Sitcom Writers Talk Shop: Behind the Scenes with Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, and Other Geniuses of TV Comedy

(Hardback)

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Behind every great television show is a group of professionals working at the top of their gamesbut no one is more important than the writers. And while writing comedy, especially good comedy, is serious businessfraught with actor egos, demanding producers, and sleepless nightsit also can result in classic lines of dialogue. Sitcom Writers Talk Shop: Behind the Scenes with Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, and Other Geniuses of TV Comedy is a collection of conversations with the writers responsible for some of the most memorable shows in television comedy. The men and women interviewed here include series creators, show runners, and staff writers whose talent and hard work have generated literally millions of laughs. In addition to Reiner (The Dick Van Dyke Show) and Lear (All in the Family), this book features in-depth interviews with: James L. Brooks (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Simpsons) Al Jean (The Simpsons, The Critic) Leonard Stern (The Honeymooners, Get Smart) Treva Silverman (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) Ken Estin (Cheers) Matt Williams (Roseanne, Home Improvement) Dava Savel (Ellen) Larry Charles (Seinfeld) David Lee (Frasier) Phil Rosenthal (Everybody Loves Raymond) Mike Reiss (The Simpsons) From these conversations, readers will learn that the business of writing funny has never been all laughs. Writers discuss the creative process, how they get unstuck, the backstories of iconic episodes, and how they cope with ridiculous censors, outrageous actors, and their own demons and fears. Sitcom Writers Talk Shop will appeal to fans of all of these shows and may serve as inspiration to anyone considering a life in comedy.

Reviews

There's an old saying: if you like sausage, don't watch it being made. When it comes to comedy, that couldn't be more untrue. This book is all about the process. How does comedy happen, anyway You'll hear candid admissions from writers and producers. It's a fascinating insight into the world of comedy. -- Jay Leno, The Tonight Show
For fans or anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes peak at those who've created successful sitcoms...you'll totally enjoy this book! -- Valerie Harper, Actress (The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda)
I am nothing but jealous of Paula Finn. She got to sit down with writers of some of the greatest sitcoms ever made, the ones we circled in TV Guide, and planned our nights around viewing. Here, in Sitcom Writers Talk Shop, Paula Finn pulls up a chair and pumps these legendary writers and show creators on how they did it and what it was like. Luckily for us, she asked the right questions and carefully recorded their answers. I've read this book twice, and it hasn't even come out yet. -- Paula Poundstone, Stand-up Comedian, Author, Actor
You think youre funny and you wanna write, right So write. You wanna know how, what, where, when or whyRead Paula Finns book. She asked the experts. -- Mike Farrell, Actor (M*A*S*H)
What a wonderful book! I loved hearing from my generations greatest comedy writers in their own wordsabout their TV shows! -- Georgia Engel, Actress (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Fortunately or unfortunately, for almost 50 years I've led a tortured life that gave birth to millions of jokes on my own. Had I been a boring, unfunny man, . . . the likes of Herb Finn and the other geniuses chronicled in this book could have turned me into a genius without a word of my own. -- Richard Lewis, Stand-up Comedian, Actor
Love those classic sitcoms Want to know how they were created and why we loved them This book has the answers, some of which are quite surprising. This book may become a classic itself. -- Fred Willard, Actor, Comedian (Fernwood 2 Night, Everybody Loves Raymond, Modern Family)

Author Bio

Paula Finnthe daughter of Honeymooners writer Herbert Finnhas authored ten gift books including Believe in Yourself, When Love Isnt Easy, and Make This Your Day.