That Girl

That Girl follows Ann Marie, an aspiring actress who leaves her small town of Brewster, New York, for the hopeful chaos of New York City. She spends her days chasing auditions, taking a string of offbeat temp jobs, and squeezing in acting lessons between callbacks. The comedy tracks her attempts to balance the demands of a budding career with a social life that includes a patient boyfriend and a meddlesome family. Ted Bessell plays Donald Hollinger, her writer boyfriend, while Lew Parker and Helen Marie root for her from home. The city is a character in its own right, offering opportunities, disappointments, and plenty of laughter along the way. The humor comes from everyday missteps that still feel relatable today.

That Girl premiered on ABC in 1966 and ran through 1971. It was created by Bill Persky and Sam Denoff, based on a premise and drawing on The Dick Van Dyke Show experience, with Marlo Thomas starring as Ann Marie.

That Girl is widely regarded as a landmark for placing a young, single woman at the center of her life. Marlo Thomas gave Ann Marie warmth and resolve, shaping how audiences viewed female ambition on screen. The show helped popularize independent career minded heroines.

Critical reception was positive for its light, character driven humor and the fresh focus on a young woman pursuing work in New York City. The show explored independence and perseverance, balancing auditions with everyday life while highlighting friendships and family support without preaching.