What Year Did "Murder, She Wrote" Start?
Introduction
"Murder, She Wrote" is a popular American television mystery series that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. The show, which aired from 1984 to 1996, follows the investigations of mystery novelist and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher (played by Angela Lansbury) as she solves various murders in the small coastal town of Cabot Cove, Maine. But where did it all begin?
The Early Years: 1984-1985
The first season of "Murder, She Wrote" premiered on September 30, 1984, and consisted of 13 episodes. The show was a huge success, attracting a large audience and receiving critical acclaim. The pilot episode, "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes," introduced audiences to Jessica Fletcher, a retired English teacher turned mystery novelist, who finds herself entangled in a real-life murder mystery.
**Key Players and Crew**
* **Angela Lansbury** as Jessica Fletcher
* **William Windom** as Sheriff Amos Tupper
* **Tom Bosley** as Sheriff Mort Metzger (replaced William Windom in season 2)
* **Lester Lanin** as the show’s theme song composer
* **Peter S. Fischer** as the show’s creator
**Seasons and Guest Stars**
Over the course of its 12 seasons, “Murder, She Wrote” had a total of 264 episodes. The show had a vast array of guest stars, including:
| Season | Episodes | Notable Guest Stars |
| — | — | — |
| 1-2 | 26 | **Michael Learned**, **Lesley Ann Warren**, **Rue McClanahan**, **Dick Van Patten** |
| 3-4 | 26 | **Henry Fonda**, **Carol Burnett**, **Don Knots**, **Robert Blake** |
| 5-6 | 25 | **Kirk Cameron**, **Lauren Bacall**, **John Anderson**, **Donna Mills** |
| 7-8 | 23 | **Mickey Rooney**, **Patricia Collinge**, **Robert Lansing**, **Brenda Vaccaro** |
| 9-10 | 22 | **Stacy Keach**, **Penny Fuller**, **Richard Crenna**, **John Hillerman** |
| 11-12 | 22 | **Robert Stack**, **Linda Purl**, **Richard Egan**, **James Sutorius** |
**Impact and Legacy**
“Murder, She Wrote” was a groundbreaking show in many ways. It:
* **Revitalized the Mystery Genre**: “Murder, She Wrote” helped to popularize the mystery genre in television, paving the way for other successful shows like “Columbo,” “Murder, Prime Suspect,” and “Agatha Christie’s Poirot.”
* **Launched Angela Lansbury’s Career**: The show catapulted Angela Lansbury to international fame, cementing her status as one of the most beloved television actresses of all time.
* **Provided Opportunities for Guest Stars**: “Murder, She Wrote” provided a platform for numerous actors to make memorable guest appearances, leading to increased exposure and improved career prospects.
**Conclusion**
“Murder, She Wrote” may have started in 1984, but its legacy continues to be felt to this day. With a total of 12 seasons and 264 episodes under its belt, the show remains a beloved classic, providing endless entertainment for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard mystery fan or just looking for a light-hearted, whodunit-inspired show to pass the time, “Murder, She Wrote” is sure to delight.
