HuluDesigning Women (1986)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 6.7
Overview
Julia Sugarbaker, Mary Jo Shively, Charlene Frazier-Stillfield and Suzanne Sugarbaker are associates at their design firm, Sugarbaker and Associates. Julia is the owner and is very outspoken and strong-willed. Mary Jo is a divorced single-parent whom is just as strong-willed as Julia, but isn't as self-confident. Charlene is the naive and trusting farm girl from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Suzanne is the self-centered ex-beauty queen whom has a number of wealthy ex-husbands.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
HuluBias Dimensions
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Christianity: Positive
Overview
Julia Sugarbaker, Mary Jo Shively, Charlene Frazier-Stillfield and Suzanne Sugarbaker are associates at their design firm, Sugarbaker and Associates. Julia is the owner and is very outspoken and strong-willed. Mary Jo is a divorced single-parent whom is just as strong-willed as Julia, but isn't as self-confident. Charlene is the naive and trusting farm girl from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Suzanne is the self-centered ex-beauty queen whom has a number of wealthy ex-husbands.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
HuluDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The show's central thesis explicitly promotes progressive ideology through its consistent critique of sexism, advocacy for social justice, and championing of women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues, making it clearly left-leaning.
Designing Women features a predominantly white main cast, but includes a prominent Black supporting character, contributing to visible diversity. The series frequently engages with social issues, challenging sexism and other forms of bigotry through its strong female protagonists, though it does not explicitly frame traditional identities as inherently negative within its narrative.
Secondary
Designing Women offered a remarkably positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters for its era. It consistently depicted gay individuals with dignity and complexity, notably through Julia Sugarbaker's impassioned defenses against prejudice, particularly concerning the AIDS crisis. The show challenged harmful stereotypes and affirmed the worth of queer lives, making a significant positive impact.
The show frequently critiques hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes found in some Christian individuals, but this critique serves to highlight and affirm the more compassionate, ethical, and community-oriented aspects of Christian faith. The narrative often champions values consistent with positive religious principles, positioning the audience to appreciate genuine faith while condemning its misuse.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Designing Women is an original sitcom with characters created specifically for the show. There is no prior source material or historical basis for its characters, meaning no established gender could have been altered for their on-screen portrayal.
Designing Women is an original television series, not an adaptation or a reboot. Its characters were created for the show, establishing their race through their initial portrayal. There is no prior source material or historical record to establish a different canonical race for any character.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
6.7
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
7.3
6.7
Critic Ratings
N/A
6.1
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