susanharris – On Screenwriting and Media with Dr. Rosanne Welch

Rosanne’s Presentation on Television Writer-Genius Susan Harris [Video]

Rosanne’s Presentation on Television Writer-Genius Susan Harris

At the 2026 international Screenwriting Research Network conference held at Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, UK, I had the privilege of giving a presentation based on my Introduction to my upcoming book The Works of Susan Harris (To be published around March 2028).

I walked the audience through her career from freelancing for All in the Family to Maude, where she wrote the still timeless 2 parter where the 43-year-old Maude decided to have an abortion. Then I covered her groundbreaking storytelling on SOAP and, of course, The Golden Girls.

There is so much more to say – so you can watch this video from the conference and then keep an eye out for the book!

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Golden Girls Creator, Susan Harris, Always Worth Knowing

Susan Harris wrote her first freelance TV show in 1970, wrote for All in the Family and Maude from 1971-1973, premiered SOAP in 1977, followed it up with the spinoff of Benson in 1979, and The Golden Girls ran from 85-92. Though she retired in the early aughts her “Girls” have since been re-envisioned for audiences in Holland, Greece, and Chile.

How many years AFTER her last hit show went off the air and she – the writer – is known for those shows — not the many journeymen directors who came and went – so much so that in June 2024 June 8 to be exact) the Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword puzzle included this question: 1 Across, 4 letters: “Emmy-winning sitcome created by Susan Harris.” Answer: “SOAP.” The explanation: “Former TV writer and producer Susan Harris created quite a few hit TV shows, including “Soap”, “Benson”, “The Golden Girls” and “Empty Nest”.

LA Times Crossword 8 Jun 24, Saturday - LAXCrossw….

THAT is how writers should be written about (especially by other writers) and why I’m editing a book of essays/chapters on The Works of Susan Harris!