James Burrows: “He Knew How to Do Funny”
Original Airdates: July 31-Aug. 2, 2026
TVC 744.1: Tony, Donna, and Ed discuss the life and career of Emmy Award-winning director and producer James Burrows (Cheers, Frasier, The Mary Tyler Moore Show) in the first in a series of segments that commemorate notable TV actors and behind-the-scenes personnel who passed away earlier in 2026. James Burrows died Friday, June 19 at age eighty-five. Topics this segment include how Burrows approached directing TV sitcoms as if they were thirty-minute stage plays; his early career directing shows for MTM Studios; and his track record for directing pilots that eventually went to series.
Why the legacy of James Burrows is laughter
Original Airdates: July 31-Aug. 2, 2026
TVC 744.2: Tony, Donna, and Ed discuss James Burrows’ impact on Taxi and Cheers (including the famous “What does a yellow light mean?” scene in the Taxi episode in which Reverend Jim takes his driving test), and why laughter is his legacy as a producer and director. James Burrows died Friday, June 19 at age eighty-five.
