Cybill

This article is about the TV series. For the actress herself, see Cybill Shepherd.
Cybill
Genre Sitcom
Created by Chuck Lorre
Starring Cybill Shepherd
Christine Baranski
Alicia Witt
Dedee Pfeiffer
Tom Wopat
Alan Rosenberg
Theme music composer George Gershwin
Ira Gershwin
Opening theme "Nice Work if You Can Get It" sung by Cybill Shepherd
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 4
No. of episodes 87 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Marcy Carsey
Jay Daniel
Howard Gould
Chuck Lorre (1995)
Caryn Mandabach
Bob Myer
Cybill Shepherd
Tom Werner
Running time 30 minutes
Production company(s) Jay Daniel Productions (1995–1996)
Chuck Lorre Productions (1995)
River Siren Productions
Carsey-Werner Productions
Paramount Network Television (1995)
Release
Original network CBS
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
Original release January 2, 1995 (1995-01-02) – July 13, 1998 (1998-07-13)[1]

Cybill is an American television sitcom created by Chuck Lorre, which aired on CBS from January 2, 1995, to July 13, 1998. Starring Cybill Shepherd, the show revolves around the life of Cybill Sheridan, a twice-divorced single mother of two and struggling actress in her 40s, who has never gotten her big show business break. Alicia Witt and Dedee Pfeiffer co-starred as Sheridan's daughters, with Alan Rosenberg and Tom Wopat playing their respective fathers, while Christine Baranski appeared as Cybill's hard-drinking friend Maryann.[2]

The sitcom was produced by Carsey-Werner Productions and YBYL Productions, with Shepherd, Lorre, Howard Gould, Jay Daniel, Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner serving as the show's original executive producers. Broadcast to critical praise, Cybill was nominated for twelve Emmy Awards throughout its run and awarded the 1996 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Shepherd won a third Golden Globe Award for her performance, while Baranski received an Emmy, a SAG, and an American Comedy Award.

Premise

Cybill takes place in Los Angeles, California, and focuses on the character of a somewhat faded actress, Cybill Sheridan (played by Cybill Shepherd), who, because of her age, had been relegated to playing character roles, bit parts and TV commercials.[3] Also featured are her daughters, headstrong Zoey (Alicia Witt) and uptight Rachel (Dedee Pfeiffer), her two ex-husbands, Ira (Alan Rosenberg) and Jeff (Tom Wopat), and her hard-drinking best friend Maryann (Christine Baranski). Due to the show's premise, many episodes featured a show-within-a-show format, showing Cybill Sheridan playing a variety of other characters in her various film and TV acting roles.[4]

In her autobiography, Cybill Disobedience, Shepherd stated that the Cybill character was based on herself—or at least what her life as an actress could have been without the successes of The Last Picture Show and Moonlighting. Many of the show's details and situations were mined from her own family, marriages and experiences.[5]

Main cast

Episodes

Season 1

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date
1.01"Virgin, Mother, Crone"Robert BerlingerChuck LorreJanuary 2, 1995 (1995-01-02)
Cybill dates a stranger she meets in a traffic jam, but is thrown off balance by being told she is too old to get good parts, that her older daughter is expecting a baby, and that her younger daughter is dating a college man by lying about her age.
1.02"How Can I Call You My Ex-Husbands If You Won't Go Away?"Tom MooreChuck LorreJanuary 9, 1995 (1995-01-09)
Are Cybill's ex-husbands really out of her life? She's not sure any more, as Jeff temporarily moves in, and she and Ira share a romantic moment. Meanwhile, she must decide whether to do a movie with a nude shower scene.
1.03"As The World Turns to Crap"Tom MooreElaine AronsonJanuary 16, 1995 (1995-01-16)
Cybill competes with a wily colleague for the role of the producer's pet when she learns that one of their soap opera characters will die; meanwhile, she plans for the arrival of Rachel's prudish Boston in-laws.
1.04"Look Who's Stalking"Tom MooreDottie DartlandJanuary 23, 1995 (1995-01-23)
Cybill is attracted to a guy she meets while they walk their respective dogs, who turns out to be Ira's ex-psychiatrist; Maryann befriends her ex-husband's new girlfriend Sharon in her continuing scheme for revenge.
1.05"Starting on the Wrong Foot"Tom MooreHoward M. GouldFebruary 6, 1995 (1995-02-06)
Maryann has her first date in 25 years, but frightens him off with obsessive gifts of shoes; Jonathan Frakes presses Cybill to go out with him.
1.06"Call Me Irresponsible"Tom MooreTeleplay: Dottie Dartland & Linda Wallem
Story: Michael Dempsey
February 13, 1995 (1995-02-13)
Dateless on Valentine's Day, Cybill and Maryann feel unappreciated and bored until Maryann comes up with a plan - a trip to Vegas to max out her ex's credit card. Meanwhile, Ira has to look after Jeff in ways he'd rather not when Jeff gets his hands covered with poison oak.
1.07"See Jeff Jump, Jump, Jeff, Jump!"Robert BerlingerTeleplay: Mike Langworthy
Story: Mike Langworthy & Philip Babcock
February 20, 1995 (1995-02-20)
Cybill's efforts to end Jeff's overextended stay above her garage stall out when her ex gets fired, then decides he wants to switch careers.
1.08"The Curse of Zoey"Robert BerlingerTeleplay: Elaine Aronson & Linda Wallem
Story: Dottie Dartland
February 27, 1995 (1995-02-27)
Maryann insists that it's no coincidence that Cybill's luck improved when Zoey moves out - especially after a psychic senses a "negative energy" in the house.
1.09"The Replacements"Andrew D. WeymanLee Aronsohn & Chuck LorreMarch 13, 1995 (1995-03-13)
Cybill feels neglected when Maryann becomes preoccupied with her new basoonist boyfriend.
1.10"Death and Execs"Andrew D. WeymanTeleplay: Chuck Lorre & Howard M. Gould.
Story: Dottie Dartland & Linda Wallem
March 20, 1995 (1995-03-20)
Old feelings come back to life when Cybill lands in Ira's comforting arms after a brush with death on a movie set. So the two decide to bury their past and start dating.
1.11"The Last Temptation of Cybill"Robert BerlingerTeleplay: Elaine Aronson & Lee Aronsohn
Story: Mike Langworthy & Michael Dempsey
April 10, 1995 (1995-04-10)
Cybill and Ira's second chance at romance faces a Herculean challenge when handsome young actor Rick takes his love-scene rehearsals with Cybill very seriously. Meanwhile, Maryann buys a telescope to gaze at the stars - movie stars.
1.12"The Big Sleep-Over"Robert BerlingerTeleplay: Dottie Dartland & Howard M. Gould
Story: Chuck Lorre
May 8, 1995 (1995-05-08)
The arrival of Zoe's rocket-scientist boyfriend Greg launches a series of squabbles; Cybill takes off for Nevada to rescue a flighty Maryann from marriage.
1.13"The Cheese Stands Alone"Alan MyersonLee AronsohnMay 15, 1995 (1995-05-15)
Maryann plans a sabotage surprise (Limberger cheese in the air conditioning) for Dr. Dick's party, which is the same night as her own party. Ira's book is going to be made into a film with Sir Anthony Hopkins, and he wants Cybill to go to London with him.

Season 2

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date
2.01"Cybill Discovers the Meaning of Life"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Chuck Lorre & Elaine Aronson
Story: Chuck Lorre
September 17, 1995 (1995-09-17)
Disturbed by feeling that her family all have lives separate from her own, Cybill drags Maryann into the desert in search of spiritual insights and, receiving an urgent psychic message from the universe, rushes back just in time for the birth of her grandson.
2.02"Zing!"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Lee Aronsohn & Alan Ball
Story: Lee Aronsohn
September 24, 1995 (1995-09-24)
Cybill tells Maryann that "there's no zing anymore" when she meets someone new. And it's still missing when Maryann sets her up on a blind date - until she meets the guy's sixty-something father.
2.03"Since I Lost My Baby"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Lee Aronsohn & Linda Wallem
Story: Chuck Lorre
October 1, 1995 (1995-10-01)
Jeff's second ex-wife Terry is pregnant, and tells Cybill that Jeff is the unwitting father; Cybill and Maryann take William shopping, but return home with the wrong stroller and baby.
2.04"Cybill with an 'S'"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Michael Langworthy & Linda Wallem
Story: Howard M. Gould
October 8, 1995 (1995-10-08)
Ira brings his new girlfriend to Zoey's sweet sixteen birthday party, and Cybill and Maryann both like her until they discover she has uncontrollable multiple personalities; Zoey and Sean, a busboy from the restaurant, are mutually smitten.
2.05"Cybill's Fifteen Minutes"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Russ Woody
Story: Lee Aronsohn & Howard M. Gould
October 15, 1995 (1995-10-15)
Cybill is hounded by the press after her Oscar night date, famous actor Dennis Oliver leaves her and then solicits a prostitute in LA, taking it for granted he won't get caught.
2.06"Nice Work If You Can Get It"Andrew D. WeymenPat Bowman & Shivas IronsOctober 22, 1995 (1995-10-22)
Controlling Maryann comes to Cybill's financial rescue when the star of her new sitcom, Dick Van Patten, drops dead during a curtain call.
2.07"To Sir, with Lust"Andrew D. WeymenAlan BallMarch 24, 1996 (1996-03-24)
To be physically intimate or not to be? That's the question when Cybill dates and desires her acting teacher, until she sees him in his one-man play; and Zoey reconsiders her vow of chastity now that she has met Sean.
2.08"They Shoot Turkeys, Don't They?"Andrew D. WeymenElaine Aronson & Howard M. GouldNovember 19, 1995 (1995-11-19)
Cybill's an unhappy Pilgrim who's not making much progress realizing her dream of a family Thanksgiving: everyone goes elsewhere, and she has to work on the holiday.
2.09"Local Hero"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Linda Wallem & Howard M. Gould
Story: Elaine Aronson & Russ Woody
November 26, 1995 (1995-11-26)
After she is replaced in a movie starring Kenny Rogers, Cybill thinks her career's a flop - until she takes a gamble on accepting an invitation to visit an immigrant family who collectively idolize her. Meanwhile, Rachel tries to counsel Ira out of his neurotic fear of the telephone.
2.10"The Odd Couples"Andrew D. WeymenRuss WoodyDecember 3, 1995 (1995-12-03)
Not since Felix and Oscar have there been such odd pairings: Ira shadows Maryann hoping her lunacy will dispel his trouble with writers' block; and Cybill hangs out with Sean.
2.11"Mourning Has Broken"Andrew D. WeymenElaine AronsonDecember 17, 1995 (1995-12-17)
Cybill renews a romance with David Whittier Sr., which ended the first time because he was still mourning his wife's death. But Maryann's convinced he did more than mourn - she thinks he caused it. So she and Cybill break into his house in search of evidence.
2.12"The Big Apple Can Bite Me"Andrew D. WeymenLinda WallemJanuary 7, 1996 (1996-01-07)
A rotten experience in the Big Apple in 1969 took a chunk out of Cybill's self-esteem, so, for her birthday, Maryann, Rachel and Zoey take her to New York and teach her how to bite back.
2.13"Educating Zoey"Andrew D. WeymenMichael DempseyJanuary 14, 1996 (1996-01-14)
Cybill and Ira learn a lesson in parenting when one of Zoey informs them that college is not part of her plans for the future.
2.14"Where's Zoey?"Andrew D. WeymenMaria A. BrownFebruary 4, 1996 (1996-02-04)
Cybill refuses to let Zoey stay home alone while she travels to Vancouver to film an sf series, so Maryann offers to let the "demon seed" stay with her. But Maryann gets into a pickle when she goes out for olives and Zoey disappears.
2.15"Lowenstein's Lament"Andrew D. WeymenGlenn GersFebruary 11, 1996 (1996-02-11)
Cybill auditions to play herself in the film based on Ira's book, but she regards the written character as a "needy doormat" - which may be why her performance is flat; and she loses the role to Paula Abdul.
2.16"A Who's Who for What's His Name"Andrew D. WeymenRuss WoodyFebruary 18, 1996 (1996-02-18)
Cybill's agent Arthur dies and Cybill ends up planning his funeral loaded with look-alikes. Maryann makes a move on Ira, but he rejects her.
2.17"Wedding Bell Blues"Andrew D. WeymenJames L. FreedmanFebruary 25, 1996 (1996-02-25)
Morgan Fairchild returns as one of Cybill's casting competitors, who beats her out for another job, and then announces that she is getting married to Maryann's ex-husband Dr. Dick. So the two plot revenge schemes to ruin the wedding reception. Nothing goes as planned, but a food fight puts an end to the reception anyway.
2.18"Romancing the Crone"Andrew D. WeymenBruce Eric KaplanMarch 10, 1996 (1996-03-10)
Cybill accidentally causes a famous actress to break her arm, so she invites her to recuperate at her home, where the woman breaks Cybill's endurance with boundless demands. Meanwhile, Zoey discovers that her brother-in-law Kevin is having an on-line dalliance with another woman.
2.19"An Officer and a Thespian"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Michael Langworthy & Linda Wallem
Story: Russ Woody & Maria A. Brown
March 17, 1996 (1996-03-17)
To land a movie role as a cop, Cybill prepares by riding with a cop on duty; but when his wife goes into labour, Cybill is left with the car, the siren and a call from Maryann in trouble. Meanwhile, Rachel's husband throws a party to suck up to his academic superior in hopes of landing tenure; and Zoey and Sean notice the academic's wife stealing the silver.
2.20"Virgin, Mother, Cheater"Jonathan WeissJane O'BrienApril 22, 1996 (1996-04-22)
Kevin's preoccupation with getting tenure looks like an affair to Rachel, who decides that two can play that game; Zoey and Sean lie about their celibacy to stop their friends' questions.
2.21"When You're Hot, You're Hot"Andrew D. WeymenErin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah JaffeApril 29, 1996 (1996-04-29)
Cybill's hot flashes and herbal treatments don't make her feel any younger, nor does Ira's visiting mother Ruth, who has traded in pantsuits for trendy clothes and an herbal pleasure of her own (or, as she calls it, "a little sweet wheat"). But Ruth is a hit with Zoey, since she arrives in a pink Cadillac that's a present for her granddaughter, much to Cybill and Ira's dismay.
2.22"Pal Zoey"Andrew D. WeymenMichael LangworthyMay 6, 1996 (1996-05-06)
Cybill is disconcerted but delighted when a heartbroken Zoey decides she wants to be best friends; but Rachel storms off when Cybill and Kevin agree to sit in on a marriage counselling session, only to discover that Kevin slept with Rachel's therapist. Meanwhile, Maryann tries to make Ira jealous by flirting with Cybill's Arkansas cousin Lyle, who is obsessed with getting onto 'The Price is Right'.
2.23"Three Women and a Dummy"Pamela FrymanAlan BallMay 13, 1996 (1996-05-13)
Zoey's new-found popularity confounds an apologetic Sean; Ira and Maryann go on a first date; Cybill accompanies the waiter to a party at his ex-boyfriend's.
2.24"Going Out with a Bang"Pamela FrymanTeleplay: Maria A. Brown & Michael Langworthy
Story: Howard M. Gould
May 20, 1996 (1996-05-20)
Children's show host Major Milo proposes to Cybill on the air; but she's much more interested in a hunky cable technician. Meanwhile, Ira and Maryann have a steamy dinner date that ends in disaster.

Season 3

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date
3.01"Bringing Home the Bacon"Andrew D. WeymenRuss WoodySeptember 16, 1996 (1996-09-16)
On the barnyard set of her new show (a parody of Babe), Cybill rescues a pig that was fired and doomed to the frying pan; then tries to keep an independent Zoey from flying the coop after she visits the greener pastures of Paris. Meanwhile, Maryann dresses as Little Bo Peep to entice a sheepish Ira.
3.02"Venice or Bust"Andrew D. WeymenAlan BallSeptember 23, 1996 (1996-09-23)
Zoey moves out; Cybill and Maryann take a sculpting class.
3.03"Cybill and Maryann Go to Japan"Andrew D. WeymenLinda WallemSeptember 30, 1996 (1996-09-30)
As the spokeswoman for a Japanese car company, Cybill (along with Maryann) visits Japan, where both are embraced - until they take a stuffy exec's wife out to greet the rising sun. Meanwhile, Ira mediates a dispute between Zoey and Sean
3.04"It's for You, Mrs. Lincoln"Andrew D. WeymenMichael LangworthyOctober 7, 1996 (1996-10-07)
When Cybill gets a chance to play Abe Lincoln's wife on stage, an unexpected caller interrupts her big moment. Cast as the understudy for Joan Hayden, the lead in What Now, Mrs. Lincoln?, Cybill awaits the day that the star breaks her amazing record of never having missed a performance in her life. Just when Cybill thinks it's hopeless, the star is stricken with an allergic reaction, putting Cybill in the spotlight. Unfortunately, her chance of a lifetime runs amok when the cell phone that she accidentally left in her skirt pocket starts ringing in the middle of the climactic scene. Meantime, Maryann and Ira gang up on a woman in the audience for her rude behavior - oblivious to the fact that she's the powerful agent Cybill has been courting for months.
3.05"Cybill, Get Your Gun"Andrew D. WeymenJeff LowellOctober 14, 1996 (1996-10-14)
After Cybill is robbed, she decides to fight back by taking a course in self defense. Cybill decides to take action with tactics that include an obnoxious house alarm, self-defense courses taught by Vicki Lawrence (guest starring as herself), and her very own "Safety Man," a role she bestows on an unenthusiastic Zoey. Meanwhile, the newly available Ira finds that he has misrepresented himself when he meets a woman at one of Jeff's favorite hangouts - an Alcoholic's Anonymous meeting. And, Maryann becomes a suspect in the abrupt disappearance of Dr. Dick
3.06"Cybill Does Diary"Andrew D. WeymenMichael Patrick KingOctober 21, 1996 (1996-10-21)
After discovering Cybill's picture on an X-rated video, Cybill and Maryann decide to produce an erotic video intended for women. But when Cybill borrows Zoey's laptop to write the script and tries to e-mail it to a producer, she accidentally sends Zoey's European diary instead - and the producer loves the story of how Zoey lost her virginity.
3.07"Sex, Drugs and Catholicism"Peter BaldwinJames L. FreedmanNovember 4, 1996 (1996-11-04)
Ira is full of sexual energy thanks to the new hormones he's taking - but when he learns they are really placebos, he proposes to Holly. Cybill agrees to be Ira's best man, but when Zoey resists being a bridesmaid, Holly shows her true colours. Meanwhile, Maryann goes to confession.
3.08"Going to Hell in a Limo: Part 1"Peter BaldwinTeleplay: Maria A. Brown
Story: Elaine Aronson
November 11, 1996 (1996-11-11)
Cybill becomes a prime-time hit in the new sf series Lifeforms, but when her co-star starts sleeping with the female producer, Cybill's role gets reduced to a few lines per episode. Meanwhile, Ira tries to convince Zoey to throw a bridal shower for Holly.
3.09"Going to Hell in a Limo: Part 2"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Erin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah Jaffe
Story: Elaine Aronson
November 18, 1996 (1996-11-18)
Cybill retaliates when her obnoxious co-star Jack mysteriously fires his friend, the executive producer, Buddy, and apologizes to Cybill for his rude - and crude - behavior. Smelling a rat, Cybill, Maryann and Cybill's producer friend Amy devise a sting operation to trick Buddy into revealing the truth behind Jack's sudden change of heart. Meanwhile, Zoey is having second thoughts about being maid of honor at the wedding of her father, Ira, and Holly after overhearing Holly remark to a friend that Zoey threw her a tacky wedding shower.
3.10"Buffalo Gals"Andrew D. WeymenAlan BallNovember 25, 1996 (1996-11-25)
Maryann goes home to Buffalo for an uneasy reunion with her parents , and to attend a 25-year reunion of her high-school classmates - who treated her like dirt. When Maryann can't make her high school reunion, Cybill decides to pose as Maryann and go in her place. Cybill had convinced Maryann to attend her high school reunion and planned to accompany her, but when the pair returns to Maryann's home town of Buffalo, N.Y. to take on the former classmates who made Maryann's life intolerable, Maryann learns that her son - who she believed was traveling with Greenpeace - is actually living with her parents. When Maryann consequently opts to forgo the reunion to spend time with him, Cybill, not one to miss an opportunity, goes to the reunion as Maryann in order to claim sweet revenge on the classmates who made Maryann's high school experience a nightmare. Meantime, Cybill is also spearheading efforts to make Thanksgiving dinner plans.
3.11"A Hell of a Christmas"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Jane O'Brien & Michael Poryes
Story: Maria A. Brown
December 9, 1996 (1996-12-09)
Cybill's overbearing mom comes for a Christmas visit. Cybill welcomes her mom, Virginia, who's in town for the holidays, but tensions arise when "Me-Maw" showers Rachel with affection while virtually ignoring Zoey. When Cybill confronts her about the favoritism, she learns that Virginia feels a responsibility to compensate for Cybill's own partiality towards Zoey. Meanwhile, Maryann volunteers to be Cybill's personal holiday shopper while Cybill deals with the fact that her show's time slot has been moved - opposite 60 Minutes, and Ira finds out that Zoey lost her virginity while in Europe.
3.12"The Little Drummer Girls"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Joey Murphy & John Pardee
Story: Erin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah Jaffe
December 16, 1996 (1996-12-16)
Cybill tries to help Maryann, Rachel and Zoey overcome their romantic troubles by forcing them to take part in a new age drum beating session. Maryann, furious when Dr. Dick doesn't send any hateful gifts to her in honor of what would have been their 23rd anniversary, agrees to let Cybill take her to a new age female bonding session so she can get Dr. Dick out of her system once and for all. Meanwhile, Kevin uses Baby William to diffuse his anger towards Rachel and his job-hunting problems, and Ira finds out that Sean cheated on Zoey.
3.13"Bachelor Party"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Jane O'Brien & Michael Langworthy
Story: Jane O'Brien
January 6, 1997 (1997-01-06)
As designated "best man" at Ira's wedding, Cybill is in charge of planning the bachelor party. Since Holly objects to hiring a stripper, Cybill decides to have everyone go to the track instead. But when Ira and the director of Cybill's television series show up expecting to see some skin, Cybill reluctantly agrees to have the party at a strip club. She and Maryann go disguised as men, primarily because Cybill doesn't want to jeopardize her newfound celebrity status. Meanwhile, Zoey tries to get used to her new job as production assistant on Cybill's television show, Lifeforms.
3.14"Little Bo Beep"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: James L. Freedman
Story: Maria A. Brown
January 20, 1997 (1997-01-20)
Provoked by Cybill's offensive reaction to a lamb attack on live television, animal activists - led by Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop (as themselves) - launch a campaign against Cybill. When Cybill makes an appearance at a local zoo to promote "Lifeforms," she's bitten by a lamb while being interviewed on live television and reacts in politically incorrect fashion. Trying to save her career, Andy convinces her to be a guest speaker at an animal rights banquet. Meanwhile, while Cybill dates a younger man who seems too good to be true, Maryann desperately tries to cope with the fact that her new romantic interest shares something in common with her ex-husband - the same name.
3.15"In Her Dreams"Pamela FrymanTeleplay: Bob Myer
Story: Bob Myer & Marilyn Suzanne Miller
February 3, 1997 (1997-02-03)
Kevin gets a job teaching third grade, while Cybill loses her job and flashes back to how she first met Maryann at an audition for Rocky. Maryann and Cybill argue about Maryann going for a mammogram, while Ira and Cybill are both audited by the IRS.
3.16"Valentine's Day"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: Joey Murphy & John Pardee
Story: Michael Poryes
February 10, 1997 (1997-02-10)
Maryann is acting more bizarre than usual during a Valentine's Day outing with Richard and her visiting son. Meanwhile, Zoey moves in with Ira to spite her mother. Sparks fly between Zoey and Maryann's son, Justin. Maryann arranges a Valentine's Day dinner with her son and her new flame but panics and shows up on Cybill's doorstep with Justin and her beau, looking for moral support - just as Zoey is leaving to meet Ira. When Zoey and Justin see each other again - after years apart - they begin spending time together, and, although Maryann loves Zoey like a daughter, she fears that Zoey may break her son's heart. Meanwhile, Cybill spends Valentine's Day with the special guy in her life - her grandson, William.
3.17"Kiss Me, You Fool"Andrew D. WeymenTeleplay: James L. Freedman & Michael Langworthy
Story: Linda Wallem
February 17, 1997 (1997-02-17)
Cybill and Jeff co-star in a new action film. Just as Cybill is complaining to her photographer friend, Davolio that her career is going nowhere, Jeff pulls some strings to get her the co-starring role in his new action film. Cybill must then return the favor when she learns that Jeff's future as the next action hero is on the line because he's unable to keep a straight face during intimate scenes. Now that Jeff's making more money than he knows what to do with, he gives Rachel and Kevin a down payment for a new house.
3.18"True Confessions"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: Linda Wallem & Maria A. Brown
Story: Erin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah Jaffe
February 24, 1997 (1997-02-24)
Cybill stalks Maryann in order to research a new role and discovers a jaw-dropping secret. When Cybill decides to base her character in Ira's new play on Maryann, she immediately begins to shadow Maryann's every move. But, when Maryann tells Cybill that she's not welcome to accompany her one afternoon, Cybill secretly follows her anyway. When she spies Maryann suspiciously meeting a man at his apartment, Cybill assumes that her friend is having an affair, only to discover that Maryann has been posing as a nude model.
3.19"Name That Tune"David TrainerTeleplay: Alan Ball & Michael Langworthy
Story: Linda Wallem
March 3, 1997 (1997-03-03)
Cybill joins Ira at an open-mike night for his debut as a stand-up comic, which gets off to a rocky start when he faints from stage fright. Cybill's performance, however, results in an offer to sing in a new Name That Tune. Meanwhile, Maryann displays unusual behavior, but if she seems preoccupied (to the point of wearing the same outfit two days running), it's because she thinks she may be pregnant.
3.20"From Boca, with Love"David TrainerTeleplay: Maria A. Brown & Michael Poryes
Story: Erin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah Jaffe
March 10, 1997 (1997-03-10)
Ira's mother is in town and Zoey goes to her for advice on college. Maryann is trying to keep her "new" Richard from her parents. Cybill goes on a disastrous date.
3.21"All of Me"Pamela FrymanTeleplay: Maria A. Brown & Linda Wallem
Story: Steve Young
April 7, 1997 (1997-04-07)
Cybill puts her foot down when she's chosen as a model for a shoe campaign only to see a billboard with her face - on a younger, thinner woman's "waif" body. Cybill decides to defend women of all shapes and sizes by defacing a billboard that depicts her face with someone else's waif-like figure. Meanwhile, Maryann freaks when she discovers that her son, Justin, is two-timing Zoey, and Ira decides to give up caffeine, which creates some abnormal side effects.
3.22"The Wedding"David TrainerTeleplay: James L. Freedman & Michael Langworthy
Michael Poryes
April 21, 1997 (1997-04-21)
Learning that her film's a flop, Cybill has nothing to throw in the faces of her friends when she attends a neighbor's wedding. But that's not the case for Zoey, who accidentally decks the bride while dancing.
3.23"The Piano"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: Joey Murphy & John Pardee
Story: Michael Poryes
April 28, 1997 (1997-04-28)
Cybill needs a favor from Dr. Dick's wife, Andrea (guest star Morgan Fairchild, reprising the role), so in return, she grudgingly agrees to give a speech at an awards banquet honoring Andrea. When Cybill discovers that Andrea can get Zoey a piano audition that's otherwise unobtainable, she agrees to give the testimonial speech for the charity award, which deservedly belongs to Maryann. But when Cybill finds out that Zoey got the audition on her own, she decides to tell the awards committee what she really thinks of Andrea.
3.24"There Was an Old Woman"David TrainerTeleplay: Erin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah Jaffe
Story: Linda Wallem
May 5, 1997 (1997-05-05)
When a TV director takes his cat to see Maryann's Richard, Cybill drops by - dressed as an old woman - and becomes privy to Richard's intentions regarding Maryann.
3.25"Mother's Day"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: Michael Langworthy & Michael Poryes
Story: Alan Ball
May 12, 1997 (1997-05-12)
Cybill doesn't realize that her mom, who's visiting for Mother's Day, is within earshot when she says she's worked her entire life trying not to become her mother.
3.26"Let's Stalk"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: James L. Freedman & Stephanie Arasim Portnoy
Story: Erin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah Jaffe
May 19, 1997 (1997-05-19)
With Cybill as the organizer, Maryann's bachelorette party turns out to be one last evening stalking Dr. Dick. Realizing their stalking days are almost behind them, Cybill and Maryann agree that one last act of torment is in order. Zoey and Rachel join the duo in a rented van, equipped with the latest in surveillance technology, staking out Dr. Dick's house. Their mission: to inject Dr. Dick's water supply with a barrel of liposuctioned fat stolen from his office. But mid-execution, Cybill and Maryann overhear "Mrs. Dr. Dick" Andrea tell Dr. Dick that she's leaving him, causing Maryann to rethink her own marriage plans.

Season 4

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date
4.01"Regarding Henry"David TrainerTeleplay: Erin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah Jaffe
Story: Alan Ball
September 15, 1997 (1997-09-15)
The series begins its fourth season with a trip back in time to the 16th century, as Cybill undergoes past-life regression treatment on the advice of her therapist when she begins having erotic dreams about Maryann's jilted beau Richard. She discovers that Maryann's poor choice in men goes back to the days of Henry VIII, when Maryann was Anne Boleyn, and returns to the present just in time to head off a close encounter between Maryann and the despised Dr. Dick. Joining Cybill in the Court of King Henry VIII are Zoey as Ariel's father, Ira as her brother the poet, and Justin as a serving wench.
4.02"The Love of Her Life"David TrainerTeleplay: John Pardee & Joey Murphy
Story: Maria A. Brown
September 22, 1997 (1997-09-22)
Maryann is shocked when Cybill tells her she had an affair with a married man - and now wants to rekindle the romance. Maryann reels from Cybill's hypocrisy, since Cybill is always advising her not to even consider going back to the cheating Dr. Dick. But Cybill, head-over-heels in lust with Roger, refuses to admit to her own double standard. Meanwhile, Ira is hurt when he overhears Cybill wonder about what might have been if she had never become Mrs. Woodbine
4.03"The Big, Flouncy Thing"David TrainerTeleplay: Linda Wallem & William Lucas Walker
Story: Dan Bucatinky
September 29, 1997 (1997-09-29)
Zoey rejects Cybill's advice about what to wear for her first piano competition, and Cybill mourns the loss of a mother-daughter moment. After having been brushed off by Zoey, Cybill meets a young girl who welcomes her mothering - and her father isn't bad either. But when he turns out to be a cad, Cybill and Maryann scheme to get revenge. In the meantime, Ira and Justin battle over whose good luck charm Zoey should wear for her competition.
4.04"Some Like It Hot"David TrainerTeleplay: Michael Poryes & Kim Friese
Story: Linda Wallem
October 6, 1997 (1997-10-06)
The family take cover when Cybill's hormones rage after she opts to cope with menopause the "natural way" rather than with prescription durgs, while her visiting mother creates her own waves in the house and Ira tries to light a fire with Zoey's teacher Julia.
4.05"Like Family"David TrainerTeleplay: J. David Stem & David N. Weiss
Story: Mark Hudis
October 13, 1997 (1997-10-13)
Cybill throws herself into her role when she is cast to play the mother of a sweet teenage girl on a network sitcom. In reality, the girl turns out to be a tough-talking, ultra-hip teen, but Cybill is determined to mentor the difficult youth. The pending birth of Rachel's baby has everyone wondering who will be the godmother, and Maryann is hurt when no one even considers her as a possible choice.
4.06"Earthquake"David TrainerTeleplay: Maria A. Brown & William Lucas Walker
Story: Erin A. Bishop
October 20, 1997 (1997-10-20)
Cybill endures her new role as a sitcom mom, even though she thinks it could mean the end of her career, until her life is shaken up when a 4.0 earthquake rattles the city and inspires her to quit and "follow her bliss." Next thing she knows, Maryann convinces her that they should go to a "schmoozing" where Cybill meets a prominent female playwright. Meanwhile, Rachel shares some shocking news of her own with the family.
4.07"Halloween"David TrainerTeleplay: Alan Ball & Mark Hudis
Story: Susan Nirah Jaffe
October 27, 1997 (1997-10-27)
Cybill hosts a Halloween eve telethon, and recruits Maryann, Zoey, and Ira to help out. Things go fine at first, until Cybill and Maryann begin to air their differences on the air!
4.08"Where's a Harpoon When You Need One?"David TrainerTeleplay: Alan Ball & Kim Friese
Story: Michael Poryes
November 3, 1997 (1997-11-03)
Cybill gets a job as a spokeswoman on a cruise ship, but when she and Maryann take a cruise, it turns out to be one of displeasure: Dr. Dick, relentless in his efforts to win back Maryann, puts Cybill in a difficult situation by giving her a letter for his ex that Cybill knows will make Maryann "melt down."
4.09"How to Get a Head in Show Business"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: J. David Stem & David N. Weiss
Story: Kim Friese
November 10, 1997 (1997-11-10)
When obsessed fan Minnie steals Cybill's wax head from Madame Tussaud's, the museum simply replaces it with the head of another blonde actress. Cybill and Maryann are outraged, so they concoct a scheme to travel to London and return the real "Cybill-head." Meanwhile, Zoey decides to give up her career as a pianist for an office job, while Cybill and Ira try to save her from a life of corporate drudgery.
4.10"Grandbaby"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: Michael Poryes & Linda Wallem
Story: Stephanie Arasim Portnoy
November 17, 1997 (1997-11-17)
When Rachel goes into labor and Maryann has an appendicitis attack on the same day, Cybill finds herself stretched thin trying to care for each of them. After convincing a panicked Rachel that having a second child is a piece of cake, Cybill must reassure Maryann, who is delusional from pain-killing drugs, that her hallucinated dinner party is a smashing success.
4.11"The Golden Years"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: John Pardee & Joey Murphy
Story: William Lucas Walker
December 1, 1997 (1997-12-01)
It's the year 2027, and Cybill and Maryann, now senior citizens, are still sipping martinis and insulting men. When they come across Cybill's diary from 97, Cybill begins to read aloud from the book, and one of the passages hurts Maryann's feelings - creating a rift between the two friends. Cybill and Maryann must travel 30 years into the past to resolve the issue and discover that their friendship has withstood the test of time for good reason.
4.12"Show Me the Minnie"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: Maria A. Brown & Susan Nirah Jaffe
Story: Erin A. Bishop
December 8, 1997 (1997-12-08)
When Cybill's garage roof collapses and requires expensive repairs, she tries to get a loan from the bank, only to discover that the loan officer turns out to be her disgruntled former fan, Minnie Arbogast. Adding to Cybill's troubles, Ira accuses Maryann of causing the breakup of his marriage to Cybill. After trying unsuccessfully to reconcile her two friends and resolve her own financial crisis, Cybill gets help from an unlikely source - her former enemy and new-found friend, Minnie.
4.13"Bakersfield"David TrainerTeleplay: Kim Friese & Mark Hudis
Story: Alan Ball
March 4, 1998 (1998-03-04)
Following her mother's untimely passing, Cybill finds what appears to be a love letter to an unknown man in Bakersfield. She is shocked that her supposedly conservative mother may have had a longstanding, passionate secret love affair. Curious about this hidden part of her mother's past, Cybill travels to Bakersfield with Maryann and Zoey to deliver the letter to the mystery man herself.
4.14"Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady"David TrainerTeleplay: John Pardee & Joey Murphy
Story: Maria A. Brown
March 11, 1998 (1998-03-11)
In a fit of romantic nostalgia, Cybill writes a letter to her first love, Bobby Ray, and is pleasantly surprised when he flies in from Memphis to take her out on a date. After spending a wonderfully romantic evening with Bobby Ray, Cybill's faith in love is restored - until she realizes that his criminal history extends beyond being just a thief of hearts. Meanwhile, when Zoey's first love, Gianni, visits from Italy, she worries that seeing him will destroy the magic of their short-lived but passionate romance.
4.15"Cybill Sheridan's Day Off"David TrainerTeleplay: Linda Wallem & William Lucas Walker
Story: Kim Friese
March 18, 1998 (1998-03-18)
Cybill and Maryann masquerade as ladies of the night to foil an evil prank by the dastardly Dr. Dick. The scheme conceived by Dr. Dick goes wrong when his hired thugs mistakenly drug Cybill instead of Maryann and deposit her in a seedy bus station in the middle of nowhere. To make matters worse, when Maryann comes to rescue Cybill, her car gets stolen and both women end up stranded. The two friends finally get a ride home when two unsuspecting high school boys looking for a good time mistake them for ladies of the night. Meanwhile, Ira tries to instill in Zoey a love for basketball when he gets her a job playing the organ at a Lakers' game.
4.16"Fine Is Not a Feeling"David TrainerTeleplay: Erin A. Bishop & Susan Nirah Jaffe
Story: Maria A. Brown
March 25, 1998 (1998-03-25)
Maryann's son Justin decides to move to San Francisco for a new job, and Cybill convinces a reluctant Maryann to see a therapist and confront her irrational fear of losing her son. Cybill's suggestion backfires when Justin brings Maryann's ex-boyfriend, Richard, to the group therapy and the session descends into chaos. Meanwhile, Cybill quits an acting job out of disgust with Hollywood's lack of respect for older women.
4.17"Oh Brother!"David TrainerTeleplay: Alan Ball & Mark Hudis
Story: Michael Poryes
April 1, 1998 (1998-04-01)
Cybill forgot Ira's birthday and, to ease her guilty conscience, then concocts a crazy scheme to kidnap him and surprise him with the perfect gift - courtside tickets for a Lakers game. Maryann and Zoey act as Cybill's accomplices in the kidnapping scheme and successfully complete their mission - only to discover that they've abducted the wrong man. Meanwhile, Cybill's long-lost niece, Claire, visits from Bakersfield and is starstruck with her aunt's glamorous Hollywood. While Cybill entertains Claire, she finds a photo showing her with her brother, a man she never knew - and can't remember.
4.18"Whose Wife Am I, Anyway?"David TrainerTeleplay: J. David Stem & David N. Weiss
Story: Erin A. Bishop
April 8, 1998 (1998-04-08)
Jeff convinces Cybill to pretend they're still married to please his sweet but old-fashioned grandmother. While Jeff and Cybill are celebrating their pretend 25th anniversary with grandma, the waiter, who is nervous about telling his parents that he's gay, introduces Cybill as his fiancee. Meanwhile, Maryann and Richard enjoy a romantic vacation in the country until the trip gets sidetracked by a veterinary emergency and Maryann finds herself delivering a calf.
4.19"Dream Date"David TrainerTeleplay: Susan Nirah Jaffe & Mark Hudis
Story: Alan Ball
June 8, 1998 (1998-06-08)
Maryann convinces a reluctant Cybill to go on the blind date with Bruce, who turns out to be an offensive jerk. Although Cybill is repulsed by Bruce's piggish behavior, after a storm straps him at Cybill's for the night along with Maryann, Zoey, Ira and his mother, she is determined to be nice to him after he saves the life of Ira's mother. Meanwhile, Maryann and Dick work on their co-dependency issues, and Ira tries to improve his relationship with his mother.
4.20"Farewell, My Sweet"David TrainerTeleplay: Kim Fiese & Michael Poryes
Story: David Jackson Willis & Stephanie Novik
June 15, 1998 (1998-06-15)
Cybill and Maryann each get a shock when Cybill discovers that she's allergic to chocolate and Maryann gets a surprise visit from her parents, who are in town for a bowling tournament.
4.21"Daddy"David TrainerTeleplay: Michael Poryes & Linda Wallem
Story: William Lucas Walker
June 22, 1998 (1998-06-22)

Cybill's Daddy, who failed to show up for Christmas, breezes into town with news that he has gotten Cybill a plum spot on a TV show about Southern women who have made it big. But it's just another disappointment for Cybill when she realizes he has done it to promote his failing car dealership.

NOTE: Since this episode ends with the announcement of Cybill's mother's death, it obviously was intended to air before "Bakersfield", although the production codes don't seem to indicate that.
4.22"Don Gianni"Jonathan WeissTeleplay: Maria A. Brown & William Lucas Walker
Story: Cybill Shepherd
June 29, 1998 (1998-06-29)
When Zoey's first love, Gianni, visits from Italy and steals her heart with his good looks, charm and romantic gestures, Cybill suspects he will soon propose marriage. Unfortunately, the seemingly perfect Italian turns out be a cad who makes a secret pass at Cybill behind Zoey's back. After rejecting the overly-amorous suitor, Cybill must decide whether or not to break her daughter's heart and tell her the truth. Meanwhile, Maryann is bent on wreaking cruel revenge on the lecherous Gianni.
4.23"Cybill in the Morning"David TrainerLinda WallemJuly 6, 1998 (1998-07-06)
Cybill is thrilled when she gets a job hosting a popular morning talk show - until she discovers that her co-host is a prissy, jealous domestic goddess-type who enjoys playing live, on-air practical jokes on Cybill. Adding to her troubles, Cybill finds herself both sexually attracted to and morally repulsed by her deceitful new producer. Meanwhile, Ira stands in as Cybill's best friend and advisor while Maryann goes on a shopping spree in Paris.
4.24"Ka-Boom!"David TrainerTeleplay: Maria A. Brown & Mike Langworthy
Story: Howard M. Gould
July 13, 1998 (1998-07-13)
When the scheming Dr. Dick tricks Maryann into signing a form that gives him control of her fortune, Cybill must help her friend cope with being poor. The two women plot a horrible revenge against Dr. Dick and find themselves on the wrong side of the law when their vengeful prank goes a little too far. Meanwhile, Cybill and her new morning show producer finally reveal their mutual attraction for each other, only to discover that the show has been cancelled. This episode ends with the words "To Be Continued..." on the screen.[8]

Reception

Awards and nominations

Cybill was nominated for twelve Emmy Awards throughout its entire run, winning three. Nominated for her performance in each season, Baranski was the only cast member to win an Emmy.[9] Baranski also received an American Comedy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Viewers for Quality Television Award for her portrayal, while Shepherd was awarded the 1996 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy.[9] The same year, the sitcom also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, its only win for both the crew and the cast.[9]

Ratings

The series got respectable ratings throughout its run, but was abruptly canceled by CBS at the end of the 1997-98 season, amid allegations by Shepherd that the network was uncomfortable with Cybill's feminist leanings and frank depiction of female sexuality.[10]

Average seasonal ratings

Season Premiere Finale TV Season Season
rank
Viewers
(millions)
1 January 2, 1995 May 15, 1995 1994-1995 #22 12.8
2 September 17, 1995 May 20, 1996 1995-1996 #50 [11] 10.0
3 September 16, 1996 May 19, 1997 1996-1997 #32[12] 10.5
4 September 15, 1997 July 13, 1998 1997-1998 #50[13] 8.3

Awards and nominations

Year Award Show Category Result Recipient(s)
1995 Emmy Awards Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Series Won Crew
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Series Nominated Crew
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated Cybill Shepherd
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Won Christine Baranski
1996 American Comedy Award Funniest Supporting Female Performer in a TV Series Won Christine Baranski
Emmy Awards Outstanding Individual Achievement in Art Direction for a Series Nominated Crew
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costuming for a SeriesWon Crew
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Comedy Series or a Special Nominated Crew
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated Cybill Shepherd
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated Christine Baranski
Golden Globe Awards Best TV-Series - Comedy/Musical Won Cast and Crew
Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Comedy/Musical Won Cybill Shepherd
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series Nominated Christine Baranski
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated Cast
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Won Christine Baranski
Viewers for Quality Television Awards Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Comedy Series Won Christine Baranski
1997 Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated Cybill Shepherd
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated Christine Baranski
GLAAD Awards Outstanding TV - Individual Episode Nominated Cast and Crew
Golden Globe Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Comedy/Musical Nominated Cybill Shepherd
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series Nominated Christine Baranski
Satellite Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy Nominated Cybill Shepherd
Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy Nominated Cast and Crew
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated Christine Baranski
1998 Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated Christine Baranski

Home release

Region 1

On September 16, 2008, First Look Studios released Cybill: The Collector's Edition, Vol. 1, a 2-disc best of DVD.[14]

Region 2

Anchor Bay Entertainment has released the entire series on DVD in the UK.

DVD Name Ep# Release Date
The Complete First Series 13 24 April 2006
The Complete Second Series 24 2 July 2007
The Complete Third Series 26 5 May 2008
The Complete Fourth Series 24 4 August 2008
The Complete Box Set 87 29 September 2008

References

  1. "BBC - Comedy Guide - Cybill". Web.archive.org. Archived from the original on 2004-12-09. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  2. Howard Rosenberg (1995-01-02). "'Cybill' Is a Promising Addition to CBS Lineup - latimes". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  3. "Cybill". EW. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
  4. Ray Loynd (1994-12-29). "Cybill". Variety. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  5. Cybill Disobedience
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Full Cast & Crew". IMDb. 2004-05-18. Retrieved 2011-06-03.
  7. "Absolutely 'Cybill' : Shepherd'S New Series Is Built Around An Actress Who Could Be Her". Articles.latimes.com. 1995-01-08. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  8. "Tell us the TV cliff-hangers you'd like solved! (We've got Cybill's!)". EW. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
  9. 1 2 3 "Awards for Cybill (1995)". IMDb. Retrieved 2011-06-06.
  10. Griffin, Nancy (July–August 2004). "Cybill Liberties". AARP Magazine.
  11. "Complete TV Ratings 1995-1996". Fbibler.chez.com. 2002-07-26. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  12. "Complete TV Ratings 1996-1997". Fbibler.chez.com. 2002-07-26. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  13. "Final Ratings for '97-'98 TV Season". SFGate.com. 1998-05-25. Retrieved 2016-02-24.
  14. "Cybill: The Collector's Edition Volume 1: Cybill Shepherd, Christine Baranski: Movies & TV". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2016-02-24.

External links

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