Moonlighting: An Oral History Review

Moonlighting: An Oral History
By Scott Ryan

Are you a TV history fan? Then read this book.

Was Moonlighting appointment television for you? Then read this book NOW.

This is not the first television history book by Scott Ryan, whose previous topics have included thirtysomething, Twin Peaks, and David Letterman. He obviously loves the medium, conducts solid interviews, and easily gains the trust of the cast and crew that he interviews for his books. He’s quick to point out that there are people who wanted to be part of the process but couldn’t because of time constraints because he doesn’t want readers to think that those who didn’t participate were resistant to the project. 

I have to confess that I adored the book as soon as Ryan first mentioned the man with the mole on his nose. He provides the look behind the curtain that embraces nostalgia while sharing new information. For example, while many people know that Moonlighting was Orson Welles’ last performance before his death, Ryan shares with us the memories of the crew honored to work with a genius.

Moonlighting was successful because it was in the right place at the right time. It was groundbreaking both creatively and technologically, but it would never have succeeded in the current television environment. Ryan takes the reader back to a time when creativity was valued more than cost-effectiveness, when shows could generate huge ratings before cable TV and streaming services offered hundreds of options. 

Ryan shares the details that bring back fond memories of the episodes from over 30 years ago and immediately transport the reader back in time. He shares the pride, the chaos, the animosity, the frustration, and everything else churned up during the making of the show. Even the most diehard fan will realize that most of us have only seen the tip of the iceberg. 

One of the biggest misconceptions is just how little of the show’s demise came from the main characters sleeping together. It even inspired the term “the Moonlighting effect” to describe any show’s decline once the main romantic characters have done the deed. Sure, that could have brought down the show on its own, but there were some complications connecting at one point in time to guarantee the show’s doom. My head spun when I read about all of the contributing factors, and it made sense why Moonlighting was doomed to fail.

There are the running themes and people that pop up throughout the show’s history that have a bigger impact than the reader would expect. Two words – Dennis Dugan.

This is a terrific summer read and will appeal to people who enjoy entertainment news shows and gossipy magazines. It is a must-read for those who walk by night and those who fly by the day.

Moonlighting fans will enjoy the walk down memory lane with the ultimate in 80’s must-see television. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Fayetteville Mafia Press for providing me an Advance Review Copy of the book. It’s your fault that I have an earworm with Al Jarreau singing the show’s theme song.