The Golden Girls
- Judith D Collins
- Sep 28
- 5 min read
Tales from the Lanai
Narrated by Tanya Eby; Diontae Black;
Paul Boehmer
ISBN: 9781696620666
Publisher: Highbridge Audio
Publication Date: 09/30/2025
Format: Audio
My Rating: 5 Stars + (ALC)
The Golden Girls: Tales from the Lanai is an accessible collection that explores the cultural, industrial, and historical impact of that beloved American sitcom. Edited by Taylor Cole Miller and Alfred L. Martin, Jr., this anthology brings together a diverse range of voices that model different media studies approaches to researching and critically analyzing television texts.
The Golden Girls reclaims the production history and development of the show, opens new conversations about audiences—especially Black, queer, and female audiences—and provides new insight into the meteoric rise in popularity of The Golden Girls as a 2020s cultural phenomenon.
With twelve original chapters and extensive original interviews offering listeners rare insights behind the scenes, the book is a long day's journey into the marinara of The Golden Girls—an immersive, engaging opportunity for listeners to learn more about the show. It truly is the golden age of The Golden Girls.
My Review
THE GOLDEN GIRLS: Tales From the Lanai is a captivating anthology that stands as a tribute to the beloved sitcom, cherished by fans and examined by scholars alike. Curated by the talented Taylor Cole Miller and Alfred L. Martin, Jr., this impressive, remarkable audiobook brings together a diverse array of voices that delve into the heart and soul of the series.
Featuring insightful interviews, thought-provoking essays, and a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse, this collection offers a rich exploration of the enduring legacy of a show that continues to delight audiences today.
About...
CONTENT: The dazzling audiobook features twelve original chapters and in-depth exclusive interviews with the show's creators, cast, and crew.
FASCINATING BEHIND THE SCENES: Listeners gain rare behind-the-scenes perspectives and never-before-revealed exclusive stories about the show.
INSIGHTS & CULTURAL ANALYSIS: The audio provides a deep analysis of The Golden Girls' industrial, cultural, and historical impact, connecting its popularity in the 1980s to its status as a 2020s cultural phenomenon.
FANS: The content is designed to engage both casual fans with witty commentary and die-hard fanatics with solid research.
My Reflections...
Like many fans, I have always held a special place in my heart for the original GOLDEN GIRLS series. Its enduring nostalgic charm has followed me through the years, and I continue to revel in countless reruns and delightful clips that circulate on social media today. The show embodies comfort, humor, and pure entertainment, resonating especially during the pandemic era when we all craved a hearty laugh and a sense of connection.
Set in the vibrant backdrop of Miami, Florida, this beloved show features a remarkable ensemble of characters: the quick-witted Dorothy Zbornak (brilliantly portrayed by Bea Arthur), the endearingly naïve Rose Nylund (the iconic Betty White), the charmingly flirtatious Blanche Devereaux (the fabulous Rue McClanahan), and the sharp-tongued matriarch Sophia Petrillo (the remarkable Estelle Getty). Together, they form a dynamic household that serves up sass and camaraderie in equal measure.
I found the contributors' insights to be both enriching, fascinating, and thought-provoking, as they share a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories and explore the show's profound cultural impact. The detailed analysis revealed not just the significance of the series but also the factors contributing to its unwavering popularity across generations.
What truly sets THE GOLDEN GIRLS apart is its ability to tackle a wide array of timely and relevant topics. From the complexities of motherhood and the nuances of single life to discussions surrounding sexuality, image, aging, gender, and racial identity, the show caters beautifully to diverse audiences, including Black, queer, and female viewers. This collection delivers fresh perspectives on the resurgent popularity of THE GOLDEN GIRLS as a cultural phenomenon in the 2020s, proving its timelessness and relevance in today’s society.
The audiobook...
TOP AUDIOBOOKS OF 2025!
The audiobook is a masterfully crafted experience, enhanced by a talented ensemble of voice actors: Tanya Eby, Diontae Black, and Paul Boehmer. Their exceptional performances breathe life and humor into the collection, allowing listeners to delve into the intricate world of the show and its beloved characters. Each narration is infused with unique insights, creating an immersive and engaging listening experience that captivates fans and newcomers alike. I wholeheartedly recommend it as a must-have for every household, promising hours of entertainment and discovery.
Recs...
A timeless classic cherished by audiences of all ages, this collection is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable women who brought THE GOLDEN GIRLS to life, infusing the show with their wit, intelligence, and charm. This extraordinary anthology of essays, lauded by scholars and fans alike, offers a fresh and thought-provoking exploration of the show's enduring legacy. It delves into the unique reasons why the sitcom struck a chord with diverse audiences
Through insightful analysis and personal reflections, the essays highlight the cultural significance of the show, making it a must-listen for anyone who appreciates its smart, sassy humor and impactful storytelling.
Many thanks to Highbridge Audio and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest opinions. I will treasure it for years to come.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 30, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars +
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Praise
"These tales offer an amazingly detailed history of the Girls, full of in-depth analysis, revealing interviews, never-before-known facts, and sly references to our favorite funny moments and one-liners. Like Dorothy, it's super-smart. Like Sophia, it'll have you laughing out loud. And like Vanna White's memoir, it's just a helluva book!"
-- Jim Colucci ― New York Times bestselling author of Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai
"Miller and Martin have expertly curated an impressive collection of essays that capture the wit and the heart of The Golden Girls while simultaneously offering an essential contribution to the field of television studies. This is the book that fans and scholars have been waiting for."
-- Racquel J. Gates ― author of Double Negative: The Black Image and Popular Culture
"This book is a testament to both the emotional truth and sociological power this powerhouse television show created. It is a glorious and fascinating look into the writing, the performances, and most of all, the many lines they crossed. I say this from the bottom of my heart to the humans involved in this book: Thank you. For being a friend."
-- Alexandra Billings ― actress and author of This Time for Me: A Memoir
"This book is more fun than a herring circus. Martin and Miller have put together a collection that deftly illustrates the depth, significance, and risk taking that define The Golden Girls. It's an important addition to work on eighties TV and a must-read for fans of the Girls. It made me feel like I just won Butter Queen."
-- Kelly Kessler ― author of Broadway in the Box: Television's Lasting Love Affair with the Musical
"Weaving together witty commentary, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and solid research, this book allows the reader—from casual fan to die-hard fanatic—to reflect upon The Golden Girls phenomenon in fresh and thought-provoking ways."
-- Maria Carpiac ― professor and director of the Gerontology Program at California State University, Long Beach
About the Author
Taylor Cole Miller is an assistant professor of media studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Alfred L. Martin Jr. is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami. He is the author of Fandom for Us, by Us: The Pleasures and Practices of Black Audiences and The Generic Closet: Black Gayness and the Black-Cast Sitcom, and editor of Rolling: Blackness and Mediated Comedy.
