MURDER SHE WROTE

Crime, Drama, Mystery | TV Series (1984–1996)

Professional writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) uses her intellect, charm, and persistence to get to the bottom of every crime she encounters. The series aired for 12 seasons with 264 episodes.

I am a writer. I am a cozy mystery fan. I am depressed – what else would I do but binge-watch the 1984-96 mystery series, Murder She Wrote?

Though in some ways dated, (think big hair, big shoulders, and big glasses) the long-running series still has a lot going for it:

1. The star-studded cast* boasts stars before they were stars, big and little name stars, and a liberal sprinkle of beloved classic stars who, like Ms. Lansbury, have moved past their youthful prime.
2. Not only is Jessica a woman of a certain age; she manages to pull off being both a lady and a smartass at the same time.
3. There are over 250 episodes which can accommodate even the longest binge-watching funk.
4. Everything turns out alright in the end.

The only thing Murder She Wrote lacks is a couple of cats.

*To note, the star list includes many Star Trek actors such as Kate Mulgrew, Ricardo Montalban, Rene Auberjonois, Levar Burton, George Takei, and of course William Windom  who played Commodore Matt Decker.