(CNN) "Murphy Brown" returned to TV on Thursday night with help from another woman some people have missed seeing regularly.

Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton appeared on the revival's premiere episode in a role that had not been formally announced before it aired.

As part of the surprise appearance, Clinton played a woman -- named Hilary, with one "L" -- who was interviewing for a secretary position at Murphy Brown's new cable news show. (Of her resemblance, Clinton's character said, "I get that a lot.")

"Your reputation proceeds you, but I want you to know I'm not afraid of hard work, I'm qualified, and ready on day one," Clinton quipped.

In the part, the former secretary of state flexed her comedy muscles, joking at one point she had been secretary "of a very large organization" for four years when asked about her experience. "

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