16–18) was an earnest college history professor, and their 13-year-old daughter, Rose (Lindsay Lohan, pilot episode; Marina Malota, eps.

Embarking with Bette on her long, wild journey around showbiz was her hardworking best friend and manager Connie Randolph (Joanna Gleason).

During the series' run, slightly fictional Bette recorded a new album, engaged in hijinks at awards shows, won a Grammy, made guest roles on series such as JAG and Family Law (a cross promotion by CBS), and starred in a TV Halloween special with Dolly Parton (who appeared as herself and was said to be a longtime friend of the Bette character; Parton and Midler are friends in real life).

Guest stars included Danny DeVito, George Segal, Brenda Song, Sharon Lawrence, Tim Curry, David James Elliott, Oprah Winfrey, Ashley Tisdale, Tony Danza, Dolly Parton, Olivia Newton-John, Jon Lovitz, Kobe Bryant and the ladies from rival network ABC's The View all as themselves.

14-year-old Lohan did not want to continually commute from her family's current residence in New York City, due to the lengthy filming schedule for a TV series (typically 22 episodes per season).

Several episodes into the series, Kevin Dunn grew unhappy with the increasingly minimal role and lack of development his character Roy was facing.

Although the series premiered to 15 million viewers in October 2000 - aided by prominently featured special guest stars in the early episodes - ratings dropped significantly by December.

Stuck without a story to tell during an appearance on The View (talk show), Bette accidentally gives the impression she saved a boy from drowning at the beach.

When Meredith Vieira asks her to bring the boy on the show so they can donate to charity, she finds the lie getting out of control - especially once she hires a child actor who turns the situation to his advantage.

As a result, Roy surprises Bette with a last-minute trip to Paris but their plans fall apart at the airport, as the determined staff (Gary Janetti, Amy Hill) and fellow passengers make things difficult.

As she prepares for the evening, things fall apart when Connie loses an expensive earring loaned to Bette for the night by Harry Winston, Inc.

The situation falls apart further with Rose's preparations for the evening, a fiery fashion designer (Jenifer Lewis), and the unexpected arrival of Oscar's grandma (Helena Carroll) and her friend, who has high expectations of celebrity homes.