The Mary Tyler Moore Show graced our screens for a little under a decade. The show had an amazing ensemble cast and talked about some things that were ahead of its time. Here are the top 15 Mary Tyler Moore Show episodes.
“Love Is All Around”
“Love Is All Around” is the pilot episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It introduces us to Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), those who live in her apartment building, and the crew at WJM. Mary finds herself leaving a four-year relationship and finds her way to Minneapolis. She then goes to WJM, persistent to get a job. What does this new start bring her?
“Baby-Sit-Com”
Mary is tasked with watching her landlady Phyllis’ daughter for the weekend. However, when an old flame comes into town, she wants to go on the date instead. So who does she find to be her substitute babysitter? Lou Grant. Yes, her gruff boss.
“I Was Single for WJM”
Mary has an idea for a story: go to a single’s bar. She goes to the bar and finds out some quite interesting things. However, when it is time to go on-air live at the bar, everyone runs for the hills. This episode includes a pre-Laverne & Shirley Penny Marshall, who shines in her guest role.
“Support Your Local Mother”
Rhoda’s mother comes to visit and it causes a good deal of trouble. Rhoda is not excited to see her mother and Mary is stuck in the middle of the two of them. The clashing personalities make for comedy gold.
“Once I Had a Secret Love”
Lou reveals that he had a one-night stand with Sue Ann, but he doesn’t want everyone to know. He tries to keep it a secret, but you know how gossip starts around the office.
“A New Sue Ann”
A new and younger woman is set to work with Sue Ann on “The Happy Homemaker.” However, Sue Ann feels threatened and will do anything in her power to sabotage her new partner. Will the younger woman last long on set?
“Put on a Happy Face”
Mary is all excited to go to an awards ceremony. That is until a lot of bad things keep happening to her. She still shows up to the ceremony, but not exactly in her best form. That’s okay because it’s extremely funny!
“Ted Baxter’s Famous Broadcasters’ School”
Ted is conned into running a broadcaster’s school. However, when he shows up for the first day, things don’t go exactly as planned. Murray and Mary are enlisted in trying to help Ted get out of the mess he is in.
“Mary Midwife”
Season seven opens with a bang! Mary makes rude comments about Lou’s weight, which makes it awkward when everyone comes over to her place to watch Sue Ann’s television special. Then Georgette goes into labor right in the middle of the living room, and Mary must help her deliver her baby.
“Will Mary Richards Go to Jail?”
The fifth season begins with this episode, which has Mary saying she will not reveal a source. Because of this, she is held in contempt of court and has to go to jail. This was a bit more serious for the Sitcom and it showcased Mary’s journalism career.
“The Lars Affair”
Mary’s friend and landlady Phyllis is married to Lars. Lars starts to have an affair with Sue Ann Nivens, who is the star of the Happy Homemaker Show. When Phyllis finds out, she has to decide how to handle this situation and decides it is best to confront Sue Ann.
“The Co-Producers”
Rhoda was mainly a part of Mary’s home life, but sometimes she was involved in her work too. When Rhoda helps co-produce a show together, tension is high. It is not just high between Mary and Rhoda, but also WJM’s Ted Baxter and Sue Ann Nivens add to the tension since they are difficult to work with.
“The Dinner Party”
Mary is known for giving bad dinner parties. She is desperate to have a good one, especially since a congresswoman will be there for dinner. She even enlists Sue Ann to help her cook the food, so everything will be perfect. But does the dinner party end up being as good as Mary plans for it to be? Also, be on the lookout for a pre-Happy Days Henry Winkler!
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“Chuckles Bites the Dust”
The beloved clown Chuckles dies in a really amusing way. Everyone at work makes jokes about Chuckles, but Mary doesn’t find them funny. Of course, until she is at his funeral and laughs at the worst time possible. This episode is one of the best episodes in television history because it is just so well done.
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“The Last Show”
The series finale of The Mary Tyler Moore Show is iconic. It ends with everyone except Ted Baxter getting the axe from WJM. Make sure you have your tissues ready, because this episode will make you cry.
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