Desperate Housewives (2004 — 2012)

Desperate Housewives (2004–2012) is a popular American television series, created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. It aired for eight seasons on ABC from 2004 to 2012, totaling 180 episodes. The show was led by executive producer Marc Cherry, who also served as showrunner. Set on Wisteria Lane in the fictional town of Fairview, the series follows a group of women through the eyes of their neighbor, who takes her own life in the pilot episode. Spanning fifteen years over eight seasons (specifically from 2004-2008, with some scenes set in later years), the story includes a five-year time jump along with flashbacks and flashforwards ranging from the 1980s to the 2020s.

Season 1 (2004–2005). The debut season of Desperate Housewives (2004–2012), which premiered on October 3, 2004, follows the lives of four main characters: Susan Mayer, Lynette Scavo, Bree Van de Kamp, and Gabrielle Solis. Along with their families and neighbors on Wisteria Lane, they are all caught up in the mystery surrounding the sudden suicide of Mary Alice Young. Her husband Paul Young and son Zach are implicated in the events leading up to her death. As the season unfolds, Susan vies for the attention of new neighbor Mike Delfino against Edie Britt’s advances. Meanwhile, Lynette struggles to balance her duties as a mother to her demanding children. Bree also faces challenges in her marriage to Rex Van de Kamp while dealing with her rebellious son Andrew Van de Kamp. And lastly, Gabrielle attempts to keep her affair with gardener John Rowland a secret from her husband Carlos Solis.

Season 2 (2005–2006). On September 25, 2005, the second season premiered and introduced new neighbor Betty Applewhite and her son Matthew to Wisteria Lane in the dead of night. However, Betty seems to have a dark secret as someone is being held captive in her basement and attempts to escape repeatedly. Meanwhile, Bree faces challenges as a widow, unintentionally enters into a relationship with her husband’s murderer, battles alcoholism, struggles with the growing distance between herself and her son Andrew, and navigates her daughter Danielle’s romantic involvement with Matthew Applewhite.

Season 3 (2006–2007). The latest installment of Desperate Housewives, now in its third season., which aired on September 24, 2006, brought new challenges for the ladies. Bree tied the knot with Orson Hodge, whose shady past and involvement in a murder case made for the central mystery of the season. Meanwhile, Lynette had to adjust to the unexpected arrival of Tom’s daughter and her mother. The Scavos faced tension as Tom pursued his dream of opening a pizzeria. Gabrielle struggled through a messy divorce, attempted to reignite her modeling career, and eventually found love with Fairview’s new mayor, Victor Lang. In the previous season finale, Mike was hit by a car driven by Orson and fell into a coma; when he woke up, he suffered from amnesia. Edie saw this as an opportunity to pursue Mike, while also delving into her own family dynamics throughout the season.

Season 4 (2007–2008). The fourth season premiered on September 30, 2007, and features a new mystery surrounding neighbor Katherine Mayfair and her family, who return to Wisteria Lane after twelve years. Lynette fights cancer, while recently married but troubled Gabrielle begins an affair with her ex-husband Carlos. For Susan and Mike, being married brings joy as they discover they are expecting a child. Meanwhile, Bree pretends to be pregnant and plans to raise her teenage daughter’s illegitimate child as her own. Edie is determined to keep Carlos, who has temporarily moved in with Mike. Additionally, a gay couple from Chicago — Lee McDermott and Bob Hunter  — become part of the Wisteria Lane community. As a tornado threatens to destroy everything dear to the housewives, the characters and their story fast-forward five years in the closing minutes.

Season 5 (2008–2009). The popular series Desperate Housewives (2004–2012) returned for its fifth season on September 28, 2008. This time, the story takes a leap forward five years, with occasional flashbacks to fill in the gaps. The main plot centers on Edie’s new husband, Dave Williams, who is seeking vengeance against someone living on Wisteria Lane. It’s later revealed that his target is Mike due to a tragic car accident in which Mike and Susan were involved, resulting in the death of Dave’s wife and daughter. As a result of the accident, Susan and Mike’s marriage falls apart and they end up getting divorced. Susan navigates life as a single mother while also sparking a new romance with her painter boyfriend. Meanwhile, Mike begins dating Katherine. Lynette and Tom face their own challenges when they discover their teenage son Porter is having an affair with a married woman whose husband owns the nightclub that tragically burns down, claiming the lives of Wisteria Lane’s neighbors.

Season 6 (2009–2010). The sixth season debuted on Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 9pm. The primary mystery of this season surrounds the new neighbor, Angie Bolen, and her family. During the initial half of the season, viewers are gripped as Julie is attacked by an unidentified assailant while Gabrielle contends with her niece Ana Solis. Meanwhile, Karen McCluskey finds love again and Lynette takes legal action against Carlos for firing her due to her pregnancy. On top of that, things take a tragic turn when Bree has an affair with Karl before he perishes in a plane crash that leaves Orson paralyzed. Moving into the latter half of the season, viewers are captivated as Katherine explores her sexuality while Lynette unknowingly invites the Fairview strangler into their home before discovering his true identity. Additionally, tensions arise between Bree and Rex’s son from a previous relationship and the mystery surrounding the Bolens is finally solved.

Season 7 (2010–2011). Season seven of Desperate Housewives, which premiered on September 26, 2010, revolves around the return of Paul to Wisteria Lane with a new wife and a vengeful plan against those who shunned him during his time in prison. Meanwhile, an old nemesis has her own plans for revenge against him. The arrival of Lynette’s college friend Renee Perry stirs things up among the other housewives. Gabrielle and Carlos discover a shocking truth about their daughter Juanita, who was switched at birth, leading them back to Gabrielle’s hometown. Bree, now divorced, begins dating her contractor and finally reveals the truth about Juanita’s death at the hands of Andrew in season two, resulting in the end of the Solis family’s friendship with Bree. Due to financial struggles, Susan and her family have left the lane and Susan is forced to take on pornography as a means of income.

Season 8 (2011–2012). The eighth and final season of the show premiered on Sunday, September 25, 2011, with a new case for our housewives to solve. This time around, it involves the death of Gabrielle’s stepfather at the hands of Carlos and a subsequent cover-up by the four friends. Bree receives a threatening letter from an unknown sender, much like Mary Alice in the first season. Things take a turn for Bree when her relationship with detective Chuck Vance puts her under suspicion for Alejandro’s murder. As if that wasn’t enough drama, a new neighbor named Ben Faulkner moves onto the lane and catches Renee’s eye. However, Ben is struggling financially and turns to a dangerous loan shark for help. Mike gets involved in Renee and Ben’s affairs and ends up getting shot by the loan shark in an attempt to protect his friend.