Moonlighting: An Oral History

by Scott Ryan

Once upon a time ABC-TV’s Moonlighting was among the most buzzed-about shows in the country, thanks largely to the bravado of creator Glenn Gordon Caron, who never met a television convention he didn’t want to break, and the sizzling on-screen chemistry between glamorous erstwhile film star Cybill Shepherd and a New Jersey bartender nobody had ever heard of before named Bruce Willis, who bickered and flirted ceaselessly on screen and engaged in epic off-screen battles that all these years later remain the stuff of Hollywood legend. This combustible blend of creative brilliance produced some of the most acclaimed, audacious, and  innovative programming of the eighties, including a black and white tribute to film noir, with an introduction by Orson Welles; a parody of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, written in iambic pentameter; an homage to The Honeymooners; and countless metafictive episodes breaking through the fourth wall — almost unheard of at the time for hourlong comedy-dramas. Without a doubt, Moonlighting helped pave the way for the era of prestige television we are now all enjoying.  The real story of this pioneering television series and the extraordinary behind-the-scenes challenges, battles, and rewards has never been told  — until now, Author Scott Ryan (The Last Days of Letterman, thirtysomething at thirty: an oral history, The Blue Rose, Scott Luck Stories) conducted over twenty interviews with the actors, writers, directors, and producers who made Moonlighting such a dynamic, unforgettable show, delving deep into their thoughts and feelings as they relive this magical moment in pop culture history in this full color oral history.   New Interviews with: Cybill Shepherd (Maddie Hayes), Allyce Beasley (Ms. Dipesto), Curtis Armstrong (Herbert Viola), Glenn Gordon Caron Creator, Executive Producer, Writer Jay Daniel Executive Producer, Director Roger Director Writer, Producer, Season 4 Showrunner Allan Arkush Director Bob Butler and more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Tv, Media Analysis, Biography, Oral History, Media Tie In

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Scott Ryan’s newest book is Moonlighting: An Oral History which covers the Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis series that aired from 1985-1989. Scott interviewed the cast, crew and producers from the series. This is the first book ever written about Moonlighting. Order it at fayettevillemafiapress.com for a signed copy

The Last Days of Letterman, covers the final 6 weeks of The Late Show. Place an order at fayettevillemafiapress.com

He wrote a comic essay book, Scott Luck Stories (Amazon) in 2014. He directed A Voyage to Twin Peaks in 2016 (available for rent or purchase at Amazon.com). A documentary about the 25th anniversary of the Twin Peaks Festival, which has played at Twin Peaks events across the globe. He is the host of the podcasts: Red Room Podcast, Scott Luck Stories and The thirtysomething Podcast. His writing has been published in The Sondheim Review and the essay book Fan Phenomena: Twin Peaks (Intellect Press). He is told he has been happily married for an amount of years. He is the co founder of Fayetteville Mafia Press.


Order signed copies of thirtysomething at thirty at www.ScottRyanProductions.com

Order The Blue Rose Magazine at www.bluerosemag.com

Follow @scottluckstory and on Facebook for more information or e-mail superted455@gmail.com for promotional materials.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a show I loved watching in the 80's. I would stop whatever I was doing to catch the latest episode. If that didn't work I watched the reruns. As I read this book I realized that even without the gorgeous full-color photos I had many shots saved in my memory bank. I am so glad this book has been written to remind us of what a treasure this series was. As with many projects like 'Moonlighting' the ingredients come together unexpectedly and leave the participants to marvel for years afterward at their good fortune in being a part of it all. It was so interesting to be behind the scenes and see the perspectives from the many talented people who made the show such a success. Perspective is everything and sometimes two people would have totally different views of the same event. Fascinating how our memory works. I do wish Bruce could have contributed! I have been a fan since I first met David Addison. Thank you, Scott Ryan, for memorializing this iconic television series. While reading the book I searched Netflix for a chance to revisit. Nada. My local library has all the seasons in their collection. Hurray for libraries! The publishing of this book is going to make those wait lines longer. Get your hold in while you can!

Thank you to FMP and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carla Remy · Rating 5 out of 5]

07/2031

There is no "Moonlighting curse" because Maddie and David slept together (though it would have been better if they'd ended the show then). I thought we all knew what happened was Cybill got pregnant, the show went on hiatus, and Bruce made Die Hard. And I was a kid. My parents worked late Tuesday nights for a newspaper, doing things that don't exist anymore (paste-up, developing photos). So I watched it. Moonlighting was formative for me. I started reading mysteries because of it. Agatha Christie at first, but what better way to start.
This is a great book, collecting vital history and memories.
And how shocking that the show isn't available now. Luckily I bought 4 of the 5 seasons 15 years ago when the dvds were available.

[Dedra ~ A Book Wanderer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I gave this book five stars. And I stand by it.

Moonlighting: An Oral History is the nostalgic trip down television memory lane that I didn’t know I was wanting!

I had a ridiculously fun time reading this honest and thorough look at the people who were behind and in front of the camera during the tumultuous filming of the hit series Moonlighting. It was a detective show unlike any other that has come before or after it, with slap-stick comedy, exceptional acting and writing, and characters who broke the fourth wall.

But behind the scenes, it was a team effort to get the memorable shows on the air each week, with a writer who often wrote scenes as they were being filmed, a show that had twice as much dialogue as most other shows on television at the time, and two lead actors whose differences eventually led to excruciating animosity.

If you follow much television, you may have heard of the “Moonlighting curse.” It’s even in the urban dictionary. It’s defined as: “When the will-they-won’t-they couple on a TV show finally gets together… and it ruins the show. (Derived from the 1980’s TV show Moonlighting, whose ratings declined to the point of cancellation after the main characters finally resolved their sexual tension)”

Scott Ryan goes to the source, interviewing most of the players who were involved in the show, creating a timeline of events that probably hasn’t ever been done before. And by the end of the book, he decides if the “Moonlighting curse” is valid or not.

I appreciated how Ryan handled what could have become a tell-all, he said/she said ordeal by allowing the interviewees to speak candidly, sharing how they remembered events, even if they contradicted each other. When it comes down to it, it’s not important if anyone was right or wrong, it’s just fascinating to know how all the right (or wrong) things had to fall into place to make some of the most iconic moments of television.

“Memory is better than fact anyway, because it’s created by feelings.”

It’s been years since I’ve seen the show—at least twenty years—but I still remember so many episodes, moments, lines, and songs from the series. I was a child when it originally aired, but thankfully my parents were cool enough to let me watch it with them.

It’s a difficult show to find now—it’s not streaming on any platform and the DVDs are out of print (and terribly expensive to buy used)—mostly because the licensing fees are too expensive these days. But it’s not impossible to find. I won’t say how because I’m terrified it will disappear before I can rewatch it.

If you were a fan of the show, if you still remember the Shakespearean episode that was done in iambic pentameter or the black and white episode introduced by Orson Welles—or the episode that sparked the “Moonlighting curse”—you’ll enjoy this comprehensive look at the series (with photos!) that made Bruce Willis and Cybill Sheppard household names.

Thank you to Fayetteville Mafia Press and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

Check out my review at A Book Wanderer

#popsugarreadingchallenge2021 (advanced prompt #7 - A book from your tbr list you associate with a favorite person, place, or thing)

[The Captain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ahoy there mateys!  The First Mate and I have very different reading tastes.  However I love reading reviews of books I don't necessarily want to read meself.  Here be one such review by the First Mate for a nonfiction book about the making of a tv show which was received from NetGalley for honest musings  . . .

From the First Mate:

Full disclosure: prior to reading Moonlighting: An Oral History, I had never watched a single second of Moonlighting.  Though vaguely aware of it having been a popular television show from my youth, it was mostly fixed in my mind as the antecedent of the "Moonlighting curse" often mentioned in snarky articles about the downfalls of “will-they-won’t-they” driven entertainments.  During the period of Moonlighting's height I was more into cozy mystery series like Murder, She Wrote and action/adventure series like MacGyver and Airwolf.  Just wasn’t in my wheelhouse at the time.

So, why read a book about a show I’ve never watched?  One, after reading and loving Cary Elwes’ incomparably awesome As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride, I’ve found a love for the background stories of how television and film are made.  And two, I was a huge fan of the cancelled-too-soon Now and Again, which was created by Moonlighting’s showrunner, Glenn Gordon Caron.  It wasn’t until after I read this book that I became aware of the recent controversy around Caron, the show Bull, and actor Eliza Dushku.  Had I known I might have passed.

Regardless, Moonlighting: An Oral History turns out to be a truly fascinating glimpse in the creative chaos that resulted in a show that many cite as one of the peaks of 80s television.  Writer Ryan Scott sets the stage for us, explaining what television was like at the time and where the major players were at that point in their careers.  Being an oral history, the vast majority of the book is told directly through the words of the people who were involved.  The show runner, producers, writers, editors, assistants, directors, stars and guest stars.  The only major person missing is Bruce Willis, which doesn’t quite come across as the glaring omission that one would expect.

In the book’s introduction, Scott lays out his thesis for the book. His perspective is that the traditional narrative about the show (that the audience abandoned the show after the sexual tension was resolved in season 3) is incorrect and that many other factors contributed to the show’s decline in season 4.  The result of this thesis is that the book is kind of structured in two parts.  The first part details the good times of how the show was created, the rise in popularity, and how happy everyone was with the work that was being created (even if the work was incredibly stressful).  The second part then details how it all fell apart, points fingers at where responsibility lay, and carries us through the aftermath of the final season.

Overall it makes for a very entertaining read.  Reading about groundbreaking television as told by the people who made it was pretty cool.  All involved were still enthusiastic about what they viewed as quality work they’d done.  Reading the kinda gossipy finger pointing about what went wrong was a bit less interesting, though.  Ultimately, most of the credit for the show’s quality is heaped at the feet of Glenn Gordon Caron and Bruce Willis, while most of the criticism lands on Cybil Shepherd.  At the very end of the book there is also some suggestion that widespread use of cocaine may have played a factor, too.

The oral history format comes with positives and negatives.  On the plus side, it certainly seems like everyone gets their chance to have their say about the various topics covered.  Individuals get criticized and then get to respond to said criticism.  We also get to experience multiple voices and perspectives on some of the pivotal moments of the show.  On the negative side, memories are fickle things and often the details don’t agree between the stories.  For example, everyone present at Bruce Willis’ audition agrees he got up onto a piece of furniture but they disagree on what piece (a table or filing cabinet) and when (at the beginning, or punctuating a moment at the end) and what he was wearing (camo or khakis).  Or whether Orson Welles showed up in a limo or a friend’s old beat-up car.  These inconsistencies just tend to jump out in the format.

As said, the only thing really missing from the book is Bruce Willis being interviewed.  But everyone is effusive in their praise of him being a professional that consistently elevated the material he was given.  Not really sure how much his perspective would’ve added.  Nice to have, but the amount of people interviewed here does seem to give a pretty good picture of what was going on while the show was being made. Did Scott succeed in proving his thesis? I think so.  From what we’re told by virtually everyone involved, season 4 and 5 of Moonlighting were a practically different show from the first 3 seasons.  It’s kind of hard to believe a show could be radically changed and not lose some of its audience.  That said, I was not watching at the time, so I can only go by what I’ve read and what is available online today.

Intrigued by the descriptions of this groundbreaking television, I went online to watch some of what I had just read about.  I really quite liked the seven minute Sandahl Bergman/Bruce Willis dance sequence from “Big Man on Mulberry Street.”  The “Atomic Shakespeare” appealed a bit less.  And I have to admit that I was unable to finish the pilot, despite it featuring one of my favorites, Brian Thompson, as a villain. Moonlighting the show may not have been for me, but I found this book fascinating.

Recommended to fans of Moonlighting who want the inside story and anyone else who likes reading about the behind the scenes goings on of television.  Avoid if gossipy finger pointing isn’t your thing, or if you don’t like knowing the dirty details of how entertainment is made.

Side Note from The Captain: While I enjoyed reading this review, I certainly never plan on reading the book or watching the show.  Though I stole a peek at the dance dream sequence and very much enjoyed that.  Arrrr!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonlighting (An Oral History) is a must for fans of Moonlighting! It's definitely a niche audience though, but I guess you wouldn't even bother to read it if you weren't a fan in the first place.

I was a huge fan of Moonlighting a long time ago, but I was too young to know about all the behind the scenes issues and how hard it was to actually produce the episodes. This book is a comprehensive oral history of the rise and fall of the show. I found it fascinating to hear about how certain episodes came together. A main drawback is that Bruce Willis wasn't able to be interviewed due to scheduling issues, but pretty much everyone else including Cybill Shepherd and Glenn Gordon Caron (the creator of the show) have their say.

It honestly seems like it was a nightmare workplace, so I'm surprised they were able to put out what they were able to do. I really enjoyed reading this, but it's definitely a book for people who are familiar with the episodes and want to hear about their creation.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley for this book.

I started reading this book and I didn't get too far into it. I have been reading it on and off for a few weeks before realizing that it was a long time ago since I watched this show. I had no understanding of the episodes anymore and it didn't interest me as much as I thought it would and I didn't finish it.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember that my mother loved this show. I also remember watching it at times. I loved going back and learning all new things about the show, the characters, and actors. If you loved watching this show, you have to read this book when it comes out.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished! I finished! The book was excellent, and lovely, and an easy, well organized, entertaining read. My reading of it was probably similar to the experience or feeling of the show it’s about when that show was on. I read quickly and eagerly through the beginning and force-limited myself to only a chapter a day. Then, as time went on I found my reading got slower and I wasn’t making as much progress, or the book would sit for days without me touching it while I read other things. Moonlighting, the television show was groundbreaking and exciting and everyone watched it and everyone talked about it. And then it derailed, and then it disappeared. I didn’t watch it to the end. I’m not sure I even knew there was a fifth season. But I knew the rumors about the cast not getting along and so forth. And I just found myself slowing down as I read and got closer to the inevitable crash and burn. I went and checked my DVDs while reading this. I thought I’d purchased the full series, but it turned out I hadn’t. I just bought through season 3, though I think in real life I had watched into season four, at least some.

One thing I liked about this book was the evenhandedness in telling the story and honoring peoples’ memories. Perspective is interesting and I think it’s terribly unfair that Cybill Shepherd bore and still bears the brunt of the criticism for the problems on the set. I think, reading this, she certainly contributed, but honestly, not more than Bruce Willis, who got a complete pass from so many people. And I don’t think either of them are to blame for the pressure cooker environment that was the filming of this show for three years, or for the cascade of events that kept the fourth season from coming together properly.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

While looking for the remaining DVDs to complete my Moonlighting series, I stumbled upon this book in the internet listings and immediately bought the book 2nd hand. I was so excited to read it! When I opened the book, I noted handwriting inside and realized the book was signed by the author and dated 5/27/21. That date was signed less than a year ago! I checked the copyright page...it was printed in 2021! This was a newly printed book with current interviews and it was signed by the author! Oh the joy I felt and it only added to the desire for the information I was about to absorb.

Having read the book, I'm only giving it 4 stars because it did not include an interview with Bruce Willis. This brought extreme disappointment to me. The reason wasn't given until the last chapter. I felt the omission of his contribution throughout the whole book and kept wondering why no one was addressing the elephant in the room. It was finally revealed that although Bruce wanted to contribute, his schedule didn't work out. Repeating...this was a huge disappointment for me! To me, it felt like getting your family members together to celebrate your parent's 50th wedding anniversary and your dad couldn't fit it in that weekend so you celebrated without him. Being that these interviews were overlapping with the Covid19 pandemic, I can't see why the interview couldn't have been arranged or production of the book delayed. In the book it stated that Willis took time off from Moonlighting to film Die Hard. It was filmed in weeks, not years. So surely interviews could have been via phone or zoom. Now that Willis has been determined to have aphasia, the window of opportunity to recollect is diminishing and his contribution would have been so valuable. So, for this reason, in my opinion, the book is lacking and incomplete. I might take off another star for the grave decision to send this off to print premature.

I truly did appreciate this book on so many levels. First, I am so glad Ryan decided to write it. Second, his format was entertaining and a joy to read. Third, it included photos from the interviewees personal albums. Fourth, he included so many production members I learned a lot about television production. Fifth, his intro to the chapters were his own words and he summarized episode information that enabled the flow of his interviewees responses. Ryan did not use the question/answer format. When reading the responses by individuals, you get the feel for a question that was asked, but you don't know how it was worded. Clearly these people were not sitting around a table feeding off of each other's comments. The responses stood alone as their own memory from their own personal experience.

Ryan stated early that it was his mission to determine why a highly successful show crumbled and if there was any truth to the "Moonlighting curse". He also stated that if you were looking for gossip and tales, look elsewhere. However, he allowed contradictory recollections of those interviewed in the book and stated he was ok with that. It's my personal belief that if you omit the drama behind the show, that is part of the evidence in the discovery of the correct answer as well. Some interviewees stated "Cybil was on board with this," or "they were still getting along at this point." But there were no recollections about what the conflict was...another huge omission. I might take off another star for this exclusion, because it left me wondering and wanting answers.

I know there are deadlines, I know the more you write, the more it costs to produce, I know you need to make a decision what to include and not include. But I felt Ryan was trying to keep his interviewees happy and retain friendships vs getting all the details out. Or he got the information and is privy to it, but his lips (& pen) are sealed.

In my opinion, prior to reading the book and also after having read it and filling in the details left unsaid, Cybil contributed more than a little to the chaos on the set and its demise. She was famous because of her previous work. The story was about a retired model who owned a detective agency which slightly paralleled reality as she was a former model. Cybil felt (I'm my opinion) she was the star of the show and she wasn't an equal to anyone. Therefore, she wasn't sharing the spotlight with a no-name who became a sensation and was stealing her glow. Unfortunately, it was because of Willis that she shown so brightly! He brought out a character in her that was unseen in her previous film work. Working with a catalyst like Willis, if you don't embrace his energy and feed off of it, the opposite happens and you waste your creative energy fighting it. (A note on her previous film work: Cybil played, in my opinion, the same character in both Taxi Driver and The Last Picture Show and sometimes there were glimpses of that same character in Moonlighting.) I didn't know Glenn was writing script up to the last minute with the actors on the set. I didn't know they were editing it until the day it aired. I had no idea people were standing around waiting for words the characters were supposed to say. (Who knew that the "term paper" was still being researched on the day it was due to turn in?) How could this type of work ethic be tolerated in television. I always thought tv was filmed weeks in advance of airing.

A huge "thank you" to Ryan for getting together as many interviewees as he did. Thank you for tackling this subject so those who watched it can reminisce about how great the show was. Did I learn something by reading the book? Yes. Did he "solve the mystery?" Yes, he did with the information he had. Is the book lacking? Yes, there is a void because Willis' voice was silent. Would Ryan still come up with the same resolution if Willis had been interviewed? Probably, but I think there would have been more detail from which to draw a conclusion and it would have produced far more laughs. Would Moonlighting have been as huge of a success without Willis? Absolutely not...and with that, I rest my case as to why I feel this book is lacking. I think I'm down to 2 stars. (Just kidding. )

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real treat for fans of the show — it made me want to go back and rewatch episodes I've already seen countless times, which is probably the highest compliment I can pay. It suffers from Bruce Willis' absence, but it seems somewhat unlikely that he would have been as candid as anybody else who was interviewed for this book, so that isn't necessarily a fatal flaw.

[Hobart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHY DID I WANT TO READ MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?
Over on Twitter last month, Grab This Book said something about requesting a book about Moonlighting on NetGalley, and the next thing I knew, I was on the site doing the same thing. It was a reflex, since I was twelve I wanted to know everything I could about David Addison, Agnes DiPesto, Maddie Hayes, Herbert Viola—everyone at the Blue Moon Detective Agency, their clients and adversaries. I watched first-run episodes, reruns, syndicated episodes (when it was possible to find them)—the only reason that I haven't watched the whole series on DVD multiple times is that they're hard to find—and prohibitively expensive when you do*. In short, I was a huge fan of the series, and the idea of a book devoted to it was something I had to get my hands on.

* But after I get this posted, I'm going to re-watch the first 3 seasons, I assure you.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE FOR MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?
People who have watched some/all of the ABC series that aired from 1985 to 1989. Well, not just watched but enjoyed the show. This isn't going to work for you unless you have at least some familiarity with the show.

And the number of people familiar with the show isn't that large and isn't growing. Unlike so many things from that era, you can't watch it on syndicated re-runs or a streaming service—and then there are the aforementioned issues with the DVDs.

But if you're part of that group? This book is definitely for you.

WHAT DOES THE ORAL HISTORY COVER?
There are discussions of each season, with chapters that focus on particular episodes as well—big ones, like the pilot, the black and white episode*, the Shakespeare episode**, the Christmas episode***, and so on****. There are discussions about some of the guest stars and specific behind-the-scenes personnel.

* "The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice"
** "Atomic Shakespeare"
* "Twas the Episode Before Christmas"
* like "The Son Also Rises", "Big Man on Mulberry Street", "I Am Curious... Maddie"

Aside from episodes/seasons, the focus is on the writers, creator, and primary stars—Cybil Shepherd, Allyce Beasley, Curtis Armstrong, and Bruce Willis. The first three appear in the book, but despite trying, Willis and the author couldn't work out the timing.

It's not all glowing and positive, there are real criticisms of the writing, plots, and characterizations—as well as how some scenes came out in the end. Some of the criticism is due to this being a show that's very much a product of its time, doing things that wouldn't make it to air today. There are frank and honest discussions about the behind-the-scenes drama and conflicts. But it's all given from a place of love/admiration for the show, there are no cheap shots in these pages.

That said, on the whole, this is a very positive book—it's written by a long-time fan (which is obvious), with interviews from the people most involved in the show's production, most of whom have very positive memories and associations with the show. These people poured proverbial blood, sweat, and tears into Moonlighting and it shows in the way they talk about it.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?
This post was difficult to write, as you can see from that first paragraph, I can fanboy over this series with little provocation. I have 9 pages of single-spaced notes from this book. And restraining myself from using every note in this post was difficult. If I was reading this post-publication and could quote from it? I'd probably be unable to finish this post for a month because I'd be struggling to find the best 3-4 parts to quote.

When I read a book about a television show, I want a few things—I want something to



make me want to rewatch the show
make me not really need to, because the book has helped me remember it in such a way that it's not that necessary
give me a lot of behind-the-scenes information about the show
help me understand it better (not just information, but reflections on it—its legacy, cultural context, impact on television, et.)
Ideally, teach me something about the art and/or business of television (preferably both)
and if it can be fun (TV should be entertaining), that's all the better.



Yeah, that seems like a lot to ask for from a book, but if I'm going to take the time to read a book instead of watching a behind-the-scenes show or listening to a panel discussion, I want bang for my buck—I don't always get it (and know that going in), but I want it. Moonlighting: An Oral History delivered on all of these fronts. In spades.

Also, I find that a lot of oral histories run out of steam after a while—to get one to stay interesting for almost 300 pages is a feat—and it takes a combination of great interview-ees and skill from the author in asking the right questions and then assembling the pieces used in the final product.

Could this have been improved if Ryan had been able to work out the scheduling to get Willis involved? Yes. Almost definitely—although, I think he maybe ended up coming off better this way. There's no defensiveness on his part or protecting his name or anything like that (not that he necessarily would be that way, I don't know)—it's the cast, crew, and Ryan that get to sing his praises.

How much did I enjoy this book? I even liked the "Special Thanks" chapter—which is far more involved than your typical Acknowledgements section. Ryan talks about how the book came to be, how he interacted with some of the interview-ees, and so on. When even the Acknowledgements part of a book is worth commenting on/taking note of, you know you've got a winner of a read.

I had a blast reading this—I can't imagine any half-hearted fan of the show not enjoying themselves. The only thing better might be sitting down to talk to Ryan about the show and what he learned from interviews (but that would be hard to refer back to, so maybe that wouldn't be better).

P. S.
If anyone out there has a copy of seasons 4 and/or 5 on DVD that they'd like to donate/sell for less than market price, please get in touch with me. Please.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Black Château via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

[Marco G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this show as a 7th grader in the 80s. My parents didn't monitor my tv habits. I loved the humor, the cast, and especially the theme song. It's one of those shows whose memory brings back the feeling of being a kid on school nights watching my shows in the 80s. Nothing but love for this show. This book was fun. Very entertaining. Lots of memories shared by the creator, producers, writers, actors (except Willis who was willing to participate but could never synch up his schedule). I recalled there were problems between the actors but never knew how bad things got or how things ended. My only complaint, and it's a small one, is the choice by the author to avoid getting into the scandals behind the scenes.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonlighting: An Oral History by Scott Ryan is an interesting and, for those of a certain age, nostalgic look at the making of this iconic show. This is neither a gossipy tell-all nor an academic scholarly work, it fits nicely in the area of a serious approach that is still intended for a popular readership. It absolutely informs while it entertains.

I think the way Ryan presents the material leads some readers to think he jumps all over. This is not true, the book has a very clear structure. Rather than simply present one person's views about the show, then the next person's, and so on, it is more like listening to a discussion that is being led by a moderator. Ryan sets up chapters and periodically inserts some background or contextual information then offers short (a paragraph or two) excerpts from his numerous interviews. I think it is the fact the bulk of the book consists of short quotes from interviewees, though presented very much as if talking about the topic at hand, that confuses these readers. For me, Ryan's method worked very well. I could learn what several people thought on the topic without having to flip through the book.

It should also be noted that this is not an analytical book, this is a history book rather than a sociology book. Many of the interviewees, in reflecting back on that time, make some loosely analytical assessments, but nothing one would consider particularly deep. The reader needs to also remember that while these people likely tried to be as honest as they could be, they are remembering things from several decades ago, filtered through their own lenses, then presented for a wide readership. In other words, specifics might be glossed over but what they felt, from joy to annoyance to anger, generally comes through very well.

I would recommend this to readers of television and popular culture history, as well as fans of the show. Not too many things, from TV shows and movies to songs and advertisements, from that era are without its flaws. Finding ways of appreciating what there is to appreciate while acknowledging problematic areas is both more difficult and far more useful than simply screeching about the bad and throwing out the baby with the bath water (you know I'm old when I still use that cliche!).

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Wesley Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, the definitive (well, as definitive as we're ever likely to get) history of this show has been told. Sharp prose and fascinating anecdotes.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still one of my all-time favorite shows. Rewatched the first season+ a few months ago. So glad to read this to find out more stories and relive the magic and the tragedy of the show. So glad this book exists to express the joy and complexity of the show and the making of it.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I saw that there was on oral history on Moonlighting out there I knew I had to read it. I have a great fondness for this show and it's pretty much forgotten. I'm not saying it's a complete blank spot for the younger generation, but it's not as a commonly known today as it was. I don't know if younger folks even know about the Moonlighting curse? That's why your favorites wait years to get together on shows. I really got into Moonlighting a few years after it was all over, but I knew it's cultural impact and that Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd hated each other. I knew it had a great start and a whimper of an ending, but only had these vague memories of watching it live on tv. They must've been episodes from season five, maybe four. Back in the early nineties A&E use to air the Remington Steele reruns after school. I love that show so I'd watch it, but before that they'd air reruns of Moonlighting, and that's when my love grew for this show. It's funny because they never aired episodes from season five from both of those shows. One day episode one of season five aired for both and I knew instantly that the reruns were over. Moonlighting was a show so ahead of its time and nobody really talks about it anymore. I really regret not buying the dvds when they came out. I was like they don't have the original music, not buying. Now it's out of print and streaming nowhere. I learned my lesson and scooped up those Remington Steele dvds the minute they came out.



What I really liked about this book was how honest most people sounded, some of it made them look bad, some of it didn't. I appreciate that. I'd of hated working on that show, what chaos it was. It's amazing that they actually filmed one episode of a season let alone sixteen. Maybe that chaos helped make that show so good, but it also helped bring it own. I think the book covers the actual reason the show got cancelled, and it has nothing to do with Maddie and David hooking up. Honestly I think people were tired of waiting for new episodes and countless reruns, the show was to expensive to continue not being done on time, and the fact that Maddie was written out for so much of season four, and not having the couple fans rooted for on screen together after the hookup was a giant mistake. I did roll my eyes over the constant ass kissing of Bruce Willis from certain folks. He showed up and did his job, a round of applause. He used to actually be able to act. He couldn't even bother to make his schedule work to be interviewed for this book, and Moonlighting made his career. (Update: Okay so maybe him not taking part here is due to the fact about his health and everything that has come out since his retirement announcement. I still say he stopped trying to act years before any of this.) I fully believe Cybill Shepherd was difficult to work with, but when they talk about her it's always 'wasn't she so beautiful' or 'she's so beautiful' blah blah blah. I can understand why. This show was definitely a boys club, you can clearly read that in the interviews. I mean the way they got so mad at her for being pregnant. How dare you have a baby, and how dare you have twins and need doctor ordered bed rest. Plus it was the eighties, and the author makes a good point about this. They skim over how Bruce Willis was difficult at times just like Shepherd, they hint at it only. To be fair nobody really goes into much detail over the diva behavior of its two main stars. It only shows how professional Allyce Beasley and Curtis Armstrong were in this situation. I liked how Cybill Shepherd acknowledge that this show was fun, and it was a great thing to be a part of, maybe not at time but years later she can look at it through a different lens. I say if you're a fan of this show, or even curious about it, read this oral history. It's pretty entertaining.



You know ABC owns this show, they could easily put it up on Hulu for streaming even without shelling out money for the music rights. I mean they put out the bare minimum on dvd why not streaming. That's what sucks about streaming, the difficulty of seeing older properties especially televisions shows. The studios don't want to spend money to clean up the transfers if they need it, they don't wanna pay residuals, and they don't wanna pay for the music. It's a shame that this show doesn't even air reruns on those obscure channels that dedicate themselves to airing older shows. If it wasn't for those channels how'd I be able to watch reruns of TJ Hooker? ABC/Disney stop being cowards and put this show up on Hulu. And what do I have to do to get somebody to write an oral history on Babylon 5 and Remington Steele?

[Craig McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, not perfect, but tells plenty - even for a casual fan.

It's missing Bruce Willis but that's all. A great read for fans of the show, new fans now that it's streaming or TV/script/film students. Well worth the money.

[Sarita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book lacked bravery. It's really clear that there were huge conflicts on the set, and the author has just danced around them to create a story that glosses over everyone with starry eyes. It also suffers from worship of showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron.
Repeatedly throughout the book, actors and guest stars say things like, "I had never experienced that before" in relation to getting pages at the last minute, standing around on set waiting to know what their next lines would be until the wee hours of the morning ... and yet Ryan never seems to ask basic questions like, "How did that make you feel? Were you able to do your best work?"
Instead, the author seems very comfortable acting as if the writers who stayed (many, many left the show over the years due to their treatment by Caron) and the actors who got breakout roles in Moonlighting have no mixed motivations to consider when they blame Cybil Shepherd exclusively for the mood on set. Ryan notes in passing that she had her first baby near [I believe] the first season -- what was it like for her to have to wait 'til one or two in the morning for pages ...consistently? For years? Guest stars were shocked by the way the showrunners handled reshoots and scripts... why don't we the readers get to hear how Shepherd felt about it?
Finally, when Caron writes a scene where Shepherd, in a rough pregnancy with twins, has to climb stairs, Ryan suggests that maybe the show failed Shepherd on a human level, at least this once. The perspective that perhaps the success and troubles of the show rest evenly on the stars and the writers and directors -not just on Shepherd - would have made this book a lot more interesting.
Also, finding out that we can't have the show in reruns because Caron won't allow anyone to change the music just really, really bummed me out...and made me wonder why he wouldn't let his actors and writers get the residuals they could be receiving.
I hope Cybil writes a book.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Ryan's authoritative and gossipy oral history of MOONLIGHTING (1985-1989), the screwball comedy/detective show hybrid starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, should delight fans and create new enthusiasts. Few TV shows were as wildly inventive, or as fraught with backstage drama that hindered production and created headlines. The cost and length of shooting each episode was double that of most shows. While most TV series filmed 24 episodes per season, MOONLIGHTING struggled to produce 67 episodes over five seasons.

Audiences tuned in to MOONLIGHTING for the witty banter, sexual tension and its irreverence and innovation. Characters broke the fourth wall, talking directly to the audience. One episode featured a seven-minute dance number directed by Stanley Donen, and another episode, spoofing "Taming of the Shrew", was performed in iambic pentameter. There was always friction between Willis and Shepherd, but real trouble began in the fourth season. Pregnant with twins, Shepherd filmed all her scenes at once to be spliced into eight future episodes. A writers' strike shut down production for 22 weeks. Then, Willis left to film DIE HARD. Suddenly, MOONLIGHTING was a rom-com with a couple never in the same room together. Rivalries, apathy and exhaustion increased. Ryan insists the bad behavior "can't be laid at the feet of one person." But, there's plenty of finger-pointing by the insiders interviewed--including creator Glenn Gordon Caron, Shepherd, co-stars, directors, writers and producers. The only one MIA is Willis (who comes off fairly unscathed by coworkers).

MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY is an illuminating, juicy and gossipy treat for TV lovers.

This delectable oral history details how great writing and combustible onscreen chemistry overcame backstage feuds, oversized egos and chaotic working conditions to create a TV classic.

[Shoshana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I've had this book for about three years, I'm glad I waited until this week to read it. I have been rewatching this series along with the Moonlighting Podcast, and we are now up to the end of season three, the big turning point of the show and, I guess, also for me, as this part of the show has tipped me into being just as obsessed with Moonlighting as when I first watched it over 20 years ago, and I've pretty much gone ahead and rewatched a good part of the last two seasons as well.

I am so grateful for this book's vast collection of interviews with the cast, writers, directors, crew members, assistants. They really illuminate what happened behind the scenes on Moonlighting, from all angles, and each person has such fascinating insights into the characters, the actors, and their relationships, as well as stories about how scripts were written, directed, edited, lit, and put on the air. A lot I knew, but some of it was completely new.

This book is an oral history, so it's written as one long interview pieced together from separate interviews, similar to James Lapine's Putting it Together book about Sunday in the Park with George. And because I was thinking about that book as I was reading this, I saw a lot of similarities between the two, not just because they premiered around the same time. Putting it Together showed how Sunday in the Park with George came together through chaos, and almost didn't happen, and in Lapine it had a director and writer who was a genius but also inexperienced and flying by the seat of his pants in many ways. Sondheim was experienced but also a last-minute writer. With Moonlighting, there was also a head writer who was a genius yet inexperienced, extremely last minute, and taking huge swings.

The book paints a picture of how Moonlighting would never have been what it became without that combination of genius, inexperience, and hubris in its creator and without its chaotic process. The swings they took would not have been swung, and without those swings, the people would not all have watched, and without the people watching, the network would have shut them down earlier because the show always came in over budget and was so expensive to make. The whole thing, like most art, was a delicate ecosystem, a living organism that somehow began a life, and any shift in the wind could break it. And of course, it broke.

This book examines how and why it broke, mostly to dismiss the long-held belief that it was because the two characters finally got together. I guess as a Moonlighting fan for many years, I knew that that was not the reason. I knew it to be combination of factors, and, wow, it was so many more factors than even I realized. Like most things in life, it's never one reason but a confluence of people's emotions, their needs in their lives outside of work, their relationships, the way television works, the way outside factors and rushed timelines force you to make decisions that are not entirely thought out. And, as usual, what makes something so great is also what contributes to its downfall later.

I felt a lot of things while reading this book, just as I feel a lot of things while watching the show. The later seasons can be frustrating, and they were frustrating for the writers as well. When the creator Glenn Gordon Caron says that "there was a fascinating story to be told about two people who clearly, on some level, yearned for each other but who, in the business of living day to day, weren't meant to be together in that way. But I never quite got to tell that story.... It was heartbreaking," I felt heartbreak too.

Television is full of heartbreak. Shows get canceled all the time and/or they go downhill and/or the writers do frustrating things. This is just the nature of watching a living medium. At the end of the day, after all the chaos, through some miracle, Sunday in the Park with George hit its final original Broadway production form. But TV has to sustain itself over years, and Moonlighting, like most shows, couldn't do it. I long to see the story Caron wanted to tell, but what I do have is still great, and there are some wonderful moments that came during the story he didn't plan.

Back to this book, the one element I think that's missing in it is Cybill. She's interviewed for the book, unlike Bruce who apparently could not make it work with his schedule, but for everything that's said about her, I never really heard her perspective on it. I think, from my own observations, that she either does not fully remember what she was thinking and feeling at that time or she has just put all of that in the past. That's fine, of course, but I just craved her thoughts in certain moments, especially when others had stories about her behavior on set.

Otherwise, I loved reading everyone's memories and insights into the process, which gave me much to ponder about my own writing and artistic process as well. Any art that gets made is a miracle, and Moonlighting, despite everything, was a colossal miracle. And now, by another miracle, the series is available to stream on Hulu after years of the DVDs being out of print. I have the DVDs of course, but now if I want to rewatch a scene here and there (which I did occasionally when reading) I can do so way more easily. And thank you to the author Scott Ryan for preserving this history. He also offers some wonderful insights on the show as he takes readers along on the journey. And it is a journey.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book ever written about Moonlighting ever. It comes out in June 2021 and it will be perfect for fans of the Moonlighting TV series.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this proof for review.

Scott Ryan’s Moonlighting An Oral history is an absolute delight. The first point to be made is pedestrian, but so important in a book that is, in Ryan’s words ‘a scholarly look’. I would also like to suggest that this book is so much fun (while scholarly) that it is not just for the academic, but for a wider audience. Bearing both in mind, my pedestrian point is how well organised I found the material in the well-designed chapters. An oral history could well have meandered, with different contributors, sometimes with different views or recall, given their voices over a range of topics, events and episodes of the series. Ryan chooses all the comments so wisely that disparate interpretations of events, beliefs about motivations, and perspectives make each chapter a flowing composite story about a particular time, work style, episode, theme or set of relationships.

For those who are like Ryan’s students at Yale when he refers to Moonlighting and is met with ‘this sea of blank faces’ it is worth relating some information about this ground-breaking television program. Moonlighting was an innovation in the 1980s’ established seriousness of intent and presentation of money, crime and even sitcoms, according to Scott. Into this milieu erupted Moonlighting which could be described as comedy or romance or detection: that is if one is attributing the normal categories to the series. As Scott shows, none of these categories can control the living, lively, explosive, and exciting series of ‘pie fights, rhyming secretaries, and chase scenes’ (oh, and ‘detection’) that was produced between 1985 and 1989. Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis starred as Maddy Hayes and David Addison, brought together when Maddy’s wealth is stolen, and she is left with a run-down detective agency and a ‘wisecracking “detective”’.

Smart departures from usual television programs were apparent in episodes such as one in black and white (introduced by Orson Welles); a Shakespearian storyline and costumes; reading letters from the audience to open an episode; and dance and singing sequences. Descriptions of these, the excitements and the difficulties come to life through the actors’, writers’ and directors’ words. Secondary characters were given substantial storylines at times, and as the show ended in 1989, took up the space left by Maddy and David whose romance was largely unresolved, and the secondary characters married instead.

However, the stars’ sexual frisson provided much of the allure of the show. Ryan takes up the suggestion that the “Boink” between Maddy and David, led to the diminishing popularity of the show. He argues that to rely on this feature to explain diminishing ratings is erroneous, and a dangerous precedent to set for other television shows. Rather, he draws the reader to consider a range of ideas and possibilities that may have resulted in the diminishing audience. This idea provides a backdrop to the multitude of information that is arranged so engagingly through a variety of commentators. They include the actors, writers, directors, producers, songwriters, and staff. Of the latter, Ryan notes that the staff are on the spot throughout while ‘the main actors of TV shows only know what happened while they were on set’.

The idiosyncrasies, sheer courage and creative genius of the main writer for most of the series, Glenn Gordon Caron, shines through Ryan’s own writing as well as Caron’s words. Additional writers’ capacity to adapt to new demands, as well as make their own contributions, are given voice. Directors come to life as they interact with actors, writers, and technology. Cybill Shepherd’s comments are to the point, but not pointed, despite some trouble on the set at times. Bruce Willis’ and Scott’s timetables did not coincide to enable Willis to contribute, but not without valiant efforts.

Ryan’s own observations of the period, the way in which attitudes and events were of the time but may not be acceptable today are acute. So, too is his understanding of Cybill Shepherd’s situation in a male dominated environment pre the ‘me-too’ movement. He also refers to other television shows and films for contrasting, as well as similar or inspirational moments relevant to Moonlighting. To finish on a note that is not pedestrian, Scott Ryan reflects upon the need for kindness, in general and in reflecting upon the genesis of this book arising from the kindness of Glenn Gordon Caron and Jay Daniel in their ‘kindness to a stranger [which] allowed this book to exist’. I, too, am grateful for the existence of this book. Firstly, it is enjoyable reading. I also learnt so much about a show that I have heard about for years in various television courses and reading for these. Lastly, the information is scholarly – while Moonlighting is the focus, there is an abundance of material that will entice any reader interested in the development of television.

[Gordon Mcghie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up in the 1980s there were not the wealth of tv channels which are available today. High quality drama was something the BBC were famous for around the world but growing up in the UK we were used to seeing lots of the great shows imported from America and my childhood was filled with fond memories of Knight Rider, The A-Team, The Dukes of Hazzard and Colombo. But there was one show which everybody watched. It was like nothing we had ever seen before and you never missed an episode: Moonlighting.

Pairing up Hollywood star Cybill Shepherd with (then) unknown Bruce Willis initially appeared to be an act of madness by the show runners, however, Moonlighting and the antics of the staff at the Blue Moon Detective Agency remains one of the most loved television programmes even to this day. I was just a teenager when Moonlighting aired for the first time so while I was enjoying the drama on my screen I was oblivious to the drama behind the cameras. Today we have multiple social media platforms and gossip sites which would have had a field day with some of the stories from the set of Moonlighting, then we just had weeks where a new episode didn’t arrive as planned and we got a repeat of an older episode. So what happened behind the scenes?

In Moonlighting: An Oral History, Scott Ryan speaks with multiple cast members, producers, writers and even the creator Glenn Gordon Carron. The book is filled with anectodal stories, recollections and discussions around how the programme was created, the trials and tribulations of being commissioned, in jokes, missed deadlines, breaking the fourth wall and doing things on screen which just were not done. Nothing seemed to be off limits when it came to making David Addison and Maddie Hayes umissable viewing.

Initially I felt reading through multiple short passages of different people remembering the same events may be a bit too much to take on in one or two sittings, however, I got that wrong. Chapters take on various elements of the show. Contributions from various on screen cast and behind the scenes staff give a broad view of the chaos and creativity which was required to bring the show together. It’s fascinating reading and the small, focussed conttibutions make it very easy to read your way through this book.

Now I know Moonlighting was on our screens over 30 years ago and you’re probably thinking you don’t remember any of it? Well I did think that too but some of the episodes which I was sure I had forgotten were soon brought rushing back from the depths of my memories. Never saw the show the first time around? Also not a problem (honest) as Moonlighting: An Oral History is a fascinating insight into the making of a piece of television history. It was the original will they/won’t they programme. It had custard pie-fights, crazy chase scenes, a black and white episode, Orson Wells popped up to introduce one episode and one series even kept the two lead characters apart so they were not sharing scenes together.

Scott Ryan collates the carnage and lets us dwell on those fond memories of compulsive viewing while people who worked on the show share their experiences. The book presents many brilliant photographs and images from the programme and I am sure these will look even better in a book than they did on my digital copy.

If you loved to watch Moonlighting then there will be lots of information in this book which you will enjoy. I wish it were running on tv now so I could watch this all over again. For the moment I will satisfy myself with this cracking collection of memories.

[Tanya R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where are all my 80’s TV watchers at? This is definitely a book for you! Moonlighting was the hottest show on TV during the mid-80’s it seemed. Before the time of DVR’s and recorded shows, I had to ensure I was home on certain nights of the week to watch all my favorites. And Moonlighting was definitely one of my favorites!

Cybill Shepard was so beautiful and poised and Bruce Willis was the bad, party boy with a heart of gold. Their chemistry on camera sizzled and I tuned in every week to watch circle around each other like Sam and Diane from Cheers.

Now, so many years later, I can barely remember what the actual show was about, just that I loved it. It was great to read this book and remember so much about the show that I had long since forgotten.

Apparently, there was A LOT of off-screen drama between the two co-stars. I don’t remember that at the time, but I may have been too young to pay attention.

This book looks at the most interesting episodes across all the seasons and provides insight and viewpoints from the writers, directors, producers, co-stars and special guests. What’s interesting to note is that the author directly calls out that this book is not a gossip column and he intentionally left out any gossip from his writings. Another interesting point, Cybill is part of the interviews, but Bruce is not. Hmmmmm

If you read all the way through, there is definitely some drama discussed that occurred between Bruce, Cybill and some of the writers/producers. I walked away with the impression that Cybill caused most of it (maybe her ego was a bit too big?). But there is also some great interviews pieces from one of the female writers who discusses how this was an old boys club (both Hollywood and the show) and that Cybill was in an environment where she was forced to stand up for herself to be treated as an equal. That puts a very different spin on the book as a whole and many of the interviews from the men on set.

And if you look real close, during the time that Cybill was pregnant, you can read through the interviews and see how often that was mentioned as a huge problem, and these are recent interviews. Yes, pregnancy can wreak havoc on a schedule. Yes, high-risk pregnancies can be even worse for schedules. But as I read through some of these interviews, that were given recently (in current society), and I could feel how upset everyone was at all the problems it caused back then, I can only imagine the amount of crap that Cybill, as a female lead, had to take from her employers and co-workers back in the 80’s. It was really eye-opening to me.

Overall, it’s a great book for fans of Moonlighting and for people that like to know what happens behind the scenes. It was a pretty big let-down for me that Bruce was not incorporated in the book. He was clearly well-loved by all of the others that were interviewed so it doesn’t make sense why he wouldn’t be included and the author did not address this specifically. Which makes me believe he didn’t want to take a stroll down memory lane with the rest of the cast and crew. Another hmmmm.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #FayettevilleMafiaPress for providing this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy and all views expressed are my honest opinion.

[C.G. Twiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched most of Moonlighting when it aired, though I wasn't quite a teen yet. At the time I was (and remain) more of a Remington Steele fan (Bruce was a bit too childish for my tastes; Cybill a bit too stiff), but I've always loved the "enemies to lovers" trope one that may not be fashionable on Twitter these days (What is? Can we please stop using the whiniest place on earth as the barometer of what is acceptable culturally?) but is enormously popular in romantic fiction. Bantering, fighting - it's all still foreplay. So it's a shame to hear that Moonlighting which is (along with the first five seasons of Cheers) the best enemies to lovers dynamic delineated on the small screen in all of television history, hardly known these days. Why is that? I'm guessing it has to do with the lack of it being in perpetual reruns (like Cheers) or available on streaming networks. If it WAS, I'm willing to bet this show would take on the legendary status it deserves.

Scott Ryan is the first to pen a book about those four short years when an intelligent, articulate, and very adult (if Cybill and Bruce weren't in their 30s when this aired, they both looked it) pair were the sexiest things on TV. You could still do that in the 80s. The 90s came in and teen shows became all the rage. Oddly, as a kid, I liked adult shows much better. Still do.

I'm rambling. My point is this - if you are a Moonlighting fan, you have to get this oral history. Other than Bruce Willis, everyone involved in the show, including Cybill Shepherd and Glenn Gordon Caron, talk at length. Yes, there are times when Ryan seems to let his "Stan-ness" overtake him. There are times when I felt he should have pressed harder to get at the truth of things. For instance, there is much talk of Cybill and Bruce not getting along. Everyone says this at one point or another. But other than that both didn't want to come to set on time (clearly they were both egregiously overworked), no one is pressed on what exactly they didn't like about each other. Surely someone knew? Perhaps Ryan - clearly a huge fan of the show- was worried this would come across as too tabloidy, but because it is mentioned so often, without more details, it just seems vague and teasing. In another instance, Caron says that Billy Joel hated the episode centered around his song "Big Man on Mulberry Street" but Ryan doesn't ask Joel about this (Joel does speak in the book).

All in all Ryan does a tremendous job getting so many disparate people to talk about the experience of the show which sounds equal parts euphoric with its creative freedoms and hellish with its disorganization. Ryan astutely concludes that if Bruce and Cybill didn't like each other, much of that could probably be attributable to them having to spend 18 hour days together learning copious amounts of complex dialogue in extremely short periods of time. The pressure on both of them was immense and it's no wonder they seemed to short circuit (Let's not forget Cybill was pregnant with twins during this time, and then trying to raise them!).

For a short while, there was a network show that broke all the rules - it aired a black and white episode, it aired a musical episode, an episode spoken completely in iambic pentameter and in Elizabethan dress, an episode where Bruce played a fetus that was miscarried. Wow millennials, y'all missing out. Look on YouTube, most of the episodes are there (ssshhh!!!).

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Ryan's captivating book, "Moonlighting: An Oral History," serves as a cherished time capsule, transporting readers back to an era when television was defined by the magnetic chemistry between its stars and the enchantment of witty banter. This lovingly crafted oral history resurrects the bygone days of the beloved series, reigniting the flame of nostalgia and reminding us of the transcendent power of on-screen romance.

In this remarkable volume, Ryan expertly weaves together the voices of the show's creators, writers, and cast members, transporting us into the world of "Moonlighting" and its enduring legacy. Through their firsthand accounts, we gain intimate insights into the magic that unfolded behind the scenes, the triumphs, the challenges, and the sheer passion that fueled the show's success.

"Moonlighting: An Oral History" effortlessly captures the essence of the series, recounting the tumultuous journey of Maddie Hayes and David Addison with palpable warmth and tenderness. As we dive into the reminiscences of the cast and crew, we are enveloped in a wave of sentimentality, revisiting the unforgettable moments that made our hearts race and our laughter ring out.

Ryan's meticulous attention to detail and his genuine love for the subject matter are evident on every page. Through a wealth of interviews, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes revelations, he breathes life into the story of "Moonlighting," showcasing the alchemy between Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis that sparked an electric dynamic, forever etching their characters into the annals of television history.

Beyond the nostalgia, "Moonlighting: An Oral History" pays homage to the groundbreaking nature of the series. It explores how the show pushed boundaries, blending comedy, drama, and romance in a unique and daring way. The book serves as a testament to the show's impact, reminding us of its influence on future television series and its enduring place in the hearts of fans.

As readers immerse themselves in the memories and behind-the-scenes stories, a profound sense of longing and affection emerges. Ryan's eloquent prose transports us back to a time when we eagerly anticipated each episode, when our imaginations were ignited, and when we fell in love with the intoxicating dance of passion and tension that unfolded on our screens.

"Moonlighting: An Oral History" is a love letter to a cherished era of television and a celebration of a show that captured our collective hearts. Scott Ryan's remarkable work is a must-read for fans of the series, as well as anyone who cherishes the transformative power of a timeless romance.

Prepare to be swept away on a wistful journey, where the memories of "Moonlighting" resurface, and the lingering enchantment of Maddie and David's love story rekindles the flame of a bygone era.

[Amy Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a TV history fan? Then read this book.

Was Moonlighting appointment television for you? Then read this book NOW.

This is not the first television history book by Scott Ryan, whose previous topics have included thirtysomething, Twin Peaks, and David Letterman. He obviously loves the medium, conducts solid interviews, and easily gains the trust of the cast and crew that he interviews for his books. He’s quick to point out that there are people who wanted to be part of the process but couldn’t because of time constraints because he doesn’t want readers to think that those who didn’t participate were resistant to the project.

I have to confess that I adored the book as soon as Ryan first mentioned the man with the mole on his nose. He provides the look behind the curtain that embraces nostalgia while sharing new information. For example, while many people know that Moonlighting was Orson Welles’ last performance before his death, Ryan shares with us the memories of the crew honored to work with a genius.

Moonlighting was successful because it was in the right place at the right time. It was groundbreaking both creatively and technologically, but it would never have succeeded in the current television environment. Ryan takes the reader back to a time when creativity was valued more than cost-effectiveness, when shows could generate huge ratings before cable TV and streaming services offered hundreds of options.

Ryan shares the details that bring back fond memories of the episodes from over 30 years ago and immediately transport the reader back in time. He shares the pride, the chaos, the animosity, the frustration, and everything else churned up during the making of the show. Even the most diehard fan will realize that most of us have only seen the tip of the iceberg.

One of the biggest misconceptions is just how little of the show’s demise came from the main characters sleeping together. It even inspired the term “the Moonlighting effect” to describe any show’s decline once the main romantic characters have done the deed. Sure, that could have brought down the show on its own, but there were some complications connecting at one point in time to guarantee the show’s doom. My head spun when I read about all of the contributing factors, and it made sense why Moonlighting was doomed to fail.

There are the running themes and people that pop up throughout the show’s history that have a bigger impact than the reader would expect. Two words - Dennis Dugan.

This is a terrific summer read and will appeal to people who enjoy entertainment news shows and gossipy magazines. It is a must-read for those who walk by night and those who fly by the day.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as fast-paced and fun as the show itself!
This book was so entertaining and, just like the Moonlighting series, I was sad to see it end! What made this book so fun was that this wasn't just author Scott Ryan's fact based report with citing a few random quotes that make most memoir books so dry. He makes his point from the very beginning that "memory is better than fact because it's created by feelings." This book is a compilation of interviews he had with the creator of Moonlighting, Glenn Gordon Caron, the many many writers and directors, cast members on - and almost on - the show, and several other people who made the show what it was no matter how big or how small their contribution was. Hearing several people talk about the same situation gives more of a complete account than any fact could ever do. Everyone remembers things different and has a different view. It's the same but different all at once. Ryan has so cleverly put together the pieces of interviews in a way that you won't want to put this book down. There are some great pictures included as well.
This book chronicles the genius & the chaos and the success & the pitfalls that created (and eventually sunk) Moonlighting. It was really a unique lightning in a bottle show that would be impossible to recreate exactly. It was also sort of a trailblazer for future TV series altogether - both as dos and don'ts of a successful show.
It's really a shame that it isn't streaming anywhere, it's not on DVD anymore, and it isn't in reruns on any channel. I was such a fan of this show when I was younger that I definitely would tune in again to relive it!
This book must've been so fun to write! I'm sure there's probably a million more stories that Scott Ryan heard that couldn't be included in the book. It sure is interesting to see how the sausage was made...
I totally recommend this great read to anyone who was a fan of the show!

Totally unrelated to Moonlighting, his last words of his book mean the most (not to take away anything from this book) are from his 'special thanks' section:
"Before you go, I want to pitch you my religion. It’s called kindness. Our country has gone through too much the last few years. We will never be able to beat power and greed if we don’t start being kind to each other. Be kind not to get kindness back. Be kind knowing you won’t get it back. That is the true act of kindness. Once we all do that, kindness will win. Kindness works. Try it."

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.)

[Len Knighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirty-seven years ago I was in my first year as a student at Lancaster Theological Seminary. When I began my education there in September 1984 I told my friends that God had taken the Baltimore Colts away from me so I would not be distracted from studying, homework, etc. I lived in a dormitory room without a television and so was not aware of the debut in March 1985 of a dramatic new television experience: MOONLIGHTING. I would not see it on ABC until the summer of 1986 but, as a popular song said, "Just one look was all it took."
I must confess that that one look was focused on Cybil Shepherd, who, as of this writing, will be 72 years old in six days. (She has been one of my favorites for more than fifty years, partly because she and I were born in the same year.) This oral history of one of the most ground-breaking programs in broadcast history does not put Shepherd, who played Maddie Hayes, in the most positive light. The purpose of the book, according to author (or compiler) Scott Ryan, is to detail the rise and, more importantly, the fall of MOONLIGHTING. Much of the blame is heaped on Shepherd who was difficult to work with, responsible for work stoppages, and whose personal life (her pregnancy) fractured the camel's back.
Bruce Willis, (David Addison), is not blameless in MOONLIGHT'S demise but is painted in a brighter light by the producers, directors, writers, etc. whose words we read throughout the book.
Do not get the impression from the previous paragraphs that this book is a he said, she said, mud-slinger. There is genuine love mixed in with resentment, frustration, and, more to the point, the joy and exhilaration for being part of an extraordinary production team that brought a program to American television unlike any seen before or since.
If I have one nagging criticism, it would be that mingled within the comments of the contributors to MOONLIGHTING's success are words and phrases that make up the lexicon of show business, unfamiliar to most of us. A little editing and/or clarification would have been helpful.
Fortunately, YouTube brings us some of the episodes that made MOONLIGHTING what it was: in most cases, a visual and audio delight.

Four stars waxing

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to believe that this is the first book to examine the 1980s TV phenomenon that was ‘Moonlighting’. I recall being completely addicted to it back in the day and so invested in the Maddie Hayes-David Addison relationship.

This is an oral history and for it Scott Ryan interviewed those responsible for creating and producing the show as well as cast members and just let their memories speak for themselves. There is some linking material to provide context as well as a number of photographs. While Cybil Shepherd was involved in the book unfortunately due to scheduling issues Bruce Willis wasn’t, though the Acknowledgements clearly indicate that he approved of the project.

This book answered two major questions for me. The origin of the ‘Moonlighting Curse’ and why Moonlighting isn’t available on syndication or streaming services.

It’s clear from reading this book that the curse (defined in the Urban Dictionary as: “When the will-they-won’t-they couple on a TV show finally gets together . . . and it ruins the show”) is more myth than reality and it was good to get the perspective of those involved as to what actually happened.

As for why no one can watch ‘Moonlighting’ now: it’s because the rights to the music used in the episodes wasn’t cleared. I assume that it would be difficult and/or very expensive to do so now.

This was a delightful reading experience that reminded me how great the show was and how groundbreaking. It made me a bit sad that I can’t watch these iconic ‘Moonlighting’ episodes. Oh well, maybe someday?

I certainly will be interested in reading other titles by Scott Ryan, especially those about ‘Twin Peaks’.