The online column “Piazza Navona” is pleased to host Bernadette Giacomazzo and present her book The Golden Girls: A Cultural History (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers). A study, a deep analysis dedicated to the iconic sitcom The Golden Girls. And don’t miss the Meeting with the Author!
Synopsis
On December 31, 2021 just before her 100th birthday, the famous actress Betty White dies. It is the end of an era in television history since with her death not only does one of the most iconic and brilliant comic faces and actresses of the small screen pass away, but the last one of the celebrated Golden Girls also passes away. And it is precisely from this sad event that Bernadette Giacomazzo begins her story and analysis – very precise and detailed – of one of the most beloved sitcoms in the world: The Golden Girls. Nine chapters in which the Author masterfully narrates the birth of this unforgettable sitcom aired from 1985 to 1992. There will be shortage of interesting comparisons with history of yesterday and today underlining that the female universe always has something to say. From here the strength and authenticity of The Golden Girls and its ageless protagonists…they always stay golden!
About the book
In 2023 Bernadette Giacomazzo publishes her interesting essay titled The Golden Girls: A Cultural History (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers). This is a true tribute to the history of television.
Bernadette Giacomazzo, in fact, dedicates her detailed study to the sitcom The Golden Girls created by Susan Harris and aired from September 14, 1985 to May 9, 1992. Seven seasons (show all the time on American TV, platforms and streaming recording a peak of views during Covid), 180 episodes, three spin-off (The Golden Palace, Empty Nest and Nurses), 68 Emmy Awards nominations with 11 wins (including, first and only time in television history, that for Best Actress won by each of the leading actress), 21 Golden Globes Awards nominations and four wins, 27 million people watching the last episode.
But this sitcom, which also arrived in Italy in 1987 under the title Cuori senza età, is much but much more. And Bernadette Giacomazzo in her valuable and meticulous book tells it very well.
But let’s take a step back: who are The Golden Girls? Quickly said: four older women, Dorothy Zbornak, her octogenarian mother Sophia Petrillo, Blanche Devereaux and Rose Nylund (respectively and masterfully played by Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan and Betty White), who – episode after episode – meet and collide themselves with life and its more or less harsh, ironic and funny aspects. For the first time on television, the protagonists of a series are older women, three widows and one divorcee (Dorothy) after thirty-eight years of marriage.
Inevitably, the topics covered are very close to their age, and yet–yesterday and today–these women are examples to follow for women and girls today. Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche and Rose, thus, tell of the difficulty of finding a job when youth has passed, of menopause, of sexual freedom and of the desire that, although in old age, it exists and is synonymous of life and vitality. The four friends tell about bullying, serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s, the loss of a child, homosexuality, socalled “intermarriages,” the age difference in a couple, AIDS, homosexuality (it is no coincidence that this series was beloved by Lady Diana and Freddy Mercury and that they sometimes watched it together), loneliness, artificial insemination, sexual harassment, serious disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, and the indifference of some doctors toward their patients… All this thanks to brilliant scripts, perfect dialogues and to the precise characterization of the characters: the naiveté and surrealism of Rose (think only of the “herring circus” of her St. Olaf), Dorothy’s cynicism and sharp witticisms, the irreverent wisdom and total freedom of speech of Sophia, who has broken down every filter with the world since her stroke, Blanche’s vanity, sensibility and her countless and wondrous adventures with men.
You can find all this (and much more!) in the nine chapters of The Golden Girls: A Cultural History. Here the analysis of some episodes is perfectly balanced with the cultural, historical, and social level in a sort of temporal ping-pong that is very useful to the Reader. This book, in fact, shows how this sitcom becomes -quite naturally – the mirror and reflection of a society and its fears (then and now). So very important and well implanted are the structure of the text and the ability of Giacomazzo.
That’s for sure: Bernadette Giacomazzo with her keen analytical and observational skills pays an important tribute to a relevant page of television history. And not only!
Here, “normality.” Despite the fact that it is not a particularly beautiful or exhaustive word… The four friends embody what should be normal in the world: understanding, inclusion, acceptance, affection, freedom and respect. They never pretend to be what they are not. Rose, Sophia, Blanche and Dorothy are simply who they are. And their deep friendship – full of disagreements, advices, laughter, authenticity and tears – makes them a family. The one that goes beyond the roots and the blood. In the last forty years these women have been our confidants, our aunts, even our mothers… for all of this, as a line of the song’s theme: Thank you for being a Friend!
Meeting with the Author
How did the publishing project of The Golden Girls: A Cultural History come about?
The idea for The Golden Girls: A Cultural History came from my love for the show and its cultural impact. I’ve always been fascinated by how a sitcom about four older women became such a powerful and enduring phenomenon. When I pitched the concept to Rowman & Littlefield, I wanted to go beyond just celebrating the show—I wanted to explore its deeper cultural significance and its role in shaping conversations about aging, friendship, and even progressive issues like LGBTQ+ rights.
Why did you decide to dedicate a book to the sitcom The Golden Girls?
Because The Golden Girls is iconic! It’s not just a sitcom; it’s a cultural touchstone. The show transcends generations, and its humor, heart, and bold tackling of societal issues make it endlessly relevant. I wanted to give fans a deeper understanding of its legacy while also introducing new audiences to its brilliance.
Why do you think that after almost four decades The Golden Girls is still in the hearts of so many people and analyzed, studied as a careful reflection of the culture and society of its time?
The show captured universal themes: love, friendship, independence, and resilience. It also pushed boundaries by addressing issues like aging, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and even topics like assisted suicide and homelessness. The writing was sharp, the humor was timeless, and the chemistry between the cast was pure magic. Plus, who doesn’t love witty one-liners from Sophia? The show reflects society’s struggles and triumphs in a way that still resonates today.
What research and studies did you do for the writing of this book?
Researching this book was a dream! I binge-watched every episode (again—twist my arm!), read interviews with the cast and crew, and delved into academic studies analyzing the show’s cultural impact. I also explored fan communities and how they keep The Golden Girls alive today. Understanding the sociopolitical climate of the 1980s was key to contextualizing the show’s themes.
Today, what is the legacy of The Golden Girls?
The legacy of The Golden Girls lies in its unapologetic celebration of friendship and individuality. It proved that stories about older women could be funny, engaging, and socially relevant. The show paved the way for more inclusive narratives and remains a shining example of how television can tackle important issues with humor and grace. Its memes, quotes, and themes still resonate with audiences of all ages.
Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Betty White: what do you think of the cast of the show?
Each of them was a legend in her own right. Bea brought a mix of gravitas and impeccable timing to Dorothy. Estelle was the queen of zingers as Sophia, while Rue’s portrayal of Blanche was equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. And Betty—what can I say? She was the soul of the show, giving Rose a warmth and naivety that were impossible not to love. Together, they were lightning in a bottle.
Among Dorothy Zbornak, Sophia Petrillo, Blanche Devereaux, and Rose Nylund, what is your favorite?
Oh, this is like picking a favorite child! But if I had to choose, I’d say Sophia. Her sarcasm, wisdom, and fearless approach to life make her endlessly quotable. Plus, her backstory and relationship with Dorothy add layers of depth to her character.
Even today, TV audiences and society in the broadest sense—what and how much do they owe to The Golden Girls?
We owe The Golden Girls a lot. It showed us that older women can be leading characters with complex, funny, and meaningful stories. It opened doors for discussions about aging, independence, and diversity in storytelling. The show also reminded us that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who stand by you.
How would you introduce The Golden Girls to a young girl in 2024?
I’d tell her it’s the original squad goals! These women broke molds, tackled tough issues, and supported each other through thick and thin—all while serving up endless laughs. I’d play an episode like “Ladies of the Evening” to hook her with the humor, and then dive into the deeper episodes that show the heart of the series.
Would it be possible to make a show similar to this today?
It would be challenging but not impossible. The original’s charm lies in its timeless humor and authenticity. Today’s version would need to modernize its approach while keeping the wit, heart, and groundbreaking themes intact. I’d love to see a reboot that reflects today’s society while paying homage to the original.
What do you think has been the secret of the show’s success and the reason for its decline?
The secret is its authenticity and relatability. The writing was brilliant, the cast was unmatched, and the topics were fearless. The show didn’t so much decline as it naturally concluded. It left at the right time, before it could overstay its welcome, which is part of its lasting appeal.
What was the greatest emotion you felt while writing this book?
Gratitude. As I delved into the episodes and the stories behind them, I felt so thankful for this show and what it has given the world. Writing about it allowed me to connect with the themes of friendship, resilience, and humor in a profound way.
Among the seven seasons of The Golden Girls, which is your favorite episode? And why?
One of my favorites is “The Heart Attack” (Season 1). It balances humor and deep emotion beautifully. Sophia reflects on her life during a health scare, and it’s both funny and poignant. It encapsulates everything that makes the show great.
What are your next publishing projects?
My upcoming project is Law & Order: A Cultural History, which explores the impact of the iconic procedural and its deep ties to societal issues. This book delves into how a fictional series became a powerful reflection of the legal and cultural shifts of its time.
