She became the receptionist at WKRP after moving to Cincinnati, succeeding Joyce Armor (Rosemary Forsyth), who is introduced in a later episode.

Although not overtly religious, on at least one occasion (Episode 35: God Talks to Johnny) she shows a remarkable ability to recite chapter and verse of the Bible from memory.

Although she now eschews her poor upbringing she shows no sign of shame in it and once became offended when Mrs. Carlson mistakenly referred to her hometown as "Rock Pile".

Her dates, most of whom are never seen, shower her with expensive gifts, allowing her to live in a huge penthouse apartment with a piano and a doorbell that plays the song "Fly Me to the Moon" (in the original network run) or "Beautiful Dreamer" (in subsequent syndication and the original Fox Season 1 DVD release.

Furthermore, when the video will recording of Buchanan specifies that the bulk of his estate be used to fund a celebration and parade for the veterans who served under him, Jennifer immediately began preparing to fulfill his wishes while his greedy family protested this bequest.

Jennifer is very clear about what her job does and does not entail: she does not take dictation, type letters, or make or get coffee.

When asked if she belongs to a union, she says she is a member of the exclusive "Sisterhood of Blond Receptionists," adding "If you saw our minimum salary, you'd have a heart attack and die.

(That is played to humorous effect when Andy convinces all station employees to fool a "program doctor" by acting 180 degrees off their true personality.)

When he asks her for a loan, and then makes a pass at her friend, Bailey Quarters, Jennifer realizes that Steel is simply a gold-digger after her money, and she starts to question her own tendency to accept gifts from wealthy men.

And although it is never stated outright, it is clear that Mama Carlson views Jennifer as the only person who is her equal at the station.

Jennifer effortlessly rebuffs Herb's clumsy attempts at flirtation, before finally deciding to call his bluff (in the episode "Put Up or Shut Up") and accepting his offer of a date.

Herb is so overwhelmed at even the remotest hint of his fantasies coming true that he begins to hyperventilate during their date, and the two end the night by agreeing to be friends.

In the episode "Daydreams", Jennifer has a impromptu bedroom fantasy about Cary Grant, who suddenly transforms into Les asking her to cover him "in a sticky substance," startling her awake.

She also performs mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on Andy Travis, knocked unconscious during a tornado (to which a semi-conscious Andy replied by putting his arm around her, as in a passionate embrace) and had other flirtatious encounters with him, such as telling him "let's see the boy" in the episode "Baby, it's Cold Inside" when she was drinking to keep warm at work.

[1] Though Carlson is often seen as being almost completely dependent on Jennifer, she too has her moments where roles between the pair are reversed, leading to a relationship where they mutually take care of each other.

[1] In "Turkeys Away", Jennifer initially refuses to do typical secretarial tasks such as taking dictation or bringing him coffee (reminding Mr. Carlson that "we have an agreement").

Jennifer changes the "blonde bombshell" stereotype of Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, with a raised consciousness, increased sophistication and unexpected intelligence.