Behind the Scenes Drama of “Desperate Housewives” Unveiled: The Real Story
Desperate Housewives took audiences on a rollercoaster ride for eight riveting seasons, but the off-screen drama has been equally attention-grabbing.
Premiering on ABC in 2004 and masterminded by Marc Cherry, the show centered on a group of women residing on Wisteria Lane, a fictional street. Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, and Eva Longoria led the cast, with appearances from notable stars like Nicollette Sheridan, Vanessa Williams, and Jesse Metcalfe.
The show clinched seven Primetime Emmys and three Golden Globe Awards during its run, establishing its legacy as a remarkable TV series.
While the actresses portrayed tight-knit friends on screen, behind-the-scenes relations were reportedly not as harmonious. Even after the show’s curtain call in 2012, revelations about the dynamics between the cast members continued to emerge.
2005
Following its debut season, the show snagged accolades at the Golden Globes, with Hatcher winning Best Actress. The cast graced the cover of Vanity Fair, but the shoot didn’t go as planned. The cover photo, featuring the women in swimsuits by a pool, sparked tensions, with Hatcher allegedly having first pick of the wardrobe, causing discontent.
ABC addressed the issue, stating, “While negotiating certain elements of photo shoots is standard practice…this shoot simply did not go as planned…This one isolated incident does not define these women or their relationship.”
2009
After five years on the show, Sheridan’s character was written off, and she left. She filed a $20 million lawsuit against Cherry and the network, claiming assault, gender violence, and wrongful termination. Cherry denied assault, explaining he tapped her on the forehead to demonstrate a gag. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2012.
2010
Details of Sheridan’s lawsuit prompted former writers to allege that Cherry fostered a hostile work environment, favoring male writers.
2012
Post-finale, the cast united for farewell gifts to the crew, excluding Hatcher. Her absence sparked speculation about lingering tensions. Hatcher’s email to TV Guide Magazine seemed to allude to unresolved issues.
2019
Huffman’s involvement in the college admissions scandal led to her pleading guilty and serving 14 days in prison. Longoria penned a letter supporting Huffman, revealing her defense against workplace bullying during season 1.
Cherry also revealed challenges with a problematic cast member, emphasizing Huffman’s resilience.
2023
TV writer Patty Lin disclosed challenges in her book, End Credits: How I Broke Up With Hollywood. Lin detailed her struggles on set, citing instances of racism and unequal work distribution.
In a nutshell, the drama behind the scenes of Desperate Housewives paints a complex picture, highlighting both camaraderie and conflicts among the cast and crew.