50 Facts About Desperate Housewives

Desperate Housewives is a television drama series that aired from 2004 to 2012. Created by Marc Cherry, the show follows the lives of a group of suburban housewives living on Wisteria Lane. Known for its blend of drama, mystery, and dark humor, it remains a beloved and iconic show in television history. Here are 50 key facts about Desperate Housewives:

The Beginning of Desperate Housewives

The origins and early days of Desperate Housewives set the stage for its success.

1. Premiere Date: The first episode of Desperate Housewives premiered on October 3, 2004, on ABC.
2. Original Concept: Initially conceived as a comedy pilot, the show was rejected by every network, including Lifetime and HBO. ABC eventually expressed interest and retooled it into a dark comedy and drama.
3. Main Characters: The central characters are Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher), Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross), and Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria).
4. Setting: The show is set in the fictional suburban neighborhood of Wisteria Lane, depicted as a seemingly perfect community with many secrets and mysteries.
5. Storyline: The series spans eight seasons, covering fifteen years of the characters' lives, including flashbacks and flashforwards ranging from the 1980s to the 2020s.

Intriguing Plotlines and Mysteries

The show is famous for its captivating storylines and mysteries that kept viewers hooked.

6. Mystery Element: The main mystery of the first season revolves around the unexpected suicide of Mary Alice Young, setting off a chain of events that unfold throughout the series.
7. Character Dynamics: Each character faces unique challenges. Susan fights for the affection of her neighbor Mike Delfino, Lynette struggles to manage her four demanding children, Bree deals with marriage issues and a rebellious son, and Gabrielle tries to keep her affair with the gardener a secret from her husband Carlos.
8. Cast Changes: Vanessa Williams joined the show in Season 7 as Renee Perry, a character created specifically for her due to her existing contract with ABC.
9. Awards and Nominations: Desperate Housewives won seven Primetime Emmy Awards and received a total of 67 wins and 190 nominations.
10. IMDb Rating: The show has an IMDb rating of 7.6/10 based on user reviews.

Behind the Scenes

A lot goes on behind the camera that fans might not know about.

11. Episode Count: The series consists of 180 episodes over eight seasons.
12. Filming Locations: Primarily filmed at Colonial Street, Backlot, Universal Studios in Universal City, California.
13. Production Companies: The production companies involved include ABC Studios, Cherry Productions, and Firebrand Pictures.
14. Runtime: Each episode typically runs for 45 minutes.
15. Color and Sound Mix: Produced in color with a sound mix that enhances the dramatic and comedic elements.

Creator and Cast Insights

Learn more about the people who brought Desperate Housewives to life.

16. Creator Marc Cherry: Marc Cherry served as the executive producer and showrunner for the entire run of the series.
17. Original Cast: Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, and Eva Longoria appeared in every episode, while Marcia Cross missed seven near the end of the third season due to maternity leave.
18. Casting Process: Marcia Cross originally auditioned for Mary Alice Young but was cast as Bree Van de Kamp. Nicollette Sheridan tried out for Bree but was cast as Edie Britt.
19. Fan Engagement: A fan loved the dress Gabrielle wore in the pilot so much that she wrote to the producers asking for the designer's name and if he could design her a prom dress. The producers sent her the actual gown, which she wore to her prom.

On-Set Drama

The drama wasn't just on-screen; there was plenty behind the scenes too.

20. Vanity Fair Photo Shoot: The cast's Vanity Fair photo shoot turned sour due to issues like mandatory stipulations and a contentious rule regarding Teri Hatcher's placement in the group photos.
21. Nicollette Sheridan's Lawsuit: A year after the Vanity Fair incident, Nicollette Sheridan filed a $20 million lawsuit against Marc Cherry, alleging assault and battery, gender violence, and wrongful termination.
22. Toxic Environment Allegations: The lawsuit opened up a larger conversation about the toxic environment on set. Several writers came forward with their own claims against Cherry, alleging confrontational behavior and favoritism towards male writers.

Cast Relationships

The relationships between the cast members were as complex as the show's plotlines.

23. Teri Hatcher's Rift: Upon wrapping the series, the cast gave farewell gifts to the crew, but Teri Hatcher's name was conspicuously absent.
24. Felicity Huffman's Support: Despite past drama, Felicity Huffman received support from her longtime friend and former co-star Eva Longoria during the college admissions scandal.
25. Eva Longoria’s Interest in Reboot: In a 2023 interview, Eva Longoria expressed her interest in a Desperate Housewives reboot, stating she'd be the first to sign up.

Impact and Legacy

Desperate Housewives left a lasting mark on television and popular culture.

26. Cultural Impact: Often credited with popularizing the "suburban drama" genre, it influenced other shows that followed.
27. Social Commentary: Tackled various social issues such as domestic violence, infidelity, and the challenges faced by women in suburban communities.
28. Fashion Influence: The show's fashion was highly influential, with many designers and brands referencing the iconic outfits worn by the characters.
29. Music Integration: Often featured original songs and music integral to the storyline, becoming memorable and often discussed by fans.
30. Fan Engagement: Had a dedicated fan base that engaged through fan fiction, fan art, and online discussions. The finale was watched by millions, demonstrating its enduring popularity.

Trivia and Fun Facts

Some lesser-known tidbits about the show that fans might find interesting.

31. Original Title: Initially titled "The Wisteria Lane Project" before being renamed Desperate Housewives.
32. Recurring Themes: Explored themes such as friendship, love, and the complexities of suburban life, delving into deeper issues like mental health, addiction, and family dynamics.
33. Character Development: Each character underwent significant development. Susan evolved from a promiscuous young woman to a more mature individual, Lynette transformed from a stay-at-home mom to a career-driven woman, Bree struggled with perfectionism, and Gabrielle's journey went from glamorous housewife to a more grounded person.
34. Mystery Arcs: Featured several mystery arcs that kept viewers engaged, like the mystery surrounding Mary Alice's death and the truth behind Alejandro's death.
35. Subplots: Numerous subplots added depth to the main storyline, often intersecting with the main plot to create a complex narrative.
36. Guest Stars: Featured a variety of guest stars, including notable actors like Alfre Woodard, Richard Burgi, and James Denton.
37. Episode Highlights: Memorable episodes include "Pilot," "Come In, Stranger," "Remember," and "Finale," showcasing the show's ability to balance drama and humor.
38. Impact on Television: Influenced the television landscape by paving the way for other suburban dramas like Big Little Lies and The Real Housewives franchise.

Additional Facts

A few more interesting details about Desperate Housewives.

39. Ratings Performance: Consistently performed well in the ratings, often ranking among the top 10 shows in the Nielsen ratings during its peak seasons.
40. International Broadcast: Broadcast in many countries around the world, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, and dubbed or subtitled in several languages.
41. Merchandise: Included a wide range of products such as clothing, home decor items, and accessories, leading to a significant increase in sales.
42. Fan Fiction: Inspired a vast amount of fan fiction, with fans creating their own stories and scenarios involving the characters.
43. Awards for Cast Members: Teri Hatcher won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Susan Mayer.
44. Impact on Social Media: One of the first shows to heavily utilize social media platforms to engage with fans, with cast and crew actively participating in online discussions.
45. Cultural References: Referenced in various forms of media, including music, films, and other TV shows, symbolizing the complexities and secrets of suburban life.
46. Influence on Future Shows: Influenced several future shows, including Big Little Lies and The Real Housewives franchise, borrowing elements from its formula.
47. Legacy in Television History: Remembered as a pioneering show in the serialized storytelling format, paving the way for future shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones.
48. Impact on Feminism: Tackled various feminist themes, such as the struggles of women in suburban communities and the challenges of balancing family life with personal ambitions.
49. Impact on Fashion Industry: Influenced fashion beyond its on-screen presence, with designers referencing the iconic outfits worn by the characters.
50. Continued Popularity: Despite ending its run in 2012, Desperate Housewives remains a beloved show, with reruns attracting new audiences and its influence seen in many contemporary TV shows and films.

The Legacy of Desperate Housewives

Desperate Housewives left a lasting mark on television. From its gripping mysteries to its unforgettable characters, the show captivated audiences for eight seasons. It wasn't just about drama; it tackled real issues like domestic violence, infidelity, and the struggles of suburban life. The series also influenced fashion, with fans clamoring for the stylish outfits worn by the characters. Despite on-set drama and lawsuits, the show's impact remains undeniable. It paved the way for future suburban dramas and serialized storytelling in primetime TV. Even years after its finale, Desperate Housewives continues to attract new viewers and inspire fan engagement. Its blend of humor, mystery, and social commentary ensures it will remain a beloved series for years to come. Desperate Housewives truly redefined what a TV drama could be, leaving an indelible legacy in the world of entertainment.