How Many Murder, She Wrote Episodes?
Murder, She Wrote is a popular American television mystery series that aired from 1984 to 1996. The show was created by Peter S. Fischer, Richard Levinson, and William Link, and it starred Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery novelist and amateur sleuth who solves crimes in her hometown of Cabot Cove, Maine.
Number of Episodes
The show premiered on September 30, 1984, and ran for a total of 12 seasons, concluding on May 19, 1996. During its run, Murder, She Wrote aired a total of 264 episodes. Each episode was approximately 48 minutes long, and the show was broadcast on Sunday evenings on CBS.
Seasonal Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of the number of episodes by season:
| Season | Number of Episodes |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16 |
| 2 | 22 |
| 3 | 21 |
| 4 | 22 |
| 5 | 21 |
| 6 | 22 |
| 7 | 20 |
| 8 | 18 |
| 9 | 21 |
| 10 | 22 |
| 11 | 21 |
| 12 | 22 |
Episode Length and Format
Murder, She Wrote episodes typically followed a consistent format. Each episode would introduce a murder mystery, usually committed by a newcomer to Cabot Cove, and Jessica Fletcher would become embroiled in the investigation. As she gathered clues and interviewed suspects, Jessica would uncover a complex web of motives, alibis, and red herrings. The show would then conclude with Jessica revealing the identity of the killer and explaining how she pieced together the evidence.
Notable Episodes and Guest Stars
Murder, She Wrote featured a wide range of guest stars, including many famous actors and actresses. Some notable episodes and guest stars include:
• "Death Takes a Curtain Call" (Season 2, Episode 10): Guest starring Michael Caine, this episode was notable for being the show’s first appearance on Saturday nights.
• "Death by Demographics" (Season 5, Episode 4): Guest starring Steve Guttenberg, this episode tackled the topic of market research and consumerism.
• "The Last Page" (Season 11, Episode 22): Guest starring Morgan Fairchild, this episode marked the series finale and wrapped up the mystery of Cabot Cove.
International Broadcasts
Murder, She Wrote was broadcast in many countries around the world, including:
• Canada: CTV aired the show, with a total of 264 episodes.
• United Kingdom: ITV and BBC1 broadcast the show, with a total of 200 episodes.
• Australia: The ABC and Seven Network aired the show, with a total of 160 episodes.
Impact and Legacy
Murder, She Wrote was a huge success during its original run and remains a beloved classic in the world of television. The show’s blend of mystery, suspense, and wit made it a staple of Sunday night viewing. Angela Lansbury’s portrayal of Jessica Fletcher earned her multiple Emmy nominations and wins, cementing her status as a television legend. The show’s influence can still be seen in many modern-day mystery series, including Elementary and Murdoch Mysteries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Murder, She Wrote aired a total of 264 episodes over 12 seasons, making it one of the longest-running and most successful mystery series of all time. The show’s combination of clever mysteries, memorable characters, and wit has made it a beloved classic that continues to entertain audiences to this day.
