Murder, She Wrote, and the Question of Remakes with Cristen Conger

I have a confession. Murder, She Wrote is my favorite show of all time, and when I heard Jamie Lee Curtis is starring in a new version, I had questions. In this episode, I’m joined by Cristen Conger, host of Unladylike and Conspiracy, She Wrote, to make the case for Jessica Fletcher. We get into the show’s quietly queer world and Angela Lansbury’s astonishing life, from teen Oscar nominations to a narrow escape from the Manson Family. We also cover our favorite episodes, a lavender turban, a chowder used as a murder weapon, and why a show with a body in every episode is somehow the coziest thing on television. Then come our hot takes on the remake, now set for February 2028. Pour some chowder. Do not eat it.

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Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Landline: remakes, adaptations, and why this one makes me shudder
02:04 Meet Cristen Conger: Murder, She Wrote fans can always find each other
05:55 Is Murder, She Wrote a queer show?
08:44 The Grady problem
10:21 The Jamie Lee Curtis remake, plus the Octavia Spencer version that died with Quibi
14:55 Aging on screen, Botox, and Practical Magic 2
17:15 How Jessica Fletcher was born: Carla Singer, Miss Marple, and the Columbo writers
21:39 Angela Lansbury’s wild backstory: teen Oscar nominations, the Manson Family, and a move to Ireland
25:53 Favorite episodes: Widow, Weep for Me, Keep the Home Fries Burning, and a murderous chowder
32:52 The fandom: cancelled by Friends, revived by the internet, and a sold-out festival in Mendocino