Murphy Brown: Season 2
Season 2 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Murphy Brown Season 1.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 2 Progress Shield
The Brothers Silverberg
Sep 18, 1989 · 24 min
Miles becomes increasingly uncomfortable when his confident older brother, Josh, visits Washington and immediately develops a mutual attraction with Murphy. His efforts to interfer
Anchors Away
Sep 25, 1989 · 24 min
The network sends Jim on a temporary assignment in Libya, allowing executives to audition handsome young reporter Miller Redfield as his possible replacement. Murphy and the rest o
The Memo that Got Away
Oct 2, 1989 · 24 min
A teenage computer hacker obtains a private memorandum in which Murphy candidly evaluates her colleagues. When he threatens to publish it in his school newspaper, Murphy attempts t
TV or Not TV
Oct 16, 1989 · 24 min
A television network develops a sitcom inspired by FYI and sends glamorous actress Julia St. Martin to study Murphy for the leading role. Although the staff initially resents the p
Miles' Big Adventure
Oct 23, 1989 · 30 min
While on vacation, Miles' return flight is delayed by an Air Force pilot who has hijacked an F15-Eagle loaded with nuclear warheads.
Buddies Schmuddies
Oct 30, 1989 · 30 min
Frank and Murphy compete for the same story, but their intense competition puts the story in jeopardy. Phil, to improve his business at night, tries adding live entertainment to th
Whose Garbage is it Anyway?
Nov 6, 1989 · 30 min
Jerry Gold bets the staff that they can't be environmentally responsible for a two week period, if they lose Murphy must appear on his show.
And the Whiner Is...
Nov 13, 1989 · 30 min
Murphy & Frank lose the Humboldt Award to Corky. Then to ride the PR wave, the network brass decide to give next week's lead story to the award winner.
Roasted
Nov 20, 1989 · 30 min
The staff plans a surprise roast for Jim on his 25th anniversary at the network, he tells Murphy before the event that he ""couldn't handle a chance meeting with anyone I know.""
Brown Like Me (1)
Nov 27, 1989 · 30 min
Murphy is set to receive the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, so the rest of the staff convince her that at least one of her estranged parents should attend. She concedes and in
Brown Like Me (2)
Nov 27, 1989 · 30 min
The sparks and the barbs fly back and forth; however, eventually the Browns call a truce. To quote Murphy: ""Interesting family, kind of like a Fellini version of the Waltons.""
The Strike
Dec 11, 1989 · 30 min
To start a significant dialog, Murphy decides she will break the technicians' strike by bringing both sides together for cake and conversation.
Here's to You Mrs. Kinsella
Dec 18, 1989 · 30 min
While Murphy is throwing a birthday party for Gene Kinsella, Miles recognizes a woman he had a one-night stand with at a broadcaster's convention, Mrs. Kinsella. However, Kinsella
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
Jan 1, 1990 · 30 min
Corky is having a New Year's Eve party, and Murphy wants to avoid it. Everyone challenges her to be able enjoy the occasion without the her old vice. Sober, Murphy can still bring
Subpoena Envy
Jan 8, 1990 · 30 min
Murphy is subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury, but instead of divulging her source she goes to jail. Prison is not what she hoped for or expected, but then neither is the dura
I Want My FYI
Jan 29, 1990 · 24 min
Miles asks the staff to be mentors for a group of young reporters who will be doing a pilot for FYI For Kids; Murphy over helps her protégé.
Frankly Speaking
Feb 5, 1990 · 30 min
Frank meets the woman of his dreams, a woman he dates more than once. However, she is a psychologist and analyzes every little thing Frank does, something that drives him crazier t
The Murphy Brown School of Broadcasting
Feb 12, 1990 · 30 min
Murphy's journalism mentor from her high school days has retired, to combat inactivity he comes to Washington to open a journalism school using her name.
Bad Girls
Feb 19, 1990 · 30 min
It's February and sweeps month, so Miles gets Murphy and Corky to pose as hookers to break open an oil company scandal.
Heart of Gold
Feb 26, 1990 · 30 min
When Murphy learns things about Jerry Gold that no one else is privy to, she looks at him in a different light. They begin to have an affair that shocks everyone at FYI.
On the Road Again
Mar 5, 1990 · 30 min
On a publicity jaunt, Murphy and Jim find themselves snowbound in Kansas. While killing time in the bar Murphy challenges Jim's ability to flirt, something Jim may later regret.
But First a Word From Our Sponsor
Mar 19, 1990 · 30 min
A worried viewer urges advertisers to boycott FYI for an upcoming piece Murphy has on sex education. Murphy flies out to keep the one sponsor they have for the controversial show.
Frank's Appendectomy
Apr 9, 1990 · 30 min
A series of outrageous practical jokes, which start with a visit from ""Deep Throat,"" get out of hand.
Fax or Fiction
Apr 30, 1990 · 30 min
When a secret admirer sends a fax to Miles, Murphy takes it as a challenge to answer for him and then winds up starting a correspondence.
The Bitch's Back
May 7, 1990 · 30 min
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.
Going to the Chapel (1)
May 14, 1990 · 30 min
When a ""geek"" from her high school days comes to Washington, Corky's mother & his mother arrange to have them get together. They meet, fall in love, and within two weeks announce
Going to the Chapel (2)
May 21, 1990 · 30 min
Upon returning, Corky decides to go ahead with the wedding, but the event is marred by even more last minute indecision, and then Murphy brings out the ""soul.""