Thinking Beyond the Giant Purse: The Top 6 Creative Ways TV Shows Have Incorporated Real-Life Pregnancies

1. The Nanny — When Lauren Lane, who played Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield’s bitter assistant C.C., was pregnant, the writers had C.C. go to her boss and tell him the actress in their play was pregnant — then they began to brainstorm ways to hide it. “You can have her carry in a box I suppose, or put her behind the chair… or carry around a sign…” and, of course, as they were discussing each possible idea, the actress playing C.C. was doing just that.

In another episode, she enters Maxwell’s office wearing all black and refers to “Hide Your Pregnancy” techniques used by Elaine from Seinfeld, including the ol’ “holding massive objects” ploy. Again, C.C. herself is holding a huge purse and, after putting it down, pointedly picks up a potted plant she says needs to be watered before exiting the scene. [CUE FRAN DRESCHER’S LAUGHTER HERE]