Moonlighting: An Oral History

Moonlighting: An Oral History

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  • Create Date:2021-06-16 11:31:08
  • Update Date:2025-09-07
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  • Author:Scott Ryan
  • ISBN:B08GGYSB2P
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Summary

Once upon a time ABC-TV’s Moonlighting was among the most buzzed-about shows in the country, thanks largely to the bravado of creator Glenn Gordon Caron, who never met a television convention he didn’t want to break, and the sizzling on-screen chemistry between glamorous erstwhile film star Cybill Shepherd and a New Jersey bartender nobody had ever heard of before named Bruce Willis, who bickered and flirted ceaselessly on screen and engaged in epic off-screen battles that all these years later remain the stuff of Hollywood legend。 This combustible blend of creative brilliance produced some of the most acclaimed, audacious, and  innovative programming of the eighties, including a black and white tribute to film noir, with an introduction by Orson Welles; a parody of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, written in iambic pentameter; an homage to The Honeymooners; and countless metafictive episodes breaking through the fourth wall — almost unheard of at the time for hourlong comedy-dramas。 Without a doubt, Moonlighting helped pave the way for the era of prestige television we are now all enjoying。  The real story of this pioneering television series and the extraordinary behind-the-scenes challenges, battles, and rewards has never been told  — until now, Author Scott Ryan (The Last Days of Letterman, thirtysomething at thirty: an oral history, The Blue Rose, Scott Luck Stories) conducted over twenty interviews with the actors, writers, directors, and producers who made Moonlighting such a dynamic, unforgettable show, delving deep into their thoughts and feelings as they relive this magical moment in pop culture history in this full color oral history。   New Interviews with: Cybill Shepherd (Maddie Hayes), Allyce Beasley (Ms。 Dipesto), Curtis Armstrong (Herbert Viola), Glenn Gordon Caron Creator, Executive Producer, Writer Jay Daniel Executive Producer, Director Roger Director Writer, Producer, Season 4 Showrunner Allan Arkush Director Bob Butler and more。

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Reviews

Dedra ~ A Book Wanderer

Yes, I gave this book five stars。 And I stand by it。 Full review to come soon!

R。K。 Emery

This is a great read for fans of the show。 It really hits on many of the different nuances of the show, the characters, the people who played them,。 the goings on in the background, and so much more。 It's way more in depth than I was expecting and really eye opening。 Take a step back into a very big part of pop culture。 Well written, engaging, and fun。 This is a great read for fans of the show。 It really hits on many of the different nuances of the show, the characters, the people who played them,。 the goings on in the background, and so much more。 It's way more in depth than I was expecting and really eye opening。 Take a step back into a very big part of pop culture。 Well written, engaging, and fun。 。。。more

Vicki

Fun read! I loved the show Moonlighting from the 80s。 I started the book at the same time I started watching Season 1 on DVDs I had tucked away。 The book provided such wonderful insight on the trials and tribulations of the writers, directors and producers as they dealt with late scripts, stars that were in conflict, network censors and a writer's strike。 I loved the back stories for the episodes and reveals on tricks of the filming trade。 The 80s were a much simpler time and to paraphrase one p Fun read! I loved the show Moonlighting from the 80s。 I started the book at the same time I started watching Season 1 on DVDs I had tucked away。 The book provided such wonderful insight on the trials and tribulations of the writers, directors and producers as they dealt with late scripts, stars that were in conflict, network censors and a writer's strike。 I loved the back stories for the episodes and reveals on tricks of the filming trade。 The 80s were a much simpler time and to paraphrase one person's statement, "things were more fun before the lawyers took over"。 Just an enjoyable read to bring back fond memories。 And who doesn't love the theme song sung by Al Jarreau?! 。。。more

Scott

This is an oral history of one of the television shows that shaped who I was in my formative years。 When I was thirteen, it was the show that best defined who I was and what my sense of humor was at that time, even though half the episodes I remember watching I remember watching while noodling around my Commodore 64 computer。 Moonlighting may have permanently warped my sense of a few things, not the least of which is office life: I'm sad to report I've never participated in a limbo dance, conga This is an oral history of one of the television shows that shaped who I was in my formative years。 When I was thirteen, it was the show that best defined who I was and what my sense of humor was at that time, even though half the episodes I remember watching I remember watching while noodling around my Commodore 64 computer。 Moonlighting may have permanently warped my sense of a few things, not the least of which is office life: I'm sad to report I've never participated in a limbo dance, conga line or pinata breaking at work。 I did participate in an impromptu Memorial Day parade once though, and I'd like to think that may have been influenced by a certain Glen Gordon Caron production。 This was a great way to relive a series that due to a ton of music-rights issues is just not available anywhere anymore。 No reruns, no streaming, even the DVD is out of print。 Some times I've thought to myself, "I wish I could see that again," and it is true there are episodes to be had online in places, but at the same time, I think this book proves to me that sometimes the great memories and influences in your past should be remembered - but stay in the past。 So that's what Moonlighting is going to be for me。A lot of people think the show was over when the leads hooked up。 This book is also a testament to the undeniable fact that that was but one factor amongst many that brought about an inevitable end to the whole thing。 I am grateful that someone finally put it all in perspective and told that story。For fans of Moonlighting, television, the 1980s, and the creative process for sure。 。。。more

The Captain

Ahoy there mateys!  The First Mate and I have very different reading tastes。  However I love reading reviews of books I don't necessarily want to read meself。  Here be one such review by the First Mate for a nonfiction book about the making of a tv show which was received from NetGalley for honest musings  。 。 。From the First Mate:Full disclosure: prior to reading Moonlighting: An Oral History, I had never watched a single second of Moonlighting。  Though vaguely aware of it having been a popular Ahoy there mateys!  The First Mate and I have very different reading tastes。  However I love reading reviews of books I don't necessarily want to read meself。  Here be one such review by the First Mate for a nonfiction book about the making of a tv show which was received from NetGalley for honest musings  。 。 。From the First Mate:Full disclosure: prior to reading Moonlighting: An Oral History, I had never watched a single second of Moonlighting。  Though vaguely aware of it having been a popular television show from my youth, it was mostly fixed in my mind as the antecedent of the "Moonlighting curse" often mentioned in snarky articles about the downfalls of “will-they-won’t-they” driven entertainments。  During the period of Moonlighting's height I was more into cozy mystery series like Murder, She Wrote and action/adventure series like MacGyver and Airwolf。  Just wasn’t in my wheelhouse at the time。So, why read a book about a show I’ve never watched?  One, after reading and loving Cary Elwes’ incomparably awesome As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride, I’ve found a love for the background stories of how television and film are made。  And two, I was a huge fan of the cancelled-too-soon Now and Again, which was created by Moonlighting’s showrunner, Glenn Gordon Caron。  It wasn’t until after I read this book that I became aware of the recent controversy around Caron, the show Bull, and actor Eliza Dushku。  Had I known I might have passed。Regardless, Moonlighting: An Oral History turns out to be a truly fascinating glimpse in the creative chaos that resulted in a show that many cite as one of the peaks of 80s television。  Writer Ryan Scott sets the stage for us, explaining what television was like at the time and where the major players were at that point in their careers。  Being an oral history, the vast majority of the book is told directly through the words of the people who were involved。  The show runner, producers, writers, editors, assistants, directors, stars and guest stars。  The only major person missing is Bruce Willis, which doesn’t quite come across as the glaring omission that one would expect。In the book’s introduction, Scott lays out his thesis for the book。 His perspective is that the traditional narrative about the show (that the audience abandoned the show after the sexual tension was resolved in season 3) is incorrect and that many other factors contributed to the show’s decline in season 4。  The result of this thesis is that the book is kind of structured in two parts。  The first part details the good times of how the show was created, the rise in popularity, and how happy everyone was with the work that was being created (even if the work was incredibly stressful)。  The second part then details how it all fell apart, points fingers at where responsibility lay, and carries us through the aftermath of the final season。Overall it makes for a very entertaining read。  Reading about groundbreaking television as told by the people who made it was pretty cool。  All involved were still enthusiastic about what they viewed as quality work they’d done。  Reading the kinda gossipy finger pointing about what went wrong was a bit less interesting, though。  Ultimately, most of the credit for the show’s quality is heaped at the feet of Glenn Gordon Caron and Bruce Willis, while most of the criticism lands on Cybil Shepherd。  At the very end of the book there is also some suggestion that widespread use of cocaine may have played a factor, too。The oral history format comes with positives and negatives。  On the plus side, it certainly seems like everyone gets their chance to have their say about the various topics covered。  Individuals get criticized and then get to respond to said criticism。  We also get to experience multiple voices and perspectives on some of the pivotal moments of the show。  On the negative side, memories are fickle things and often the details don’t agree between the stories。  For example, everyone present at Bruce Willis’ audition agrees he got up onto a piece of furniture but they disagree on what piece (a table or filing cabinet) and when (at the beginning, or punctuating a moment at the end) and what he was wearing (camo or khakis)。  Or whether Orson Welles showed up in a limo or a friend’s old beat-up car。  These inconsistencies just tend to jump out in the format。As said, the only thing really missing from the book is Bruce Willis being interviewed。  But everyone is effusive in their praise of him being a professional that consistently elevated the material he was given。  Not really sure how much his perspective would’ve added。  Nice to have, but the amount of people interviewed here does seem to give a pretty good picture of what was going on while the show was being made。 Did Scott succeed in proving his thesis? I think so。  From what we’re told by virtually everyone involved, season 4 and 5 of Moonlighting were a practically different show from the first 3 seasons。  It’s kind of hard to believe a show could be radically changed and not lose some of its audience。  That said, I was not watching at the time, so I can only go by what I’ve read and what is available online today。Intrigued by the descriptions of this groundbreaking television, I went online to watch some of what I had just read about。  I really quite liked the seven minute Sandahl Bergman/Bruce Willis dance sequence from “Big Man on Mulberry Street。”  The “Atomic Shakespeare” appealed a bit less。  And I have to admit that I was unable to finish the pilot, despite it featuring one of my favorites, Brian Thompson, as a villain。 Moonlighting the show may not have been for me, but I found this book fascinating。Recommended to fans of Moonlighting who want the inside story and anyone else who likes reading about the behind the scenes goings on of television。  Avoid if gossipy finger pointing isn’t your thing, or if you don’t like knowing the dirty details of how entertainment is made。Side Note from The Captain: While I enjoyed reading this review, I certainly never plan on reading the book or watching the show。  Though I stole a peek at the dance dream sequence and very much enjoyed that。  Arrrr! 。。。more

Susan Johnston

Princess Fuzzypants here: When Moonlighting first hit the home screens, it was like the birth of a star。 It changed everything。 No one had every tried to do the things they did -successfully too。 From that point on the bar was raised and many other top shows can thank Moonlighting for breaking ground。 In it’s heyday, nothing sone so brightly。 But like so many things that burn so brightly, it burned itself out。This oral history goes a long way to analyze its rise and fall from the inside。 Actors, Princess Fuzzypants here: When Moonlighting first hit the home screens, it was like the birth of a star。 It changed everything。 No one had every tried to do the things they did -successfully too。 From that point on the bar was raised and many other top shows can thank Moonlighting for breaking ground。 In it’s heyday, nothing sone so brightly。 But like so many things that burn so brightly, it burned itself out。This oral history goes a long way to analyze its rise and fall from the inside。 Actors, writers, producers- they all tell the story in their own words。 The only one silent is Bruce Willis for whatever reason。 The author has left any inconsistencies or conflicting memories intact。 He felt it offers a fuller picture of the show and the people who created it。When it died, it was almost merciful because by that time egos and power plays and its own success conspired to bring it down。 There are surprisingly few fingers pointed at one person or cause or another。 While, by the end, the forbearance for various peccadilloes had run dry, the people involved still look back with gratitude and fondness for the time in ascendency and sadness for its decline。Whether the Moonlighting curse is true that a show loses a lot when the two main characters connect or whether the various production challenges scuttled the show, it was sad when it ended。 It had broken so much new ground。 It deserves to be remembered and this book goes a long way to achieving this。Four purrs and two paws up。 。。。more

Vivienne

It’s hard to believe that this is the first book to examine the 1980s TV phenomenon that was ‘Moonlighting’。 I recall being completely addicted to it back in the day and so invested in the Maddie Hayes-David Addison relationship。 This is an oral history and for it Scott Ryan interviewed those responsible for creating and producing the show as well as cast members and just let their memories speak for themselves。 There is some linking material to provide context as well as a number of photographs It’s hard to believe that this is the first book to examine the 1980s TV phenomenon that was ‘Moonlighting’。 I recall being completely addicted to it back in the day and so invested in the Maddie Hayes-David Addison relationship。 This is an oral history and for it Scott Ryan interviewed those responsible for creating and producing the show as well as cast members and just let their memories speak for themselves。 There is some linking material to provide context as well as a number of photographs。 While Cybil Shepherd was involved in the book unfortunately due to scheduling issues Bruce Willis wasn’t, though the Acknowledgements clearly indicate that he approved of the project。This book answered two major questions for me。 The origin of the ‘Moonlighting Curse’ and why Moonlighting isn’t available on syndication or streaming services。 It’s clear from reading this book that the curse (defined in the Urban Dictionary as: “When the will-they-won’t-they couple on a TV show finally gets together 。 。 。 and it ruins the show”) is more myth than reality and it was good to get the perspective of those involved as to what actually happened。 As for why no one can watch ‘Moonlighting’ now: it’s because the rights to the music used in the episodes wasn’t cleared。 I assume that it would be difficult and/or very expensive to do so now。 This was a delightful reading experience that reminded me how great the show was and how groundbreaking。 It made me a bit sad that I can’t watch these iconic ‘Moonlighting’ episodes。 Oh well, maybe someday? I certainly will be interested in reading other titles by Scott Ryan, especially those about ‘Twin Peaks’。 。。。more

Vikki Bullock

Anyone who watched Moonlighting will love this book, full of behind the scenes recollections and special memories of a popular show in its time。 Of particular interest was the stories of those who worked on the show, some of the actors and photos too!I enjoyed revisiting David and Maddie, the sexual tension, one liners and Bruce Willis’ quirky smile, absolutely a must read for fans!I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book。 All thoughts and opinions are my own。

Amy Sparks

Are you a TV history fan? Then read this book。Was Moonlighting appointment television for you? Then read this book NOW。This is not the first television history book by Scott Ryan, whose previous topics have included thirtysomething, Twin Peaks, and David Letterman。 He obviously loves the medium, conducts solid interviews, and easily gains the trust of the cast and crew that he interviews for his books。 He’s quick to point out that there are people who wanted to be part of the process but couldn’ Are you a TV history fan? Then read this book。Was Moonlighting appointment television for you? Then read this book NOW。This is not the first television history book by Scott Ryan, whose previous topics have included thirtysomething, Twin Peaks, and David Letterman。 He obviously loves the medium, conducts solid interviews, and easily gains the trust of the cast and crew that he interviews for his books。 He’s quick to point out that there are people who wanted to be part of the process but couldn’t because of time constraints because he doesn’t want readers to think that those who didn’t participate were resistant to the project。 I have to confess that I adored the book as soon as Ryan first mentioned the man with the mole on his nose。 He provides the look behind the curtain that embraces nostalgia while sharing new information。 For example, while many people know that Moonlighting was Orson Welles’ last performance before his death, Ryan shares with us the memories of the crew honored to work with a genius。Moonlighting was successful because it was in the right place at the right time。 It was groundbreaking both creatively and technologically, but it would never have succeeded in the current television environment。 Ryan takes the reader back to a time when creativity was valued more than cost-effectiveness, when shows could generate huge ratings before cable TV and streaming services offered hundreds of options。 Ryan shares the details that bring back fond memories of the episodes from over 30 years ago and immediately transport the reader back in time。 He shares the pride, the chaos, the animosity, the frustration, and everything else churned up during the making of the show。 Even the most diehard fan will realize that most of us have only seen the tip of the iceberg。 One of the biggest misconceptions is just how little of the show’s demise came from the main characters sleeping together。 It even inspired the term “the Moonlighting effect” to describe any show’s decline once the main romantic characters have done the deed。 Sure, that could have brought down the show on its own, but there were some complications connecting at one point in time to guarantee the show’s doom。 My head spun when I read about all of the contributing factors, and it made sense why Moonlighting was doomed to fail。There are the running themes and people that pop up throughout the show’s history that have a bigger impact than the reader would expect。 Two words - Dennis Dugan。This is a terrific summer read and will appeal to people who enjoy entertainment news shows and gossipy magazines。 It is a must-read for those who walk by night and those who fly by the day。 。。。more

Kevin

Scott Ryan's authoritative and gossipy oral history of MOONLIGHTING (1985-1989), the screwball comedy/detective show hybrid starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, should delight fans and create new enthusiasts。 Few TV shows were as wildly inventive, or as fraught with backstage drama that hindered production and created headlines。 The cost and length of shooting each episode was double that of most shows。 While most TV series filmed 24 episodes per season, MOONLIGHTING struggled to produce 6 Scott Ryan's authoritative and gossipy oral history of MOONLIGHTING (1985-1989), the screwball comedy/detective show hybrid starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, should delight fans and create new enthusiasts。 Few TV shows were as wildly inventive, or as fraught with backstage drama that hindered production and created headlines。 The cost and length of shooting each episode was double that of most shows。 While most TV series filmed 24 episodes per season, MOONLIGHTING struggled to produce 67 episodes over five seasons。Audiences tuned in to MOONLIGHTING for the witty banter, sexual tension and its irreverence and innovation。 Characters broke the fourth wall, talking directly to the audience。 One episode featured a seven-minute dance number directed by Stanley Donen, and another episode, spoofing "Taming of the Shrew", was performed in iambic pentameter。 There was always friction between Willis and Shepherd, but real trouble began in the fourth season。 Pregnant with twins, Shepherd filmed all her scenes at once to be spliced into eight future episodes。 A writers' strike shut down production for 22 weeks。 Then, Willis left to film DIE HARD。 Suddenly, MOONLIGHTING was a rom-com with a couple never in the same room together。 Rivalries, apathy and exhaustion increased。 Ryan insists the bad behavior "can't be laid at the feet of one person。" But, there's plenty of finger-pointing by the insiders interviewed--including creator Glenn Gordon Caron, Shepherd, co-stars, directors, writers and producers。 The only one MIA is Willis (who comes off fairly unscathed by coworkers)。MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY is an illuminating, juicy and gossipy treat for TV lovers。 This delectable oral history details how great writing and combustible onscreen chemistry overcame backstage feuds, oversized egos and chaotic working conditions to create a TV classic。 。。。more

Sarah Faichney

I don't know why nobody has written a book about "Moonlighting" before but I'm glad that Scott Ryan has done it now。 What a nostalgia trip! I particularly enjoyed reading about the creative chaos within the writing team。 The book provides a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes and is packed full of interviews, anecdotes and photos。 Definitely one for die hard Moonlighting fans。  I don't know why nobody has written a book about "Moonlighting" before but I'm glad that Scott Ryan has done it now。 What a nostalgia trip! I particularly enjoyed reading about the creative chaos within the writing team。 The book provides a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes and is packed full of interviews, anecdotes and photos。 Definitely one for die hard Moonlighting fans。  。。。more

Samsbookspot

I loved this TV series even though I was only 12 when it came out。 I had a little black and white Telly in my room and Moonlighting was the first show I religiously watched every week。This book explores the show by interviewing some of the cast, producers and writers and there are lots of fantastic pictures。A must read for fans of Moonlighting。Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review。

Mary

I remember watching the show when it aired。 This book givea us a great insight into what goes on behind the scenes of making not just a television show, but a successful television show。I loved getting to know more about the creators and writers and, of course, the characters of the show。 It was a true delight reading how the stars gave these characters life and kept the show running as well as it did。 I would have loved it even more had Bruce Willis been able to include his input on the various I remember watching the show when it aired。 This book givea us a great insight into what goes on behind the scenes of making not just a television show, but a successful television show。I loved getting to know more about the creators and writers and, of course, the characters of the show。 It was a true delight reading how the stars gave these characters life and kept the show running as well as it did。 I would have loved it even more had Bruce Willis been able to include his input on the various scenes and episodes。If you were a fan of the show, you will definitely enjoy this book。I received a copy of this book as part of a book tour without the obligation of leaving a positive review。 。。。more

Ellie Rhodes

I admit that I refuse to read this book。 The author seems to believe that if something isn’t available in streaming that it’s just not there。 DVDs of the series are readily available everywhere for purchase。 He believes no one owns DVD players and since it isn’t BluRay, well 。。。。 How sad。 Many excellent foreign films and independent films will NEVER be available for streaming。 He is missing a whole other world。 And in case you hadn’t guessed it, I adored and own this series。 Atomic Shakespeare i I admit that I refuse to read this book。 The author seems to believe that if something isn’t available in streaming that it’s just not there。 DVDs of the series are readily available everywhere for purchase。 He believes no one owns DVD players and since it isn’t BluRay, well 。。。。 How sad。 Many excellent foreign films and independent films will NEVER be available for streaming。 He is missing a whole other world。 And in case you hadn’t guessed it, I adored and own this series。 Atomic Shakespeare is my favorite episode of any television show ever。 It’s as good today as in 1985。 。。。more

Hobart

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader。---WHY DID I WANT TO READ MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?Over on Twitter last month, Grab This Book said something about requesting a book about Moonlighting on NetGalley, and the next thing I knew, I was on the site doing the same thing。 It was a reflex, since I was twelve I wanted to know everything I could about David Addison, Agnes DiPesto, Maddie Hayes, Herbert Viola—everyone at the Blue Moon Detective Agency, their clients and adversaries This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader。---WHY DID I WANT TO READ MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?Over on Twitter last month, Grab This Book said something about requesting a book about Moonlighting on NetGalley, and the next thing I knew, I was on the site doing the same thing。 It was a reflex, since I was twelve I wanted to know everything I could about David Addison, Agnes DiPesto, Maddie Hayes, Herbert Viola—everyone at the Blue Moon Detective Agency, their clients and adversaries。 I watched first-run episodes, reruns, syndicated episodes (when it was possible to find them)—the only reason that I haven't watched the whole series on DVD multiple times is that they're hard to find—and prohibitively expensive when you do*。 In short, I was a huge fan of the series, and the idea of a book devoted to it was something I had to get my hands on。* But after I get this posted, I'm going to re-watch the first 3 seasons, I assure you。WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE FOR MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?People who have watched some/all of the ABC series that aired from 1985 to 1989。 Well, not just watched but enjoyed the show。 This isn't going to work for you unless you have at least some familiarity with the show。And the number of people familiar with the show isn't that large and isn't growing。 Unlike so many things from that era, you can't watch it on syndicated re-runs or a streaming service—and then there are the aforementioned issues with the DVDs。But if you're part of that group? This book is definitely for you。WHAT DOES THE ORAL HISTORY COVER? There are discussions of each season, with chapters that focus on particular episodes as well—big ones, like the pilot, the black and white episode*, the Shakespeare episode**, the Christmas episode***, and so on****。 There are discussions about some of the guest stars and specific behind-the-scenes personnel。* "The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice"** "Atomic Shakespeare"* "Twas the Episode Before Christmas"* like "The Son Also Rises", "Big Man on Mulberry Street", "I Am Curious。。。 Maddie" Aside from episodes/seasons, the focus is on the writers, creator, and primary stars—Cybil Shepherd, Allyce Beasley, Curtis Armstrong, and Bruce Willis。 The first three appear in the book, but despite trying, Willis and the author couldn't work out the timing。It's not all glowing and positive, there are real criticisms of the writing, plots, and characterizations—as well as how some scenes came out in the end。 Some of the criticism is due to this being a show that's very much a product of its time, doing things that wouldn't make it to air today。 There are frank and honest discussions about the behind-the-scenes drama and conflicts。 But it's all given from a place of love/admiration for the show, there are no cheap shots in these pages。That said, on the whole, this is a very positive book—it's written by a long-time fan (which is obvious), with interviews from the people most involved in the show's production, most of whom have very positive memories and associations with the show。 These people poured proverbial blood, sweat, and tears into Moonlighting and it shows in the way they talk about it。SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?This post was difficult to write, as you can see from that first paragraph, I can fanboy over this series with little provocation。 I have 9 pages of single-spaced notes from this book。 And restraining myself from using every note in this post was difficult。 If I was reading this post-publication and could quote from it? I'd probably be unable to finish this post for a month because I'd be struggling to find the best 3-4 parts to quote。When I read a book about a television show, I want a few things—I want something to t t make me want to rewatch the show t make me not really need to, because the book has helped me remember it in such a way that it's not that necessary t give me a lot of behind-the-scenes information about the show t help me understand it better (not just information, but reflections on it—its legacy, cultural context, impact on television, et。) t Ideally, teach me something about the art and/or business of television (preferably both) t and if it can be fun (TV should be entertaining), that's all the better。 Yeah, that seems like a lot to ask for from a book, but if I'm going to take the time to read a book instead of watching a behind-the-scenes show or listening to a panel discussion, I want bang for my buck—I don't always get it (and know that going in), but I want it。 Moonlighting: An Oral History delivered on all of these fronts。 In spades。Also, I find that a lot of oral histories run out of steam after a while—to get one to stay interesting for almost 300 pages is a feat—and it takes a combination of great interview-ees and skill from the author in asking the right questions and then assembling the pieces used in the final product。Could this have been improved if Ryan had been able to work out the scheduling to get Willis involved? Yes。 Almost definitely—although, I think he maybe ended up coming off better this way。 There's no defensiveness on his part or protecting his name or anything like that (not that he necessarily would be that way, I don't know)—it's the cast, crew, and Ryan that get to sing his praises。How much did I enjoy this book? I even liked the "Special Thanks" chapter—which is far more involved than your typical Acknowledgements section。 Ryan talks about how the book came to be, how he interacted with some of the interview-ees, and so on。 When even the Acknowledgements part of a book is worth commenting on/taking note of, you know you've got a winner of a read。I had a blast reading this—I can't imagine any half-hearted fan of the show not enjoying themselves。 The only thing better might be sitting down to talk to Ryan about the show and what he learned from interviews (but that would be hard to refer back to, so maybe that wouldn't be better)。P。 S。 If anyone out there has a copy of seasons 4 and/or 5 on DVD that they'd like to donate/sell for less than market price, please get in touch with me。 Please。Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Black Château via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this。 。。。more

Darla

This is a show I loved watching in the 80's。 I would stop whatever I was doing to catch the latest episode。 If that didn't work I watched the reruns。 As I read this book I realized that even without the gorgeous full-color photos I had many shots saved in my memory bank。 I am so glad this book has been written to remind us of what a treasure this series was。 As with many projects like 'Moonlighting' the ingredients come together unexpectedly and leave the participants to marvel for years afterwa This is a show I loved watching in the 80's。 I would stop whatever I was doing to catch the latest episode。 If that didn't work I watched the reruns。 As I read this book I realized that even without the gorgeous full-color photos I had many shots saved in my memory bank。 I am so glad this book has been written to remind us of what a treasure this series was。 As with many projects like 'Moonlighting' the ingredients come together unexpectedly and leave the participants to marvel for years afterward at their good fortune in being a part of it all。 It was so interesting to be behind the scenes and see the perspectives from the many talented people who made the show such a success。 Perspective is everything and sometimes two people would have totally different views of the same event。 Fascinating how our memory works。 I do wish Bruce could have contributed! I have been a fan since I first met David Addison。 Thank you, Scott Ryan, for memorializing this iconic television series。 While reading the book I searched Netflix for a chance to revisit。 Nada。 My local library has all the seasons in their collection。 Hurray for libraries! The publishing of this book is going to make those wait lines longer。 Get your hold in while you can! Thank you to FMP and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Kristine

Moonlighting by Scott Ryan is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in mid-April。My older sister was utterly obsessed with this show and would rewatch VHS recordings of it with me as a 8 year-old。 Though I was very young, I remember Moonlighting as being a real comedic detective show where its characters were funny and frequently acknowledged the fourth wall of the TV screen。 Similarly, this book features many, many different voices of input and insight throughout each chapter of this book along wi Moonlighting by Scott Ryan is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in mid-April。My older sister was utterly obsessed with this show and would rewatch VHS recordings of it with me as a 8 year-old。 Though I was very young, I remember Moonlighting as being a real comedic detective show where its characters were funny and frequently acknowledged the fourth wall of the TV screen。 Similarly, this book features many, many different voices of input and insight throughout each chapter of this book along with on-set photos。 It’s also quite candid about the drop off in popularity after the end of season three and as actors broke off to do other things。 。。。more

Karen

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。I loved the show Moonlighting, so I was excited to find this oral history on the show。 The author Scott Ryan did a great job of getting behind the scenes tales and information, and piecing it all together。 Plenty of photos from the show, which is always a plus! I wanted to watch the show again after reading this book, and was sad to see it's not available at a reasonable price。 Maybe one day!Even though Bruce Willis wasn't avail I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。I loved the show Moonlighting, so I was excited to find this oral history on the show。 The author Scott Ryan did a great job of getting behind the scenes tales and information, and piecing it all together。 Plenty of photos from the show, which is always a plus! I wanted to watch the show again after reading this book, and was sad to see it's not available at a reasonable price。 Maybe one day!Even though Bruce Willis wasn't available to add his memories, there is plenty of wonderful stories from other cast members, writers, directors, etc。 After reading this book, you'll remember why you loved the show。 I love oral history books, and this one ranks up there with what I think is the best, "Live From New York"。 So, if you enjoyed the show Moonlighting, you'll love this book! And if you enjoy seeing what it's like to put together season after season of a show, you'll love this book!If I could deduct a quarter of a star I would, and that's due to no Bruce Willis。 But that's not the fault of the author。 Well done, Mr。 Ryan! 。。。more

J Earl

Moonlighting: An Oral History by Scott Ryan is an interesting and, for those of a certain age, nostalgic look at the making of this iconic show。 This is neither a gossipy tell-all nor an academic scholarly work, it fits nicely in the area of a serious approach that is still intended for a popular readership。 It absolutely informs while it entertains。I think the way Ryan presents the material leads some readers to think he jumps all over。 This is not true, the book has a very clear structure。 Rat Moonlighting: An Oral History by Scott Ryan is an interesting and, for those of a certain age, nostalgic look at the making of this iconic show。 This is neither a gossipy tell-all nor an academic scholarly work, it fits nicely in the area of a serious approach that is still intended for a popular readership。 It absolutely informs while it entertains。I think the way Ryan presents the material leads some readers to think he jumps all over。 This is not true, the book has a very clear structure。 Rather than simply present one person's views about the show, then the next person's, and so on, it is more like listening to a discussion that is being led by a moderator。 Ryan sets up chapters and periodically inserts some background or contextual information then offers short (a paragraph or two) excerpts from his numerous interviews。 I think it is the fact the bulk of the book consists of short quotes from interviewees, though presented very much as if talking about the topic at hand, that confuses these readers。 For me, Ryan's method worked very well。 I could learn what several people thought on the topic without having to flip through the book。 It should also be noted that this is not an analytical book, this is a history book rather than a sociology book。 Many of the interviewees, in reflecting back on that time, make some loosely analytical assessments, but nothing one would consider particularly deep。 The reader needs to also remember that while these people likely tried to be as honest as they could be, they are remembering things from several decades ago, filtered through their own lenses, then presented for a wide readership。 In other words, specifics might be glossed over but what they felt, from joy to annoyance to anger, generally comes through very well。I would recommend this to readers of television and popular culture history, as well as fans of the show。 Not too many things, from TV shows and movies to songs and advertisements, from that era are without its flaws。 Finding ways of appreciating what there is to appreciate while acknowledging problematic areas is both more difficult and far more useful than simply screeching about the bad and throwing out the baby with the bath water (you know I'm old when I still use that cliche!)。Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley。 。。。more

Emily Neilsen

I was obsessed with this show and the characters and the actors in the 80’s。 It was fascinating to read about what was going through most everyone’s head during the good and bad times 。。。。 wish Bruce Willis would have participated but I get it。 I recommend this book to everyone who watched Moonlighting or ever heard about the drama。 It definitely explained a lot。

Robin

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this proof for review。 Scott Ryan’s Moonlighting An Oral history is an absolute delight。 The first point to be made is pedestrian, but so important in a book that is, in Ryan’s words ‘a scholarly look’。 I would also like to suggest that this book is so much fun (while scholarly) that it is not just for the academic, but for a wider audience。 Bearing both in mind, my pedestrian point is how well organised I found the material in the well-designed chapters Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this proof for review。 Scott Ryan’s Moonlighting An Oral history is an absolute delight。 The first point to be made is pedestrian, but so important in a book that is, in Ryan’s words ‘a scholarly look’。 I would also like to suggest that this book is so much fun (while scholarly) that it is not just for the academic, but for a wider audience。 Bearing both in mind, my pedestrian point is how well organised I found the material in the well-designed chapters。 An oral history could well have meandered, with different contributors, sometimes with different views or recall, given their voices over a range of topics, events and episodes of the series。 Ryan chooses all the comments so wisely that disparate interpretations of events, beliefs about motivations, and perspectives make each chapter a flowing composite story about a particular time, work style, episode, theme or set of relationships。 For those who are like Ryan’s students at Yale when he refers to Moonlighting and is met with ‘this sea of blank faces’ it is worth relating some information about this ground-breaking television program。 Moonlighting was an innovation in the 1980s’ established seriousness of intent and presentation of money, crime and even sitcoms, according to Scott。 Into this milieu erupted Moonlighting which could be described as comedy or romance or detection: that is if one is attributing the normal categories to the series。 As Scott shows, none of these categories can control the living, lively, explosive, and exciting series of ‘pie fights, rhyming secretaries, and chase scenes’ (oh, and ‘detection’) that was produced between 1985 and 1989。 Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis starred as Maddy Hayes and David Addison, brought together when Maddy’s wealth is stolen, and she is left with a run-down detective agency and a ‘wisecracking “detective”’。 Smart departures from usual television programs were apparent in episodes such as one in black and white (introduced by Orson Welles); a Shakespearian storyline and costumes; reading letters from the audience to open an episode; and dance and singing sequences。 Descriptions of these, the excitements and the difficulties come to life through the actors’, writers’ and directors’ words。 Secondary characters were given substantial storylines at times, and as the show ended in 1989, took up the space left by Maddy and David whose romance was largely unresolved, and the secondary characters married instead。However, the stars’ sexual frisson provided much of the allure of the show。 Ryan takes up the suggestion that the “Boink” between Maddy and David, led to the diminishing popularity of the show。 He argues that to rely on this feature to explain diminishing ratings is erroneous, and a dangerous precedent to set for other television shows。 Rather, he draws the reader to consider a range of ideas and possibilities that may have resulted in the diminishing audience。 This idea provides a backdrop to the multitude of information that is arranged so engagingly through a variety of commentators。 They include the actors, writers, directors, producers, songwriters, and staff。 Of the latter, Ryan notes that the staff are on the spot throughout while ‘the main actors of TV shows only know what happened while they were on set’。 The idiosyncrasies, sheer courage and creative genius of the main writer for most of the series, Glenn Gordon Caron, shines through Ryan’s own writing as well as Caron’s words。 Additional writers’ capacity to adapt to new demands, as well as make their own contributions, are given voice。 Directors come to life as they interact with actors, writers, and technology。 Cybill Shepherd’s comments are to the point, but not pointed, despite some trouble on the set at times。 Bruce Willis’ and Scott’s timetables did not coincide to enable Willis to contribute, but not without valiant efforts。 Ryan’s own observations of the period, the way in which attitudes and events were of the time but may not be acceptable today are acute。 So, too is his understanding of Cybill Shepherd’s situation in a male dominated environment pre the ‘me-too’ movement。 He also refers to other television shows and films for contrasting, as well as similar or inspirational moments relevant to Moonlighting。 To finish on a note that is not pedestrian, Scott Ryan reflects upon the need for kindness, in general and in reflecting upon the genesis of this book arising from the kindness of Glenn Gordon Caron and Jay Daniel in their ‘kindness to a stranger [which] allowed this book to exist’。 I, too, am grateful for the existence of this book。 Firstly, it is enjoyable reading。 I also learnt so much about a show that I have heard about for years in various television courses and reading for these。 Lastly, the information is scholarly – while Moonlighting is the focus, there is an abundance of material that will entice any reader interested in the development of television。 。。。more

caroline

I used to love watching moonlighting as a teenager but did not know about the issues behind the scenes。 This was a real revelation and so well written and researched。 All the different narratives。 A must read for all '80s fans brought back so many memories。 I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is all my own。 I used to love watching moonlighting as a teenager but did not know about the issues behind the scenes。 This was a real revelation and so well written and researched。 All the different narratives。 A must read for all '80s fans brought back so many memories。 I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is all my own。 。。。more

Heather

This was such a fun series back in the day。 Many of us recall the behavior that ultimately ended the series, the only one who didn’t cooperate with the author。 What a shame。 It’s probably the same holdup keeping it from streaming。

Cat

My Recommendation I only got to watch a few episodes, sporadically, the first season。 I loved it! Sadly, life kept getting between me and most tv back in the 80's and 90's, so I missed remainder of seasons。 I'm actually glad this book came out as I'd forgotten about the series over the years (I'm now looking into checking them out on dvd!)。 This book made me feel a bit better that I apparently didn't miss too many! I look forward to watching the series。 The book was interesting and will likely m My Recommendation I only got to watch a few episodes, sporadically, the first season。 I loved it! Sadly, life kept getting between me and most tv back in the 80's and 90's, so I missed remainder of seasons。 I'm actually glad this book came out as I'd forgotten about the series over the years (I'm now looking into checking them out on dvd!)。 This book made me feel a bit better that I apparently didn't miss too many! I look forward to watching the series。 The book was interesting and will likely make more sense once I see the dvd's。 I was disappointed the author didn't interview Bruce Willis, but happy to read Cybil Sheppard's recollections and all the others who worked on the show。 I'd guess fans of the series would enjoy this book and really surprised no ones written anything about the series earlier! Well, it's long overdue and kudos to Scott Ryan for doing the work!I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review。 。。。more

Alyce Caswell

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。I fell in love with Moonlighting during my first year at university and shamelessly used the episodes in every single essay about postmodernism I had to write。 It's funny how quickly I became attached to a show that ended before I was old enough to watch television。 Anyway, I was stoked to discover this book's existence。 And it did not disappoint。What I really liked about this "oral history" is the fact that Scott Ryan didn't ju I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。I fell in love with Moonlighting during my first year at university and shamelessly used the episodes in every single essay about postmodernism I had to write。 It's funny how quickly I became attached to a show that ended before I was old enough to watch television。 Anyway, I was stoked to discover this book's existence。 And it did not disappoint。What I really liked about this "oral history" is the fact that Scott Ryan didn't just pick one version of events or come to an indulgent conclusion about why Moonlighting met its end。 The style Ryan used really works here - the cast and crew are allowed, in their own words, to describe what production was like (with a focus on specific episodes)。 I enjoyed the conflicting narratives。 I enjoyed being able to pick which one suited me most! A fantastic book for fans and anyone wanting to understand why some of their favourite shows from more recent times are the way they are。 。。。more

Christine

I remember that my mother loved this show。 I also remember watching it at times。 I loved going back and learning all new things about the show, the characters, and actors。 If you loved watching this show, you have to read this book when it comes out。

Tanya E

Where are all my 80’s TV watchers at? This is definitely a book for you! Moonlighting was the hottest show on TV during the mid-80’s it seemed。 Before the time of DVR’s and recorded shows, I had to ensure I was home on certain nights of the week to watch all my favorites。 And Moonlighting was definitely one of my favorites!Cybill Shepard was so beautiful and poised and Bruce Willis was the bad, party boy with a heart of gold。 Their chemistry on camera sizzled and I tuned in every week to watch c Where are all my 80’s TV watchers at? This is definitely a book for you! Moonlighting was the hottest show on TV during the mid-80’s it seemed。 Before the time of DVR’s and recorded shows, I had to ensure I was home on certain nights of the week to watch all my favorites。 And Moonlighting was definitely one of my favorites!Cybill Shepard was so beautiful and poised and Bruce Willis was the bad, party boy with a heart of gold。 Their chemistry on camera sizzled and I tuned in every week to watch circle around each other like Sam and Diane from Cheers。Now, so many years later, I can barely remember what the actual show was about, just that I loved it。 It was great to read this book and remember so much about the show that I had long since forgotten。Apparently, there was A LOT of off-screen drama between the two co-stars。 I don’t remember that at the time, but I may have been too young to pay attention。This book looks at the most interesting episodes across all the seasons and provides insight and viewpoints from the writers, directors, producers, co-stars and special guests。 What’s interesting to note is that the author directly calls out that this book is not a gossip column and he intentionally left out any gossip from his writings。 Another interesting point, Cybill is part of the interviews, but Bruce is not。 HmmmmmIf you read all the way through, there is definitely some drama discussed that occurred between Bruce, Cybill and some of the writers/producers。 I walked away with the impression that Cybill caused most of it (maybe her ego was a bit too big?)。 But there is also some great interviews pieces from one of the female writers who discusses how this was an old boys club (both Hollywood and the show) and that Cybill was in an environment where she was forced to stand up for herself to be treated as an equal。 That puts a very different spin on the book as a whole and many of the interviews from the men on set。And if you look real close, during the time that Cybill was pregnant, you can read through the interviews and see how often that was mentioned as a huge problem, and these are recent interviews。 Yes, pregnancy can wreak havoc on a schedule。 Yes, high-risk pregnancies can be even worse for schedules。 But as I read through some of these interviews, that were given recently (in current society), and I could feel how upset everyone was at all the problems it caused back then, I can only imagine the amount of crap that Cybill, as a female lead, had to take from her employers and co-workers back in the 80’s。 It was really eye-opening to me。Overall, it’s a great book for fans of Moonlighting and for people that like to know what happens behind the scenes。 It was a pretty big let-down for me that Bruce was not incorporated in the book。 He was clearly well-loved by all of the others that were interviewed so it doesn’t make sense why he wouldn’t be included and the author did not address this specifically。 Which makes me believe he didn’t want to take a stroll down memory lane with the rest of the cast and crew。 Another hmmmm。Thank you to #NetGalley and #FayettevilleMafiaPress for providing this book。 I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy and all views expressed are my honest opinion。 。。。more

Debby

Moonlighting (An Oral History) is a must for fans of Moonlighting! It's definitely a niche audience though, but I guess you wouldn't even bother to read it if you weren't a fan in the first place。 I was a huge fan of Moonlighting a long time ago, but I was too young to know about all the behind the scenes issues and how hard it was to actually produce the episodes。 This book is a comprehensive oral history of the rise and fall of the show。 I found it fascinating to hear about how certain episode Moonlighting (An Oral History) is a must for fans of Moonlighting! It's definitely a niche audience though, but I guess you wouldn't even bother to read it if you weren't a fan in the first place。 I was a huge fan of Moonlighting a long time ago, but I was too young to know about all the behind the scenes issues and how hard it was to actually produce the episodes。 This book is a comprehensive oral history of the rise and fall of the show。 I found it fascinating to hear about how certain episodes came together。 A main drawback is that Bruce Willis wasn't able to be interviewed due to scheduling issues, but pretty much everyone else including Cybill Shepherd and Glenn Gordon Caron (the creator of the show) have their say。 It honestly seems like it was a nightmare workplace, so I'm surprised they were able to put out what they were able to do。 I really enjoyed reading this, but it's definitely a book for people who are familiar with the episodes and want to hear about their creation。 。。。more

Scott

This is the first book ever written about Moonlighting ever。 It comes out in June 2021 and it will be perfect for fans of the Moonlighting TV series。