Sunday, February 7, 2016

An Actor's Library - TOP OF THE ROCK The Rise and Fall of Must See TV



I am on a new NBC show CROWDED and the actor who plays my son, Clifford Mcghee, recommended this book to me. I always have at least one bookshelf of unread books in my bookcase and yet I keep buying more. I thought maybe if I don’t purchase anymore I would someday read them all. Clifford’s verbal review of this book made me feel compelled to read it. I searched online and discovered the audio version, perfect for driving while listening so I bought it.


What an amazing journey of stories, anecdotes and facts about what makes a network successful and how sitcoms become hits from the page, through the pilot, to many seasons on the air.


There was one name that was mentioned and quoted often and seemed to connect the dots during this golden era of Must See TV. That name is James Burrows. He has directed some of the brightest stars in front of the camera and made life changing executive decisions as a producer. His legacy includes the sitcoms Friends, Taxi, Cheers, Mike & Molly, Will & Grace, Frasier, the Big Bang Theory and now Crowded. Our Season 1 finale was Mr. Burrows 1,000th episode as a director! In my opinion that makes him the Sitcom King. I could relate to so many of the stories from the actors in these ground breaking shows after working with him for 9 episodes. I am officially spoiled!

As an invited guest to the taping of MUST SEE TV An All Star Tribute to James Burrows, I got to experience this book in 3D. It’s still so surreal to me to be in the same room with all of the stars from the above mentioned shows and to know that I am now a part of entertainment history. As Clifford stated, Crowded could easily be the next chapter in this book.


Sean Hayes is also an integral part of the NBC story starting with his role on Will & Grace and now as an executive producer with his buddy Todd Milliner (Hazy Mills Productions). They are the producers of several hit TV shows which now include Crowded and the All Star Tribute to James Burrows. Be sure to tune in on Feb. 21, 2016 on NBC. #mustseetv is back!!!