The Mary Tyler Moore Show, 1970 to 1977
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” was a flagship equivalent for feminism on mainstream television. A groundbreaking American sitcom that aired through most of the 1970s and even had a couple of spin-offs. The show revolves around the life of Mary Richards, played by the iconic svelte Mary Tyler Moore. Mary is a single, career-focused woman who moves to Minneapolis and becomes a producer at for a fictional newsroom. Mary is shown as a matriarchal leader, doling out advice and that feminine touch to save the day.
The series follows Mary’s personal and professional life, showcasing her relationships with her colleagues. It gives a realistic depiction of a working woman, while challenging traditional gender roles. Mary Tyler Moore’s character shattered stereotypes, becoming an iconic symbol of independence and empowerment for women in the 1970s. What stands out particularly, is that Mary’s character was accepted as a women in a professional setting. Her beauty was non-consequential to the role, since sexuality was kept completely out of the equation.
The “Mary Tyler Moore Show” left a lasting impact on television history, serving as a trailblazer for portraying strong, independent women in lead roles, without resorting to equating femininity with sexuality. Nobody would argue that Mary Tyler Moore was a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. She took her role as a feminist to mean being the best woman she could be, embracing the differences between masculine and feminine. Differences that make things special and bring balance to life. Just like the differences in her co-stars characters, whose well rounded development showed that people with different personalities can get along, if they make the effort and try to remain empathic, a human quality we all need to share.
Each episode in the series will automatically start
Perfect for binge watching !
