Read like the credits rolling at end of a show

I thought this book would be interesting and funny because a lot of the TV shows were very funny. Sadly this, for me, was not the case. There was an endless listing of names and shows meant to impress the reader but for me, it was just noise. Although I appreciated the “positive” attitude, not everyone and every show could be that sugar coated sweet and wonderful. The people and shows might have changed but each chapter was basically the same. I was disappointed.

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Some Good Material but Quite Repetitive

It's tough to judge who the target audience is for this memoir. Those studying directing? Regular fans of sitcoms? It seems like Burrows tried to please both and, I think, the book suffers somewhat. There are some interesting (and valuable, I'd say) lessons in here about dealing constructively with others in a multi-faceted and fast-paced professional workplace. And, it's probably required reading for those wanting to direct TV. However, for non-directors such as myself, these lessons become repetitive after a few shows' worth of memories. Only the actors/producers/writers change. The latter part of the book about TV camera placement/operation seems an afterthought, from this perspective. It would have been interesting had the book been organized by, perhaps, types of struggles Burrows had to overcome to succeed, rather than organizing it chronologically where, at some point, it starts reading like a victory lap. In the end, I come away thinking Burrows has a lot to say, but his co-author mismanaged how to organize/present it.

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Autobiog is Master Class in directing TV Sitcoms

For decades Jim Burrows has been the most in demand director for situation comedy series on American Tv for good reason. His touch and taste has given us Cheers, Friends, Will & Grace, Taxi and many more shows that are part of the fabric of American life. As he nears 80 he is still active but takes time to share his secret sauce. It’s not much of a bio. He grew up in the large shadow of his famous father and worked hard to carve his own career. He has surpassed Abe Burrows in many ways. Much of the book he takes us inside how TV really works and then goes show by show from how it was created to casting and his own significant contributions to the many successes he birthed and nurtured. This is very inside industry. For me it was a treat to hear this master of the sitcom form share his stories of success and failure. For anyone who dreams of directing TV this is a real master class from a real master and a must read.

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Enjoy this listen!

If you’re a fan of these tv shows you’ll enjoy this audio book. Burrows is a good narrator and his insight and behind the
scenes info is quite funny and interesting.

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Inside Baseball for TV Nerds

Lots of interesting backstory on the last half century of the tv sitcom, but it’s not juicy or gossipy or overly personal. Burrows is a pro, and delivers this like a seminar to directing students.

Bravo Mr Burrows!

I liked hearing Mr Burrows tell the story. I LOVE the cover art! A master class!

Sitcoms!

If you grew up being entertained by sitcoms then you probably have enjoyed James Burrows work. This is a great book that chronicles his career.

Too bad he read his own book

Authors should really think about casting for their books. I just couldn’t get through his reading.

amazing

I absolutely loved the history and behind the scenes story of a director that I didn't know how so much influence on me growing up watching tv.

Too many great stories

I feel like he had too many great stories to tell in one book. As a result it felt kind of unstructured, and things often did not seem to be given the space or weight they deserved.