The 24 Hour Woman

The 24 Hour Woman

Year: 1999

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Nancy Savoca

ComedyRomance

A story about getting everything you want and what comes next Grace tries to be the perfect mother and TV producer but finds trouble in juggling both.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The 24 Hour Woman (1999)

Trace every key event in The 24 Hour Woman (1999) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Pregnancy leak sparks on-air storyline

Grace's pregnancy is leaked to Eddie during a live segment, turning her private life into a ratings grabber. Boss Joan decides to lean into the angle, making the pregnancy the centerpiece of The 24 Hour Woman. The decision transforms Grace's daily routine and the show's dynamic as viewers tune in for more.

On-air The 24 Hour Woman studio
2

Madeline hired; Roy becomes stay-at-home dad

Madeline, a mother of three, interviews for a job at the show and is hired as Grace's assistant, despite being overqualified. Roy begins the process of adjusting to stay-at-home dad life, facing judgment from peers. Their entry expands Grace's team and the show's backstage dynamics.

Shortly after The show's offices
3

Ratings boost and move to a network

The show's ratings surge as the pregnancy-centered format resonates with viewers. The success prompts a move from cable to a network, increasing production scale and publicity. Grace's role becomes more prominent as the show reaches a broader audience.

After hiring Studio and network offices
4

Lily's birth and the push to return to work

Grace gives birth to Lily and struggles to juggle motherhood with a demanding schedule. Eddie's budding acting career keeps him away, while Joan pushes for Grace to return to work promptly. The family faces mounting pressure as personal and professional responsibilities collide.

After Lily's birth Home and studio
5

Nanny Cheryl joins; Grace misses Lily

The family hires Cheryl the nanny to help, but Grace remains tethered to work and misses Lily's milestones. The tension between childcare and career intensifies as Grace tries to balance both worlds.

After Lily's birth Home and office
6

Lily's first birthday and pursuit of Dr. Pincus

On Lily's first birthday, Eddie is in Los Angeles filming; Grace must secure an interview with author Dr. Suzanne Pincus. When a phone call with the publicist fails, she travels to Pincus's book signing to persuade her in person.

Lily's first birthday Suzanne Pincus's book signing
7

Herald Square gift and Christmas traffic

After securing the interview, Grace rushes to Herald Square to buy a present for Lily, only to find the shop sold out. She buys the available display item for $300 and fights through Christmas traffic to get home before the party.

Same day Herald Square
8

Subway turnstile confrontation and arrest

On the way home, Grace is denied subway fare and attempts to slip under the turnstile, triggering an argument with a police officer. The confrontation ends with her arrest, and she returns home having missed Lily's birthday party.

Christmas New York subway
9

Recreating the birthday moment

The next day, Grace's mother and mother-in-law share footage of Lily's birthday party, leaving her ashamed for missing the moment. Grace tries to recreate similar footage to pretend she made it home in time.

The day after the party Grace's home
10

Grace quits; drag day and on-air confrontation

Grace grows weary of the work-life imbalance and decides to quit, returning to the office where colleagues are dressed in drag for a Sex Switcheroo-themed day. She confronts Joan about devaluing her work, and, during a tense live moment, pulls out a Luger and confronts Eddie on air. Eddie calms her, and the gun is lowered as police arrive to arrest her.

During the on-air moment The office and studio
11

Media storm and Eddie's apology

The incident becomes a national media sensation, fueling debates about balancing fame, work, and parenting. Eddie goes to Grace's apartment to apologize and begins to babysit Lily, signaling a chance for reconciliation.

In the days following the arrest Grace's apartment
12

A new show concept is pitched

Grace pitches a new talk show about the little everyday stuff that drives us crazy, and an executive jokes that she should get a shot; the pitch is ultimately accepted, signaling a fresh direction away from the previous format.

After apology Office
13

Madeline joins the venture; new chapter begins

Grace boards a taxi and is joined by Madeline, who will be joining her new show, marking the start of a new partnership and a grounded, relatable format for the audience.

Launch of the new show Taxi

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:12

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The 24 Hour Woman Summary

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The 24 Hour Woman Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The 24 Hour Woman

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The 24 Hour Woman

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The 24 Hour Woman Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The 24 Hour Woman

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