Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More

The role of the director in television (or a similar medium) is to take charge of a production and oversee its translation from page to screen. James Burrows has successfully navigated the often unforgiving world of television for over fifty years, directing more than one thousand episodes. His father, Abraham, was a seasoned writer/director/producer on Broadway who passed down his love of staged production to James.

James parlayed his work on theater productions to work on television. His willingness to gamble on himself led to him receiving a chance to work on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His road to television immortality would be associated with the creation of Cheers with Glen and Les Charles. However, he would direct countless other shows from Taxi to Friends, Will & Grace to Mike and Molly, leaving an indelible footprint on every production.

Directed by James Burrows offers a candid behind-the-camera view from one of the most successful and prolific directors in show business. James Burrows relates his life story with an earnest sense of humor and ingratiating manner. The hits and occasional misses he worked on will flood your memory with nostalgia. His love of the craft and his appreciation for television shines through with every chapter in this fine book.