Designing Women

Designing Women is currently streaming in the US on Hulu, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. Every one of its 7 seasons holds up. 37 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Dixie Carter leads a cast with real comic timing. Put it on tonight on Hulu and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Designing Women earns its spot. The jokes in Designing Women land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Julia Sugarbaker, Mary Jo Shively, Charlene Frazier-Stillfield and Suzanne Sugarbaker are associates at their design firm, Sugarbaker and Associates. Julia is the owner and is very outspoken and strong-willed. Mary Jo is a divorced single-parent whom is just as strong-willed as Julia, but isn't as self-confident. Dixie Carter and Annie Potts lead a cast that never overplays a joke. The series ran for 7 seasons (1986–1993), building a story that gave its audience time to invest properly. The timing in Designing Women is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Designing Women respects your intelligence. The tonal similarities to Just Shoot Me! Are real, though Designing Women carves out its own identity quickly. 7 seasons gives the story real room to develop. Dixie Carter is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.

Designing Women wrapped up in 1993, created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason — and 7 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.