The creation of puppeteer Wayland Flowers, the "outrageous old broad" character of Madame had gained a following in the 1970s for humorous double entendres, wisecrack comebacks, and celebrity name-dropping. Madame was often costumed in fabulous gowns and summer diamonds ("some are diamonds; some are not"), a style spoofing the glamour of Hollywood's Golden era.
Madame lives in a plush Hollywood mansion surrounded by devoted butler Pinkerton, attentive secretary Bernadette, and beautiful niece Sara Joy. The domestic comedy antics of Madame's household are supplemented by Madame's eponymous talk show within-the-show, a revolving door for stand-up comedy, variety show performers, and celebrity guests.
As the series opens, the popular Madame's Place talk show has long been broadcasting reruns, prompting her fans to demand new episodes. Madame successfully negotiates a revival of the show from her home studio.
