Sweet Tea & TV

In this week’s “Designing Women” episode, a relatively-rare Julia mishap landed us square in the entryway of the Georgia Governor’s Mansion for nearly the entire episode. Which, of course, means it’s time to deep-dive into that one (and a few others) - and why not throw in a “Grits Blitz” while we’re at it?

You know what they say: "Well-behaved women rarely make history!" With a little prodding, our Julia made history this week when she became the first person to stick her head through a (not-quite-so-real) bannister in the most famous house in Georgia. And she did it all for the ‘gram! At least, the old point-and-shoot-and-take-to-Rite-Aid-to-print-it-out-5-to-7-business-days-later version. And come...

Throughout “Designing Women”, we’ve heard the Bakkers referenced more than a time or two. That’s Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, to be exact. Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, they were two of the most famous televangelists in the United States, until their empire came crashing down under scandal in the late-80s. We’ll talk about the highs, the lows, and their remaining legacy in this week’s segment.

OK, when Bernice is at the center of the plot, you just know it’s a good one. Her niece wants to have her declared incompetent. Is it Sugarbakers + Anthony to the rescue, or will their shenanigans lock away our beloved Bernice forever? We just have to talk about IRBAT – as in the International “Rich B!t*h” Alimony Tour –  in a Salina’s Sidebar. Come back later this week for an “Extra Sugar” where...

In this week’s episode of “Designing Women”,, we learned that Charlene’s cousin, Mavis, is in trouble. Let’s focus this “Extra Sugar” on what we can learn from Mavis’ situation and where we can go from here. Most importantly, support is available 24/7. Please call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

Oh gosh, this week’s episode is a heavy one. While the ladies of Sugarbakers are preparing for a local talent show, Charlene learns that her dear cousin is living a reality that doesn’t match appearances. Both plotlines touch on pretty serious cultural topics. As is our duty, we’ll bring you a little about both. Salina’s going to give us a sidebar on blackface and come back later this week if you...

In this week’s episode, Anthony, our favorite recently-licensed contractor hung out his shingle and promised to “eat a bug” if the job wasn’t done on time! What other kinds of wacky stunts do companies pull to sell their products? Well, by golly, let’s find out in this week’s edition of “Extra Sugar.”

Changes are afoot for our dearest Anthony. He has a new girlfriend named Lita. He’s also now a licensed contractor with his first gig, but his clients are being a little unreasonable if you ask us. We’ll talk about it. We’ll also “Salina’s Sidebar” about some legendary Atlanta and Peach State references (who still has their Rich’s teddy bear?!). Don’t forget to come back on Thursday for an Anthony...

Cue the banjos! It’s time to talk about one of Designing Women’s favorite references – or at least Suzanne’s – Deliverance! This movie turned 50 in 2022, but it still has a foothold in the pop culture zeitgeist. Join us as Salina breaks down the trivia, themes, and impact on the South. Scout’s honor: there will be no squealing like pigs.

Haven’t these women learned their lesson yet? They canNOT - we repeat, CANNOT! - go on a trip with the menfolk. Even a short weekender. It NEVER works out well. Unfortunately, they decide to head up to North Georgia and take us on the painfest with them. Fortunately, we can distract ourselves discussing the various and sundry offensive ways they talk about the locals. (We’ll also do a “Nikki’s Nib...

Tiny sandwiches, tiny clothes, and, hopefully, a big ‘ole cake - all ingredients for a successful baby shower! Let’s discuss traditions, Southern and otherwise. 

When the Miss Georgia pageant moves their records over to computers, they discover a clerical error in the voting tally is putting Suzanne’s most cherished title in peril. First, computers? Nothing but trouble. Amiright? Secondly, how…is…Suzanne…going…to…take…this? Maybe not so well given Consuela and some voodoo curses come up, but that’s OK! It’s an excuse to “Salina’s Sidebar” about Marie Lavea...

We’ve done segments about the lives and careers of  LBT, Meschach Taylor, Delta Burke, and Jean Smart, but we owe you a Dixie Carter deep-dive. Today’s the day we pay up. We’re finally talking about Ms. Julia Sugarbaker herself, THE Dixie Carter.

This week, we get some big news that a dying man’s last wish is for a date with one of the Sugarbaker sisters. But, not the one you’d expect. Spoiler alert: she goes on the date and *gasp* ENJOYS IT! (Not sure we can say the same for us…) In the background, Suzanne’s raising money for charity and learning thar’s gold in them hills, when she realizes rich people can live in Arkansas, too, and Charl...

Like we mentioned Monday, we’re doing things a little differently this year and pulling “Extra Sugar” out into its special episode drop on Thursdays. First up - a deep-dive into 1989.

How ‘bout we kick off a new season with an obsession and a little deception? First, Suzanne makes an injured Anthony her own personal dress-up toy, then, Mary Jo leads a (mean!) former friend from her childhood through a web of lies, which include donning a client’s robe and probably breaking some trespassing laws. Salina will give us a sidebar on popular baby names and maybe there’s a Grits Blitz...

Ack! A brand-new bonus episode! We really intended to take the rest of the year off and kick off 2023 with “Designing Women” season 4. BUT, then Netflix and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex so rudely (J/K!) dropped their new docuseries, Harry & Meghan. As dedicated Royal Watchers, we didn’t hesitate watching it. And then, we NEEDED to talk about it. So, here we are with an unexpected drop into your...

Nikki found another crack in Salina’s movie-watching history: the one, the only, “Captain Ron.” The best part? You picked it! (ICYMI: it was an Instagram poll, so don’t forget to follow @sweetteaandtv OR become a Patreon for these special opportunities!)   Did she love it, did she hate it? You gotta tune in to find out!    OH! And hang around for "Extra Sugar: Nautical or Knot?", where that "son o...

Y’all. You know the drill by now – we have to give Designing Women season three the proper send off. Join us as we reflect on what happened both on the show and here on the Sweet Tea & TV podcast. We’ll sneak in a game because…why not?   And, to show our appreciation for the ongoing support, this week’s “Extra Sugar” is exclusively available for our Patreons. We’re looking into new-this-season co-...

It’s an epic showdown in the season 3 finale of Designing Women between feminism and free speech. But, we mean, can’t we have both?? Not according to Julia… Naturally, we have to close out the regular season with an “Extra Sugar” about censorship (spoiler alert: we’re not into it). 

Well, well, well. Reggie Mac Dawson – and the accountant who absconded with all Suzanne’s money – is back and stirring up trouble for the ladies. It’s a real circus (wink, wink). We had strong opinions on this one. Stick around for this week’s “Extra Sugar” where we explore crazy Southern laws and ordinances. (Psst, there may be a “Grits Blitz” afoot!)

First up: a trigger warning. This episode is about assault and, in turn, self-defense. If that’s triggering for you in any way, press “pause” and come back to us next week. We’ll be here for you. Mary Jo’s mugging sends all the ladies to a self defense class. They learn how to protect themselves and we learn, once again, that being a woman is…complicated. Then we’re going to lighten things up - to...

What does riding a hobby horse, straddling a desk chair, and sucking on a string of pearls have in common? It’s all part of a good day’s work! Or at least it is according to the skeevy photographer who shows up to photograph the ladies for an article in a national magazine. Stick around for this week’s “Extra Sugar” about women in business where we’ll hear from a special guest AND highlight some b...

In a tale as old as time, Charlene, Bill–and the exotic dancer they’re both handcuffed to–will take that age-old walk down the aisle where three become one. Join us as we break down all the wedding festivities! Stick around for this week’s “Extra Sugar” – we’re talking bachelorette parties y’all!

We were so excited to visit Horizon Theatre, here in Atlanta, to see the Designing Women play, 2020: The Big Split ! Let’s cover our special, Sweet Tea & TV field trip, complete with a delicious dinner at Wisteria ! Join us as we discuss our reactions, as well as how it compares to the virtual performance from TheatreSquared that we watched and reviewed over two episodes in season 2 of our show.