The comedic chemistry of The Dick Van Dyke Show is legendary. Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore's collaboration created one of the funniest couples in TV history. They were backed up by Morey Amsterdam (human joke machine Maurice) and Rose Marie (the sharp-tongued, husband hunting Sally). The Dick Van Dyke Show was based on producer Carl Reiner's experiences working for Sid Caesar's Your Show of Shows, lending this classic sit-com an uproarious, authentic atmosphere.

Mary Richards is a thirty-something single woman who settles in Minneapolis after breaking up with a boyfriend. She lands a job as an associate producer of the evening news at WJM-TV, which happens to be the area's lowest-rated station. Her boss, Lou Grant, hates her spunk but often looks to her to solve newsroom (or even personal) problems. Mary's other coworkers include news writer Murray Slaughter, egomaniacal anchorman Ted Baxter and "Happy Homemaker" Sue Ann Nivens (Betty White). Mary's home is a modest studio apartment -- and her upstairs neighbor, Rhoda Morgenstern, quickly becomes a good friend. Later in the series, Mary moves to a plush high-rise apartment before leaving Minneapolis and WJM for good.