Cagney and Lacey: Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless definitely broke new ground with their 1980s drama series, which was the first to star two lady leads. And, more than that, they were police officers, a rarity for female actresses – and one we admired. Above we’ve included the opening credits for season one of the show, which ran from 1982 until 1986.

Murphy Brown: wOw contributor Candice Bergen’s "Murphy Brown" makes the cut for a few reasons: First, what woman didn’t admire the news reporter’s determination? Second, Brown’s decision to keep an unexpected child – and raise it alone – sparked political outcry and a public debate with then-veep Dan Quayle. Here’s a lighter moment: Bette Midler’s guest appearance on the final episode of the series.

The Oprah Winfrey Show: Not only was Oprah the first African American woman to have her own talk show, but she has consistently featured stories and figures who make it their mission to help women. Plus, she gives away all that delicious loot, which definitely gives some women a boost – or a lift, at least. Above you’ll see a clip from the March 25 episode, which features women who left their men for other women.

Ellen: Ellen’s come a long way, baby. Yes, now she’s a successful talk-show host, but do you remember when she announced on a 1997 episode of her eponymous sitcom that she’s gay? It was, in a word, a moment – and gave voice to lesbians the world over. If that’s not helping women, we don’t know what is. Here’s the first part of the episode in which Ellen came out — a move about which the supporting cast is hilariously aware.

Helen Reddy’s Grammy Acceptance Speech: Who could forget when Helen Reddy, who won a Grammy for "I Am Woman," thanked a female god during her acceptance speech. Said Reddy, "I would like to thank God, because she makes everything possible." We’ve included the speech above.

Billie Jean King Beats Bobby Riggs: Alright, this wasn’t a television show – it was an event. Female tennis player Billie Jean King proved women can be just as good – nay, better – than men, when she beat Bobby Riggs in a battle-of-the-sexes tennis match. Riggs had boasted his maleness would help him triumph over the much-younger King, but she prevailed in three sets: The scores were 6-4, 6-3 and 6-3. Riggs later admitted, "She was too good, too fast.” We cheered then and we cheer now. Here’s a short video bio of the tennis star.

Tell us: Weigh in below with your own picks for moments in television that let the light shine on women.