Designing Women (1986)

Synopsis

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. Charlene is the naive and trusting farm girl from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Suzanne is the self-centered ex-beauty queen whom has a number of wealthy ex-husbands.

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Where to watch

Stream

• Hulu

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Dixie Carter as Julia Sugarbaker
• Annie Potts as Mary Jo Shively
• Meshach Taylor as Anthony Bouvier
• Jean Smart as Charlene Frazier Stillfield
• Delta Burke as Suzanne Sugarbaker
• Alice Ghostley as Bernice Clifton
• Jan Hooks as Carlene Frazier Dobber
• Julia Duffy as Allison Sugarbaker
• Judith Ivey as Bonnie Jean "B.J." Poteet
• Richard Gilliland as J.D. Shackleford

If you liked Designing Women, try

• The Office
• The King of Queens
• 2 Broke Girls
• Sex and the City
• The Drew Carey Show
• Just Shoot Me!
• One Day at a Time
• The Mindy Project

BingeNext's take

If you enjoy comedies with strong, memorable characters and plenty of witty banter, Designing Women is a great pick. This 1986 series follows four women working at a design firm, each with their own distinct personality, from Julia Sugarbaker’s outspoken confidence to Charlene’s sweet naivety. The show feels like spending time with a group of friends who don’t shy away from speaking their minds, and it balances humor with moments that highlight their different backgrounds and challenges. With seven seasons and over 160 episodes, it’s perfect for anyone who likes character-driven sitcoms that mix sharp dialogue with heart. Fans of shows like The Office or Sex and the City might find a similar vibe here, especially if you appreciate strong female leads and a workplace setting that’s as much about friendship as it is about business.