How Many Episodes are There of Murder, She Wrote?
Murder, She Wrote is a beloved American television mystery series that aired from 1984 to 1996. The show follows the adventures of Jessica Fletcher, a mystery novelist and amateur detective, as she solves crimes in her small town of Cabot Cove, Maine. With its blend of wit, charm, and clever plotting, the show became a staple of 80s and 90s television.
Direct Answer:
There are 264 episodes of Murder, She Wrote, spread across 12 seasons. Here’s a breakdown of the number of episodes per season:
| Season | Number of Episodes |
|---|---|
| 1 | 13 |
| 2 | 22 |
| 3 | 21 |
| 4 | 22 |
| 5 | 22 |
| 6 | 22 |
| 7 | 22 |
| 8 | 22 |
| 9 | 22 |
| 10 | 22 |
| 11 | 20 |
| 12 | 16 |
History of the Show
Murder, She Wrote was created by Richard Levinson and William Link, who were also behind the popular detective series Columbo. The show was inspired by the real-life mystery writer Agatha Christie, and its protagonist, Jessica Fletcher, was modeled after Christie herself. Angela Lansbury, a seasoned actress with a long history of stage and screen appearances, was cast as Jessica Fletcher in 1984.
The show premiered on September 30, 1984, on NBC and quickly gained popularity. It was praised for its clever plots, witty dialogue, and Lansbury’s charming performance as Jessica Fletcher. The show’s success was also due in part to its unique format, which featured a "whodunit" mystery in each episode, with Jessica using her literary skills and observational abilities to uncover the killer.
Episode Structure
Each episode of Murder, She Wrote typically followed a standard structure:
- Introduction: The episode opens with Jessica introducing herself and setting the stage for the mystery.
- The Murder: A murder takes place, and Jessica becomes involved in the investigation.
- Clues and Suspects: Jessica gathers clues and interviews suspects, gradually piecing together the puzzle.
- Plot Twist: Just when the audience thinks they know whodunit, a surprising twist reveals a new suspect or clue.
- Resolution: Jessica solves the mystery, often using her literary skills to connect the dots and reveal the killer’s identity.
Notable Episodes and Characters
Some notable episodes and characters in Murder, She Wrote include:
- "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes" (Season 1, Episode 13): In this episode, Jessica helps the police solve a murder connected to a Sherlock Holmes festival.
- "The Last Flight of the Dixie Dame" (Season 2, Episode 10): Jessica investigates a murder on a private plane.
- "Death Takes a Curtain Call" (Season 3, Episode 16): Jessica helps the police solve a murder at a theater production.
- "Murder in a Minor Key" (Season 4, Episode 10): Jessica investigates a murder at a music festival.
- "The Murder of a Rock Star" (Season 5, Episode 14): Jessica helps the police solve a murder connected to a rock star.
- "Death and Taxes" (Season 6, Episode 14): Jessica investigates a murder connected to a tax audit.
Legacy of the Show
Murder, She Wrote remained a popular show throughout its 12-season run, with its final episode airing on May 19, 1996. The show’s success led to a number of spin-offs, including novels, games, and even a brief revival in 2013 with a new TV series, also called Murder, She Wrote.
In 2019, Angela Lansbury was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 47th Annual Annie Awards, in part due to her iconic role as Jessica Fletcher. The show’s influence can also be seen in other popular detective series, such as Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Midsomer Murders.
Conclusion
With 264 episodes spread across 12 seasons, Murder, She Wrote is a beloved and enduring television series that continues to captivate audiences with its clever plots, witty dialogue, and iconic performances. Whether you’re a fan of mystery, suspense, or simply Angela Lansbury’s charming portrayal of Jessica Fletcher, Murder, She Wrote is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good whodunit.
