ABC resisted the name Desperate Housewives and instead suggested Wisteria Lane, which in retrospect might have been a better idea, because the titular housewives didn't stay that way. As early as season two, Lynette regained her career in advertising, but it's after the time jump between seasons four and five that the show really left its title in the dust. The fifth season sees Susan take a job as an assistant art teacher, Bree successfully running a catering business, and Lynette owning a pizzeria with her husband. Only Gabrielle remained at home until the final few episodes. Perhaps we're barking up the wrong tree maybe the show's title refers to its target audience instead.
