Episode Details

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes TV writer April Smith to Advanced TV Herstory to explore storytelling from a woman's point of view. Writer-turned-novelist April Smith shares her television journey, from Lou Grant (1977-1982) and Cagney & Lacey (1982-1988) to Chicago Hope (1994-2000), and what it took to create Emmy-nominated episodes during a time some consider the "Second Golden Age of Television."

Smith's story is one of persistence, vision, and creative grit, as she wrote across genres and decades with unmistakable voice. This episode dives into:

• Smith's rise through Hollywood's male-dominated writing rooms;
• Emmy-winning work on Lou Grant and dramatic arcs for Cagney & Lacey;
• How women's voices shaped TV's most powerful characters;
• Smith's transition into writing thrillers and historical fictio;
• The balance of professional storytelling and political commentary; and
• Reflections on character-driven drama and timeless storytelling lessons.

April Smith's Website: https://aprilsmith.net/

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PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/