View source for Desperate Housewives

{{Short description|2004 American TV series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Desperate Housewives Logo.svg
| caption              =
| genre                = {{Plainlist|
* [[Comedy drama]]
* [[Mystery fiction|Mystery]]
* [[Soap opera]]
}}
| creator              = [[Marc Cherry]]
| starring             = {{Plainlist|
* [[Teri Hatcher]]
* [[Felicity Huffman]]
* [[Marcia Cross]]
* [[Eva Longoria]]
* [[Nicollette Sheridan]] 
* [[Steven Culp]]
* [[Ricardo Chavira]]
* [[Mark Moses]]
* [[Andrea Bowen]]
* [[Jesse Metcalfe]]
* [[Cody Kasch]]
* [[Brenda Strong]]
* [[James Denton]]
* [[Alfre Woodard]]
* [[Doug Savant]]
* [[Richard Burgi]]
* [[Kyle MacLachlan]]
* [[Dana Delany]]
* [[Shawn Pyfrom]]
* [[Neal McDonough]]
* [[Drea de Matteo]]
* [[Maiara Walsh]]
* [[Kathryn Joosten]]
* [[Vanessa Williams]]
* [[Kevin Rahm]]
* [[Tuc Watkins]]
* [[Jonathan Cake]]
* [[Charles Mesure]]
* [[Madison De La Garza]]
}}
| narrated             = {{Plainlist|
* Brenda Strong (178 episodes)
* Steven Culp ("[[My Husband, the Pig]]")
* Nicollette Sheridan ("[[Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know]]")
}}
| theme_music_composer = [[Danny Elfman]]
| composer             = {{Plainlist|
* [[Steve Jablonsky]]
* [[Stewart Copeland]]
* [[Steve Bartek]]
* [[Louis Febre]] 
}}
| country              = [[United States]]
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 8
| num_episodes         = 180
| list_episodes        = List of Desperate Housewives episodes
| executive_producer   = {{Plainlist|
* Marc Cherry
* [[#Production crew|''See full list'']]
}}
| producer             = {{Plainlist|
* Charles Skouras III
* Stephanie Hagen
* [[Alexandra Cunningham]]
* Jamie Gorenberg
* Kevin Etten
* Tracey Stern
* Patty Lin
* Annie Weisman
}}
| editor               = Karen Castañeda
| runtime              = 43 minutes
| camera               = [[Single-camera]]
| location             = {{plainlist|
* [[Universal Studios Hollywood]]
* [[San Fernando Valley]]
* [[Los Angeles County, California]] (filming)
* [[Wisteria Lane|Wisteria Lane, Fairview, Eagle State]] (setting)
}}
| company              = {{Plainlist|
* [[Cherry Productions]]
* [[ABC Studios]]{{efn|Credited as [[ABC Signature|Touchstone Television]] for first 3 seasons}} 
}}
| network              = [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|2004|10|3}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2012|5|13}}
| related              = {{Plainlist|
* ''[[Devious Maids]]''
}} 
}}

'''''Desperate Housewives''''' is an American [[Mystery film|mystery]] [[comedy-drama]] television series created by [[Marc Cherry]], and produced by [[ABC Studios]] and [[Cherry Productions]]. It aired for eight seasons on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] from October 3, 2004, until May 13, 2012, for a total of 180 episodes. [[Executive producer]] Marc Cherry served as [[showrunner]]. Other executive producers since the fourth season included [[Bob Daily]], [[George W. Perkins (television producer)|George W. Perkins]], [[John Pardee]], [[Joey Murphy]], David Grossman, and [[Larry Shaw (director)|Larry Shaw]].

Set on [[Wisteria Lane]], a street in the fictional town of Fairview in the fictional Eagle State, ''Desperate Housewives'' follows the lives of a group of women as seen through the eyes of their friend and neighbor who commits suicide in the pilot episode. The series covers fifteen years of the women's lives, which includes a five-year timeline jump in the series' narrative. The women work through domestic struggles and family life, while being faced with the secrets, crimes, and mysteries hidden behind the doors of their on-the-surface—beautiful, and seemingly perfect, suburban neighborhood.

The series features an [[ensemble cast]], headed by [[Teri Hatcher]] as [[Susan Mayer]], [[Felicity Huffman]] as [[Lynette Scavo]], [[Marcia Cross]] as [[Bree Van de Kamp]], and [[Eva Longoria]] as [[Gabrielle Solis]]. The supporting cast included [[Nicollette Sheridan]] as [[Edie Britt]], [[Dana Delany]] as [[Katherine Mayfair]], and [[Vanessa Williams]] as [[Renee Perry]]. [[Brenda Strong]] narrates the series as the late [[Mary Alice Young]], appearing sporadically in flashbacks or dream sequences.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/desperate-housewives/cast/ |title=Desperate Housewives Cast & Crew |publisher=TV.com |access-date=January 1, 2012 |archive-date=December 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222232635/http://www.tv.com/shows/desperate-housewives/cast/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

''Desperate Housewives'' was well received by viewers and critics alike, receiving [[List of awards and nominations received by Desperate Housewives|many accolades]]. It won multiple [[Primetime Emmy]], [[Golden Globe]] and [[Screen Actors Guild Award]]s. From the [[2004–05 United States network television schedule|2004–05]] through the [[2008–09 United States network television schedule|2008–09]] television seasons, its first five seasons were rated amongst the top ten most-watched series.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.spottedratings.com/2010/07/war-of-18-49-desperate-housewives.html | title=The War of 18-49, Desperate Housewives | access-date=May 1, 2011 | archive-date=February 8, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208065912/http://www.spottedratings.com/2010/07/war-of-18-49-desperate-housewives.html | url-status=live }}</ref> And it remained in the top 10 for the key 18–49 demographic into its 6th season through the [[2009–10 United States network television schedule|2009–10]] television season. In 2007, it was reported to be the most popular show in its demographic worldwide, with an audience of approximately 120 million<ref>{{cite news|title=Desperate Housewives On SABC3 Confirmed|url=http://www.tvsa.co.za/default.asp?blogname=news&articleID=4566|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=TVSA|date=April 3, 2007|archive-date=February 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208071938/http://www.tvsa.co.za/default.asp?blogname=news|url-status=live}}</ref> and was also reported as the third-most-watched television series in a study of ratings in twenty countries.<ref>{{cite news|title=CSI show 'most popular in world'|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5231334.stm|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=July 31, 2006|archive-date=August 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801012628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5231334.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, it remained the most-watched comedy series internationally based on data from Eurodata TV Worldwide, which measured ratings across five continents; it has held this position since 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Most-Watched TV Show In The World Is 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/most-watched-tv-show-in-the-world-csi_n_1597968|access-date=April 2, 2022|newspaper=[[HuffPost]]|date=June 14, 2012|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407224933/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/most-watched-tv-show-in-the-world-csi_n_1597968|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000446/2006 Monte-Carlo TV Festival (2006)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Moreover, it was the third-highest revenue-earning series for 2010, with $2.74 million per half an hour.<ref>{{cite news|title="American Idol" king of TV advertising revenue|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-moneymakers-idUSTRE72G9FB20110317|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[Reuters]]|date=March 17, 2011}}</ref> The show was ranked at number fifty-six on ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''{{'s}} "New TV Classics" list.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The New Classics: TV|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/06/18/new-classics-tv/|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=January 1, 2022|date=June 17, 2008|archive-date=October 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020093840/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20207339%2C00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2011, it was confirmed that the eighth season of ''Desperate Housewives'' would be the show's last; the [[Finishing the Hat (Desperate Housewives)|series finale]] aired on May 13, 2012.<ref name="tvbythenumbers">{{cite news|last=Seidman|first=Robert|title=ABC 2011–12 Primetime Schedule Announced|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/17/abc-2011-12-primetime-schedule-announced/92903/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520225832/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/17/abc-2011-12-primetime-schedule-announced/92903/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 20, 2011|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 17, 2011}}</ref><ref name=final>{{cite news|last1=Finke|first1=Nikki|last2=Andreeva|first2=Nellie|title=EXCLUSIVE: ABC Will End 'Desperate Housewives' In May 2012 After 8th Season|url=https://deadline.com/2011/08/exclusive-abc-will-end-desperate-housewives-in-may-2012-after-8th-season-154244/|access-date=April 2, 2022|newspaper=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=August 5, 2011}}</ref><ref name=official>{{cite news|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|title=Desperate Housewives Boss on Cast's Reaction to Show Ending: 'There Was a Touch of Shock'|url=http://tvline.com/2011/08/07/abc-press-tour-desperate-housewives-ending/|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[TVLine]]|date=August 7, 2011|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211192516/https://tvline.com/2011/08/07/abc-press-tour-desperate-housewives-ending/|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of the series, it had surpassed ''[[Charmed]]'' with the most episodes in an hour-long television series featuring all-female leads.

==Premise==

The [[Desperate Housewives season 1|first season]] premiered on October 3, 2004, and introduces the four central characters of the show: [[Susan Mayer]], [[Lynette Scavo]], [[Bree Van de Kamp]] and [[Gabrielle Solis]], as well as their families and neighbors on [[Wisteria Lane]]. The main mystery of the season is the unexpected suicide of [[Mary Alice Young]], and the involvement of her husband [[Paul Young (Desperate Housewives)|Paul Young]] ([[Mark Moses]]) and their son [[Zach Young|Zach]] ([[Cody Kasch]]) in the events leading up to it. Susan fights promiscuous neighbour [[Edie Britt]] ([[Nicollette Sheridan]]) for the affection of new neighbor [[Mike Delfino]] ([[James Denton]]); Lynette struggles to cope with her four demanding children; Bree fights to save her marriage to [[Rex Van de Kamp]] ([[Steven Culp]]) while dealing with her rebellious son [[Andrew Van de Kamp]] ([[Shawn Pyfrom]]); and Gabrielle tries to prevent her husband [[Carlos Solis]] ([[Ricardo Antonio Chavira]]) from discovering that she is having an affair with their underage gardener, [[John Rowland (Desperate Housewives)|John Rowland]] ([[Jesse Metcalfe]]). The first season is also marked by mystery surrounding the murder of a neighbor and some secrets revealed about Zach, Mike, and Paul. At the end of the season both Paul and Zach go missing.

[[File:WisteriaLanePurpleHouse.jpg|thumb|left|The Applewhite house, focus of ''Desperate Housewives''' season-long mystery from 2005 to 2006]]

The [[Desperate Housewives season 2|second season]] premiered on September 25, 2005, and its central mystery is that of new neighbor [[Betty Applewhite]] ([[Alfre Woodard]]), who moves onto Wisteria Lane with her son Matthew in the middle of the night from Chicago.<ref name="wisteriawiki">wisteriawiki</ref> She keeps someone prisoner in her basement who tries to escape multiple times. Throughout the season, Bree tries to cope with being a widow; unknowingly begins dating the man who had poisoned her husband; fights [[alcoholism]], is unable to prevent the gap between her and her son Andrew from growing to extremes: and deals with her daughter [[Danielle Van de Kamp|Danielle]]'s new romance with [[Matthew Applewhite]]. Susan's love life becomes even more complicated as she has serious conflicts with Mike, and her ex-husband [[Karl Mayer]] ([[Richard Burgi]]) who is engaged to Edie, also starts to lean towards Susan. Lynette goes back to her career in advertising while her husband [[Tom Scavo]] ([[Doug Savant]]) becomes a stay-at-home father, and Gabrielle decides to be faithful to Carlos, who is now in prison after being double-crossed by a business partner, and begins preparations to have a child. Paul is framed and sent to jail, not for the murder he committed in the previous season, but for a fake one. Paul's son Zach reconnects with his wealthy maternal grandfather.

The [[Desperate Housewives season 3|third season]] premiered on September 24, 2006. In the third season, Bree marries [[Orson Hodge]] ([[Kyle MacLachlan]]), whose past and involvement with a recently discovered dead body becomes the main mystery of the season. Meanwhile, Lynette has to adjust to the arrival of Tom's previously unknown daughter (Kayla) and her mother (Nora) to the family.<ref name="wisteriawiki"/> The Scavos also experience tension as Tom wants to start a [[pizzeria]]. Gabrielle goes through a rough divorce, tries to get back into modelling, and finally finds new love in Fairview's new mayor, Victor Lang. After being run over by Orson in the [[Remember (Desperate Housewives)|previous season finale]], Mike falls into a coma and suffers from amnesia when he wakes up. Edie sees her chance to make her move on Mike, and her family relations are explored throughout the season. Susan loses hope that Mike's memory will return and in the process moves on to a handsome Englishman, Ian Hainsworth (Dougray Scott), whose wife is also in a coma. Meanwhile, her daughter [[Julie Mayer (Desperate Housewives)|Julie Mayer]] ([[Andrea Bowen]]) starts dating Edie's nephew, Austin McCann (Josh Henderson), of which Susan disapproves. Elderly neighbor [[Karen McCluskey]] ([[Kathryn Joosten]]) hides something in her freezer. A shooting at the local grocery store leaves two characters dead and changes everyone's lives forever.

The [[Desperate Housewives season 4|fourth season]] premiered on September 30, 2007,<ref>{{cite news|title=ABC Announces Fall Premiere Dates|url= http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=07/25/2007&id=20070725abc01|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=The Futon Critic|date=July 25, 2007}}</ref> and its main mystery revolves around new neighbor [[Katherine Mayfair]] ([[Dana Delany]]) and her family, who return to Wisteria Lane after 12 years away. Lynette battles [[cancer]]; the newlywed—but unhappy—Gabrielle starts an affair with her ex-husband Carlos; Susan and Mike enjoy life as a married couple and learn that they are expecting a child; Bree fakes a pregnancy on behalf of her daughter (Danielle Van de Kamp)<ref name="wisteriawiki"/> and plans to raise her teenage daughter's illegitimate child as her own; and Edie schemes to hold on to her new love, Carlos, who has moved in with Mike as an interim arrangement. A gay couple from Chicago—[[Lee McDermott (Desperate Housewives)|Lee McDermott]] ([[Kevin Rahm]]) and [[Bob Hunter (Desperate Housewives)|Bob Hunter]] ([[Tuc Watkins]])—become residents of Wisteria Lane. A [[tornado]] threatens to destroy everything, and everyone, that the housewives hold dear. In the closing minutes, the characters and their story have flashed forward by five years.

[[File:KathrynsHouse.JPG|thumb|The house of Katherine Mayfair on Wisteria Lane, as seen on ''Desperate Housewives'' from 2007 to 2010]]

The [[Desperate Housewives season 5|fifth season]] premiered on September 28, 2008, with the time period jumping forward five years after the previous season, with some flashbacks to events which happened between the two periods. The season mystery revolves around Edie's new husband, [[Dave Williams (Desperate Housewives)|Dave Williams]] ([[Neal McDonough]]), who is looking for revenge on someone on Wisteria Lane (later revealed to be Mike because of a road accident Mike and Susan were involved in that killed Dave's wife and daughter). Susan and Mike are divorced due to the accident putting pressure on their marriage. Susan deals with being a single mother to son MJ Delfino,<ref name="wisteriawiki"/> and having a new romance with her painter, while Mike starts dating Katherine. Lynette and Tom learn that their now teenage son Porter is having an affair with a married woman whose husband's nightclub burns down with all of Wisteria Lane's neighbors inside. Gabrielle struggles with Carlos' blindness, triggered in an injury during the tornado in season 4; two overweight young daughters, Juanita and Celia;<ref name="wisteriawiki"/> and a financial crisis. Bree and Orson have marriage problems because Bree had pressured Orson into doing time in prison for running over Mike and he resents her. She has become too focused on her career as a successful [[cookbook]] writer and caterer, and her daughter Danielle had come to claim back her son while Orson was in prison. Edie dies of electrocution after a car crash, before she can expose Dave's motives moments after she discovers his secret.

The [[Desperate Housewives season 6|sixth season]] premiered on Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 9 pm.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mitovich|first=Matt|title=ABC Announces Fall Premiere Dates for 19 Shows|url= https://www.tvguide.com/news/falltv-abc-premieres-1006734/|access-date=April 2, 2022|newspaper=[[TV Guide]]|date=June 9, 2009}}</ref> The main mystery of this season is surrounding new neighbor [[Angie Bolen]] ([[Drea de Matteo]]) and her family. The first half of the season consists of Julie being strangled by an unknown person; the conflict between Gabrielle and her niece [[Ana Solis]] ([[Maiara Walsh]]); Karen McCluskey finding new love; Lynette's attempts to sue her new boss Carlos for firing her for getting pregnant; Katherine's eventual mental breakdown at losing Mike to Susan; and Bree's affair with Karl, which ends tragically when Karl's hired plane crashes into a building with him and Orson inside, killing Karl and leaving Orson paralyzed. The second half of the season focuses on Katherine experimenting with her sexuality; Lynette unknowingly inviting the Fairview strangler to stay with them before discovering the truth; the conflict between Bree and a son of Rex whom he had before meeting her; and the solving of the Bolen mystery.

The [[Desperate Housewives season 7|seventh season]] premiered on September 26, 2010,<ref>{{cite news|last=Seidman|first=Robert|title=ABC Announces Fall 2010 Series Premiere Dates|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/07/08/abc-announces-fall-series-premiere-dates/56502/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504030246/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/07/08/abc-announces-fall-series-premiere-dates/56502|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 4, 2011|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=July 8, 2010}}</ref> and its main mystery is Paul Young's return to Wisteria Lane with a new wife and with plans of punishing the residents for shunning him during his incarceration, while an old nemesis of his still plans to get her own revenge on him. Lynette's best friend from college [[Renee Perry]] ([[Vanessa Williams]]) moves onto the lane and stirs things up among the other housewives. Gabrielle and Carlos learn an unsettling fact about their daughter [[Juanita Solis (daughter)|Juanita Solis]] ([[Madison De La Garza]]) (who was switched at birth), which ultimately leads them back to Gabrielle's home town of Las Colinas. A now divorced Bree starts dating her contractor, and reveals the truth about the death of Carlos' mother Juanita at the hands of her son Andrew in the second season, consequently ending the friendship between Carlos and Bree.<ref name="wisteriawiki"/> Due to financial problems, Susan and her family have moved off the lane, and Susan is forced to earn money by doing [[pornography]]. Following a major riot on the lane, Susan is injured and put on the waiting list for a vital [[organ donation]]. Lynette persuades Tom to take an exciting new job, which leads to unprecedented problems in their marriage.

The [[Desperate Housewives season 8|eighth and final season]] premiered on Sunday, September 25, 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nededog|first=Jethro|title='Desperate Housewives' Season 8 Premiere: The Ladies Keep a Killer Secret|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/desperate-housewives-season-8-premiere-240019/|access-date=April 2, 2022|newspaper=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=September 25, 2011}}</ref> The main mystery of the season is the death of Gabrielle's perverted stepfather [[List of Desperate Housewives characters#Alejandro Perez|Alejandro Perez]] ([[Tony Plana]]) at Carlos' hands, and its cover-up by the four housewives, which occurred in the [[Come on Over for Dinner|previous season finale]]. After the murder, Bree receives a blackmail letter from an unknown person similar to the one Mary Alice had received in the first season. Due to her relationship with detective [[Chuck Vance]] ([[Jonathan Cake]]), Bree becomes the main character affected by the cover-up of Alejandro's murder, and is eventually accused of killing Alejandro herself. A new neighbor, [[List of Desperate Housewives characters#Ben Faulkner|Ben Faulkner]] ([[Charles Mesure]]), moves onto the lane, attracting Renee along the way. Ben is going through severe financial problems, and resorts to a dangerous and unruly loan shark to bail him out. Mike meddles in the business of Ben's loan shark in an attempt to protect Renee, but he is eventually shot dead by the loan shark. During the first half of the season, Susan struggles with the guilt of her involvement in the Alejandro case, and during the second half, she tries to deal with both Julie's unexpected pregnancy at the hands of Lynette's son Preston and Mike's death. Following the cover-up of Alejandro's murder, Carlos develops an alcohol problem, but Gabrielle persuades him to recover in rehab, which eventually results in Gabrielle and Carlos switching house roles. Tom moves out of the family home, and Lynette struggles to come to terms with how quickly Tom seems to have moved on, until she accepts that she is still in love with him, and decides she will try to win him back. Mrs. McCluskey receives worrying news about her health and decides to end it all, but Bree manages to convince her otherwise.

The two-hour series finale, which aired on Sunday, May 13, 2012, featured the conclusion of Bree's court case. To bring the series to a conclusion, there was a wedding, a birth, and a death, and the future of the four main housewives was revealed.

==Cast and characters==
{{See also|List of Desperate Housewives cast members|List of Desperate Housewives characters}}
During its premiere season, the show featured thirteen starring actors, all credited in the [[opening sequence]]. For the show's second year, several actors, mainly [[child actor|child]] and [[teen actor|teenage]] ones, who had guest starred during the first season, were promoted to series regulars without having their names included in the opening sequence. Instead, they were billed as "also starring" during the first minutes of each episode, together with episode guest stars. This practice continued for the rest of the series.

: {{Color box|#dfd|border=darkgray}} = [[Ensemble cast|Starring cast]] (credited)
: {{Color box|#ffd|border=darkgray}} = [[Ensemble cast|Also starring cast]] (credited)
: {{Color box|#ffdddd|border=darkgray}} = [[Recurring character|Recurring cast]] (3+)
: {{Color box|#daebff|border=darkgray}} = [[Guest appearance|Guest cast]] (1–2)
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%; width:100%"
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width:14%;" scope="col" | Actor
! rowspan="2" style="width:12%;" scope="col" | Character
! colspan="8"|Season
|-
! style="width:8%;" scope="col" | [[Desperate Housewives season 1|1]] 
! style="width:8%;" scope="col" | [[Desperate Housewives season 2|2]] 
! style="width:8%;" scope="col" | [[Desperate Housewives season 3|3]] 
! style="width:8%;" scope="col" | [[Desperate Housewives season 4|4]] 
! style="width:8%;" scope="col" | [[Desperate Housewives season 5|5]] 
! style="width:8%;" scope="col" | [[Desperate Housewives season 6|6]] 
! style="width:8%;" scope="col" | [[Desperate Housewives season 7|7]] 
! style="width:8%;" scope="col" | [[Desperate Housewives season 8|8]]
|-
! colspan="10" style="background:#ccf;" | Starring
|-
| [[Teri Hatcher]]
| [[Susan Mayer]]
| colspan="8" {{CMain}}
|-
| [[Felicity Huffman]]
| [[Lynette Scavo]]
| colspan="8" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Marcia Cross]]
| [[Bree Van de Kamp]]
| colspan="8" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Eva Longoria]]
| [[Gabrielle Solis]]
| colspan="8" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Nicollette Sheridan]]
| [[Edie Britt]] 
| colspan="5" {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="3" {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Steven Culp]]
| [[Rex Van de Kamp]]
| {{CMain|Main}}
| {{cGuest|[[Special Guest]]}}
| {{cGuest|Guest}}{{efn|[[Voice over|Voice only]].}}
| {{CNone}}
| {{cGuest|Special Guest}}
| {{CNone}}
| colspan="2" {{cGuest|Special Guest}}{{efn|In [[Desperate Housewives season 8|season 8]], Culp also makes an uncredited [[cameo appearance]] in "[[Finishing the Hat (Desperate Housewives)|Finishing the Hat]]" (8x23) in addition to his credited appearance in "[[Women and Death]]" (8x17).}}
|-
| [[Ricardo Chavira]]
| [[Carlos Solis]]
| colspan="8" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Mark Moses]]
| [[Paul Young (Desperate Housewives)|Paul Young]]
| colspan="2" {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CRecurring}}
| colspan="2" {{CNone}}
| {{CGuest|Guest}}{{efn|Moses makes an uncredited cameo in "[[Desperate Housewives season 6#ep134|I Guess This Is Goodbye]]" (6x23).}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CGuest|Guest}}
|-
| [[Andrea Bowen]]
| [[Julie Mayer (Desperate Housewives)|Julie Mayer]]
| colspan="4" {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CGuest|Guest}}
| {{CAlso starring}}
| {{CGuest|Guest}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
|-
| [[Jesse Metcalfe]]
| [[John Rowland (Desperate Housewives)|John Rowland]]
| {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}{{efn|Metcalfe is credited as a guest star in all of his appearances during the second season with the exception of "[[Desperate Housewives season 2#ep46|Remember, Part 2]]" (2x24) where he is credited as a special guest star.}}
| colspan="2" {{CGuest|Special Guest}}
| {{CNone}}
| {{CGuest|Special Guest}}
| colspan="2" {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Cody Kasch]]
| [[Zach Young]]
| colspan="2" {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="3" {{CNone}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Brenda Strong]]
| [[Mary Alice Young]]
| colspan="8" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[James Denton]]
| [[Mike Delfino]]
| colspan="8" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Alfre Woodard]]
| [[Betty Applewhite]]
| {{CGuest|Special Guest}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="6" {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Doug Savant]]
| [[Tom Scavo]]
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="7" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Richard Burgi]]
| [[Karl Mayer]]
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="2" {{CGuest|Guest}}
| colspan="2" {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| {{CNone}}
| {{CGuest|Guest}}{{efn|name=8x23|Makes an uncredited [[cameo appearance]] in "[[Finishing the Hat (Desperate Housewives)|Finishing the Hat]]" (8x23).}}
|-
| [[Kyle MacLachlan]]
| [[Orson Hodge]]
| {{CNone}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}{{efn|name=special}}
| colspan="4" {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CGuest|Special Guest}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}{{efn|name=special|Credited as a special guest star in a recurring capacity.}}
|-
| [[Dana Delany]]
| [[Katherine Mayfair]]
| colspan="3" {{CNone}}
| colspan="3" {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CNone}}
| {{CGuest|Special Guest}}
|-
| [[Neal McDonough]]
| [[Dave Williams (Desperate Housewives)|Dave Williams]]
| colspan="4" {{CNone}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="3" {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Shawn Pyfrom]]
| [[Andrew Van de Kamp]]
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="3" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="2" {{CRecurring|Recurring}}{{efn|name=special}}
| {{CGuest|Special Guest}}
|-
| [[Drea de Matteo]]
| [[Angie Bolen]]
| colspan="5" {{CNone}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="2" {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Maiara Walsh]]
| [[Ana Solis]]
| colspan="4" {{CNone}}
| {{CGuest|Guest}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| colspan="2" {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Kathryn Joosten]]
| [[Karen McCluskey]]
| {{CGuest|Guest}}
| colspan="4" {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="2" {{CMain|Main}}{{efn|Joosten is credited as "starring" from "[[Desperate Housewives season 6#ep134|I Guess This Is Goodbye]]" (6x23) to "[[Come on Over for Dinner]]" (7x23). She is credited as "also starring" during the first 22 episodes of the sixth season.}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
|-
| [[Vanessa Williams]]
| [[Renee Perry]]
| colspan="6" {{CNone}}
| colspan="2" {{CMain|Main}}
|-
| [[Kevin Rahm]]
| [[Lee McDermott (Desperate Housewives)|Lee McDermott]]
| colspan="3" {{CNone}}
| colspan="3" {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
|-
| [[Tuc Watkins]]
| [[Bob Hunter and Lee McDermott|Bob Hunter]]
| colspan="3" {{CNone}}
| colspan="3" {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
|-
| [[Jonathan Cake]]
| [[Chuck Vance]]
| colspan="6" {{CNone}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}{{efn|name=special}}
| {{CMain|Main}}{{efn|Cake is credited as a series regular until "[[Desperate Housewives season 8#ep166|Putting It Together]]" (8x09). He makes an uncredited [[cameo appearance]] in "[[Finishing the Hat (Desperate Housewives)|Finishing the Hat]]" (8x23).}}
|-
| [[Charles Mesure]]
| [[Ben Faulkner (Desperate Housewives)|Ben Faulkner]]
| colspan="7" {{CNone}}
| {{CMain|Main}}{{efn|Mesure is credited as "starring" from "[[Who Can Say What's True?]]" (8x11) onwards. He is credited as "also starring" in the first 10 episodes of the eighth season.}}
|-
| [[Madison De La Garza]]
| [[Juanita Solis (daughter)|Juanita Solis]]
| colspan="4" {{CNone}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="2" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| {{CMain|Main}}
|-
! colspan="10" style="background:#ccf;" | Also starring
|-
| [[Joy Lauren]] 
| Danielle Van de Kamp 
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="3" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="4" {{CGuest|Guest}}
|-
|[[Mehcad Brooks]]
| Matthew Applewhite
| {{CGuest|Guest}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="6" {{cNone}}
|-
|[[Brent Kinsman]]
| rowspan="2" | Preston Scavo
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="3" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="3" {{cGuest|Guest}}
| {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Max Carver]]
| colspan="4" {{cNone}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="2" {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| {{CGuest|Guest}}
|-
|[[Shane Kinsman]]
| rowspan="2" | Porter Scavo
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="3" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="3" {{cGuest|Guest}}
| {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Charlie Carver]]
| colspan="4" {{cNone}}
| colspan="4" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
|-
|[[Zane Huett]]
| rowspan="2" | Parker Scavo
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="3" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| {{cNone}}
| {{cGuest|Guest}}
| colspan="2" {{CNone}}
|-
| Joshua Logan Moore
| colspan="4" {{cNone}}
| colspan="4" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
|-
| [[Roger Bart]]
| George Williams
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}{{efn|Roger Bart is credited as "also starring" until "[[Desperate Housewives season 2#ep32|That's Good, That's Bad]]" (2x09). He returns as a special guest star in "[[Desperate Housewives season 2#ep46|Remember, Part 2]]" (2x24).}}
| colspan="5" {{cNone}}
| {{cGuest|Guest}}{{efn|name=8x23}}
|-
| [[Page Kennedy]]
| rowspan="2" | Caleb Applewhite
| {{cNone}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="6" {{CNone}}
|-
| [[NaShawn Kearse]]
| {{cNone}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="6" {{CNone}}
|-
| [[Josh Henderson]] 
| Austin McCann
| colspan="2" {{cNone}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="5" {{cNone}}
|-
|[[Lyndsy Fonseca]]
| Dylan Mayfair
| colspan="3" {{cNone}} 
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| {{cNone}}
| colspan="1" {{CGuest|Guest}}
| colspan="2" {{cNone}}
|-
|[[Rachel G. Fox|Rachel Fox]] 
| Kayla Scavo
| colspan="2" {{cNone}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="4" {{cNone}}
|-
|Kendall Applegate
| rowspan="2" | Penny Scavo
| colspan="4" {{cNone}}
| colspan="2" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="2" {{cNone}}
|-
|[[Darcy Rose Byrnes]]
| colspan="6" {{cNone}}
| colspan="2" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
|-
|[[Jeffrey Nordling]] 
| Nick Bolen
| colspan="5" {{cNone}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="2" {{cNone}} 
|-
|[[Beau Mirchoff]] 
| Danny Bolen
| colspan="5" {{cNone}}
| {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
| colspan="2" {{cNone}} 
|-
|[[Mason Vale Cotton]] 
| M.J. Delfino
| colspan="4" {{cNone}}
| {{CRecurring|Recurring}}
| colspan="3" {{CAlso starring|Also starring}}
|}

;Cast Notes
{{Notelist}}

==Production==
The idea for the series was conceived as [[Marc Cherry]] and his mother were watching a news report on [[Andrea Yates]].<ref name="Bill Carter 2006, p. 161-162">{{cite book|author=Carter, Bill |title=Desperate Networks|url=https://archive.org/details/desperatenetwork00cart |url-access=registration |location=New York|publisher= Doubleday|date=2006|pages= [https://archive.org/details/desperatenetwork00cart/page/161 161–162]|isbn=9780385514408}}</ref> Prior to ''Desperate Housewives'', Cherry was best known for producing and writing episodes of [[ABC Studios|Touchstone Television]]'s hit comedy series ''[[The Golden Girls]]'' and its successor, ''[[The Golden Palace]]''. In addition, he had created or co-created three sitcoms: ''[[The 5 Mrs. Buchanans]]'', ''[[The Crew (1995 TV series)|The Crew]]'', and ''[[Some of My Best Friends]]'', none of which lasted longer than a year. Cherry had difficulty getting any [[television network]] interested in his new series; [[HBO]], [[CBS]], [[NBC]], [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]], [[Showtime (TV channel)|Showtime]], and [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] all turned the show down.<ref>{{cite news|last=McDougall|first=Charles|title=Desperately seeking a ratings hit|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/3634415/Desperately-seeking-a-ratings-hit.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/3634415/Desperately-seeking-a-ratings-hit.html |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=January 5, 2005}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Finally, two new executives at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[Lloyd Braun]] and [[Susan Lyne]], chose to greenlight it,<ref>{{cite news|title=ABC exec helps 'Desperate' network find its footing|url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/entertainment/local/2006/02/22/tel-58689-shtml/14775294007/|access-date=April 3, 2022|newspaper=[[The Augusta Chronicle]]|date=February 22, 2006|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> reportedly after ''[[The O.C.]]'' on Fox premiered in 2003 and showed that a soap opera could succeed in prime time.<ref name="gopalan20130805">{{cite web|last=Gopalan|first=Nisha|title=Josh Schwartz on The O.C., Casting George Lucas, and the Onslaught of Emo|url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/08/josh-schwartz-the-oc-anniversary-interview.html|work=Vulture|access-date=September 20, 2013|date=August 5, 2013}}</ref>
Marc Cherry stated: "In April 2002, I was absolutely 'desperate.' I was broke, couldn't even land an interview for a screenplay, and was seriously worried about my future. I had just turned forty and was starting to wonder if I wasn't one of those poor deluded souls wandering around Hollywood convinced they were talented screenwriters when all evidence pointed to the contrary. But since I have a considerable amount of self-esteem [...], I started writing the first draft of ''Desperate Housewives'', convinced it could turn my life around. Guys, if I hadn't seen it right!".
Shortly thereafter, Disney had both Braun and Lyne fired, following their approval of another new drama series: ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Craig|first=Olga|title=The man who discovered 'Lost' – and found himself out of a job|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1496199/The-man-who-discovered-Lost-and-found-himself-out-of-a-job.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1496199/The-man-who-discovered-Lost-and-found-himself-out-of-a-job.html |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=August 14, 2005}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The ABC executives were not initially satisfied with the name of the new show, suggesting ''Wisteria Lane'' and ''The Secret Lives of Housewives'', instead.<ref>"Desperate Housewives – The Complete First Season" DVD</ref><ref name="Bill Carter 2006, p. 203">{{cite book|author=Carter, Bill|title=Desperate Networks|url=https://archive.org/details/desperatenetwork00cart|url-access=registration|location=New York|publisher=Doubleday|date= 2006|page=[https://archive.org/details/desperatenetwork00cart/page/203 203]|isbn=9780385514408}}</ref> However, on October 23, 2003, ''Desperate Housewives'' was announced by ABC, presented as a primetime soap opera created by [[Charles Pratt Jr.]], of ''[[Melrose Place]]'' fame, and Marc Cherry, who declared the new show to be a mix of ''[[Knots Landing]]'' and ''[[American Beauty (1999 film)|American Beauty]]'' (1999) with a little bit of ''[[Twin Peaks]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Development Update: October 23|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/10/23/development-update-wednesday-october-23-789200/13092/|access-date=April 3, 2022|newspaper=The Futon Critic|date=October 23, 2003}}</ref> While Cherry continued his work on the show, Pratt was credited as executive producer for the pilot episode only, remaining linked to the show as a consulting producer during the first two seasons.

On May 18, 2004, ABC announced the 2004–2005 lineup, with ''Desperate Housewives'' in the Sunday at 9:00–10:00&nbsp;p.m. ET slot,<ref name="Futon">{{cite news|title=2004 Broadcast Upfront Presentations: Abc, Part 1|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=6591|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=The Futon Critic|date=May 18, 2004}}</ref> which it held all through the run of the show. After only three episodes, on October 20, 2004, ABC announced that ''Desperate Housewives'', along with ''Lost'', had been picked up for a full season.<ref>{{cite news|title=ABC Orders Back Nine of Two Top-10 Series; 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Lost' Get Full Season Pick-Ups|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20041020abc03|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=The Futon Critic|date=October 20, 2004}}</ref> A couple of weeks later after ''Housewives'' premiered the owners of NBC called to see who had passed on the series due to its ratings success.

''Desperate Housewives'' was produced by creator Marc Cherry (Cherry Productions), Austin Bagley and, since 2007, ABC Studios. From 2004 to 2007, ''Desperate Housewives'' was produced in association with Touchstone Television.<ref>{{cite book|author=Touchstone Television|title=Desperate Housewives: Behind Closed Doors|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nRaZ2FSgzJQC|publisher=Hyperion Books|date=2005|isbn=1401308260}}</ref>

===Production crew===
Cherry, [[Tom Spezialy]], and [[Michael Edelstein]] served as [[executive producer]]s for the show's first two seasons. Spezialy, who also served as a staff writer, left his previous position as writer and executive producer for ''[[Dead Like Me]]'' to join the ''Desperate Housewives'' crew. He had also worked as writer and co-executive producer on several shows, among them ''[[Ed (TV series)|Ed]]'', ''[[Jack & Jill (TV series)|Jack and Jill]]'', and ''[[Parker Lewis Can't Lose]]'', while Edelstein had been the executive producer of ''[[Threat Matrix]]'' and ''[[Hope & Faith]]''.

Second season conflicts arose among the executive producers. Subsequently, Edelstein left the show mid-season, and by the season's end, so did Spezialy.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news|last=Keck|first=William|title=Wisteria Lane's new landscape|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-05-18-housewives-main_x.htm|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=May 19, 2006|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053333/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-05-18-housewives-main_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> For the third year, Cherry was joined by award-winning writer and producer [[Joe Keenan (writer)|Joe Keenan]]—of ''[[Frasier]]'' fame—and [[television movie]] producer [[George W. Perkins (television producer)|George W. Perkins]], who had been a crew member of ''Desperate Housewives'' since the show's conception. Although receiving praise for his work on the show, Keenan chose to leave ''Desperate Housewives'' after one season to pursue other projects.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schneider|first1=Michael|last2=Adalian|first2=Josef|title=Keenan not 'Desperate' any more|url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/news/keenan-not-desperate-any-more-1117962170/|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=March 29, 2007|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055406/http://variety.com/2007/scene/news/keenan-not-desperate-any-more-1117962170/|url-status=live}}</ref> Replacing him as executive producer for season 4 was [[Bob Daily]], who had joined the crew as a writer and co-executive producer during season 3. Daily's previous work include writing for the [[animated]] series ''[[Rugrats]]'', and for ''Frasier''. Also joining Cherry, Perkins, and Daily for season 4 were [[John Pardee]] and [[Joey Murphy]], who had been with the series since the beginning.<ref>{{cite news|title=Development Update: Week of June 11–15|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=7408|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=The Futon Critic|date=June 15, 2007}}</ref> Both had also worked on Cherry's previous show, ''The Crew'', in 1995, as well as on the sitcom ''[[Cybill]]''.

In the first four seasons, [[Larry Shaw (director)|Larry Shaw]] and David Grossman have been the most prolific directors, together directing more than half of the episodes.

===Filming===
{{See also|Wisteria Lane|Colonial Street}}
[[File:Beaver House 2003.jpg|thumb|left|The residence of Mary Alice Young (as seen in the premiere episode of ''Desperate Housewives''), on Wisteria Lane]]

''Desperate Housewives'' was filmed on [[Panavision]] [[35mm movie film|35 mm]] cameras (except for the final season, which was shot digitally on the [[Arri Alexa]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=Alexa meets Desperate Housewives|url=http://www.arri.com/news.html?article=901&cHash=1d726ec56efa76d0fee65c097ccc2a7e|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Arri Group|archive-date=June 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621012040/http://www.arri.com/news.html?article=901&cHash=1d726ec56efa76d0fee65c097ccc2a7e|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was broadcast in [[standard-definition television|standard]] and [[widescreen]] [[high-definition television|high definition]], though it was framed for the 4:3 [[aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]]<ref name="asc">{{cite journal|last=Feld|first=Rob|author2=Oppenheimer, Jean|author3=Stasukevich, Ian|date=March 2008|title=Tantalizing Television|url=http://www.theasc.com/ac_magazine/March2008/Television/page2.php|journal=American Cinematographer|volume=89|issue=3|access-date=September 20, 2013|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055136/http://www.theasc.com/ac_magazine/March2008/Television/page2.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> until the final season.

The set for [[Wisteria Lane]], consisting mainly of facades but also of some actual houses, was located on the [[Universal Studios Hollywood]] back lot. It was referred to by film crews as ''[[Colonial Street]]'', and has been used for several motion pictures and television shows since the mid-1940s.<ref name="StreetHistory">{{cite web|title=Colonial Street – History|url=http://www.thestudiotour.com/ush/backlot/street_colonial_history.shtml|work=The Studio Tour|publisher=Universal Studios Hollywood|access-date=October 26, 2013|archive-date=September 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927012115/http://www.thestudiotour.com/ush/backlot/street_colonial_history.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Notable productions that were filmed here include: ''[[So Goes My Love]]'', ''[[Leave It to Beaver (film)|Leave it to Beaver]]'', ''[[The 'Burbs]]'', ''[[Providence (American TV series)|Providence]]'', ''[[Deep Impact (film)|Deep Impact]]'', ''[[Bedtime for Bonzo]]'', ''[[The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (film)|The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas]]'', ''[[Gremlins]]'', ''[[The Munsters]]'', ''[[Psycho (1998 film)|Psycho]]'', ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'', and the [[Doris Day]] comedies ''[[The Thrill of It All (film)|The Thrill of It All]]'' and ''[[Send Me No Flowers]]''.<ref name="StreetHistory"/> For the second season of ''Desperate Housewives'', the street underwent some significant changes. Among the most noticeable of these changes was the removal of a church facade and a mansion in order to make room for Edie's house and a park.<ref>{{cite web|title=Colonial Street – Church|url=http://www.thestudiotour.com/ush/backlot/colonialstreet_church.php|work=The Studio Tour|publisher=Universal Studios Hollywood|access-date=October 26, 2013|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029202716/http://www.thestudiotour.com/ush/backlot/colonialstreet_church.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Colonial Street – Colonial Mansion|url=http://www.thestudiotour.com/ush/backlot/colonialstreet_mansion.php|work=The Studio Tour|publisher=Universal Studios Hollywood|access-date=October 26, 2013|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201935/http://www.thestudiotour.com/ush/backlot/colonialstreet_mansion.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

Interior sets were built on sound stages at [[Universal Studios Hollywood]], some of which were duplicated in some form on the Wisteria Lane back lot for filming when conditions required it.<ref name="Wolf2013">{{cite book|author=R. Craig Wolf|title=Scene Design and Stage Lighting|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=roHj1fCd8m4C&pg=PA76|access-date=July 11, 2013|date=March 26, 2013|publisher=Cengage Learning|isbn=978-1-111-34443-6|pages=76–}}</ref>

Filming for the series ended April 26, 2012.

===Opening sequence===
The initial idea for the show's opening sequence was Cherry's. After asking 16 companies to come up with suggestions for how best to realize it, the producers finally hired [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]]-based yU+co to provide the final version.<ref>{{cite news|title=yU + co Opens ABCs Desperate Housewives|url=http://www.digitalproducer.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=29118|access-date=October 10, 2013|newspaper=Digital Producer|date=November 12, 2004|archive-date=September 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922050055/http://www.digitalproducer.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=29118|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the yU+co's official website, the idea behind the sequence is, "to evoke the show's quirky spirit and playful flouting of women's traditional role in society."<ref>{{cite web|title=Desperate Houswives|url=http://www.yuco.com/projects/desperate-housewives|work=yU+co|access-date=October 10, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026173402/http://www.yuco.com/projects/desperate-housewives|archive-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> The images featured are taken from eight pieces of art, portraying domesticity and male–female relations through the ages.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phelan|first=Joseph|title=Missing the Picture: Desperate Housewives Do Art History|url=http://www.artcyclopedia.com/feature-2005-05.html|work=[[ArtCyclopedia]]|access-date=September 20, 2013|date=May 2005}}</ref>

The music for the opening was composed by [[Danny Elfman]], and was nominated for a [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design]] in 2005. It also has been awarded both a [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music]] in 2005 and the [[Broadcast Music, Inc.|BMI TV Music Award]].<ref>{{cite news|title=BMI Film & Television Awards Tout Composers of Year's Top Film, Television, & Cable Music|url=http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/bmi_film_television_awards_tout_composers_of_years_top_film_television_cabl|access-date=April 3, 2022|newspaper=BMI|date=May 21, 2009|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414003043/https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/bmi_film_television_awards_tout_composers_of_years_top_film_television_cabl|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, it was included on the album ''[[Music from and Inspired by Desperate Housewives]]''. In 2017, James Charisma of ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' ranked the show's opening sequence at the 29th position on a list of ''The 75 Best TV Title Sequences of All Time''.<ref name="Paste">{{cite magazine |title=The 75 Best TV Title Sequences of All Time |website=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/title-sequences/the-75-best-tv-title-sequences-of-all-time/ |author=Charisma, James |date=January 4, 2017 |access-date=April 3, 2022}}</ref> When an episode runs long, only the first sequence (the falling apple) is kept. From the fourth season onwards, a shortened synthesized version of the theme (arranged and performed by frequent series composer [[Steve Jablonsky]]) is heard, which underscores the falling apple scene, and the photograph of the four lead actresses, crediting [[Marc Cherry]] as creator.

===Music===
In addition to the theme composed by Danny Elfman, the first two episodes scored by Elfman's former [[Oingo Boingo]] bandmate [[Steve Bartek]], and the third episode scored by ex-[[The Police|Police]] [[Stewart Copeland]], the series underscore music, composed by [[Steve Jablonsky]] since the fourth episode of the first season, defines the overall sound of the show by creating a musical counterpoint to the writing style. The score is electronic based, but every [[sound recording and reproduction|scoring session]] incorporates a live string ensemble. Jablonsky incorporates recurring themes for events and characters into the score.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0558699/ |title="Desperate Housewives" Ah, But Underneath (2004)<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=June 30, 2018 |archive-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311152623/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0558699/? |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hollywood Records]] produced the first soundtrack album, ''[[Music from and Inspired by Desperate Housewives]]'' (2005), distributed by [[Universal Music Group]]. Several of those songs have been used in subsequent seasons.

''Desperate Housewives''{{'}} unique style combined with the heavy dialogue and a quick-fire writing style limits the amount of [[popular music]] used within the series. The series' [[music supervisor]], [[David Sibley (music supervisor)|David Sibley]], works closely with the producers to integrate these musical needs into the show. In addition to featured performances by central characters such as Susan Mayer singing along with [[Rose Royce]]'s "[[Car Wash (song)|Car Wash]]" and Lynette's rendition of "[[Boogie Shoes]]", several characters have been accomplished musicians, such as Betty Applewhite (a concert [[pianist]]) and Dylan Mayfair (a [[child prodigy|prodigy]] [[cellist]]).

===Later seasons===
In August 2009, Marc Cherry said that ''Desperate Housewives'' would be on television for a few more years, stating that the series still "has a lot of life left in it." He told ''The Wrap'': {{blockquote|Steve McPherson (ABC Entertainment president) and I agree that we shouldn't keep the show going for more than a couple [of] years past my seven-year initial contract. We don't want it to just fade away. We've been in negotiations. I expect to sign my new deal soon to set up a future scenario for the show. Someone else will run the show after season seven and I will serve as executive producer from a distance.}} He went on to explain that he felt the program had been revitalized by the five-year leap forward for season five, saying: "Yes, I think it worked well. It was a way to start fresh and let everyone start from scratch in a way".<ref name=years>{{cite news|last=Parks|first=Tim|title=Cherry: 'Housewives could be on for years'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/ustv/s21/desperate-housewives/news/a173530/cherry-housewives-could-be-on-for-years.html|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Digital Spy|date=August 25, 2009|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060810/http://www.digitalspy.com.au/ustv/s21/desperate-housewives/news/a173530/cherry-housewives-could-be-on-for-years.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2009, Cherry signed a two-year deal with ABC that could keep ''Desperate Housewives'' on the air until 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schneider|first=Michael|title=Marc Cherry signs new deal with ABC|url=https://variety.com/2009/scene/news/marc-cherry-signs-new-deal-with-abc-1118010525/|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Variety|date=October 28, 2009|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921074316/http://variety.com/2009/scene/news/marc-cherry-signs-new-deal-with-abc-1118010525/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The stars of ''Desperate Housewives'' finalized new deals to make way for the eighth season and signed at the price of $12 million.<ref>{{cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title='Desperate Housewives' Stars Finalizing New Deals, Paving Way To Season 8 Pickup|url=https://deadline.com/2011/04/desperate-housewives-stars-finalizing-new-deals-paving-way-to-season-8-pickup-121612/|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=April 11, 2011|archive-date=October 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003053657/http://deadline.com/2011/04/desperate-housewives-stars-finalizing-new-deals-paving-way-to-season-8-pickup-121612/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Stahler|first=Kelsea|title='Desperate Housewives' Cast Signs on For Season 8|url=http://www.hollywood.com/news/tv/7783436/desperate-housewives-cast-signs-on-for-season-8|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Hollywood.com|date=April 12, 2011|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054041/http://www.hollywood.com/news/tv/7783436/desperate-housewives-cast-signs-on-for-season-8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=McCathie|first=Lewis|title=Desperate Housewives stars net $12m|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305633|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Digital Journal|date=April 14, 2011|archive-date=August 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803045825/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305633|url-status=live}}</ref>

Cherry hinted that ''Desperate Housewives'' would end in 2013,<ref>{{cite news|last=Wightman|first=Catriona|title='Desperate Housewives' exec plans 2013 end|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a302132/desperate-housewives-exec-plans-2013-end/|access-date=April 2, 2022|newspaper=[[Digital Spy]]|date=February 5, 2011}}</ref> and in April 2011, Eva Longoria confirmed that there would definitely be an eighth season and expressed hopes for a ninth.<ref>{{cite news|last=Still|first=Jennifer|title=Eva Longoria: 'Housewives finale amazing'|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a312988/eva-longoria-housewives-finale-amazing/|access-date=April 2, 2022|newspaper=Digital Spy|date=April 6, 2011|archive-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403021232/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a312988/eva-longoria-housewives-finale-amazing/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Desperate Housewives'' was officially renewed by ABC on May 17, 2011, for an [[Desperate Housewives season 8|eighth season]].<ref name="tvbythenumbers"/>

===Final season===
In August 2011, it was confirmed that the eighth season of ''Desperate Housewives'' would be the final season.<ref name=final/><ref name=official/> Eva Longoria tweeted about the end of ''Desperate Housewives'': {{blockquote|It's confirmed! We are filming our last season of ''Desperate Housewives''! I am so grateful for what the show has given me! We always knew we wanted to end on top and I thank ABC for giving us our victory lap! And a special thanks to Marc Cherry who forever changed my life!<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whosay.com/status/EvaLongoria/83265?code=iwKzky|title=Eva Longoria's post "It's confirmed! We are filmin&nbsp;..." on WhoSay|publisher=WhoSay|date=August 7, 2011|access-date=January 1, 2012|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921103452/http://www.whosay.com/status/EvaLongoria/83265?code=iwKzky|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Cherry, the show's creator, made a cameo as a mover in the last scene of the final episode.

==Episodes==
{{See also|List of Desperate Housewives episodes}}
{{:List of Desperate Housewives episodes}}

==Reception==
===Ratings===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:100%;"
|-
!scope="col" style="width:8%;" rowspan="2"|Season
!scope="col" style="width:12%;" rowspan="2"|Timeslot ([[Eastern Time Zone#United States|EST]])
!scope="col" style="width:8%;" rowspan="2"|#<br/>Ep.
!scope="col" colspan=2|Premiere
!scope="col" colspan=2|Finale
!scope="col" style="width:8%;" rowspan="2"|TV season
!scope="col" style="width:7%; background:#ffdead;" rowspan="2"|Rank
!scope="col" style="width:8%; background:#ffdead;" rowspan="2"|18–49 average
!scope="col" style="width:9%; background:#ffdead;" rowspan="2"|Overall viewership
|-
!scope="col" style="width:8%;"|Date
!scope="col" span style="width:10%; font-size:smaller; line-height:100%;"|Viewers<br/>(in millions)
!scope="col" style="width:8%;"|Date
!scope="col" span style="width:10%; font-size:smaller; line-height:100%;"|Viewers<br/>(in millions)
|-
!style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:center"|[[Desperate Housewives (Season 1)|1]]
|rowspan="8" style="text-align:center;" |Sunday <br/>9:00 pm
|23
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2004|10|3}}
|21.64<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=October 5, 2004|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100504_06|title=Weekly Program Rankings|access-date=June 8, 2010|archive-date=July 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718105253/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092904_04|url-status=live}}</ref>
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2005|5|22}}
|30.62<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=May 24, 2005 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_04 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516042311/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_04 |archive-date=May 16, 2009}}</ref>
|[[2004–05 United States network television schedule|2004–05]]
|style="background:#ffdead;"|#4<ref name="season1X">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=May 24, 2005|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_05|title=Season Program Rankings from 09/20/04 through 05/22/05|access-date=July 3, 2009|archive-date=August 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822221617/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_05|url-status=live}}</ref>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|10.66<ref name="Spotted Ratings">{{cite web|url=http://www.spottedratings.com/2010/07/war-of-18-49-desperate-housewives.html|title=The War of 18–49, Desperate Housewives|publisher=Spotted Ratings|date=July 25, 2010|access-date=May 1, 2011|archive-date=February 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208065912/http://www.spottedratings.com/2010/07/war-of-18-49-desperate-housewives.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|23.69<ref name="season1X"/>
|-
!style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:center"|[[Desperate Housewives (Season 2)|2]]
|24
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2005|9|25}}
|28.36<ref name="Weekly Program Rankings">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=September 27, 2005 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092705_03 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601190247/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092705_03 |archive-date=June 1, 2009}}</ref>
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2006|5|21}}
|24.23<ref name="remember">[http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052306_05 TV Ratings Top 25: American Idol Back On Top With Both Viewers and Adults 18–49] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311232233/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052306_05 |date=March 11, 2015 }}. Weekly Program Rankings. May 23, 2006. Retrieved June 8, 2010.</ref> 
|[[2005–06 United States network television schedule|2005–06]]
|style="background:#ffdead;"|#4<ref name="season2X">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=May 28, 2006 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/19/05 through 05/28/06 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011060406/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |archive-date=October 11, 2014}}</ref>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|10.09<ref name="Spotted Ratings"/>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|21.70<ref name="season2X"/>
|-
!style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:center"|[[Desperate Housewives (Season 3)|3]]
|23
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2006|9|24}}
|24.09<ref name=dhpremiere3>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=September 26, 2006 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092606_07 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |access-date=June 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329105628/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092606_07 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}</ref>
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2007|5|20}}
|18.82<ref name="ABC 052207_06">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=May 22, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052207_06 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |access-date=June 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528010145/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052207_06 |archive-date=May 28, 2010}}</ref>
|[[2006–07 United States network television schedule|2006–07]]
|style="background:#ffdead;"|#10<ref name="season3X">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=June 3, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=060507_05 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/18/06 through 06/03/07 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107155346/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=060507_05 |archive-date=January 7, 2009}}</ref>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|7.57<ref name="Spotted Ratings"/>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|16.70<ref name="season3X"/>
|-
!style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:center"|[[Desperate Housewives (Season 4)|4]]
|17
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2007|9|30}}
|19.32<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=October 2, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100207_05 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |access-date=June 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501042023/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100207_05 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 }}</ref>
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2008|5|18}}
|16.84<ref name="s4 finale">{{cite web|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 19, 2008|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/19/nielsen-ratings-may-18-2008-housewives-rule-country-is-cool/3824|title=Nielsen Ratings May 18, 2008: Housewives Rule, Country is Cool|access-date=October 1, 2010|archive-date=May 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523095051/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/19/nielsen-ratings-may-18-2008-housewives-rule-country-is-cool/3824|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|[[2007–08 United States network television schedule|2007–08]]
|style="background:#ffdead;"|#6<ref name="season4X">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=May 28, 2008 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/24/07 through 05/25/08 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413172935/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |archive-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|6.71<ref name="Spotted Ratings"/>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|17.52<ref name="season4X"/>
|-
!style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:center"|[[Desperate Housewives (Season 5)|5]]
|24
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2008|9|28}}
|18.68<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=November 30, 2008|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=093008_04|title=Weekly Program Rankings|access-date=June 9, 2010|archive-date=May 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529032133/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=093008_04|url-status=live}}</ref>
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2009|5|17}}
|13.96<ref name="finaleratings">(source needed)</ref>
|[[2008–09 United States network television schedule|2008–09]]
|style="background:#ffdead;"|#9<ref name="season5X">{{cite web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=May 19, 2009 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/22/08 through 05/17/09 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131044226/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |archive-date=January 31, 2010}}</ref>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|5.29<ref name="Spotted Ratings"/>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|15.66<ref name="season5X"/>
|-
!style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:center"|[[Desperate Housewives (Season 6)|6]]
|23
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2009|9|27}}
|13.64<ref name="nice">[http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/09/29/tv-ratings-sunday-night-football-house-win-week-with-adults-18-49-ncis-ncis-los-angeles-with-total-viewers/28905 TV Ratings: ''Sunday Night Football'', ''House'' win week with adults 18–49; ''NCIS'', ''NCIS: Los Angeles'' with total viewers...] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511074031/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/09/29/tv-ratings-sunday-night-football-house-win-week-with-adults-18-49-ncis-ncis-los-angeles-with-total-viewers/28905 |date=May 11, 2010 }}. TV by the Numbers. September 29, 2009. Retrieved January 12, 2010.</ref>
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2010|5|16}}
|12.75<ref name="goodbye">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/05/18/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-back-on-top-with-both-viewers-and-adults-18-49/51797/|title=TV Ratings Top 25: American Idol Back On Top With Both Viewers and Adults 18–49|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107054327/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/05/18/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-back-on-top-with-both-viewers-and-adults-18-49/51797/|work= [[TV by the Numbers]]|archive-date=November 7, 2015|date=May 18, 2010|access-date=April 3, 2022}}.</ref>
|[[2009-10 United States network television schedule|2009–10]]
|style="background:#ffdead;"|#20<ref name="bare_url">[https://web.archive.org/web/20101121165731/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/16/final-2009-10-broadcast-primetime-show-average-viewership/54336 Final 2009–2010 Broadcast Primetime Show Average Viewership], ''[[TV by the Numbers]]'', June 16, 2010</ref> 
|style="background:#ffdead;"|4.25<ref name="Spotted Ratings"/>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|12.83<ref name="bare_url"/>
|-
!style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:center"|[[Desperate Housewives season 7|7]]
|23
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2010|9|26}}
|13.06<ref name="s7e01">{{cite web|last=Gorman|first=Bill|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/09/28/sunday-finals-amazing-race-premieres-up-undercover-boss-a-bit-less-bossy-vs-football/65590|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215063617/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/09/28/sunday-finals-amazing-race-premieres-up-undercover-boss-a-bit-less-bossy-vs-football/65590/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 15, 2011|title=Sunday Finals: Amazing Race Premieres Up; Undercover Boss A Bit Less Bossy vs. Football|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=September 28, 2010|access-date=September 28, 2010}}</ref>
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2011|5|15}}
|10.25<ref name="s7e22and23">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110520235826/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/17/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-american-idol-the-voice-modern-family-dancing-with-the-stars-ncis-top-week-34-viewing/92944/ TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: "American Idol", "The Voice", "Modern Family", "Dancing with the Stars", "NCIS" Top Week 34 Viewing], ''[[TV by the Numbers]]'', May 17, 2011</ref>
|[[2010–11 United States network television schedule|2010–11]]
|style="background:#ffdead;"|#26<ref name="zap2it">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-viewership-averages/94407/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604160109/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-viewership-averages/94407/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 4, 2011|title=2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show Viewership Averages|first=Bill|last=Gorman|date=June 1, 2011|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]}}</ref>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|3.46<ref name="Spotted Ratings"/>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|11.85<ref name="finale1">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110604160109/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-viewership-averages/94407/ 2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show Viewership Averages], ''[[TV by the Numbers]]'', June 1, 2011</ref>
|-
!style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:center"|[[Desperate Housewives (Season 8)|8]]
|23
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2011|9|25}}
|9.93<ref name="Season premiere DH">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/27/sunday-final-ratings-desperate-housewives-csimiami-the-simpsons-adjusted-up-60-minutes-adjusted-down/105018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929135811/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/27/sunday-final-ratings-desperate-housewives-csimiami-the-simpsons-adjusted-up-60-minutes-adjusted-down/105018/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 29, 2011|title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'Desperate Housewives,' 'CSI: Miami,' 'The Simpsons' Adjusted Up; '60 Minutes' Adjusted Down|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=September 27, 2011|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|access-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref>
|style="font-size:11px;line-height:110%;text-align:center;"|{{Start date|2012|5|13}}
|11.12<ref name="8.22-23">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/15/sunday-final-ratings-once-upon-a-time-family-guy-survivor-adjusted-up-survivor-reunion-dateline-adjusted-down/134077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517010153/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/15/sunday-final-ratings-once-upon-a-time-family-guy-survivor-adjusted-up-survivor-reunion-dateline-adjusted-down/134077/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 17, 2012|title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'Once Upon A Time', 'Family Guy', 'Survivor' Adjusted Up; 'Survivor: Reunion', 'Dateline' Adjusted Down|last=Bibel|first=Sara|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 15, 2012|access-date=May 15, 2012}}</ref>
|[[2011–12 United States network television schedule|2011–12]]
|style="background:#ffdead;"|#37<ref name="season8">{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/complete-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-viewership-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-ncis-dancing-with-the-stars/135785/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527223446/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/complete-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-viewership-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-ncis-dancing-with-the-stars/135785/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 27, 2012|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 24, 2012|title=Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars'|first=Bill|last=Gorman}}</ref>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|2.74<ref name="Spotted Ratings"/>
|style="background:#ffdead;"|10.60<ref name=season8/>
|}
{{#section-h:List of Desperate Housewives episodes|Ratings}}

===Critical response===
{{Television critical response|rotten_tomatoes1=81% (36 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/desperate-housewives/s01 |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 1 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|metacritic1=79 (27 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/desperate-housewives/season-1/ |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 1 |website=Metacritic |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|rotten_tomatoes2=53% (15 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/desperate-housewives/s02 |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 2 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|metacritic2=49 (10 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/desperate-housewives/season-2/ |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 2 |website=Metacritic |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|rotten_tomatoes3=75% (16 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/desperate-housewives/s03 |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 3 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|metacritic3=67 (12 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/desperate-housewives/season-3/ |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 3 |website=Metacritic |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|rotten_tomatoes4=67% (6 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/desperate-housewives/s04|title=Desperate Housewives: Season 4 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|metacritic4={{N/A}}|rotten_tomatoes5=71% (14 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/desperate-housewives/s05 |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 5 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|metacritic5=77 (8 reviews)<ref name="MetacriticS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/desperate-housewives/season-5/ |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 5 |website=Metacritic |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|rotten_tomatoes6=83% (6 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/desperate-housewives/s06 |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 6 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|metacritic6={{N/A}}|rotten_tomatoes7=63% (8 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/desperate-housewives/s07 |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 7 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>|rotten_tomatoes8=90% (21 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/desperate-housewives/s08 |title=Desperate Housewives: Season 8 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=July 14, 2025}}</ref>}}The show was the biggest success of the 2004–05 television season, being well received by both critics and viewers. The pilot episode had 21.3 million viewers making it the best new drama for the year, the highest-rated show of the week, and the best performance by a pilot for [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], since ''[[Spin City]]'' in 1996.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jaffer|first=Murtz|title='Housewives' Premiere Cleans Up for ABC|url=http://insidepulse.com/2004/10/04/21768/|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Inside Pulse|date=October 4, 2004|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053516/http://insidepulse.com/2004/10/04/21768/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Along with ''[[Lost (2004 TV series)|Lost]]'' and ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]'', ''Desperate Housewives'' was credited to have turned around ABC's declining fortunes.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bianco|first=Robert|title=A good season, with reason|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-04-26-tv-lookback_x.htm|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|date=April 26, 2005|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921062113/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-04-26-tv-lookback_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Many critics agreed with Cherry's initial comparison to the popular [[black comedy]] film ''[[American Beauty (1999 film)|American Beauty]]'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Danger|first=Nick|title=TV Review: "Desperate Housewives"|url=http://blogcritics.org/tv-review-desperate-housewives/|work=[[Blogcritics]]|access-date=October 10, 2013|date=October 4, 2004|archive-date=May 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050500/http://blogcritics.org/tv-review-desperate-housewives/|url-status=live}}</ref> while its themes and appeal to female viewers were compared to those of the award-winning series ''[[Sex and the City]]'',<ref>{{cite news|last=McFarland|first=Melanie|title=Timely 'Desperate Housewives' is life after 'Sex and the City'|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/tv/article/Timely-Desperate-Housewives-is-life-after-Sex-1155516.php|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|access-date=September 20, 2013|date=September 30, 2004|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054203/http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/tv/article/Timely-Desperate-Housewives-is-life-after-Sex-1155516.php|url-status=live}}</ref> and its mysteries were said to resemble those of [[David Lynch]]'s classic series ''[[Twin Peaks]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schmeiser|first=Lisa|title=Fall '04: "Desperate Housewives"|url=http://www.teevee.org/2004/10/fall-04-desperate-housewives.html|work=TeeVee.org|access-date=September 20, 2013|date=October 5, 2004|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054051/http://www.teevee.org/2004/10/fall-04-desperate-housewives.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In its first review, ''[[USA Today]]'' proclaimed the show to be "refreshingly original, bracingly adult and thoroughly delightful" and naming it to be "sort of ''Knots Landing'' meets ''The Golden Girls'' by way of ''Twin Peaks''".<ref>{{cite news|last=Bianco|first=Robert|title='Housewives' has the recipe for a bubbly evening soap|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2004-09-30-desperate-housewives_x.htm|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|date=September 30, 2004|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053711/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2004-09-30-desperate-housewives_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the initial success of the show, the term "desperate housewives" became a cultural phenomenon. This warranted "real-life desperate housewives" features in TV shows, including ''[[The Dr. Phil Show]]'',<ref>[http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/425 Dr. Phil – The Real Lives of Desperate Housewives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928101309/http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/425 |date=September 28, 2007 }}, Retrieved August 5, 2007</ref> and in magazines.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Real Desperate Housewives |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/the-real-desperate-housewives-1069770 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=July 1, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060519/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/the-real-desperate-housewives-1069770 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Blackwell |first=Elizabeth |title=Confessions of Real-Life Desperate Housewives |url=http://www.lhj.com/relationships/divorce/communication/confessions-of-real-life-desperate-housewives/ |work=[[Ladies' Home Journal]] |access-date=September 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053857/http://www.lhj.com/relationships/divorce/communication/confessions-of-real-life-desperate-housewives/ |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}</ref> Among the more prominent names to declare themselves fans of the show were [[Oprah Winfrey]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Brioux|first=Bill|title=Oprah pays a visit to 'Housewives'|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/D/Desperate_Housewives/2005/02/02/917437.html|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[Canoe.ca]]|date=February 2, 2005|url-status=usurped|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20050417062447/http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/D/Desperate_Housewives/2005/02/02/917437.html|archive-date=April 17, 2005}}</ref> who also dedicated an episode of ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' to her visit at the film set; and the former [[First Lady of the United States]], [[Laura Bush]], who, in a comedic speech during a dinner with [[White House Correspondents' Association]] on April 30, 2005, stated, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am a desperate housewife", referring to the show.<ref>{{cite news|title=Laura Bush: First lady of comedy?|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-05-01-laura-bush-comments_x.htm|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|date=May 1, 2005|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054659/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-05-01-laura-bush-comments_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The series ended up being the fourth-most-watched in the United States during the 2004–2005 season, with 23.7 million viewers each week.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grover|first1=Ronald|last2=Fixmer|first2=Andy|title='Desperate Housewives' Hold Out for Pay Raise at ABC|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-13/-desperate-housewives-hold-out-for-pay-raise-in-drama-at-abc.html|access-date=October 10, 2013|newspaper=[[Bloomberg L.P.]]|date=January 14, 2011|archive-date=June 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624001527/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-13/-desperate-housewives-hold-out-for-pay-raise-in-drama-at-abc.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 27, 2005 |title=Final audience and ratings figures |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051226102306/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471 |archive-date=December 26, 2005 }}</ref> The first-season finale was watched by 30.62 million American viewers becoming the most watched episode of the series.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Weekly Program Rankings |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=May 24, 2005 |url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_04 |access-date=October 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217184619/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_04 |archive-date=December 17, 2008}}</ref>

For its second year, the show still maintained its ratings—with 22.2 million viewers, it reclaimed its position as the number four most-watched series.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 26, 2006 |title=2005–06 primetime wrap |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060529003429/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393 |archive-date=May 29, 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Carter|first=Bill|title=Mob Boss Takes Hit; Housewife Implicated|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/15/arts/television/15sopr.html?_r=0|access-date=October 26, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 15, 2006}}</ref> The second season's premiere was watched by 28.4 million viewers.<ref name="premiereratings">[http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20050927abc02 Primetime Ratings for the Week of September 19–25, 2005], ''The Futon Critic'', September 27, 2005, Retrieved November 13, 2009</ref> The episode drew in the second largest audience for the series in its history. However, several critics started to notice a declining quality of the show's script,<ref>{{cite news|last=Guthrie |first=Marisa |title=In its second season, 'Desperate Housewives' is at a dead end |url=http://ecentral.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/3/30/tvnradio/20060330091123&sec=tvnradio |access-date=September 20, 2013 |newspaper=The Star Online |date=March 30, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053656/http://ecentral.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/3/30/tvnradio/20060330091123&sec=tvnradio |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Goldblatt|first=Henry|title=TV Review: Desperate Housewives (2004)|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2005/10/21/desperate-housewives|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 3, 2022|date=October 21, 2005|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809064414/https://ew.com/article/2005/10/21/desperate-housewives/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ''[[USA Today]]''{{'s}} Robert Bianco suggested that the part of the series getting "less good" was that showrunner Cherry had left much of the series writing in the hands of others.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bianco|first=Robert|title='Housewives' is dragging desperately|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2005-10-09-housewives_x.htm|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|date=October 9, 2005|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053329/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/reviews/2005-10-09-housewives_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Midway through the season executive producer Michael Edenstein left the show due to conflicts with Cherry and in May 2006, just a couple of weeks prior to the second-season finale, so did Tom Spezialy.<ref name=autogenerated1/> After the end of the season, Cherry agreed that the second year's script had been weaker and also agreed that it had been a mistake to let go of too much of the show. He now stated that he was back full-time, claiming that both he and the writing staff had learned from their mistakes.<ref>Martin, Ed: [http://www.mediavillage.com/jmentr/2007/01/25/jmer-01-25-07/#continue Exclusive Interview! Desperate Housewives Creator Marc Cherry], ''Jack Myers Media Village'', January 25, 2007 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219225210/http://www.mediavillage.com/jmentr/2007/01/25/jmer-01-25-07/#continue |date=December 19, 2008 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.tvshows.nu/ABC-vows-stronger-third-season-for.html ABC vows stronger third season for its 'Desperate Housewives'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928222807/http://www.tvshows.nu/ABC-vows-stronger-third-season-for.html |date=September 28, 2007 }}, ''Wilmington Star'', July 26, 2006</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061025095809/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060718/desp_housewives_060718?s_name=&no_ads= Network exec promises better 'Housewives' season], ''CTVA.ca'', July 18, 2006 {{dead link|date=September 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The critics generally agreed on the improved quality for the third year,<ref>{{cite news|title=Report: ABC's 'Desperate Housewives' back on track for third season|url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/report-abc-desperate-housewives-back-on-track-for-third-season-1009802.php|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Reality TV World|date=September 12, 2006}}</ref><ref>Martin, Ed: [http://www.mediavillage.com/jmentr/2006/09/14/jmer-09-14-06/ Sizzling Preview of Desperate Housewives] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019005810/http://www.mediavillage.com/jmentr/2006/09/14/jmer-09-14-06/ |date=October 19, 2006 }}, ''Jack Myers Media Village'', September 14, 2006</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Taroli |first=Justin |title=The Third Time Isn't Always the Charm for TV Hits |url=http://departments.kings.edu/crown/articles/071116/tvshows.html |work=The Crown Online |publisher=King's College |access-date=September 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515220553/http://departments.kings.edu/crown/articles/071116/tvshows.html |archive-date=May 15, 2012 }}</ref> but the overall ratings fell notably from previous seasons. Due to complications from her pregnancy, Marcia Cross was put on bed rest. After filming one episode from her own personal bedroom she was forced to take maternity leave with eight episodes of season three still remaining. It was predicted that the ratings would be down by over 25% since the premiere year.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Joal|title=Housewives' Most Desperate Hour|url=http://eonline.com/news/54858/housewives-most-desperate-hour|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=E! Online|date=April 10, 2007|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921161127/http://www.eonline.com/news/54858/housewives-most-desperate-hour|url-status=live}}</ref> However, for the last three episodes of the season, the rating turned somewhat, and the season ended up with 17.5 million viewers, falling from number four to number ten on the list of most watched shows.<ref>{{cite news|title=2006–07 primetime wrap|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/2006-07-primetime-wrap-137223/|access-date=April 3, 2022|newspaper=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 25, 2007|archive-date=January 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129154626/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/features/e3ifbfdd1bcb53266ad8d9a71cad261604f|url-status=live}}</ref> While Cross' departure allowed for the much-underused Edie to have more story, fans noticed a decline in the stories during Cross' departure. Stories such as Lynette's emotional affair with restaurant manager Rick proved unpopular. Furthermore, Susan's contrived triangle with Ian and Mike seemed tiresome to many viewers, particularly in an episode where Susan is lost in the woods trying to find Mike. Notable, however, was that the show's rating among viewers age 18–24 increased from the previous season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Vasquez|first=Diego|title=Fact: College kids now watch more TV|url=http://www.medialifemagazine.com/fact-college-kids-now-watch-more-tv/|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Media Life Magazine|date=July 23, 2007}}</ref>

For its fourth season, the series proved to have staying power.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Stack|first=Tim|title=TV Review: Desperate Housewives|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/11/07/desperate-housewives-4/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=January 1, 2022|date=November 7, 2007|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101203816/https://ew.com/article/2007/11/07/desperate-housewives-4/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series averaged 18.2 million viewers. Ratings rose in the ninth episode "[[Something's Coming (Desperate Housewives)|Something's Coming]]", where 20.6 million viewers tuned in to see the heavily marketed tornado episode. The show once again moved back into the top five highest-rated programs in the 2007–2008 season, being the number-one ABC drama and beating popular medical drama ''Grey's Anatomy'' after falling behind it for the first time in the third season. It also became for the first time the number-one scripted series, beating ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]''.

Although ratings were down for the fifth season, along with every scripted series on television, ''Desperate Housewives'' was still the most-watched scripted series on ABC, consistently beating the other ABC flagship shows, ''Lost'' and ''Grey's Anatomy,'' although the latter is still number one in the 18–49 demographic, followed by ''Desperate Housewives''.

Similar to the fifth season, ratings were down for the sixth season because of heavy competition in many airings, but the show still managed to remain the second most watched scripted show on ABC and the eleventh most watched scripted show of all broadcast television. The series continued to hit lower ratings, because of competition like the [[67th Golden Globe Awards]], [[52nd Annual Grammy Awards]], [[2010 Winter Olympics]], and the new [[CBS]] [[reality television]] series ''[[Undercover Boss]]''. Nevertheless, the sixth season managed to finish in the top twenty overall, both in total viewers and 18–49 demographic audiences. Among scripted shows, it still ranked in the top ten, in both categories.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101121165731/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/16/final-2009-10-broadcast-primetime-show-average-viewership/54336 Final 2009–10 Broadcast Primetime Show Average Viewership], ''TV by the Numbers'', June 16, 2010</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052710_13 |title=ABC's 2010 May Sweep and 2009–10 TV Season highlights |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=April 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925075502/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052710_13 |archive-date=September 25, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quotenmeter.de/cms/?p1=n&p2=43034&p3=|title=Die Season ist vorbei: Amerikas heißeste Liste|publisher=quotenmeter.de|date=July 5, 2010|access-date=September 2, 2010|archive-date=July 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706175100/http://www.quotenmeter.de/cms/?p1=n&p2=43034&p3=|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101123235006/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/16/final-2009-10-broadcast-primetime-show-18-49-ratings/54330 Final 2009–10 Broadcast Primetime Show 18–49 Ratings], ''TV by the Numbers'', June 16, 2010</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121015034515/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/18/final-2009-10-broadcast-primetime-show-live7-dvr-ratings/54601/ Final 2009–10 Broadcast Primetime Show Live+7 DVR Ratings], ''TV by the Numbers'', June 16, 2010</ref>

The seventh season premiered on September 26, 2010, and averaged 11.85 million viewers. The season saw new lows for the series reaching for the first time below 10 million viewers, and saw lows of 2.7 in the 18–49 demographic. For the first half of the season, ratings started strong averaging 12.3 million viewers and 3.9 in the 18–49 demographic which is similar to the second half of the sixth season. However, ratings declined in the second half of the season, after two contiguous episodes had to compete against the [[68th Golden Globe Awards]] and then the [[53rd Annual Grammy Awards]]. The show failed to recover to viewer levels hit in the first half of the season, and continued to receive 9–10 million viewers and 2.7–3.1 in the 18–49 demographic. This was the first time in its history that ''Desperate Housewives'' would not place in the twenty most watched shows of the season, although it would place in the twenty most-watched scripted shows.

The eighth season continued to see declines in the series' ratings. The season premiered to 9.93 million viewers and a 3.2 in the demo making it the least-watched season premiere in the series' history. The season began with ratings similar to those of the latter half of season 7, averaging 8–9 million viewers, and between a 2.8 to 3.0 in the 18–49 demographic. However, after the mid-season finale the ratings returned lower, hitting the seven million viewer mark and a 2.2–2.5 in the demo. The season also saw the lowest ratings in the show's eight-year run. Opposite the [[54th Annual Grammy Awards]], which featured a tribute to the then-recently deceased entertainer [[Whitney Houston]], and the mid-season premiere of ''[[The Walking Dead (TV series)|The Walking Dead]]'' on [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]], the show fell to a 1.8 rating in adults 18–49 and 6.4 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gorman |first=Bill |title=TV Ratings Sunday: Whitney Houston Memories Rocket 'Grammy Awards' Ratings, Pushes Competition To Lows |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/13/tv-ratings-sunday-whitney-houston-memories-rocket-grammy-awards-ratings/119540/ |access-date=September 20, 2013 |newspaper=[[TV by the Numbers]] |date=February 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054242/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/13/tv-ratings-sunday-whitney-houston-memories-rocket-grammy-awards-ratings/119540/ |archive-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref> However unlike the seventh season, the show's ratings slightly recovered after the series low and leveled around the eight million viewer mark and a 2.6 in the demo. Despite the series lows, the season finale was able to go out on a season high in the ratings and the highest rated episode in over a year and a half, since March 2011 with "[[Searching (Desperate Housewives)|Searching]]". The series finale titled "[[Finishing the Hat (Desperate Housewives)|Finishing the Hat]]" aired May 13, 2012, was viewed by 11.12 million viewers and a 3.2 in the demo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/15/sunday-final-ratings-once-upon-a-time-family-guy-survivor-adjusted-up-survivor-reunion-dateline-adjusted-down/134077/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517010153/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/15/sunday-final-ratings-once-upon-a-time-family-guy-survivor-adjusted-up-survivor-reunion-dateline-adjusted-down/134077/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 17, 2012|title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'Once Upon A Time', 'Family Guy', 'Survivor' Adjusted Up; 'Survivor: Reunion', 'Dateline' Adjusted Down|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|access-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref> Despite the lows in the ratings the show managed to remain in the top twenty-five-watched shows in the 18–49 demographic, placing at number twenty-five. However, the show dropped out of the top thirty most-watched shows in total viewers, coming in at thirty-fifth place.<ref name="deadline.com">{{cite news|last=Gorman|first=Bill|title=Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars'|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/complete-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-viewership-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-ncis-dancing-with-the-stars/135785/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527223446/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/complete-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-viewership-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-ncis-dancing-with-the-stars/135785/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 27, 2012|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 24, 2012}}</ref>

In 2006, the American cable network [[Bravo (American TV network)|Bravo]] launched their [[reality series]], ''[[The Real Housewives of...]]'', in the footsteps of the "real life desperate housewives" phenomenon.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chang|first=Richard|title=TV: "The Real Housewives of Orange County"|url=http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/-118440--.html|work=[[The Orange County Register]]|access-date=October 26, 2013|date=March 12, 2006|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203438/http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/-118440--.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That program has taken place in areas such as [[Orange County (California)]], [[Atlanta]], and two series within the New York-[[Tri-State Region]], within the City itself and the [[New Jersey]] suburbs. According to a survey of twenty countries conducted in 2006 by ''Informa Telecoms and Media'', ''Desperate Housewives'' was the third-most-watched television series in the world, after fellow American series ''[[CSI: Miami]]'' and ''[[Lost (2004 TV series)|Lost]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5231334.stm|date=July 31, 2006|title=CSI show 'most popular in world'|publisher=BBC|archive-date=August 1, 2018|access-date=August 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801012628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5231334.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> During a fundraising auction for the British child charity [[ChildLine]] in December 2006, a walk-on part in ''Desperate Housewives'' had the highest bid, £17,000, beating [[Daniel Craig]]'s [[James Bond]] tuxedo from ''[[Casino Royale (2006 film)|Casino Royale]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=James Bond tuxedo raises £12,000|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6168389.stm|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=BBC News|date=December 11, 2006|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030010037/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6168389.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=James Bond, 'Desperate Housewives' Raise Money for UK Charity |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/12/11/james_bond_desperate_housewives_raise_mo |access-date=September 20, 2013 |newspaper=Starpulse.com |date=December 11, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060531/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/12/11/james_bond_desperate_housewives_raise_mo |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}</ref>

In its first public release of online individual television program rankings, [[Nielsen Media Research]] announced that the series had 723,000 unique online viewers in December 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title="Lost" Is Found By Online Viewers|url=http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2009/lost-is-found-by-online-viewers.html|access-date=October 22, 2013|newspaper=Neilsen|date=February 22, 2009}}</ref> ''Desperate Housewives'' was the seventh-most-pirated television show of 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bierly|first=Mandi|title=Most pirated shows of 2009: Someone's still watching 'Heroes'|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/01/05/pirated-tv-shows-2009/|access-date=April 3, 2022|newspaper=Entertainment Weekly|date=January 5, 2010|archive-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403052500/https://ew.com/article/2010/01/05/pirated-tv-shows-2009/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In fall 2013, North Korea allegedly executed eighty people for watching banned South Korean soap operas, ''Desperate Housewives'' being the most common soap opera. ''Desperate Housewives'' was being secretly watched using [[mp3 players]], [[hard drives]], and [[DVD-Video|DVDs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=North Korea publicly executes 80 people 'for watching smuggled South Korea TV shows' |date=November 11, 2013 |website=[[South China Morning Post]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603061208/https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1353237/north-korea-publicly-executes-80-report |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |url-status=live |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1353237/north-korea-publicly-executes-80-report}}</ref>

In September 2015, ''Desperate Housewives'' ranked at number one hundred on ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]''{{'}}s "Hollywood's 100 Favorite TV Shows", as determined by television industry professionals.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hollywood's 100 Favorite TV Shows|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/best-tv-shows-ever-top-819499/item/desperate-housewives-hollywoods-100-favorite-820451|access-date=September 20, 2015|newspaper=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=September 19, 2015|archive-date=September 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919023233/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/best-tv-shows-ever-top-819499/item/desperate-housewives-hollywoods-100-favorite-820451|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Accolades==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Desperate Housewives}}

[[Image:Desperate Housewives at 2008 GLAAD Awards.jpg|L–R: [[Dana Delany]], [[Teri Hatcher]], [[Brenda Strong]] and [[Andrea Bowen]] at the [[20th GLAAD Media Awards]] at the [[Nokia Theatre L.A. Live|Nokia Theatre]] in [[Los Angeles, California]] on April 18, 2009|thumb|right]]
For its premiere season, the show was awarded seven [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s, two [[Golden Globe Awards]] and two [[Screen Actors Guild Award]]s. The nominations of all of the leading actresses except [[Eva Longoria]] for both the Golden Globe Award and Primetime Emmy Award received some media interest. While Longoria seemingly wasn't bothered, stating for the press that "I'm new. I just arrived. I didn't expect at all to be in the minds of the Academy", Marc Cherry regarded them being left out as a "horrendous error".<ref>[http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/longoria%20i%20never%20expected%20an%20emmy Longoria: "I Never Expected an Emmy"], ''ContactMusic.com'', July 24, 2005</ref> In the end, the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series]] went to [[Felicity Huffman]], while [[Teri Hatcher]] won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Musical or Comedy Series|Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Musical or Comedy]], as well as the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Actress – Comedy Series.

The show's second Golden Globe Award for its first year was for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Series - Musical or Comedy|Best Series – Musical or Comedy]] at the [[62nd Golden Globe Awards]], while the other Primetime Emmy Awards went to [[Kathryn Joosten]], for [[Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series]], for her guest role as Karen McCluskey (beating, among others, fellow cast member [[Lupe Ontiveros]]); to [[Charles McDougall]], for [[Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series]], for his direction of "Pilot"; to [[Danny Elfman]], for [[Outstanding Main Title Theme Music]], for his theme music; for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series|Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series]] of "Pilot"; and for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series|Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series]] at the [[57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards]]. The entire cast was awarded the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Cast – Comedy Series (in both 2004 and 2005), and [[Nicollette Sheridan]] was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for [[Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film]].

In 2006, the show continued to receive several nominations. It was awarded with yet another Golden Globe Award for Best Series – Musical or Comedy at the [[63rd Golden Globe Awards]], and all the four leading women received Golden Globe Award nominations, although none of them won. The cast ensemble was awarded with another Screen Actors Guild Award, as was Felicity Huffman. Primetime Emmy Award nominations at the [[58th Primetime Emmy Awards]] included, among others, guest actress [[Shirley Knight]] and supporting actress [[Alfre Woodard]], although none of them resulted in a win. It was nominated for the Pioneer Award at the [[BAFTA]] awards but lost to ''[[Doctor Who]]'', which at the time was recently revamped.

The show did continue to be nominated in 2007—Felicity Huffman was granted a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for the second time, and guest actresses [[Laurie Metcalf]] and [[Dixie Carter]] also received Primetime Emmy Award nominations, at the [[59th Primetime Emmy Awards]]. The show, along with actresses Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman, received Golden Globe Award nominations at [[64th Golden Globe Awards]], and Huffman and the cast ensemble were also nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Awards. None of the Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, or Screen Actors Guild Award nominations resulted in any actual awards.

2008 yielded the least nominations with none at the [[65th Golden Globe Awards]] and only the cast being nominated at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The show was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards at the [[60th Primetime Emmy Awards]], including acting nods towards [[Polly Bergen]] and [[Kathryn Joosten]] for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. Joosten won the show's seventh Primetime Emmy Award and first since its debut year.

Nominations continued to decline in later years. Notable nominations included nods towards [[Beau Bridges]] and [[Kathryn Joosten]] in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Additionally, [[Brenda Strong]] received her first Primetime Emmy Award nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance|Outstanding Voice-Over Performance]] at the [[63rd Primetime Emmy Awards]] in 2011, a notable feat for a category usually dominated by animated series. Also in 2011, Vanessa L. Williams won an [[NAACP Image Award]] for [[Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series]] at the [[41st NAACP Image Awards]] and a [[Satellite Award]] for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Strong and Joosten received Primetime Emmy Award nominations again at [[64th Primetime Emmy Awards]] in 2012 and Williams won an [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series]] for the series' eight and final season in 2013.

Other notable awards include the [[People's Choice Award]] for Favorite New Television Drama at the [[31st People's Choice Awards]], the Future Classic Award at the 2005 [[TV Land Award]]s, the TP de Oro for Best Foreign Series in 2006, and seven [[Golden Nymph Award]]s at [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]]s, among others.

==Broadcast==
From 2006 to 2012, it was syndicated on [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] in the United States. While the series no longer airs in the United States anymore, it still airs reruns internationally on channels such as Star World in the Middle East and Sky One, Sky Comedy, and Universal TV in Germany.

Internationally, the show aired on networks such as: [[OSN]] Series First and [[Showtime Arabia]] in the Middle East, [[CTV 2|CTV]] in Canada, [[Seven Network]] in Australia, [[N (Poland)|n(Poland)]] in Poland, [[CNBC-e]] in Turkey, [[Fox Life|FoxLife]] in Italy, Portugal, Greece and Poland, [[RÚV]] in Iceland, [[Top Channel]] in Albania, [[RTE Two]] in Ireland, [[M-Net]] in Africa, [[TV 2 (New Zealand)|TV2]] in New Zealand, [[SF2]] in Switzerland, [[ORF1]] in Austria, [[ProSieben]] in Germany, [[Sony Channel (Latin American TV channel)|Sony Entertainment Television]] in Latin America, [[TV 2 (Norway)|TV 2]] in Norway, [[Nelonen (television)|Nelonen]] in Finland, [[8TV (Malaysian TV network)|8TV]] in Malaysia, [[Channel 4]], [[S4C]], and [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]] in the United Kingdom, [[yes stars 1]] in Israel, [[La 2 (Spanish TV channel)|La 2]] in Spain, [[TV2 (Hungarian TV channel)|TV2]] in Hungary, [[TV Azteca]] in Mexico, [[Star World]] in Asia, [[BTV (Bulgaria)|BTV]] in Bulgaria, [[Polsat]] in Poland, [[TV3 (Latvia)|TV3]] in Latvia and Lithuania, [[Channel 5 (Singaporean TV channel)|Channel 5]] in Singapore, [[RTS1 (Serbian TV channel)|RTS]] in Serbia, [[Canal+ (French TV channel)|Canal+]] and [[M6 (TV channel)|M6]] in France, POPTV in Slovenia, A1 Televijza in Macedonia.

==Home media and digital downloads==
There have only been [[DVD]] releases of the series. On [[Prime Video]] and [[Hulu]], the series is available for streaming<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/29/desperate-housewives-streaming-delicious-ever-12628890/ |title=Desperate Housewives is streaming again – and it's as delicious as ever |date=April 29, 2020 |access-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810052508/https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/29/desperate-housewives-streaming-delicious-ever-12628890/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in 1080p [[High-definition video|HD]]; otherwise for offline viewing, all episodes of the show can be purchased from Prime Video, [[Google Play]] or [[Vudu]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/how-to-watch-desperate-housewives-online-stream |title=How to watch Desperate Housewives online: stream every episode from anywhere |date=July 6, 2020 |access-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330031231/https://www.techradar.com/news/how-to-watch-desperate-housewives-online-stream |url-status=live }}</ref> It is also available on [[Disney+]] in countries that have the [[Star (Disney+)|Star]] brand. There has been no [[Blu-ray]] release as of 2025.

The Complete Collection has an extended version of the series finale, bringing the total number of episodes with extended versions to seven.<ref>{{cite web |title=Desperate Housewives - Announcement for 'The Complete 8th and Final Season' AND 'The Complete Collection' |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-8-and-The-Complete-Collection/16910#ixzz2623svQwo |date=April 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |last=Lambert |first=David |website=TV show on DVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910030048/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-8-and-The-Complete-Collection/16910 |archive-date=September 10, 2012}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col"| Title
! scope="col"| Region 1
! scope="col"| Region 2
! scope="col"| {{nowrap|Region 3}}
! scope="col"| Region 4
! scope="col"| {{nowrap|Region 5}}
! scope="col"| No. of discs
! scope="col"| No. of episodes
! scope="col"| Ref.
|-
! scope="row" align="center"| The Complete First Season
| align="center"| September 20, 2005
| align="center"| October 10, 2005
| align="center"| November 16, 2005
| align="center"| November 28, 2005
| align="center"| July 18, 2006
| align="center"| {{flatlist|
* 6
* 5<br/>{{small|(Region 5)}}
}}
| align="center"| 23
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desperate-Housewives-Season-1-DVD/dp/B0009FZGTG|title=Desperate Housewives: Season 1 [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk: Teri Hatcher and 1 more|publisher=[[Amazon.co.uk]]|date=2005|access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-date=April 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405073346/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desperate-Housewives-Season-1-DVD/dp/B0009FZGTG|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-season-1-vol-1-23-end-hong-kong-version/1004094708-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (Season 1) (Vol.1–23) (End) (Hong Kong Version)|publisher=[[YesAsia]]|date=November 16, 2005|access-date=April 18, 2017|archive-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419003309/http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-season-1-vol-1-23-end-hong-kong-version/1004094708-0-0-0-en/info.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Second Season – The Extra Juicy Edition
| align="center"| August 30, 2006
| align="center"| November 13, 2006
| align="center"| November 8, 2006
| align="center"| October 4, 2006
| align="center"| June 28, 2007
| align="center"| {{flatlist|
* 6 <br/>{{small|(Regions 1 and 5)}}
* 7 <br/>{{small|(Regions 2, 3 and 4)}}
}}
| align="center"| 24
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Housewives-Complete-Second-Season/dp/B000FIMG4U|title=Desperate Housewives – The Complete Second Season|website=Amazon|date=2006|access-date=April 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-season-2-vol-1-24-end-hong-kong-version/1004567449-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (Season 2) (Vol.1–24) (End) (Hong Kong Version)|publisher=[[YesAsia]]|date=November 8, 2006|access-date=April 18, 2017|archive-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419003505/http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-season-2-vol-1-24-end-hong-kong-version/1004567449-0-0-0-en/info.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Seasons 1–2
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"| November 13, 2006
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"| October 24, 2006
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"| 13
| align="center"| 47
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desperate-Housewives-Complete-Box-Set/dp/B000ICHPMG|title=Desperate Housewives : Complete Series 1&2 Box Set DVD|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|date=2006|access-date=April 4, 2017}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Third Season – The Dirty Laundry Edition
| align="center"| September 4, 2007
| align="center"| November 5, 2007
| align="center"| October 30, 2007
| align="center"| October 17, 2007
| align="center"| April 12, 2011
| align="center"| 6
| align="center"| 23
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desperate-Housewives-Season-3-DVD/dp/B000RG1AME|title=Desperate Housewives – Season 3 [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk: Teri Hatcher and 1 more|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|date=2007|access-date=April 3, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404215910/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desperate-Housewives-Season-3-DVD/dp/B000RG1AME|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-dvd-season-3-end-hong-kong-version/1005095696-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (DVD) (Season 3) (End) (Hong Kong Version)|publisher=[[YesAsia]]|date=October 30, 2007|access-date=April 18, 2017|archive-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419003412/http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-dvd-season-3-end-hong-kong-version/1005095696-0-0-0-en/info.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Seasons 1–3
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"| November 19, 2007
| colspan="3" {{n/a}}
| align="center"| 19
| align="center"| 70
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desperate-Housewives-Seasons-1-3-DVD/dp/B000XFQEVQ|title=Desperate Housewives: Seasons 1–3 [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|date=November 19, 2007|access-date=April 4, 2017}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Fourth Season – Sizzling Secrets Edition
| align="center"| September 2, 2008
| align="center"| November 3, 2008
| align="center"| November 6, 2008
| align="center"| October 29, 2008
| align="center"| April 12, 2011
| align="center"| 5
| align="center"| 17
| align="center"| <ref>[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001D7W8TU Desperate Housewives Season 4 (Region 2)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628234252/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001D7W8TU |date=June 28, 2011 }} See Product Details</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-season-4-boxset-dvd-korea-version/1013002014-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives Season 4 Boxset (DVD) (Korea Version)|date=November 29, 2008|access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-dvd-the-complete-4th-season-hong-kong-version/1013018899-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (DVD) (The Complete 4th Season) (Hong Kong Version)|date=November 6, 2008|access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Seasons 1–4
| {{n/a}}
|November 3, 2008
| colspan="3" {{n/a}}
| align="center"| 24
| align="center"| 87
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desperate-Housewives-Seasons-1-4-Box/dp/B001DZV46U|title=Desperate Housewives: Seasons 1–7 (Box Set) [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk|website=Amazon UK|date=November 3, 2008|access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404220044/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desperate-Housewives-Seasons-1-4-Box/dp/B001DZV46U|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Fifth Season – The Red Hot Edition
| align="center"| September 1, 2009
| align="center"| November 9, 2009
| align="center"| November 3, 2009
| align="center"| October 21, 2009
| align="center"| April 26, 2011
| align="center"| {{flatlist|
* 7
* 6 <br/>{{small|(Region 5)}}
}}
| align="center"| 24
| align="center"| <ref>[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0022NH9IE Desperate Housewives Season 5 (Region 2)] See Product Details</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/us/desperate-housewives-dvd-the-complete-fifth-season-hong-kong-version/1021577539-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (DVD) (The Complete Fifth Season) (Hong Kong Version)|publisher=[[YesAsia]]|date=November 3, 2009|access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Seasons 1–5
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"| November 9, 2009
| colspan="3" {{n/a}}
| align="center"| 31
| align="center"| 111
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Housewives-Season-Box-Set/dp/B002LL16MM|title=Desperate Housewives – Seasons 1 – 5 – Box Set: Amazon|publisher=Amazon|date=November 9, 2009|access-date=April 4, 2017}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Sixth Season – The All Mighty Edition
| align="center"| September 21, 2010
| align="center"| October 4, 2010
| align="center"| September 21, 2010
| align="center"| October 20, 2010
| align="center"| April 26, 2011
| align="center"| {{flat list|
* 5
* 6<br/>{{small|(Region 3)}}
}}
| align="center"| 23
| align="center"| <ref>[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F3NDP8 Desperate Housewives: The Complete Sixth Season on DVD]. Amazon.com. Retrieved May 22, 2010.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mixup.com.mx/mixup/Product.aspx?sku=7509656212308 |title=Mixup Music Store |access-date=July 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728065050/http://www.mixup.com.mx/mixup/Product.aspx?sku=7509656212308 |archive-date=July 28, 2010}}. www.MixUp.com. Retrieved July 27, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-6/13558 Desperate Housewives – The Complete 6th Season Announced&nbsp;... More Desperate DVDs Are On the Way!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406194806/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-6/13558 |date=April 6, 2010 }}, ''TVShowsonDVD.com'', April 2, 2010</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/us/desperate-housewives-dvd-the-complete-sixth-season-hong-kong-version/1023509775-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (DVD) (The Complete Sixth Season) (Hong Kong Version)|date=September 20, 2010|access-date=April 18, 2017|archive-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419004930/http://www.yesasia.com/us/desperate-housewives-dvd-the-complete-sixth-season-hong-kong-version/1023509775-0-0-0-en/info.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Seasons 1–6
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"| October 4, 2010
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"| October 20, 2010
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"| {{flatlist|
* 36 <br/>{{small|(Region 2)}}
* 37 <br/>{{small|(Region 4)}}
}}
| align="center"| 134
| align="center"| <ref name=amazon>[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003TG5P9S Desperate Housewives – Season 6 – Complete DVD (2009)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628234337/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003TG5P9S |date=June 28, 2011 }}, ''Amazon.co.uk'', August 2, 2010</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/desperate-housewives-box-set-season-1-6-37discs/538629|title=DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES BOX SET (SEASON 1–6) (37DISCS) &#124; DVD, DVD Genres, Drama/Romance : JB HI-FI|publisher=Jbhifionline.com.au|date=October 20, 2010|access-date=January 1, 2012|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053943/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/desperate-housewives-box-set-season-1-6-37discs/538629|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Seventh Season – Wild, Wild Wisteria Edition
| align="center"|August 30, 2011
| align="center"|October 31, 2011
| align="center"|October 4, 2011
| align="center"|November 30, 2011
| align="center"|May 15, 2012
| align="center"|5
| align="center"|23
| align="center"|<ref name="dvd7">Lambert, David (May 6, 2011). [http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-7/15367 "Desperate Housewives – Get 'Wild' on Wisteria Lane with 'The Complete 7th Season'!"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511071838/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-7/15367 |date=May 11, 2011 }}. TV Shows on DVD. Retrieved May 6, 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-dvd-the-complete-seventh-season-hong-kong-version/1025041134-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (DVD) (The Complete Seventh Season) (Hong Kong Version)|publisher=[[YesAsia]]|date=October 4, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Seasons 1–7
| {{n/a}}
| align="center"|October 31, 2011
| colspan="3" {{n/a}}
| align="center"|41
| align="center"|157
| align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Housewives-Complete-Seasons-1-7/dp/B006E9VCJE|title=Desperate Housewives - Complete Seasons 1-7 - Amazon.com|publisher=Amazon|date=October 31, 2011|access-date=April 4, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404220216/https://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Housewives-Complete-Seasons-1-7/dp/B006E9VCJE|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Eighth and Final Season
| align="center"|September 25, 2012
| align="center"|September 24, 2012
| align="center"|October 12, 2012
| align="center"|October 3, 2012
| {{N/A}}
| align="center"| 5
| align="center"| 23
| align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/desperate-housewives-the-complete-8th-and-final-season/dp/6117567|title=Desperate Housewives – The Complete 8th and Final Season|publisher=Ezydvd.com.au|date=April 22, 2013|access-date=June 16, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111134357/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/desperate-housewives-the-complete-8th-and-final-season/dp/6117567|archive-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-8-and-The-Complete-Collection/16910 |title=Desperate Housewives DVD news: Announcement for the Complete 8th and Final Season and the Complete Collection &#124; TVShowsOnDVD.com |access-date=May 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518013602/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-8-and-The-Complete-Collection/16910 |archive-date=May 18, 2012}}. ''TVShowsonDVD.com'', Retrieved May 5, 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-dvd-the-complete-eighth-and-final-season-hong/1031850307-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (DVD) (The Complete Eighth And Final Season) (Hong Kong Version)|publisher=[[YesAsia]]|date=October 12, 2012|access-date=April 18, 2017}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" align="center"| The Complete Collection
| align="center"| September 25, 2012
| align="center"| September 24, 2012
| align="center"| December 7, 2012
| colspan="2" {{n/a}}
| align="center"| 45
| align="center"| 180
| align="center"| <ref name="tvshowsondvd">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-8-and-The-Complete-Collection/16910 |title=Desperate Housewives DVD news: Announcement for the Complete 8th and Final Season and the Complete Collection &#124; TVShowsOnDVD.com |access-date=May 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518013602/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Desperate-Housewives-Season-8-and-The-Complete-Collection/16910 |archive-date=May 18, 2012}}, ''TVShowsonDVD.com'', May 5, 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-dvd-s1-s8-boxset-taiwan-version/1032048865-0-0-0-en/info.html|title=YESASIA: Desperate Housewives (DVD) (S1-S8 Boxset) (Taiwan Version)|publisher=[[YesAsia]]|date=December 7, 2012|access-date=April 18, 2017|archive-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419003518/http://www.yesasia.com/global/desperate-housewives-dvd-s1-s8-boxset-taiwan-version/1032048865-0-0-0-en/info.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

==Merchandise==
===Games===
[[Buena Vista Games]] released the [[life simulation]] [[computer game|computer]] [[video game]] ''[[Desperate Housewives: The Game (2006 video game)|Desperate Housewives: The Game]]'' on October 5, 2006, in North America, featuring an original story line spanning 12 episodes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Desperate Housewives – The Game |url=http://buenavistagames.go.com/desperatehousewives/ |work=Beuna Vista Games |access-date=September 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110161639/http://buenavistagames.go.com/desperatehousewives/ |archive-date=January 10, 2014 }}</ref> The game is set on Wisteria Lane, but the player does not play as any of the housewives, although they frequently appear. A couple of months later, [[Gameloft]] released a [[mobile game]] based on the series.<ref>[http://www.gameloft.com/product.php?product=187&product_name=Desperate+Housewives%99 Desperate Housewives Mobile Game Official Website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017001534/http://www.gameloft.com/product.php?product=187&product_name=Desperate+Housewives%99 |date=October 17, 2007 }}, Retrieved August 3, 2007</ref> "The inspiration for Gameloft's take on ''Desperate Housewives'' comes from the most unlikely place, too—the original [[Mario Party (video game)|Mario Party]] on the [[Nintendo 64]]."<ref>{{cite web|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|title=Desperate Housewives Review|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2007/01/29/desperate-housewives-review|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=September 20, 2013|date=January 29, 2007|archive-date=February 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210113248/http://au.ign.com/articles/2007/01/29/desperate-housewives-review|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007, British company Re:creation published ''Desperate Housewives Dirty Laundry Game'', a [[board game]] based on the third season of ''Desperate Housewives''.<ref>[http://www.recreationplc.com/Tradecat_2006/Trade%20Catalogue.pdf Re:Creation 2007 Product Catalogue, page 15]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002637/http://www.recreationplc.com/Tradecat_2006/Trade%20Catalogue.pdf |date=September 28, 2007 }} , Retrieved August 3, 2007 {{cite web|url=http://www.recreationplc.com/Tradecat_2006/Trade+Catalogue.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222450/http://www.recreationplc.com/Tradecat_2006/Trade%2BCatalogue.pdf |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref> Players attempt to guess their opponents' secrets by answering [[trivia]] questions, while keeping clues to their own secrets concealed.

In June 2017, [[Megazebra]] released [[Desperate Housewives: The Game (2017)|Desperate Housewives: The Game]] on App Store and on Google Play. Play as new neighbor on Wisteria Lane.

===Soundtrack and literature===
[[File:Ms. magazine Cover - Spring 2005.jpg|thumbnail|left|''[[Ms. (magazine)|Ms.]]''{{'}}s ''Desperate Housewives'' issue, published in 2005]]
In September 2005, [[Hollywood Records]] released a [[soundtrack album]] distributed by [[Universal Music Group]], ''[[Music from and Inspired by Desperate Housewives]]'', featuring music inspired by the series, as well as sound clips taken from the first season of the series. The songs included have been described as promoting "[[girl power]]", and among the artists appearing—all being female—were [[LeAnn Rimes]], [[Gloria Estefan]] and [[Shania Twain]].<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r787383|pure_url=yes}} Allmusic: Desperate Housewives], Retrieved August 3, 2007</ref> Controversially, no music composed for the series was included on the album.

Two books have been officially released within the ''Desperate Housewives'' franchise. In September 2005, ABC's sister company [[Hachette Books#Hyperion Books|Hyperion Books]] released ''Desperate Housewives: Behind Closed Doors'' ({{ISBN|978-1-4013-0826-1}}), a companion to the first season of the series, written by the production team behind the series.<ref>{{cite book|title=Desperate Housewives: Behind Closed Doors|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nRaZ2FSgzJQC|access-date=September 21, 2013|date=September 28, 2005|publisher=Hyperion Books|isbn=978-1-4013-0826-1}}</ref> One year later, in October 2006, Hyperion published ''The Desperate Housewives Cookbook – Juicy Dishes and Saucy Bits'' ({{ISBN|978-1-4013-0277-1}}).<ref>{{cite book|last1=Styler|first1=Christopher|last2=Tobis|first2=Scott S.|title=The Desperate Housewives Cookbook: Juicy Dishes and Saucy Bits|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LA5RAAAACAAJ|access-date=September 21, 2013|date=September 26, 2006|publisher=Hyperion Books|isbn=978-1-4013-0277-1}}</ref> In addition, official [[wall calendar]]s, featuring shots taken from the series, were published by [[Andrews McMeel Publishing]] for 2006, 2007 and 2008.<ref>[http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=0740765884 Andrews McMeel Publishing: Desperate Housewives 2008 Wall Calendar] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928122122/http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=0740765884 |date=September 28, 2007 }}, Retrieved August 5, 2007</ref>

Four unauthorized books written from different points of view were released in 2006. ''Delicious Housewives, A Novel of Erotica'', by author Tamarias Tyree ({{ISBN|978-0-930865-79-5}}), from RSVP Press, is an [[erotic]] [[parody]] of the series featuring the housewives' sexual misadventures which eventually lead them to an appearance on the ''[[Jerry Springer Show]]''.

''Reading 'Desperate Housewives': Beyond the White Picket Fence'' ({{ISBN|978-1-84511-220-2}}), from [[I.B. Tauris]], is an academic look at the show by [[film studies]] lecturers Janet McCabe and Kim Akass.<ref>[http://www.ibtauris.com/ibtauris/display.asp?K=9781845112202&sf_01=CAUTHOR&st_01=Janet+McCabe&sf_02=CTITLE&sf_03=KEYWORD&sf_04=identifier&m=2&dc=4 I.B. Tauris: Reading "Desperate Housewives" – Beyond the White Picket Fence], Retrieved August 5, 2007 &nbsp;{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928130455/http://www.ibtauris.com/ibtauris/display.asp?K=9781845112202&sf_01=CAUTHOR&st_01=Janet+McCabe&sf_02=CTITLE&sf_03=KEYWORD&sf_04=identifier&m=2&dc=4 |date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref> ''Welcome to Wisteria Lane: On America's Favorite Desperate Housewives'' ({{ISBN|978-1-932100-79-2}}), published by [[BenBella Books]], consists of seventeen essays written from a [[feminist]] perspective.<ref>[http://66.84.52.211/cgi-bin/plugins/MivaEmpresas/miva?plugins/MivaMerchants/merchant.mvc+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BB&Product_Code=WTWL&Category_Code=DHW BenBella Books: Welcome to Wisteria Lane: On America's Favorite Desperate Housewives] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927103834/http://66.84.52.211/cgi-bin/plugins/MivaEmpresas/miva?plugins/MivaMerchants/merchant.mvc+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BB&Product_Code=WTWL&Category_Code=DHW |date=September 27, 2007 }}, Retrieved August 5, 2007</ref> In Chalice Press' ''Not-So-Desperate: Fantasy, Fact and Faith on Wisteria Lane'' ({{ISBN|0-8272-2513-X}}), author Shawnthea Monroe gives a [[Christianity|Christian]] interpretation of the series.<ref>[http://www.cbp21.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=2706 Chalice Press: Not-so-desperate – Fantasy, Fact And Faith on Wisteria Lane] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928051808/http://www.cbp21.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=2706 |date=September 28, 2007 }}, Retrieved August 5, 2007</ref> Also, following the "real life desperate housewives" phenomenon, several books have been released dealing with life strategies for contemporary women.

===Fashion dolls and fragrances===
In December 2006, it was announced that the characters of Susan, Lynette, Bree, Gabrielle and Edie were to be made into {{convert|16|in|cm}} tall [[fashion doll]]s, produced by [[Alexander Doll Company|Madame Alexander]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Finn|first=Natalie|title=Desperate Housewives Play Around|url=http://eonline.com/news/54074/desperate-housewives-play-around|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=[[E! Online]]|date=January 2, 2007}}</ref> In 2007, they were released in a limited edition of 300 pieces each.<ref>[http://www.madamealexander.com/fall_2007/product_cat.php/subid=7/index.html Madame Alexander Fall 2007 collection: Couture – Desperate Housewives], Retrieved August 5, 2008  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627153545/http://www.madamealexander.com/fall_2007/product_cat.php/subid%3D7/index.html |date=June 27, 2007 }}</ref> A [[perfume|fragrance]] was also launched by [[Coty Inc.]] in 2006, titled ''Forbidden Fruit'', and was composed of [[orange blossom]], [[peach]], [[apple]], [[lily]], [[wisteria]], [[jasmine]], [[ylang-ylang]], [[sandalwood]], [[tonka bean]], [[vanilla]] and [[cedar wood|cedar]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|title=Woman of a Scent|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/18/business/media/18adco_column.html|access-date=October 22, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 18, 2006|archive-date=September 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909025420/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/18/business/media/18adco_column.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Coty/Desperate-Housewives-Forbidden-Fruit-2970.html|title=Desperate Housewives Forbidden Fruit Coty for women|publisher=[[Coty Inc.]]|work=Fragrantica|date=2006|access-date=April 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Housewives-Forbidden-Women-3-4-Ounces/dp/B0012RWOB8|title=Amazon.com : Desperate Housewives Forbidden Fruit By Coty For Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4-Ounces|publisher=[[Coty Inc.]]|work=[[Amazon.com]]|date=2006|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-date=April 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418081941/https://www.amazon.com/Desperate-Housewives-Forbidden-Women-3-4-Ounces/dp/B0012RWOB8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fragrancenet.com/perfume/coty/desperate-housewives-forbidden-fruit/eau-de-parfum#147971|title=Desperate Housewives Forbidden Fruit Eau De Parfum for Women by Coty|publisher=Coty Inc.|work=Fragrance Net|date=2006|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120191844/http://www.fragrancenet.com/perfume/coty/desperate-housewives-forbidden-fruit/eau-de-parfum#147971|archive-date=January 20, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2009, a collection of four fragrances by LR Health & Beauty Systems, each based on and titled after a ''Desperate Housewives'' lead character, was presented: Susan's fragrance is composed of [[orange blossom]], cedar, sandalwood and [[white musk]], Lynette's fragrance is composed of [[cardamom]], [[star jasmine]] and [[musk]], Bree's fragrance is composed of green apple, [[white jasmine]], [[raspberry]], lily, [[amber]] and vanilla, and Gabrielle's fragrance is composed of raspberry, [[pineapple]], [[rose]], [[patchouli]] and [[blackberries]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/LR/Desperate-Housewives-Susan-6741.html|title=Desperate Housewives Susan LR for women|publisher=LR Health & Beauty Systems|work=Fragrantica|date=August 2009|access-date=April 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/LR/Desperate-Housewives-Lynette-6743.html|title=Desperate Housewives Lynette LR for women|publisher=LR Health & Beauty Systems|work=Fragrantica|date=August 2009|access-date=April 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/LR/Desperate-Housewives-Bree-6740.html|title=Desperate Housewives Bree LR for women|publisher=LR Health & Beauty Systems|work=Fragrantica|date=August 2009|access-date=April 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/LR/Desperate-Housewives-Gabrielle-6742.html|title=Desperate Housewives Gabrielle LR for women|publisher=LR Health & Beauty Systems|work=Fragrantica|date=August 2009|access-date=April 17, 2017}}</ref>

===''Another Desperate Housewife'' commercials===
In conjunction with season six, Marc Cherry was commissioned to write eight "mini-episodes" entitled ''Another Desperate Housewife''. The episodes were written after the previous season's extensive product placement proved unpopular with the fans. The mini-episodes were written to advertise mobile phone company Sprint and involve just three characters.<ref>{{cite news|last=Parpis|first=Eleftheria|title=The New Mini-Series|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/new-mini-series-100645|access-date=October 26, 2013|newspaper=[[Adweek]]|date=October 19, 2009|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190131/http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/new-mini-series-100645|url-status=live}}</ref> The two main characters are Stephanie (played by [[Rebecca Staab]]) and Lance (played by [[David Chisum]]) who have moved into the former house of Edie Britt after her death. The third character, Elsa, was Stephanie's friend. It is eventually revealed that Lance and Elsa have been having an affair. Stephanie finds out and tells Lance to break it off. Elsa suggests killing Stephanie, but Lance gets a text message indicating he's seeing another woman and a furious Elsa shoots him. In truth, Stephanie had sent the message herself. The final mini-episode has Elsa being arrested and Stephanie attracted to a handsome policeman at the scene. Each episode ends with a Mary Alice-like narration saying things such as "This is suspicion on the Now Network" or "This is betrayal on the Now Network."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nakashima |first1=Ryan |last2=Yao |first2=Deborah |title=Dramatized ads weave plot lines around product |url=https://www.theage.com.au/technology/dramatized-ads-weave-plot-lines-around-product-20091001-gcwv.html |access-date=April 3, 2022 |newspaper=[[The Age]] |date=October 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194102/http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-technology/dramatized-ads-weave-plot-lines-around-product-20091001-gcwv.html |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}</ref>

===Ask ''Desperate Housewives''===
For the sixth season of the series, ABC created "Ask ''Desperate Housewives''" to promote their website. It was presented and sponsored by [[Sprint Corporation|Sprint]], and it was hosted by series creator, Marc Cherry. In each special, Marc Cherry and an actress/actor of the series would answer questions that fans submitted to abc.go.com.

==Sequel==
In April 2025, it was reported that a new television series titled ''Wisteria Lane'' was in development at [[Onyx Collective]]. The project is described as a darkly comedic mystery-drama in the vein of ''Desperate Housewives'', set on the same fictional street. The series is being written by [[Natalie Chaidez]] (''[[The Flight Attendant]]'') and executive produced by [[Kerry Washington]] through her production company [[Simpson Street]], along with [[Pilar Savone]] and [[Stacey Sher]]. While the series will not feature the original cast members or characters, it is considered a spiritual successor to ''Desperate Housewives'', focusing on a new group of five women navigating secrets and scandal behind the façade of suburban perfection.

Original ''Desperate Housewives'' creator [[Marc Cherry]] is not directly involved but is aware of the project and may participate in some capacity. The project marks the first official attempt to expand the ''Desperate Housewives'' franchise since the show concluded in 2012.<ref name="Deadline2025">Andreeva, Nellie (April 29, 2025). "[https://deadline.com/2025/04/desperate-housewives-reboot-wisteria-lane-kerry-washington-1236379573/ 'Desperate Housewives' Offshoot 'Wisteria Lane' In Works At Onyx From Kerry Washington & Natalie Chaidez]". ''Deadline''. Retrieved April 30, 2025.</ref>

==Adaptations==
On February 26, 2006, [[The Walt Disney Company]] announced that four South American versions of the show were about to begin production: one for Argentina, one for Colombia, one for Ecuador and one for Brazil.<ref>{{cite news|title='Housewives' going global|url=https://variety.com/2006/scene/vpage/housewives-going-global-1117939263/|access-date=September 20, 2013|newspaper=Variety|date=March 5, 2006|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921074326/http://variety.com/2006/scene/vpage/housewives-going-global-1117939263/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later on, the Colombian and Ecuadorean productions merged, leaving three [[Latin America]]n shows. The Argentine version, titled ''[[Amas de casa desesperadas (Argentine TV series)|Amas de Casa Desesperadas]]'', began being broadcast in 2006. The first year proved successful enough for a second season to begin production.<ref>[http://www.canal13.com.ar/micrositios/amas.resena.html Amas de casa desesperadas Official Canal 13 Website] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610041037/http://www.canal13.com.ar/micrositios/amas.resena.html |date=June 10, 2007 }} , Retrieved August 3, 2007</ref> The first season of the version for Colombia ([[RCN TV]]) and Ecuador ([[Teleamazonas]]), also titled ''[[Amas de casa desesperadas (2007 TV series)|Amas de Casa Desesperadas]]'', began being broadcast in Ecuador in May 2007, and was broadcast five days a week.<ref>[http://www.teleamazonas.com/amasdecasa.htm Amas de casa desesperadas Official Teleamazonas Website] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716232635/http://www.teleamazonas.com/amasdecasa.htm |date=July 16, 2007 }} , Retrieved August 3, 2007</ref> In addition, ''[[:pt:Donas de Casa Desesperadas (telessérie brasileira)|Donas de Casa Desesperadas]]'' began being broadcast on [[RedeTV!]] in 2008.<ref>[http://www.redetv.com.br/siteredetv/grupos/series/donasdecasadesesperadas/ Donas de Casa Desesperadas Official RedeTV Website], Retrieved August 3, 2007  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201011406/http://www.redetv.com.br/siteredetv/grupos/series/donasdecasadesesperadas/ |date=December 1, 2007 }}</ref> The Turkish version titled ''[[Umutsuz Ev Kadınları]]'' aired on [[Kanal D]] in Turkey from 2011 until 2013 and on [[Fox (Turkey)|FOX Turkey]] from 2013 until 2014.<ref>{{cite web |author=Do You Know Turkey |url=http://www.doyouknowturkey.com/new-tv-series-turkish-desperate-housewives/ |title=New Tv Series: Turkish Desperate Housewives |publisher=Do You Know Turkey |date=October 20, 2011 |access-date=June 16, 2013 |archive-date=May 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527144220/http://www.doyouknowturkey.com/new-tv-series-turkish-desperate-housewives/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In fall 2013, the [[Disney Media Distribution]] and the Nigerian television network EbonyLife TV announced that they were producing an African version of ''Desperate Housewives''. The series, titled ''[[Desperate Housewives Africa]]'', was scheduled to premiere in summer 2014 on EbonyLife TV. However, it aired its only season during 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ebonylifetv.com/desperate-housewives-africa/|title=Desperate Housewives Africa|date=December 15, 2016|publisher=EbonyLife TV|access-date=April 17, 2017|archive-date=April 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418083354/http://ebonylifetv.com/desperate-housewives-africa/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! scope="col"| Title
! scope="col"| Region(s)
! scope="col"| Release
! scope="col"| Network(s)
|-
! scope="row" align="center"| ''[[Amas de casa desesperadas (Argentine TV series)|Amas de Casa Desesperadas]]''
| align="center"| Argentina
| align="center"| 2006–07
| align="center"| [[Canal 13 (Argentina)|Canal 13]]
|-
! scope="row" align="center"| ''[[Amas de casa desesperadas (2007 TV series)|Amas de Casa Desesperadas]]''
| align="center"| {{flatlist|
* Colombia
* Ecuador
}}
| align="center"| 2007
| align="center"| {{flatlist|
* [[RCN TV]] {{small|(Colombia)}}
* [[Teleamazonas]] {{small|(Ecuador)}}
}}
|-
! scope="row" align="center"| ''[[:pt:Donas de Casa Desesperadas (telessérie brasileira)|Donas de Casa Desesperadas]]''
| align="center"| Brazil
| align="center"| 2007–08
| align="center"| [[RedeTV!]]
|-
! scope="row" align="center"| ''[[Umutsuz Ev Kadınları]]''
| align="center"| Turkey
| align="center"| 2011–14
| align="center"| {{flatlist|
* [[Kanal D]] {{small|(2011–13)}}
* [[Fox (Turkey)|FOX Turkey]] {{small|(2013–14)}}
}}
|-
! scope="row" align="center"| ''[[Desperate Housewives Africa]]''
| align="center"| Nigeria
| align="center"| 2015
| align="center"| EbonyLife TV
|-
! scope="row" align="center"| ''[[Desperate Housewives: The Game (2017 video game)|Desperate Housewives: The Game]]''<ref>[http://www.megazebra.com/games/dhthegame/ "Desperarate Housewives: The Game] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218032755/http://www.megazebra.com/games/dhthegame/ |date=February 18, 2018 }}, Megazebra</ref>
| align="center"|
| align="center"| 2017
| align="center"| Megazebra
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|d=Q131758|display=''Desperate Housewives''|c=Category:Desperate Housewives|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|wikt=no|species=no}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515015844/http://abc.go.com/shows/desperate-housewives |title=Official website |date=mdy}}
* {{IMDb title|0410975|Desperate Housewives}}
* {{Hulu series|desperate-housewives}}

{{Desperate Housewives}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Desperate Housewives|Awards for ''Desperate Housewives'']]
|list =
{{EmmyAward MainTitleThemeMusic}}
{{GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comedy Series}}
{{GoldenGlobeTVComedy 1990-2009}}
{{People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama}}
{{Satellite Award Best Musical or Comedy Television Series}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAwards EnsembleTVComedy 2000–2009}}
{{TCA Award for Program of the Year}}
{{Teen Choice Award for Choice Breakout Series}}
}}
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