24 | "I Was a Single for WJM" | Mel Ferber | Treva Silverman | TBA | March 2, 1974 | 7327 |
| Mary begins frequenting a singles bar to research a news special. When they air from the bar live, they encounter disastrous results. Penny Marshall guest stars. | |||||||
Season 5 (1974–1975)
- Consisted of 24 half-hour episodes airing on CBS.
- This was Cloris Leachman's final season before leaving to star in a spinoff called Phyllis.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Film date | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97 | 1 | "Will Mary Richards Go to Jail?" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | August 9, 1974 | September 14, 1974 | 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. | |||||||
| 98 | 2 | "Not Just Another Pretty Face" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | June 21, 1974 | September 21, 1974 | 4006 |
| Mary dates gorgeous ski instructor Paul Van Dillen (Robert Wolders), but reconsiders the relationship when she realizes they have little in common. | |||||||
| 99 | 3 | "You Sometimes Hurt the One You Hate" | Jackie Cooper | David Lloyd | TBA | September 28, 1974 | 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 | 4 | "Lou and That Woman" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | October 5, 1974 | 4007 |
| Lou is in heaven when he starts dating a fantastic lounge singer (Sheree North), but has second thoughts when she reveals she has been with a number of men. | |||||||
| 101 | 5 | "The Outsider" | Peter Bonerz | Jack Winter | TBA | October 12, 1974 | 4002 |
| The gang is displeased when Lou hires a young consultant, named Bob Larson, to raise ratings for the newscast. Just as Larson's strict methods seem to work and the staff slowly warms up to him, he reveals another surprise. Guest star: Richard Masur | |||||||
| 102 | 6 | "I Love a Piano" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | TBA | October 19, 1974 | 4001 |
| 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 | 7 | "The New Sue Ann" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | September 20, 1974 | October 26, 1974 | 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 | 8 | "Menage-a-Phyllis" | Jay Sandrich | Treva Silverman | August 23, 1974 | November 2, 1974 | 4010 |
| Mary meets Phyllis' hunky platonic friend Mike (John Saxon) with whom she attends cultural events instead of Lars. When Mike shows an interest in Mary, Phyllis sees green. | |||||||
| 105 | 9 | "Not a Christmas Story" | John C. Chulay | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | August 2, 1974 | November 9, 1974 | 4004 |
| 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 | 10 | "What Are Friends For?" | Alan Rafkin | David Lloyd | June 14, 1974 | November 16, 1974 | 4009 |
| Mary and Sue Ann have an unusual time bonding when they both attend a broadcasters' conference in Chicago. | |||||||
| 107 | 11 | "A Boy's Best Friend" | Mary Tyler Moore | David Lloyd | TBA | November 23, 1974 | 4012 |
| 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 | 12 | "A Son for Murray" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | TBA | November 30, 1974 | 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 | 13 | "Neighbors" | James Burrows and John C. Chulay | Ziggy Steinberg | TBA | December 7, 1974 | 4016 |
| Lou moves upstairs into Rhoda's old apartment and creates tension with Mary when the line between work and home is breached. | |||||||
| 110 | 14 | "A Girl Like Mary" | Jay Sandrich | Ann Gibbs and Joel Kimmel | November 15, 1974 | December 14, 1974 | 4015 |
| Lou auditions applicants for a new female commentator. Sue Ann and Mary both audition—and fail spectacularly. Guest starring Rosalind Cash. | |||||||
| 111 | 15 | "An Affair to Forget" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | TBA | December 21, 1974 | 4008 |
| Mary is promoted to producer, catching Ted's eye. She then becomes increasingly aggravated as Ted spreads rumors suggesting they are dating. | |||||||
| 112 | 16 | "Mary Richards: Producer" | Norman Campbell | David Lloyd | TBA | January 4, 1975 | 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 | 17 | "The System" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | TBA | January 11, 1975 | 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. | |||||||
| 114 | 18 | "Phyllis Whips Inflation" | Jay Sandrich | Stan Daniels and Ed. Weinberger | November 8, 1974 | January 18, 1975 | 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 | 19 | "The Shame of the Cities" | Jay Sandrich | Story by : Michael Elias and Arnie Kogen Teleplay by : Michael Elias | TBA | January 25, 1975 | 4013 |
| 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. Final appearance of Sheree North as Charlene Maguire. | |||||||
| 116 | 20 | "Marriage Minneapolis Style" | Jay Sandrich | Pamela Russell | TBA | February 1, 1975 | 4017 |
| After Murray and Marie celebrate their 20th anniversary, Ted impulsively proposes to Georgette on air—and quickly regrets it. | |||||||
| 117 | 21 | "You Try to Be a Nice Guy" | Jay Sandrich | Michael Leeson | January 10, 1975 | February 8, 1975 | 4028 |
| 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. Guest Star: Barbara Colby | |||||||
| 118 | 22 | "You Can't Lose 'em All" | Marjorie Mullen | David Lloyd | TBA | February 15, 1975 | 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 | 23 | "Ted Baxter's Famous Broadcasters' School" | Jay Sandrich | Michael Zinberg | January 24, 1975 | February 22, 1975 | 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 | 24 | "Anyone Who Hates Kids and Dogs" | Jay Sandrich | Jerry Mayer | TBA | March 8, 1975 | 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 (1975–1976)
- Consisted of 24 half-hour episodes airing on CBS.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Film date | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | 1 | "Edie Gets Married" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | TBA | September 13, 1975 | 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 | 2 | "Mary Moves Out" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | June 20, 1975 | September 20, 1975 | 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 | 3 | "Mary's Father" | Jay Sandrich | Earl Pomerantz | TBA | September 27, 1975 | 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 | 4 | "Murray in Love" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | October 4, 1975 | 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 | 5 | "Ted's Moment of Glory" | Jay Sandrich | Charles Lee and Gig Henry | TBA | October 11, 1975 | 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 | 6 | "Mary's Aunt" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | October 18, 1975 | 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 | 7 | "Chuckles Bites the Dust" | Joan Darling | David Lloyd | August 22, 1975 | October 25, 1975 | 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. In 1997, TV Guide ranked this episode as the greatest episode of television of all time.[8] In 2009, it moved to No. 3.[9] | |||||||
| 128 | 8 | "Mary's Delinquent" | Jay Sandrich | Mary Kay Place and Valerie Curtin | June 13, 1975 | November 1, 1975 | 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 | 9 | "Ted's Wedding" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | September 12, 1975 | November 8, 1975 | 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 | 10 | "Lou Douses an Old Flame" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | September 19, 1975 | November 15, 1975 | 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 | 11 | "Mary Richards Falls in Love" | Jay Sandrich | Ed. Weinberger and Stan Daniels | September 26, 1975 | November 22, 1975 | 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 | 12 | "Ted's Tax Refund" | Marjorie Mullen | Bob Ellison | TBA | November 29, 1975 | 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 | 13 | "The Happy Homemaker Takes Lou Home" | James Burrows | David Lloyd | October 31, 1975 | December 6, 1975 | 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 | 14 | "One Boyfriend Too Many" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | December 13, 1975 | 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 | 15 | "What Do You Want to Do When You Produce?" | Jay Sandrich | Shelly Nelbert and Craig Alan Hafner | TBA | December 20, 1975 | 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 | 16 | "Not With My Wife, I Don't" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | TBA | January 3, 1976 | 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 | 17 | "The Seminar" | Stuart Margolin | James McDonald and Robert Gerlach | October 24, 1975 | January 10, 1976 | 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 | 18 | "Once I Had a Secret Love" | Jay Sandrich | Pat Nardo and Gloria Banta | December 5, 1975 | January 17, 1976 | 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 | 19 | "Menage-a-Lou" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | TBA | January 24, 1976 | 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 | 20 | "Murray Takes a Stand" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | January 31, 1976 | 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 | 21 | "Mary's Aunt Returns" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | February 7, 1976 | 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 | 22 | "A Reliable Source" | Jay Sandrich | Richard M. Powell | TBA | February 21, 1976 | 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 | 23 | "Sue Ann Falls in Love" | Doug Rogers | Bob Ellison | February 6, 1976 | February 28, 1976 | 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 | 24 | "Ted and the Kid" | Marjorie Mullen | Bob Ellison | TBA | March 6, 1976 | 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 (1976–1977)
- Consisted of 24 half-hour episodes airing on CBS.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Film date | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145 | 1 | "Mary Midwife" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | September 25, 1976 | 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 | 2 | "Mary the Writer" | James Burrows | Burt Prelutsky | TBA | October 2, 1976 | 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 | 3 | "Sue Ann's Sister" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | July 23, 1976 | October 9, 1976 | 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. Guest star: Pat Priest | |||||||
| 148 | 4 | "What's Wrong with Swimming?" | Marjorie Mullen | David Lloyd | TBA | October 16, 1976 | 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 | 5 | "Ted's Change of Heart" | Jay Sandrich | Earl Pomerantz | TBA | October 23, 1976 | 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 | 6 | "One Producer Too Many" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | August 27, 1976 | October 30, 1976 | 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 | 7 | "My Son, the Genius" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | TBA | November 6, 1976 | 6003 |
| When Ted and Georgette's son David (Robbie Rist) 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 | 8 | "Mary Gets a Lawyer" | Jay Sandrich | Burt Prelutsky | TBA | November 13, 1976 | 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. | |||||||
| 153 | 9 | "Lou Proposes" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | November 20, 1976 | 6015 |
| 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 | 10 | "Murray Can't Lose" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | October 8, 1976 | November 27, 1976 | 6012 |
| 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 | 11 | "Mary's Insomnia" | James Burrows | David Lloyd | September 17, 1976 | December 4, 1976 | 6009 |
| Mary uses sleeping pills to help her insomnia and Mr. Grant is concerned when she becomes dependent on them. | |||||||
| 156 | 12 | "Ted's Temptation" | Harry Mastrogeorge | Bob Ellison | TBA | December 11, 1976 | 6013 |
| Mary, Murray and Ted attend a convention in Los Angeles. An attractive young journalist tries to seduce Ted. Guest star: Trisha Noble. | |||||||
| 157 | 13 | "Look at Us, We're Walking" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | TBA | December 25, 1976 | 6004 |
| Mary and Lou ask the new station manager for a raise and threaten to quit otherwise. Guest star: David Ogden Stiers. | |||||||
| 158 | 14 | "The Critic" | Martin Cohan | David Lloyd | TBA | January 8, 1977 | 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 | 15 | "Lou's Army Reunion" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | TBA | January 15, 1977 | 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 | 16 | "The Ted and Georgette Show" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | November 19, 1976 | January 22, 1977 | 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. Guest stars: David Ogden Stiers and Alex Henteloff. | |||||||
| 161 | 17 | "Sue Ann Gets the Ax" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | December 3, 1976 | January 29, 1977 | 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 | 18 | "Hail the Conquering Gordy" | Jay Sandrich | Earl Pomerantz | TBA | February 5, 1977 | 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 | 19 | "Mary and the Sexagenarian" | Jay Sandrich | Les Charles and Glen Charles | December 17, 1976 | February 12, 1977 | 6021 |
| Mary agrees to go out on a date with an older man, who turns out to be Murray's father. Guest star: Lew Ayres. | |||||||
| 164 | 20 | "Murray Ghosts for Ted" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | TBA | February 19, 1977 | 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 | 21 | "Mary's Three Husbands" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | January 14, 1977 | February 26, 1977 | 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. | |||||||
| 166 | 22 | "Mary's Big Party" | Jay Sandrich | Bob Ellison | January 28, 1977 | March 5, 1977 | 6026 |
| Congresswoman Geddes 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. Irene Tedrow reprises her role as Congresswomen Margaret Geddes. | |||||||
| 167 | 23 | "Lou Dates Mary" | Jay Sandrich | David Lloyd | January 7, 1977 | March 12, 1977 | 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 | 24 | "The Last Show" | Jay Sandrich | James L. Brooks, Allan Burns, Ed. Weinberger, Stan Daniels, David Lloyd & Bob Ellison | TBA | March 19, 1977 | 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
- ↑ "Watch The Mary Tyler Moore Show Season 1 Episode – Amazon Video". amazon.com. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- 1 2 "The Classic Sitcoms Guide to...The Mary Tyler Moore Show".
- ↑ Cf. film Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.
- ↑ Cf. slogan "Fifty-four Forty or Fight!".
- ↑ TV Guide Book of Lists. Running Press. 2007. pp. 172. ISBN 978-0-7624-3007-9.
- ↑ Cf. song "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother".
- ↑ Cf. TV series Room 222, a 1969–1974 sitcom created by James L. Brooks.
- 1 2 "Special Collector's Issue: 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time". TV Guide. No. June 28 – July 4. 1997.
- ↑ "TV Guide's Top 100 Episodes". Rev/Views. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
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