Sweet Tea & TV

Stuck in a rut? Run from it. That's Mary Jo's plan – she drags Julia along. We guess that means we're coming, too, but don't expect us to jog while we do it.   A running-themed episode inspired a sidebar where we'll dig into Atlanta races and legendary runners. It has a history all its own, y'all! Like Julia, we also can't get enough exercise, so come back Thursday for an “Extra Sugar” about workout trends throughout the years.

This week's Extra Sugar is inspired by Mary Jo and Julia's stint in the jogging world – and Julia taking it a little TOO serious. Like 2010s crossfit serious.  That's right, y'all, we're talking about fitness trends. We'll probably admit to more than a few. Some are flat out hilarious, and there are time stamps galore. This one is just for funsies. 

Charlene is having a rough time. She's going to take some college courses, so naturally, Julia and Mary Jo insinuate she's, oh how would Suzanne put it? Ah! Has more boobs than brains. Then her professor hits on her in THE MOST awkward way possible.  Meanwhile, we're jazzed they're threading episodes but have some questions about this timeline. We'll also sidebar about three (Southern) psychologists who fundamentally changed the way we look at the world. And, then, it's finally happening. We've patiently waited for an opportunity to do a “Sweet Tea & TV After Dark” – and it has arrived. Come back Thursday for "Extra Sugar" - it's the Hite Report, y'all. NSFW nor children. 

Waaaaaaay back in season 3, we agreed it was time to do a Sweet Tea & TV After Dark after Designing Women referenced a very sexy report. (Hey, reports can be sexy. Probably.) That's right, y'all, we're talking about The Hite Report, a landmark 1976 study all about female sexuality. Some of the findings are NSFW, or the kiddos, so you've been warned. (Also, maybe not for Salina's grandparents because it's just too much for her brain to comprehend.) We'll talk about why this report was so important, the woman behind it, the backlash she faced, and how much things have changed in the last (nearly) 50 years. 

No, no, no, noooooooo! Not another WWII fever dream. We understand Bill's been sent on a top secret mission and Charlene's scared, but do we all have to suffer? Yes, yes we do.  Meanwhile, Anthony gets the gang wrapped up in some Florida lottery scheming, so we'll sidebar on some good (and bad) winner stories.  And then come back on Thursday for an “Extra Sugar” where we're gonna shake things up and talk about one of our favorite current shows (which is incidentally all about the past) – The Crown. It's the last season, y'all, so catch up and talk through it with us.

Part one of Netflix' series finale of “The Crown” covers some historic modern royal history. Let's chat about every moment. As longtime Sweeties know, we're self-professed royal watchers. We've shared several royal family-related milestones. For instance, last year, we gave you our take on the Harry & Meghan documentary. And then, earlier this year, we woke up before the birds to watch the historic coronation.   So, we'd be remiss if we didn't cover the final season of Netflix's groundbreak series. This is just part I. We'll have part II for you in a few weeks. Come on y'all - grab the tissues, grab a cup of tea, and let's get into it! 

Mary Jo and her daughter Claudia are attracted to the same man. Do we feel sick? Yes. But do you have our attention? Dang it. Yes.  Meanwhile, Julia's bathroom woes at the big game leads to a sidebar on some wild bathroom history.. (Yes, yes, we'll touch on the Georgia Tech reference because we're in the South, and football is king…or a religion…or some other such thing or another.)  Come back on Thursday for an “Extra Sugar” prompted by Delta Burke's noticeable absences from a recent episode. That's right, y'all, it's time to talk about the behind-the-scenes drama we've hinted at for 2+ years!

Since almost the very beginning of Sweet Tea & TV, we promised that we would eventually do a deeper dive into the offscreen drama between Delta Burke and the Thomasons. That time has come.  The very notable absence of Delta Burke in a recent episode –  “Keep the Homefires Burning” – is the perfect opportunity for us to dig into what would ultimately lead to her departure from the series. We'll also take this opportunity to talk about some other famous offscreen feuds between stars and their bosses.

Bernice is back baby! And she has a new, red hot public access TV show for the blue hairs. Dare we say it's…titillating? (Sure, but just don't shorten it.) Simultaneously, Mary Jo gets wined and dined by a serial dater, who then breaks her heart. Is revenge in the air…or on the air? Yes. Her plot inspired this week's sidebar all about romance and revenge. Then come back Thursday for a very special Extra Sugar dedicated to the very final episodes of The Crown. 

A few weeks back, we brought you part one of the series finale of Netflix's  “The Crown”. Over the Christmas holiday, we both eagerly binged part two so we could wrap the journey up with you all early in the new year. And boy were these last few episodes a journey. From the early days of the dynamic duo of Will & Kate, to a royal existential crisis following the deaths of the Queen's mother and sister, this series brought us a juicy chapter in royal history.  Let's talk reactions, reality, and ratings as we regroup on our thoughts on this season.  (OH! And, over on our Patreon page, our friends are getting an exclusive "Extra Sugar" all about public access TV and some of its...eccentricities. Visit sweetteatv.com if you're interested in joining in on the fun over there!) 

This one was chock-full of lessons: 1) Don't buy real pearls – literally no one can tell the difference. 2) If you do wear real pearls, don't wear them to the buffet. 3) Charlene and Mary Jo show us what NOT to do in a buffet sitch.  Speaking of buffets, Nikki's got an all-new “Nibbles” segment up her sleeves. And we're tacking on a new segment for the rest of season 5 called “Suzanne Watch” because we noticed some VERY interesting body language in this one.  Come back on Thursday for an “Extra Sugar” where we'll talk all about the crime, or uh, art, of counterfeiting. Which it is kinda depends on who's behind it.

When Mary Jo pulled a fast one on Suzanne - switching out their pearl necklaces (one fake, the other real) - we knew what we had to do. First, we rubbed our teeth on our pearls, naturally, and then we set off on a greater task – a Google rabbit hole about counterfeits, fakes, and forgeries. How common is ist? What are people counterfeiting most? Why does it matter? Then we'll talk about some specific cases that fooled a whole lot of folks. We'll wrap up with a game of "spot the fake." 

Anthony takes on a bully in his building's laundry room, while a tiny, cute mouse terrorizes Sugarbakers. We're definitely at the midseason point. Oh, and our new segment “Suzanne Watch” continues. Let us know what you're observing! Come back Thursday for an “Extra Sugar” inspired by this week's Milli Vanilli references. We're talking: music scandals! 

Leave it to us to take an off-the-cuff Charlene pop culture reference and dive into alllllll the “Extra Sugar”. That's JUST what we're going to do this week. This time, we're going lip syncing and major house fires. But, there's plenty more musical scandals - so, cross your fingers we'll get another reference once day!

If there's one thing this season has taught us so far, it's that life can get a little stale. At least Julia is doing something spicier than jogging! That's right, she's having her “Sasha Fierce” moment – decorator by day, sultry lounge singer by night.  We'll sidebar in the middle on beauty tips thanks to what we're calling Charlene's “hands up” beauty routine. Then come back Thursday for a bit of a potpourri “Extra Sugar” – we're talking about this whole double life concept. How is it different from a hobby? What is a doppelgänger exactly? And is it time for us to claim our own alter ego?? Fall down the rabbit hole with us, y'all. 

In this week's “Designing Women,” we had Julia out here living double-lives, like the folks of Buckhead won't recognize her if she throws on some gold lamé pants and heavier eye makeup. But, we're not complaining! It gave us a chance to double it up on “Extra Sugar” - talking all things double lives.  Nikki will blow your mind with a few crazy stories about doppelgängers (double-walkers, if you ask the Germans) and Salina's taking us on the wild journey of real life cases of double lives. PLUS, we'll chat alter egos for ourselves. Are we more Chris Gaines or more Ziggy Stardust? More Hannah Montana or more Slim Shady? Let's chat.

Bernice gets a nose job (we mean rhinoplasty, sorry Julia!). No one nose knows how to tell her it's…not great. Everyone is faced with the age-old friendship question: Is honesty REALLY the best policy? Absolutely, but you better have an extra Cadillac to sell.  Come back on Thursday for an all-new “Extra Sugar” about, you got it, plastic surgery!

Ah, God bless Bernice and her journey toward self-acceptance. What a thrill to learn we could still be experiencing self-loathing well into our senior years.  At any rate, Bernice's foray into plastic surgery feels like reason enough for us to foray into plastic surgery, too. Let's get some work done! No, not like that! I just meant, let's talk about plastic surgery! Unless someone else is paying…

JD's back! The timing is perfect because Mary Jo wants another baby. Sure they cry, scream, and poop, but it was the best time of her life, so pony up JD! Meanwhile, Suzanne takes up smoking to curb her appetite causing a glorious ruckus in Sugarbaker's.  Come back Thursday for a segment we're calling, This Extra Sugar Marvel Could Be All Yours For Four Easy Payments of $19.99. We can't tell you much more - you just have to come back Thursday for this exclusive. But, because we like ya, we'll give you this bonus tip: it's probably inspired by Charlene's adventure with the stuffed sandwich maker at the beginning of the episode.

In this week's “Designing Women” cold open, we found Charlene toasting up a sandwich atrocity - I mean, masterpiece - in her “As Seen on TV” diamond in the rough: a hot sandwich toasting machine. I don't know about you, but that very nearly inspired us to dust off the ole George Foreman and toast up a delectable grilled sandwich creation of my own. I mean, we didn't, of course, but we sure did think about it!  The other thing we thought about was the magical moment infomercials and the “As Seen on TV” world had back in the 90s/early 2000s and wondered, as always, “What was the deal with that?” And that's where we find ourselves today - trying to answer the question of “As Seen on TV” products, what was the deal with that?” So, act now to secure this “Extra Sugar” episode - which we're calling: “This Extra Sugar Marvel Could Be All Yours For Four Easy Payments of $19.99”.  J/K. You know we'll be back next week whether you pay us or not. 

Sugarbaker's is thrust into the world of contemporary art – and things get weird for everyone. Julia is suddenly a hot new artist, Charlene keeps trying to use the artwork, Mary Jo is lugging around a bumper, and Suzanne glued her lips together. Phew! Art is hard work.  Come back Thursday for an Extra Sugar where we'll dig into some of the most intriguing contemporary art we could find. 

Our Designing Women are exposed to the world of contemporary art, so you know what that means: we're now becoming artists! Nah, but we do need to talk about some things like what was happening in contemporary art at the time that had this on the writers' minds? And, uh, what is contemporary art? We'll also talk about some fascinating examples – and who knows? Maybe we'll all be fans by the end.

The ladies and Anthony head to NOLA for Design Expo ‘91! Laissez les bons temps rouler! Just kidding – that's not possible with our favorite stick in the mud, Julia. Meanwhile, Mary Jo's attempt to sow her one wild oat goes awry. And no shock here: we want to hang with Suzanne and Charlene, who are soaking in the city's cuisine, cocktails, and culture. (Or at least let us crash with Anthony since no one else will!) And, inspired by Charlene and Suzanne's girls' night on the town, Nikki's gonna sidebar with us on 10 not-so-obvious things to do when you visit New Orleans.  Come back on Thursday for an Extra Sugar inspired by Suzanne squaring off with Lolita DuPage. We're dedicating this one to the world of drag – its significant historical and cultural impact, major players, and its recent appearance in the news cycle. 

Suzanne's stand off with female impersonator Lolita DuPage got us thinking – and chatting – about the world of drag: its history–or herstory if you will–the major players, and the legal attempts to restrict it in recent years.

In one corner, we have Mary Jo, tiny, agile, and out for justice. In the other corner, her opponent and former mugger, Norman Bates (yes, we said Norman Bates), pizza slinger and plea bargain extraordinaire. Will Mary Jo get her day in court? Sort of. Will there be obligatory Rocky references? Absolutely. Join us to see the inner workings of the justice system through the lens of situational comedy.  Then come back Thursday for an “Extra Sugar” dedicated to another Southern court movie, only slightly more prestigious, To Kill A Mockingbird. Join us to talk about the ins and outs of this classic film. 

Why in the world would a 2024 podcast about a late-80s/early-90s TV show have an entire episode about a 1960s movie about the 1930s? Well, if you've been around ST&TV for any amount of time, you know we have our reason! This week, we have three of ‘em: It's a tie-in to this week's courtroom drama” in “Designing Women”.  Bernice is in it! In our S2 E5 “Extra Sugar” about Alice Ghostley, we mentioned this was one of her first major roles.  Finally, this is one of Charlene Stillfield's fave movies. Over the seasons, we've heard her mention it as a girl's night must-watch and as her late-pregnancy comfort movie. So, if it's a “Designing Women” favorite and a Southern classic, we felt we owed it to ourselves and to our listeners to watch it and see what we think.  We'll talk about the movie generally, the actors in it, and its cultural and historical influence (plus, you know how we do our movie reviews - we'll throw in some fun facts along the way!) 

We learn two major lessons: 1) Designing Women boyfriends don't often make it (RIP Reese, who IRL was settling in on LBT's other show Evening Shade) and 2) you will finish the burger Julia made you – come hell, high water, or several broken vases.  Her unique parenting style inspired this week's "Extra Sugar" was a perfect excuse to bust out the Amy Vanderbilt etiquette handbook that Nikki bought after she was first referenced in season 3. Yes, yes, we'll talk etiquette, but also about Mrs. Vanderbilt, AND what would go in our updated guide. 

Julia's hilariously unconventional parenting techniques had us cracking open our etiquette books and asking WWAVD? That is, what would the “arbiter of manners” and the “authority on etiquette” Amy Vanderbilt do?  We'll talk about it. But look: Ms. Vanderbilt has a fascinating story all her own – so we're going to talk about her, too. We'll wrap up with a chat about modern etiquette because someone has got to teach people how to be polite in social media comments. Sheesh.

Bill's back from the Gulf War?! Mary Jo and Charlene are writing a kid's book?! Julia is just now taking her driving test?! We have questions.  Meet us in the middle for a Nibbles segment about Southern desserts – all thanks to Bill's penchant for peach cobbler. Then come back Thursday for an Extra Sugar all about America's favorite pastime: watching people get hurt, but you know, in a hilarious way. We're chatting America's Funniest Home Videos, y'all. 

Ah, Bernice. Forever our inspiration. But DEFINITELY our “Extra Sugar” inspiration when she spends an entire episode attempting to land a whopper of a home video for what would have been brand-new must-see TV: “America's Funniest Home Videos.”  Bernice didn't succeed, but thousands of people have and we're here to talk all about it.

There's only one thing standing between Suzanne and the Beaumont Driving Club and his name is Anthony Bouvier. Worse still, there are only two things standing between us and the end of Suzanne's reign on Designing Women: the last two episodes of season 5. Soak every moment up with us y'all.  This one just has to be accompanied by Nikki's previous “Extra Sugar” back when we very first encountered the illustrious Beaumont. Her exploration of country clubs gets right at the crux of what happens with Anthony.

This week, we're replaying a ST&TV “classic” (are we allowed to call it that???) At any rate, if not a classic, maybe it's fair to call it an oldie but a goodie! We're headed back to season 2 of ST&TV, to an “Extra Sugar” where we spilled the tea on country clubs. Throughout the segment, we learn about the history and breakdown some of the “-ism” claims Julia makes against Beaumont. 

Julia and Mary Jo go head-to-head – and arm-to-arm for that matter – after they start co-coaching Quent and Randa's baseball team.  Meanwhile Suzanne is protecting her car windshield from foul balls – and taking Charlene along for the ride. There's no getting around the fact it's our last episode with her.  Meet us in the middle for a sidebar on parents who, uh, get a wee bit too into kids sports. Then come back Thursday to reminisce about Suzanne and Charlene. 

Cue the sad music and grab the kleenex: today we say goodbye to Suzanne and Charlene.  That's right, we've finally watched and discussed Delta Burke's last episode. Jean Smart isn't far behind. Mourn the loss with us – let's talk about some favorite moments, what they mean to us, and what happened to them both IRL next. We'll wrap by asking…an oracle of sorts…what would have happened if we'd followed Charlene and Suzanne on their international journeys. 

Another season of “Designing Women” has come and gone. In this fifth season, “Sweet Tea & TV” explored every topic from cool stuff you have to see and do if you visit NOLA like the Sugarbaker's team did, to a deep-dive on “To Kill a Mockingbird”, to “potty parity” (spoiler alert: it's a thing!) But, believe it or not, there were some stones unturned. So, we're using our traditional “finale-finale” to wrap up those loose ends, and do a little ST&TV season 5 reflection.  We're also delivering a Patreon-exclusive “Extra Sugar”, where we're giving the episodes of “Designing Women” season 5 the ole “March Madness” treatment, in a segment we're calling: Designing Women Season 5 Episode Showdown. (Consider joining us over at our Patreon page to hear us duke it out over our favorite episodes from season 5!)

This is a special episode one year in the making: Soapdish. And with this 1991 cult classic under our belts, we will have rounded out the Robert Harling trifecta: Steel Magnolias, First Wives Club, and of course, Soapdish.  Join us for Nikki's first watch to see if she loved it or REALLY loved it. Clearly those are the only two options. Then it really gets the Sweet Tea & TV treatment – what we liked and didn't, as well as movie trivia, and any Designing Women universe connections.  You can find Soapdish streaming on MAX. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon, AppleTV, YouTube, GooglePlay, and Vudu. 

Only two episodes into the series, “The Beauty Contest” remains a fan favorite. We were recently reminded on Instagram of the lasting endurance of Julia's epic “the night the lights went out in Georgia” takedown.  But this one was more than that. It was about coming to terms with your own identity (via Suzanne), sisterly love (via Julia), and facing the both unrealistic and hypocritical beauty standards that live rent free in our heads (Mary Jo).  This one also kicked off two segments we still do today: the “sidebar” and “extra sugar” The former is about the history of beauty pageants and the latter wraps up some unfinished business from our very first episode. 

Ah, it feels like just yesterday when Salina introduced Nikki to arguably the most popular rom com of all time: Pretty Woman. That's right, Nikki, so versed in pop culture had somehow missed it. But back in 2021, we saved her from this big mistake. Big. Huge. Revisit it with us, will you? Her first reactions to this modern(ish)-day fairy tale, the trivia, the movie's enduring legacy, and of course, some Southern and Designing Women connections. 

This one holds a very special place in our hearts. These were still early pandemic days, and after three months of painstaking virtual recordings – this here was our very first in-person recording. We were vaxed, relaxed, and ready to party!  It was also a Designing Women first: the first of several slumber parties. The first time we saw Mary Jo get a little tipsy, and subsequently, the first time she confronted Suzanne about dating her ex-husband.  We sidebarred to break up stereotypes about voodoo (preferably referred to as Vodon by practitioners). Then we reminisced about sleepovers for our Extra Sugar.

A VERY important episode for us: the first time we really see Delta Burke get to do her thing as Suzanne. Like her real thing – not flighty Suzanne and not “excuse me” Suzanne. THIS is the version grappling with her identity, her age, and what she wants out of life. All prompted when Suzanne falls in love with the little girl she temporarily adopts, only to have to let her go forever.  A quick reference to a popular 80s toy leads to one of our most twisted Extra Sugars to date: the weird history of cabbage patch kids. 

Ah, it feels like just yesterday we spotted Bill Engvall in Designing Women's fourth season (E21 Tough Enough). It was the perfect opportunity to talk about a real Southern phenomenon: The Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Nikki clued us in on a really interesting Designing Women crossover – and she used her CRAZY good Internet sleuthing skills to track herself down in a live taping from 20 years ago. It's really impressive, y'all. 

We're ba-aaaaack! That's right, after much hemming and hawing over whether to watch the final seasons of Designing Women, ultimately, we realized it was much ado about nothing. Of course we have to wrap up the series! We're doing things a little different this time, however. We'll cover the series over the course of seven weeks. For this first episode, we're breaking down our general reactions to the season. Get into our feelings if you will.  Come on y'all, let's get into it! 

Sometimes you just need something light and fluffy, you know? So that's how we're starting off our sixth season of “Extra Sugars” – Light. And fluffy. Like whip cream if you will.  Join us as we catch up on what we've been doing over our months of hiatus – what we're reading, watching, doing. Then we're gonna talk about some things that have had our attention in the wider world these last months. The general chaos of the world, but like. Also some good stuff, too. 

In our second episode, we're digging into all things Mary Jo. How did season 6 treat her? Is she up or down? We'll discuss our picks for her best and worst episodes, as well as her cringiest and funniest moments. We're also trying out a new segment “Technology Takedown” where we upend a plot by simply adding one magic ingredient: a smart phone.  Come back on Thursday for an “Extra Sugar” inspired by Mary Jo's rant over the outcome of Anita Hill's testimony back in 1991. 

This week's “Extra Sugar” was inspired by Designing Women, S6 E7, “The Strange Case of Clarence and Anita”.  That would be Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (then nominee) and Anita Hill, the woman who testified he had sexually harassed her years earlier when he was her supervisor.  We'll talk about the aftermath of her testimony and then discuss where we are now. Our conversation circles issues of sexual misconduct, harassment, and assault, so please take care of yourself. 

We're back for another Designing Women season 6 recap! This time, we're talking all things The Terminator. *ahem* We mean, Julia. We'll focus on her major plotlines, funniest moments, and how season 6 shaped her character. As usual, we'll also rate how the character of Julia fares this season - is she up? Down? Still locked in an Italian restaurant with Rusty somewhere?  And come back Thursday for a super-special Extra Sugar - we're introducing our first-ever Sweet Tea & TV Book Club! We're going to chat about Delta Burke's memoir, Delta Style.  Theeeeen, we'll be back next week to chat about our favorite ATL kook, Bernice. 

Agghhh! It's time! We've got Salina over here reading books. Nikki over here mashin' tomatoes. (It'll all make sense soon, swear.) It's time for the first-ever Sweet Tea & TV Book Club! And what better place to start than Delta Burke's memoir, Delta Style. We're excited to share our overall reactions to the book, chat about the biggest surprises to us, explore key themes, like Delta's illustrious - albeit brief - pageant career, and uncomfortable experiences in Hollywood.  And then come back next week where we'll chat about Bernice's season 6 journey. We may be firing on all cylinders or, maybe our arterial flow problems will kick in and the segment will be as random as Bernice herself. Either way, it's sure to be a good time! 

We were so excited to record this one. Bernice has slowly edged her way into our TVs - and our hearts! - as the Designing Women seasons have progressed. But, in season 6, she really arrived. As you can tell from our summary of all her appearances this season, she's all over season 6. While we didn't have whole, Bernice-focused episodes to talk about, we had a whole lotta oddball comments, near-rumble belligerent face-offs, and a little bit of singing along the way. Let's talk about it all. For this week's "Technology Takedown", let's imagine the world with a "Designing Women" spinoff, but this one all about Bernice. Let us know what you think about our alternate reality! Come back Thursday for this week's accompanying "Extra Sugar" which is, unsurprisingly, all about our favorite kooks on TV! 

This week's “Extra Sugar” is going to take us beyond Bernice Clifton and head-first into the wacky world of kooky TV characters.  Of course, at “Sweet Tea & TV”, Bernice holds a special place in our hearts, but we've watched enough TV over the years to know there's an infinite number of lovable oddballs who steal the spotlight with their bizarre behavior and unforgettable antics. And it's not just Kramer from “Seinfeld” and Phoebe from “Friends”.  Catch this episode to hear some of our personal faves, why we think these eccentric characters have such a lasting impact, and why we can't help but love their weirdness!

It's finally time for us to revel in the gloriousness that is our dear, sweet, unproblematic Anthony. He had some major plotlines this season (law school! professional development at the design firm! exploits with Bernice! an engagement!), but was his character developed enough, or did these storylines leave us with even more questions about our friend? We'll talk about it.    We'll also reimagine Anthony's life if social media has been a thing in the “Designing Women” universe. Would he be a keyboard, prison reform advocacy warrior? How would the whole “A Scene From a Mall” plotline have played out? And what about his engagement to Vanessa? Are they a #vanthony couple? Let's talk about it. And then come back Thursday for this episode's "Extra Sugar" - inspired by Anthony's soon-to-be (maybe. possibly. surely. right?) trip down the aisle, let's talk about our favorite TV wedding memories - "Designing Women" and otherwise!

Watching season 6 of “Designing Women” made us realize: every season has some kind of wedding plotline (season 4 has three episodes!).  So as is our duty, we talked about which of these episodes pulled our heart strings and which ones left us hoping for an annulment.  Of course, this is also an excuse to talk about our favorite TV wedding episodes of all time: the good, the bad, and the t-total disastrous. 

Season 6 introduced us to Charlene's sister, Carlene Dobber. And look, we know Designing Women fans find the latter seasons sacreligious. But. Do not sleep on Carlene. This “pie-eyed girl from Poplar Bluff, Missouri” deserves all the flowers. We're gonna give ‘em to her because, well, she's a ding dang riot.  Carlene wouldn't be the delight she was without Jan Hooks' performance, so sidebar about her with us.  Then come back Thursday for an all-new Extra Sugar inspired by Carlene's stint as troop leader of troop #6523, Atlanta Council, Girl Scouts USA. It's gonna be good. Scout's honor.

Oh boy! This season brought us Designing Women's second-favorite big ole donkey Girl Scout, Carlene. (For those who don't remember, Julia called Charlene a big-ole donkey Girl Scout back in season 5's “Miss Trial” - we're not just being mean to Carlene.) More than one episode this season referenced the Scouts. We also have a big ole donkey Girl Scout among us in the form of one, Ms. Nikki, AND we have some Southern AND “Designing Women” ties to the Girl Scout universe. So, it was just time for an “Extra Sugar” about the Scouts. Let's talk about what the Girl Scouts are, what their Southern connection is + their “Designing Women” connection, and we just have to tackle Julia's big beef, comparing the Boy Scout facilities and the Girl Scout facilities. 

We can't possibly round out our coverage of season 6 without discussing the much-discussed, oft-aligned newbie, Allison. It's a big change, but how did we take it? Let's discuss. Salina's also going to bring us a Sidebar on Julia Duffy. And then come back Thursday for an Extra Sugar we're calling Cast Away. We're going to chat not only about the major Designing Women cast changes this season, but some other major - and less-major - cast shifts throughout TV history.

We simply cannot leave the upheaval that was season six of Designing Women without talking about the elephant in the room: the cast changes. America was glued to their TVs to see how Julia Duffy and Jan Hooks would fare in place of the beloved Delta Burke and Jean Smart. Thirty million strong for that matter. We'll discuss if they got a fair shake.  Designing Women had some cast changes, but they didn't invent them. So we're going to talk about some iconic ones in other corners of TV. Who did it best? Who did it worst? And, most importantly, was there drah-mah?!?!

We are so excited to present our first-ever, Sweet Tea & TV special guest, Brandon, from Front Row Classics. He's a knower-of-all-things old Hollywood. A connoisseur of classic films. And, luckily for us, a Designing Women appreciator.  In this episode, we chat with Brandon about his favorite DW memories, his thoughts on the sometimes-maligned later seasons of the show, the plethora of classic film references that have popped up through the years on Designing Women, and we even lured him into a silly, ChatGPT-powered game, re-imagining the cast through the lens of vintage camera. 

It's time for our traditional, post-”Designing Women” season special episode! We're definitely planning to discuss season 7 after the holidays, but to tide you over, we're heading to Beverly Hills—Troop Beverly Hills, to be exact.  If you haven't seen this 1989 gem starring Shelly Long in her peak, feathered-hair glory, you're in for a treat. This isn't just a movie—it's an adventure in over-the-top Scout uniforms, cookie sales drama, and a showdown with wilderness survival that's as hilarious as it is heartwarming. For us, it was a no-brainer: Carlene's Scout leader stint, our “Extra Sugar” on Girl Scouts, and our deep dive into Shelly Long's Cheers fame all screamed Troop Beverly Hills. So, if you're feeling nostalgic—or just need a good laugh between turkey leftovers and New Year's resolutions—join us. Grab some popcorn, snuggle up, and maybe consider bedazzling your own Scout sash. You know, for the vibes. We'll be back Designing Women-style after the New Year. Until then, happy holidays—and happy watching!

It's impossible to believe it, but we have reached the 7th and final season of Designing Women. In our premiere episode, we'll discuss our initial reactions and hand out some superlatives for the season's highs and lows.  We'll carry on with our season 6 structure - that is each week, we'll spend some time with a different character. What were their best and worst moments and where did things end up for them? Come back later in the week for an Extra Sugar where we'll talk about the two-part series finale. It'll be a throwback to our episode-by-episode breakdowns from season 1-5.  Come on y'all, let's get into it! 

We just had to give the series finale the old Sweet Tea & TV treatment. You know, break the WHOLE thing down – reactions, likes, dislikes, and allll the references.  Join us as we give this fever dream, two-parter the send off it deserves – and frankly, we've all earned together these last four years.  Come on y'all, let's get into it! 

Up first in our last Designing Women season EVER: Ms. Bonnie Jean Poteet, or BJ “if you're nasty” (per Nikki, which, let's be honest, makes it way better). We're gonna talk about her season trajectory: her highs and her lows, and generally, what these two seasoned gals thought of this brief and final show addition. We'll break somewhere in the middle to talk about the woman behind the woman: Judith Ivey. Then come back on Thursday for a downright scandalous “Extra Sugar” inspired by the midseason obsession with Squidgygate – the world loves a “gate”, ya know? Come on y'all, let's get into it! 

In season 7, episode 13, all the ladies – even the ones who didn't want to admit it (JULIA) – were wrapped by the celebrity scandal of the moment: Squidgygate.  This was the perfect inspiration for us to also talk about celebrity scandals. So join us as we break down their favorite – and then we both bring a few of our own to the table: several Southern ones and then one that we can't stop obsessing over for like, oh, four months now. 

Next up in our character run-down for season 7, the one, the only: ANTHONY BOUVIER!  As we wrap up our time with Anthony, let's take a second to appreciate the endless shenanigans the Designing Women have put him through, his quickie, season 7 marriage, his never-ending law school career, and the twist ending that has us all wondering if Bernice's feelings for him were truly unrequited. We'll make a pit-stop at Salina's Sidebar, to talk about the one and only, Sheryl Lee Ralph.  And we have a special bit for our Patreon listeners, inspired by the crew's two-part Vegas visit this season. Finally, don't forget to come back Thursday for an “Extra Sugar” that was weeks of internet research, podcast listening, and light book-skimming in the making - Salina's taking the Southern route to Vegas, talking all about the Dixie Mafia.

Our Anthony episode– and his rebound trip to Las Vegas – was a perfectly adequate excuse for Salina to talk about the Dixie Mafia. Confused? OK, stay with us. When people think about Vegas, they think about the mafia. But what if we told you there was a Southern mafia? The Dixie Mafia. AKA the Southern mob, AKA the Cornbread Cosa Nostra.  Join us as we shed some light on their origins AND some of the most interesting figures and cases in their sordid history. 

All aboard! Headed to our next stop on the ST&TV Season 7 Train - BERNICE. The writers for “Designing Women” season 7 were ALL IN on Bernice as the comic relief this season and so were we. (Don't be surprised if we break all the rules and share dozens of “funniest moments” for Bernice this season!) We'll hit all the highs and lows for this red-hot mama.  And don't forget to come back Thursday for a mental-health focused “Extra Sugar.”

All the way back in season 4, in “Bernice's Sanity Hearing” (which we called “Some LIke Dolls, Some Like Revenge”), Julia said: "I'm saying this is the South, and we're proud of our crazy people. We don't hide them up in the attic. We bring 'em right down to the living room and show 'em off. See, Phyllis, no one in the South ever asks if you have crazy people in your family. They just ask what side they're on.”  Which leads us to the thesis of this “Extra Sugar”. We'll poke around in that concept a little bit - what does Bernice's character show us about mental health and “crazy" in the South? Is there anything in our collective experience that plays out through Bernice's story?  And, since we're a culture in crisis, we'll end by sharing our own tips for preserving your sanity.

The short version of this episode is: Salina and Nikki are disappointed that the writers/producers/universe short-changed easily one of the high points of the post-shakeup “Designing Women” cast. Poor Carlene is reduced to just a couple storylines and a few pop-in jokes here and there. But, that won't stop us from giving her her due! Let's get into our thoughts (and feels) about Carlene's portrayal in season 7 - from the funniest parts all the way down to the cringiest (including being nekkid on Anthony's sheets!) Come on y'all, let's get into it!

This week's Carlene episode opened the door to something we just have to talk about: Southern Suffragists (courtesy of Carlene's boyfriend, Eric, giving Julia a book on the topic in episode 20).  We'll talk about the women's suffragist movement generally, unpack the South's role and what happened here, and wrap up by looking at some women (and men!) suffragists who helped make it happen.  Come on y'all, let's get into it! 

Justice for Mary Jo! That's what we were yelling at the end of season 7. Mary Jo - and, in fact, Annie Potts - deserved so much more than the “Designing Women” writers gave her this season. Of course, there were some funny parts and a couple social commentaries but, for the most part, we veered into funhouse territory - just minus the fun.  Come on y'all, let's rip off the Band-aid and get into it! 

This week's Extra Sugar is inspired by Mary Jo's brush with the supernatural after Elvis's face appears on her shovel in season 7, episode 17. We're also introduced to Jade Herman, a self-proclaimed expert in the “para-spectacular”, who “markets and promotes everything from Jesus' face on a toaster to UFOs landing in a wheat field outside of London.” Naturally, Salina then curated a list of five para-spectacular…occurrences…for your listening pleasure. So if you're into toasts, ghosts, and UFOs, well, this one's for you. 

Ah, the age-old fun-house version that's not so “fun” - that's what we were facing this season with Ms. Julia Sugarbaker. Her condescension was at an all-time high throughout the season and the runner of the tension between her and Mary Jo wasn't our favorite part of the season. HOWEVER, there were some high points, so let's chat about it. And come back later this week for the second installment of the “Sweet Tea & TV Book Club” - we're talking all things Dixie Carter's 1996 book, “Trying to Get To Heaven: Opinions of a Tennessee Talker.”

This “Extra Sugar” officially calls to order the Sweet Tea & TV Book Club! Grab your copy of “Trying to Get to Heaven: Opinions of a Tennessee Talker” by the one and only Dixie Carter and settle in for a gab-fest. This episode turned out longer than normal, but it turns out these two talkers - one a Georgia Talker and one a South Carolina Talker - also had a lot of opinions. 

The time hath come, friends - we're on our “Designing Women” farewell tour. After four years, seven seasons, hundreds of episode watches, and countless hours with these lovely creatures, our time together has come to an end. We'll kick off the “goodbyes” sharing our all-time favorite episodes, ranking the seasons, and finally revealing our favorite characters (for today.) And, if we're extra-nice, Salina may do some math for us!  Come on y'all, let's get into it! 

The year, Patreon friends: 2003. The goal: bring back the original cast of "Designing Women". Sprinkle in: LBT, Pam Norris, and allll the husbands for good measure.   We couldn't possibly close out the series without chatting about the Lifetime Reunion: general reactions, favorite moments, and biggest surprises.   Come on, y'all, let's get into it! 

We simply could not wrap up Designing Women without acknowledging its extended universe and CBS network spinoff, Women of the House. This is the short-lived series that reunited LBT and Delta Burke, and the show that brought back Suzanne Sugarbaker. Turns out: this one had some off-screen drama, too, but the best of it was in service to women. We like that.  We'll talk about our general reactions, likes, dislikes, and a bevy of Designing Women cameos PLUS some stunt casting with purpose.

Bernice Clifton has given us so much over the years. Her final parting gift? A reference to the iconic 1991 film: Thelma & Louise. It's a shoot ‘em up, outlaw adventure featuring two outrageously talented women amidst a banger cast. It's a bittersweet feminist text that shook up Hollywood stereotypes – and forever upholds the unshakable bond of female friendship.  Brandon Davis from Front Row Classics returned to help us unpack this one: what it changed, what it didn't, allll the trivia, and why this one holds a special place in our hearts - whether this was our first or 100th time seeing it.