TV series
Comedy's Back In The News.
Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) is a recovering alcoholic who returns to the fictional newsmagazine FYI for the first time following a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic residential treatment center. Over 40 and single, she is sharp tongued and hard as nails. In her profession, she is considered one of the boys, having shattered many glass ceilings encountered during her career. Dominating the FYI news magazine, she is portrayed as one of America's hardest-hitting (though not the warmest or more sympathetic) media personalities.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
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Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) is a recovering alcoholic who returns to the fictional newsmagazine FYI for the first time following a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic residential treatment center. Over 40 and single, she is sharp tongued and hard as nails. In her profession, she is considered one of the boys, having shattered many glass ceilings encountered during her career. Dominating the FYI news magazine, she is portrayed as one of America's hardest-hitting (though not the warmest or more sympathetic) media personalities.
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Episode 1
Andrew moves in as the executive producer and the staff moves him out. They try to interview replacements, but Andrew keeps getting in the way. Lansing makes a decision that puts the executive producer of a game show in charge of FYI and she lays down one of the rules of her game.
Directed by Peter BonerzWritten by Rob BraginGuest stars Paul Reubens
Episode 2
Kay begins to wield her power. She starts with the wardrobe policy, the coffee island and holding the story meetings in her office. Murphy fights back and the rest of the staff joins her, even though they like the story assignments she's given them. She stands fast as they all cave in. She confronts Kay and lets her know who's in charge; however we discover who's really the master manipulator. Murphy takes Kay's story idea (moderating the Presidential debates) and finds out the rest have killed their stories. Kay offers to help them get them back as Murphy declares war.
Directed by Peter BonerzWritten by Bob Stevens
Episode 3
Frank is getting one of his plays produced. When he gets an out of country assignment, he leaves Murphy in charge of looking after his interests in the production. Busy with her own story, Murphy takes a hands off approach to the production, leaving the director to make his own decisions. The director, decides on a major casting change; Murphy finds out about it, just before the curtain rises.
Directed by Peter BonerzWritten by Jennifer Ventimilia, Joshua Sternin
Episode 4
Dottie invites Avery to her son Harrison's birthday party, despite the fact that Murphy tells her she doesn't like her. Corky finds some interesting information on Dottie's clothing line, Murphy makes a deal and trades stories; then she dishes the dirt on Dottie. Even that doesn't initially keep Dottie away. Finally she hates her; however, Murphy discovers that Avery still wants to go to the party. Murphy sneaks him in, but Dottie still demands an apology.
Directed by Peter Bonerz
Episode 5
Murphy begins to redecorate her bedroom into an office with a few extra amenities. Jim insists that she get a permit and have the job done properly, she'd already started. To get a permit, she has to get permission from her neighbor, Old Man Swenson. Eventually an agreement is reached, but will Murphy endure him long enough to keep up her end of the bargain.
Directed by Joe RegalbutoGuest stars John Hostetter, Tom Poston
Episode 6
Phil passes away. When Phyllis announces her intention to sell, the gang decides to buy the bar. Trouble begins when each has their own idea how to improve the place. Finally they decide that they should keep one tradition.
Directed by Peter BonerzGuest stars Terri Keefer, Dena Dietrich, Pat Finn, Geraldine A. Ferraro, Larry King, Bob Bouchard, Michael Luckerman, Christy House
Episode 7
Kay lays down an edict that the staff must stay in Washington, that puts a damper on Corky's trip to rendezvous with Miles in New York City. She also puts a stop to Murphy's expense account. In defiance, Murphy gets Corky on a plane to New York. Fortunately a breaking story in New York City works to Murphy's advantage. However, the next day, Corky ""crumbles"" under the feeling of guilt.
Directed by Joe RegalbutoWritten by Jennifer Ventimilia, Joshua SterninGuest stars Kathryn Joosten
Episode 8
Murphy is ready to anchor the election coverage. However all her former secretary have formed a support group. The Eastern branch is lead by Robert (Secretary #2) and they all try to show Murphy the error of her ways.
Directed by Peter Bonerz
Episode 9
Murphy's former agent, Steve, gives her a copy of TV Q ratings. She discovers that Miller's ratings are very low and she sees an opportunity to finally get rid of him. So she hooks Miller up with her former agent and insists it would be a great time for him to renegotiate his contract using the ""underdog theory."" He is fired and ironically all the other networks start a bidding war for his services.
Directed by Peter Bonerz
Episode 10
Frank thinks that Dana may finally be the one. He asks Murphy to have lunch with her and give her approval. When she does, he hesitates, but then moves he moves in with her. At their first dinner party, some truths about Dana are revealed. She keeps a menagerie in her apartment, has a son, her furniture is being repossessed and her ex-husband has broken out of prison and is looking for a place to stay.
Directed by Peter BonerzWritten by Tom Palmer
Episode 11
In an attempt to divert Kay's attention from FYI Murphy suggests that Kay produce a new afternoon talk show that she also convinces Stan that he can host. Frank even gets to play the saxophone in the house band. The premiere show starts out real bad and guest Tom Hanks escapes. Murphy becomes the replacement guest.
Directed by Joe Regalbuto
Episode 12
Everyone tries to come up with an excuse to miss Jim and Doris's annual party. This year's festivities are anything but boring when their fight turns into a separation.
Directed by Joe Regalbuto
Episode 13
Murphy suspects that Kay has ulterior motives when Kay says the network is sending the staff to a retreat in Mexico. Instead, while there, she must contend with filling all her free time avoiding a group of employees from a corporation that she exposed for their corrupt practices. Corky faces being without Miles, yet again. Jim discovers a ""short""-age when he packs his own suitcase for the first time. Frank fearing the worst when Kay wants to talk with him gets the courage to confront her.
Directed by Peter BonerzWritten by Jennifer Ventimilia, Joshua Sternin
Episode 14
When Kay and Murphy are the only ones to make it into the office during a snowstorm. Kay seizes the opportunity to get an evaluation of her performance. Instead, she gets Murphy giving her several examples of how she acted in a variety of situations.
Directed by Peter BonerzWritten by Rob Bragin
Episode 15
Jim is going to the hospital for a hernia operation. Frank and Murphy both fight to do the commentary during his absence. Kay leaves the decision up to them. They decide to ask Jim, despite the fact that Jim is just regaining consciousness from his operation. Corky gets a protégé, who's a lot like she was years ago; it slowly drives her nuts.
Directed by Peter BonerzGuest stars Tom Virtue
Episode 16
When Kay isn't sure about the accuracy of Murphy's source, she wants to meet him. To keep her source's anonymity Murphy and Frank decide to hire an impostor. Unfortunately they both hire someone for the part. The guy Frank hires, a video store clerk, seizes the opportunity to be on television when he tells Kay he'll appear to be on the show.
Directed by Joe RegalbutoGuest stars John Hostetter, Michael Jeter, Harris Yulin
Episode 17
Lansing is being honored at a dinner. Murphy arranges a blind date for Jim, but she mistakenly ends up with Miller. Meanwhile, despite the fact that he is in a committed relationship, Frank suddenly contends with being popular with the ladies.
Directed by Joe RegalbutoWritten by Jennifer Ventimilia, Joshua Sternin
Episode 18
Corky complains about the local dry cleaner; she plans to take action. Frank complains about Dana's delinquent son. Murphy suggests that he gets a job. Frank asks Kay and he suddenly becomes a valuable asset to the organization, as a strong arm man. Murphy, stuck keeping an eye on Danny has to take him with her to Atlantic City. While there, gambling fever takes them over.
Directed by Peter BonerzWritten by Tom PalmerGuest stars Robert Costanzo
Episode 19
To combat against some radical changes that Kay is proposing, Murphy enlists the aid of Andrew J. Lansing III, who has been recuperating in a Buddhist monastery.
Directed by Peter BonerzWritten by Jennifer Ventimilia, Joshua SterninGuest stars Paul Reubens, James Hong, Diedrich Bader, Ryan Stiles
Episode 20
Frank announces that he's taken the plunge; he bought a new Jaguar XK8. Corky comes in with a story about Walter Cronkite. Only she can't tell them what he said, only she does but can't elaborate on the grunt he made about Murphy. Not knowing what he thinks begin to affect her performance. Frank tries to help out with help from Tom Snyder and Phil Jr.. Murphy goes to confront Walter.
Directed by Peter Bonerz
Episode 21
A billionaire media mogul proposes marriage to Murphy while she is conducting an on-air interview with him. Murphy doubts the sincerity of the proposal, then the gift of an 8+ carat diamond ring arrives. She declines the invitation, but that doesn't keep Briggs from trying, by using Frank and the other FYI staffers. He even buys her contract from Lansing, then Kay steps in.
Directed by Peter Bonerz
Episode 22
Stuart Best is dubbed a hero at a fire. Murphy's probing questions lead the authorities to think he may have actually set the fire.
Directed by Peter BonerzGuest stars Beau Billingslea, Adam West
Episode 23
Miller's overbearing mother is going to write him off as her son since he is an idiot and not married yet. To impress her, Miller claims that he and Murphy are friends. Because Murphy is uncomfortable around Miller, his mother suspects they might be more than friends. Something he doesn't readily deny.
Directed by Steve ZuckermanWritten by Rob Bragin
Episode 24
Murphy makes a candid comment about the President during the end credits for FYI that goes out on the air. When Murphy refuses to apologize, Lansing fires Kay. The next day, Murphy receives a phone call and is summoned to appear at the White House, where she sits and waits. Murphy returns from her audience with the President; she has a big decision to make regarding her future.
Directed by Joe RegalbutoWritten by Bob Stevens
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Candice BergenMurphy Brown
Faith FordCorky Sherwood
Joe RegalbutoFrank Fontana
Charles KimbroughJim Dial
Lily TomlinKay Carter-Shepley
Grant ShaudMiles Silverberg
Robert PastorelliEldin Bernecky
Pat CorleyPhil
CBSUnited States
Warner Bros. TelevisionUnited StatesMore shows like Murphy Brown.
