This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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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.

I was a big fan of Moonlighting!
Back in the day when we had to wait and entire week for a new show, I was counting the minutes for this one. Make a detective agency staffed by an ex-model and Private Investigator and you have t.v. gold. The chemistry and sizzle between Cybil Sheppard and Bruce Willis was palpable. The witty banter was refreshing and addictive. Since then many shows have followed suit, but this was a first for me.
The book was a way for me to jump back into the past and remember episodes. The writing is conversational and peppy as cast members recall scenes and reveal what was going on behind the curtain.
It is hitting the bookstores on June 1 2021. Let's go get it!

A trip back in time to when television was good! I enjoyed this book and the memories it brought back. As someone who grew up in the 80s, Moonlighting was so different than anything else out there at the time. The writing was smart, funny and sexy. Getting a peek behind the curtain to learn more about those writers and how they made this brilliant show happen was such a delight. I LOVE this book and can't wait to get a hardback copy to put on my coffee table. I recommend this book for fans of the show, 80s and 90s entertainment, and fans of the stars Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd.

Oh wow! I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book! I was a fan of this show as a kid, but don't remember a lot from it from that time period. So when the show came out on DVD, I bought all of the seasons, re-watched, and fell in love all over again. And seeing THIS book was about to come into existence!? Yes please!

What a wonderful walk down memory lane and getting to learn all of the behind-the-scenes tidbits that took place throughout the series! I'd recommend this book to hardcore fans all day long, and look forward to owning it myself once it's published. It's such a great nostalgic trip. My only gripe is that Bruce Willis wasn't a part of it. That would have made this great book even better.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the show Moonlighting, so I was excited to find this oral history on the show. The author Scott Ryan did a great job of getting behind the scenes tales and information, and piecing it all together. Plenty of photos from the show, which is always a plus! I wanted to watch the show again after reading this book, and was sad to see it's not available at a reasonable price. Maybe one day!

Even though Bruce Willis wasn't available to add his memories, there is plenty of wonderful stories from other cast members, writers, directors, etc. After reading this book, you'll remember why you loved the show.

I love oral history books, and this one ranks up there with what I think is the best, "Live From New York".

So, if you enjoyed the show Moonlighting, you'll love this book! And if you enjoy seeing what it's like to put together season after season of a show, you'll love this book!

If I could deduct a quarter of a star I would, and that's due to no Bruce Willis. But that's not the fault of the author. Well done, Mr. 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."

The brilliant show that went SO off the rails. I am HERE for all the hot goss!

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.

I was obsessed with this show and the characters and the actors in the 80’s. It was fascinating to read about what was going through most everyone’s head during the good and bad times .... wish Bruce Willis would have participated but I get it. I recommend this book to everyone who watched Moonlighting or ever heard about the drama. It definitely explained a lot.

This is like a love letter to Moonlighting. And for fans of Moonlighting, it is a wonderful behind-the-scenes discussion with the creative geniuses who created the magic of Moonlighting. And as a writer, it was also fascinating to learn more about the writing process.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I absolutely loved Moonlighting back in the day

Great book!

What a great book! For anyone who loved Moonlighting or just a good book than this is for you. I truly enjoyed it.

A wonderfully nostalgic look back at a funny and smart show. I loved revisiting this, and thinking again about scenes, lines, and moments I'd completely forgotten about. There's a humour to this that makes it deeply readable, and the author is clearly a huge fan of the show and culture of the era. For fans of Moonlighting and TV in general. Great access, great stories. Loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book

This book cigs about the famous 80s show Moonlighting . If you were a fan, or had an opportunity to watch the show back in the day, you will enjoy the photos and stories behind the show. It looks like most of the former cast and crew ( with one notable exception) participated in this book.

This is a great history of both a TV series and a period in history. The format is fun and easy to read, and the conversational tone is enjoyable.

I used to love watching moonlighting as a teenager but did not know about the issues behind the scenes.

This was a real revelation and so well written and researched. All the different narratives.

A must read for all '80s fans brought back so many memories.

I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is all my own.

I fell in love with Moonlighting during my first year at university and shamelessly used the episodes in every single essay about postmodernism I had to write. It's funny how quickly I became attached to a show that ended before I was old enough to watch television. Anyway, I was stoked to discover this book's existence. And it did not disappoint.

What I really liked about this "oral history" is the fact that Scott Ryan didn't just pick one version of events or come to an indulgent conclusion about why Moonlighting met its end. The style Ryan used really works here - the cast and crew are allowed, in their own words, to describe what production was like (with a focus on specific episodes). I enjoyed the conflicting narratives. I enjoyed being able to pick which one suited me most! A fantastic book for fans and anyone wanting to understand why some of their favourite shows from more recent times are the way they are.

This was such a fun series back in the day. Many of us recall the behavior that ultimately ended the series, the only one who didn’t cooperate with the author. What a shame. It’s probably the same holdup keeping it from streaming.

I only got to watch a few episodes, sporadically, the first season. I loved it! Sadly, life kept getting between me and most tv back in the 80's and 90's, so I missed remainder of seasons. I'm actually glad this book came out as I'd forgotten about the series over the years (I'm now looking into checking them out on dvd!). This book made me feel a bit better that I apparently didn't miss too many! I look forward to watching the series. The book was interesting and will likely make more sense once I see the dvd's. I was disappointed the author didn't interview Bruce Willis, but happy to read Cybil Sheppard's recollections and all the others who worked on the show. I'd guess fans of the series would enjoy this book and really surprised no ones written anything about the series earlier! Well, it's long overdue and kudos to Scott Ryan for doing the work!

Scott Ryan’s book, “Moonlighting, an Oral History”, brings the creative energy of the 80’s television series “Moonlighting” to a new, deeper life. The book has an oral history consisting of over 20 interviews with behind the scenes professionals who wrote and rewrote the scripts that were often ignored in the hysterical frenzy generated by so many of the right people working together at their peak performance. For me, the style used to present short quotes from so many people one after the other was difficult to follow at first. I did eventually get used to it.

Moonlighting, An Oral History” is a detective show. It’s also a romance, a comedy, and a drama. Ryan’s book is the first detailed version of the tv show. It is an undeniable key resource for fans of this dynamic, unforgettable show. Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd) and David Addison (Bruce Willis) kept the action going by talking on top of each other as they continued to dance their push me - pull me love(?) affair.

Cybill Shepherd was interviewed. The show's creator, Glenn Gordon Caron, was interviewed, as was Orson Wells, who made a cameo appearance. In fact, every major player was interviewed except Bruce Willis. I have to wonder why one of the two stars is not included.

Before I read the fourth chapter, I had to bring up YouTube to watch the entire series again. It was even better than when I first saw it, if that’s possible. It took some time for me to adjust to Ryan’s interview style since I generally read books with a beginning, a middle, and an end. By the end, I learned so many details. For example, about why Cybil Shepard was gone from the show for so long. Also, why Bruce Willis was gone from the show for so long. I can’t tell you, though. You’ll just have to read the book, published by
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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.