After two decades in film, Sothern moved to television in 1953 to headline sitcom
Private Secretary (1953), which ran for 104 episodes. Along with various guest appearances, she also headlined the successful eponymous series
The Ann Sothern Show (1958) from 1958 to 1961. She received a total of five Emmy nominations between her two series, but went home empty-handed. Award was given posthumously.