Mary Jo Shively is a fictional character from the television series Murphy Brown, which aired from 1988 to 1998. She is portrayed by actress Faith Ford and serves as a producer and friend to the show's main character, Murphy Brown, played by Candice Bergen. Mary Jo is known for her upbeat personality and strong work ethic, often balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal life. In the series, Mary Jo's character provides comic relief and support to her colleagues at the fictional news magazine FYI. Her interactions with other characters highlight themes of friendship, teamwork, and the challenges faced by women in the workplace during the late 20th century.