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The Worst Episodes of Murphy Brown

Every episode of Murphy Brown ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Murphy Brown!

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Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) is a recovering alcoholic who returns to the fictional newsmagazine FYI for the first time following a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic residential treatment center. Over 40 and single, she

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  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 14 - The Big Thaw
    6.1/10(52 votes)

    #1 - The Big Thaw

    S9:E14

    When Kay and Murphy are the only ones to make it into the office during a snowstorm. Kay seizes the opportunity to get an evaluation of her performance. Instead, she gets Murphy giving her several examples of how she acted in a variety of situations.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Rob Bragin

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  2. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 5 - Office Politics
    6.2/10(52 votes)

    #2 - Office Politics

    S9:E5

    Murphy begins to redecorate her bedroom into an office with a few extra amenities. Jim insists that she get a permit and have the job done properly, she'd already started. To get a permit, she has to get permission from her neighbor, Old Man Swenson. Eventually an agreement is reached, but will Murphy endure him long enough to keep up her end of the bargain.

    Director:Joe Regalbuto
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 1 - Murphy Redux
    6.3/10(60 votes)

    #3 - Murphy Redux

    S10:E1

    Murphy says her goodbyes to the gang of FYI. She takes a month off before her new job at the White House starts. On her first day, Murphy enters the gate of the White House and forty minutes later she makes her exit. She goes back to FYI looking for her old job; though Joan Lunden is a prime candidate. When she does return, her first show back features a report by Corky on breast cancer. Appalled by the fact that neither Murphy nor Kay has had a recent mammogram, Corky insists they each get one. Kay's test is negative, but Murphy has to speak to the doctor.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 19 - A Man and a Woman
    6.3/10(65 votes)

    #4 - A Man and a Woman

    S10:E19

    To prove her point about gender identification, Kay shows up at Phil's dressed as a man. The disguise fools the staff and Murphy uses Kay in her disguise to stop the advances of an IRS tax accountant that has information Muprhy needs for a big story. Unfortunately, the poly jeopardizes Murphy's chances at the story. The staff tries to help Murphy rescue her story.

    Director:Steve Zuckerman
    Writer:Jhoni Marchinko

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  5. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 4 - Son of Dottie
    6.4/10(53 votes)

    #5 - Son of Dottie

    S9:E4

    Dottie invites Avery to her son Harrison's birthday party, despite the fact that Murphy tells her she doesn't like her. Corky finds some interesting information on Dottie's clothing line, Murphy makes a deal and trades stories; then she dishes the dirt on Dottie. Even that doesn't initially keep Dottie away. Finally she hates her; however, Murphy discovers that Avery still wants to go to the party. Murphy sneaks him in, but Dottie still demands an apology.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 13 - Montezuma's Retreat
    6.5/10(54 votes)

    #6 - Montezuma's Retreat

    S9:E13

    Murphy suspects that Kay has ulterior motives when Kay says the network is sending the staff to a retreat in Mexico. Instead, while there, she must contend with filling all her free time avoiding a group of employees from a corporation that she exposed for their corrupt practices. Corky faces being without Miles, yet again. Jim discovers a ""short""-age when he packs his own suitcase for the first time. Frank fearing the worst when Kay wants to talk with him gets the courage to confront her.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writers:Jennifer Ventimilia, Joshua Sternin

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  7. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 15 - Who Do You Truss?
    6.5/10(52 votes)

    #7 - Who Do You Truss?

    S9:E15

    Jim is going to the hospital for a hernia operation. Frank and Murphy both fight to do the commentary during his absence. Kay leaves the decision up to them. They decide to ask Jim, despite the fact that Jim is just regaining consciousness from his operation. Corky gets a protégé, who's a lot like she was years ago; it slowly drives her nuts.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 21 - How to Marry a Billionaire
    6.5/10(51 votes)

    #8 - How to Marry a Billionaire

    S9:E21

    A billionaire media mogul proposes marriage to Murphy while she is conducting an on-air interview with him. Murphy doubts the sincerity of the proposal, then the gift of an 8+ carat diamond ring arrives. She declines the invitation, but that doesn't keep Briggs from trying, by using Frank and the other FYI staffers. He even buys her contract from Lansing, then Kay steps in.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 22 - Hero Today, Gone Tomorrow
    6.5/10(52 votes)

    #9 - Hero Today, Gone Tomorrow

    S9:E22

    Stuart Best is dubbed a hero at a fire. Murphy's probing questions lead the authorities to think he may have actually set the fire.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 7 - Petty Woman
    6.5/10(58 votes)

    #10 - Petty Woman

    S10:E7

    Murphy's archrival, Athena Gillington, invites her to one of her parties. Murphy doesn't want to go because she thinks it is a pity invitation. Murphy relents and attends the party where she discovers two things about Athena, one that she is using Murphy's presence at the party as publicity for her I just turned 50 book and two, that Athena is much older than 50.

    Director:Joe Regalbuto
    Writer:Bill Masters

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  11. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 9 - Tempus Fugit
    6.5/10(54 votes)

    #11 - Tempus Fugit

    S10:E9

    Frank signs his new contract; Murphy is in the midst of negotiating her new deal. After Murphy can't make her appearance on the show, Corky fills in and does a great job conducting the scheduled interview. The network brass wants to give Corky the chance to report from the Middle East. The network only offers Murphy a one year deal instead of the usual three year deal and Murphy won't back down until the network meets her on her terms.

    Director:Steve Zuckerman
    Writer:Bill Masters

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  12. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 11 - From the Terrace
    6.5/10(55 votes)

    #12 - From the Terrace

    S10:E11

    Murphy fires yet another secretary and while searching for a story idea for Corky, Kay suggests the staff go out on the terrace. They get trapped out there, when the door closes and no one has a key. Jim has a dinner date scheduled with Doris, Corky is going to miss the lighting of the White House tree and Frank has a flight to Costa Rica. They have a chance to get back inside when Murphy's recently fired secretary returns to the office, only for the ex-secretary it's revenge time. Kay feels they've been locked out on the terrace for some greater purpose, while Murphy has her doubts. Meanwhile, in a building across the way, a man and a woman fight about the time they're not spending on their relationship, only to be inspired by a group of people on a balcony.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Jhoni Marchinko

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  13. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 12 - Seperation Anxiety
    6.6/10(50 votes)

    #13 - Seperation Anxiety

    S9:E12

    Everyone tries to come up with an excuse to miss Jim and Doris's annual party. This year's festivities are anything but boring when their fight turns into a separation.

    Director:Joe Regalbuto
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 3 - Ectomy, Schmectomy
    6.6/10(55 votes)

    #14 - Ectomy, Schmectomy

    S10:E3

    When Murphy and Frank don't show up for dinner, Kay speculates they have are a having a relationship. Murphy drops the bomb on the rest of the staff. Jim is speechless. Frank tries to help in every way that he can. Murphy faces a tough decision with the myriad of treatment options for her breast cancer.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 12 - The Last Temptation of Murphy
    6.6/10(56 votes)

    #15 - The Last Temptation of Murphy

    S10:E12

    Murphy's new secretary makes a great cup of coffee, but doesn't have time for much else. Murphy receives a call from a former Wall Street trader who has just been released from his prison sentence for insider trading and he wants to be interviewed on the show. During the on camera interview, he proposes to use some of his money to hold a benefit run for breast cancer research, which he would like Murphy endorse. Later, off camera, she does and really thinks that he might have changed when everything seems to go right with the event. Until he tells her that he doubled the million dollars they rose. She also discovers that public opinion is split, not on what she did, but who she did it with.

    Director:Steve Zuckerman
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 17 - Seems Like Gold Times
    6.6/10(53 votes)

    #16 - Seems Like Gold Times

    S10:E17

    Jerry Gold returns from Germany and it seems just like old times for Murphy and Jerry and the gang. Even Kay sees it as she tells the gang how she thinks there perfect for each other. Murphy and Jerry take the day off from work and feel the old sparks again. He inquires on her health Jerry: Did it hurt. Murphy: At first yes, but it doesn't hurt now Jerry: I can't think of anything hurting you Jerry and Murphy end up in bed together and Murphy tells him she does not want a relationship. Jerry says like wise because he's getting married. After Murphy tries to kick Jerry out of her house he tells her he wants her to be his best man because he cares so much about her. Murphy agrees with much begrudging. Murphy pretends she's not hurt, but Kay can see it. She even goes so far as to say Jerry is in town so she will stop the wedding. Murphy: Kay, Jerry Gold is not the man who got away. Kay: Really, because I would have guessed you two ended up in bed yesterday. Do you want to tell me or

    Director:Joe Regalbuto
    Writer:Russ Woody

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  17. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 7 - That's the Way the Corky Crumbles
    6.7/10(51 votes)

    #17 - That's the Way the Corky Crumbles

    S9:E7

    Kay lays down an edict that the staff must stay in Washington, that puts a damper on Corky's trip to rendezvous with Miles in New York City. She also puts a stop to Murphy's expense account. In defiance, Murphy gets Corky on a plane to New York. Fortunately a breaking story in New York City works to Murphy's advantage. However, the next day, Corky ""crumbles"" under the feeling of guilt.

    Director:Joe Regalbuto
    Writers:Jennifer Ventimilia, Joshua Sternin

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  18. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 16 - You Don't Know Jackal
    6.7/10(51 votes)

    #18 - You Don't Know Jackal

    S9:E16

    When Kay isn't sure about the accuracy of Murphy's source, she wants to meet him. To keep her source's anonymity Murphy and Frank decide to hire an impostor. Unfortunately they both hire someone for the part. The guy Frank hires, a video store clerk, seizes the opportunity to be on television when he tells Kay he'll appear to be on the show.

    Director:Joe Regalbuto
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Murphy Brown Season 10 Episode 18 - Second Time Around
    6.7/10(53 votes)

    #19 - Second Time Around

    S10:E18

    For a birthday present, Murphy helps her friend Lisa, from the canccer support group, to meet her high school crush. The gang decides to return the same favor for Murphy when Murphy mentions the name of boy she had a crush on; he was the lead in a high school production of ""The Music Man."" They set up a surprise meeting and they discover that Murphy's old crush is now a lounge singer.

    Director:Joe Regalbuto
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Murphy Brown Season 2 Episode 25 - The Bitch's Back
    6.8/10(74 votes)

    #20 - The Bitch's Back

    S2:E25

    Miles orders the staff to take a stress reduction class. After reluctantly showing up for it, Murphy slips a disc however that doesn't stop her from working on a hot story.

    Director:Barnet Kellman
    Writers:Steven Peterman, Gary Dontzig

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  21. Murphy Brown Season 7 Episode 26 - Retrospective (2)
    6.8/10(52 votes)

    #21 - Retrospective (2)

    S7:E26

    The first seven seasons of the show are highlighted by Lesley Stahl of CBS's 60 Minutes including interviews with the cast and Diane English, the series creator.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Murphy Brown Season 8 Episode 22 - Casa Nova
    6.8/10(52 votes)

    #22 - Casa Nova

    S8:E22

    Frank, smitten with a real estate agent, buys a 5 million dollar mansion that he can't afford.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 6 - Phil's Dead - Long Live Phil's
    6.8/10(53 votes)

    #23 - Phil's Dead - Long Live Phil's

    S9:E6

    Phil passes away. When Phyllis announces her intention to sell, the gang decides to buy the bar. Trouble begins when each has their own idea how to improve the place. Finally they decide that they should keep one tradition.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 10 - Nobody's Perfect
    6.8/10(50 votes)

    #24 - Nobody's Perfect

    S9:E10

    Frank thinks that Dana may finally be the one. He asks Murphy to have lunch with her and give her approval. When she does, he hesitates, but then moves he moves in with her. At their first dinner party, some truths about Dana are revealed. She keeps a menagerie in her apartment, has a son, her furniture is being repossessed and her ex-husband has broken out of prison and is looking for a place to stay.

    Director:Peter Bonerz
    Writer:Tom Palmer

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  25. Murphy Brown Season 9 Episode 11 - A One Night Stan
    6.8/10(54 votes)

    #25 - A One Night Stan

    S9:E11

    In an attempt to divert Kay's attention from FYI Murphy suggests that Kay produce a new afternoon talk show that she also convinces Stan that he can host. Frank even gets to play the saxophone in the house band. The premiere show starts out real bad and guest Tom Hanks escapes. Murphy becomes the replacement guest.

    Director:Joe Regalbuto
    Writer:Unknown

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Worst Episodes Summary

"The Big Thaw" is the worst rated episode of "Murphy Brown". It scored 6.1/10 based on 52 votes. Directed by Peter Bonerz and written by Rob Bragin, it aired on 1/6/1997. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Office Politics".