Which topics do you enjoy? Which turn you off? Based on your previous feedback I’ve made Friday Questions a regular feature, and you’ll notice I no longer bash George W. Bush.
In the past I’ve written about TV research. My problem is that networks use it as the gospel and make all key decisions on creative projects based solely on test results. You’d think after research said that 1600 PENN and PARTNERS would both be embraced by viewers the networks would get the message (but that’s another story). Still, if you use research for input it can be a very useful tool. In this case, it’s my blog. I don’t have to gear my content based exclusively on research. So there will still be some baseball-related posts. But as a source of feedback it’s very helpful.
When I started this blog, almost eight years ago, I had no idea what to write. So I decided to try a lot of different things and see what stuck. What stuck was writing a lot of different things. Quite honestly, I’m amazed I haven’t run out of ideas (unless I have and just don't realize it). And there’s the fear that someday I will (if I haven't already). Thank God there’s always a Zach Braff Kickstarter campaign or new reality show like PREGNANT AND DATING to address.
But I want to thank you for your readership. I’ve made a lot of great new friends and got a lot of shit off my chest as a result of this forum. For now I’ll continue to post something new every day and spare you banner ads. If you want to support this blog buy my book.
And keep coming back. It's great to have you. Okay, now it’s your turn.
272 comments :
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 272 of 272First found you when looking for a Harry Morgan obit to answer a question. Can't remember the question, but I do remember it was a great obit. I poked around, and stayed.
I enjoy most the behind the scenes, both about the process and about the business end, as well as the Friday questions. I'm not particularly creative in a way I could ever think about doing it, so I think that is part of why I like it.
There are actually very few posts that I skip, although I skim some of the 60's references. (I'm not quite 50 yet, so they aren't as interesting to me).
I bought your travel book, and then bitched when you gave it away.
I love the fact that you post everyday about varied topics.
I am more conservative than liberal, but haven't liked any of the presidents I am old enough to have elected, although we generally have elected the lesser of two evils.
I'm from the greater Grand Rapids, MI area. I love entertainment stuff, I love knowing about TV writing, story structure and all of that. I can't see having the drive to try to make it as a career, though.
I am fairly sure I found your blog through Jane Espenson. Since that referral, I've been reading "By Ken Levine" every day.
Really, there's no content on the blog I dislike. It's all great and it keeps me coming back for more.
I don't remember how or when I got here - some link from somewhere, I think.
I love the Friday questions, Nancy Travis stories, American Idol bashing, polls, Cheers and MASH trivia. Glad your daughter is following in your footsteps (and that GLC episode was a fine start).
Some possibilities:
What do you think of the (league-leading!) Pirates?
What are "good" shows or movies you never liked?
What are the worst shows of all time?
What were Shelley Long and Gary Burghoff really like?
I've been here long enough to mention how I found the blog the last couple of times you've done this, but it's also been long enough that now I can't remember! Suffice it to say, I love this blog, and look forward to it every day.
More baseball stories, please.
I'm a So Cal native. I've been on the periphery of the entertainment biz (see?) for many years. I used to employ tech writers, one of whom quit to build models for Jack Webb's indescribably goddawful sci fi show (!!!), another who quit to write TV drama full time (Magnum PI among many others-Bunch & Cole), and others (non-writers) who went on to work for Hustler. I even sold my S.O. house to one of the staff writers for the A Team when that was on the air. I never worked in the industry but I appear to have been a farm team feeding it.
So I love to read anything "inside" about the business. I no longer watch television at all. What isn't a complete waste of time is a time sink gobbling up valuable time that, at my age, can be better used.
Baseball bores me to tears, but I enjoy the "inside" info you provide about that as well.
I have NO idea how I started reading your blog about a year ago, but I enjoy it every morning.
So don't change anything. It's about you and getting to know you through this blog has been endlessly entertaining and even insightful.
MASH and Wings were (still are) among my very favorite shows from my tv-watching days so that adds to the appeal of reading your blog. If the price stays the same, I'll be renewing my subscription.
Rick Wiedmayer in South Carolina
I found your blog through Mark Evanier's blog. He kept linking to your blog and I truly enjoyed it. Now it is the first blog that I read in the morning, even before Mark's.
I like everything that you write about, especially the behind the scene stories for both TV and baseball.
Hi Ken,
+Culver City, CA
+Got to be at least 4 years, I'm thinking more like 5?
+have no idea how I got here and whether it was baseball or tv related (two of my fav things!)
+loved that you answered my Spring Training question back in March. I went with my Dad and he passed away last month so I'll always have great memories of sweltering at Camelback with him!
I'm very new! I found your blog when someone retweeted the link to your notes on "Under the Dome."
I'm from Atlanta and recently left my job to focus on writing, including TV scripting. So I love your expert perspective, both on the creative process and the business/trade side of television.
As a newbie, I want to take some time to dig back deeper into your previous posts. In the meantime, I'm glad I made my way over here and look forward to sticking around!
Dear Mr. Levine,
The Director of Homeland Security said I needed to be made aware of your blog. I was told the best George W. Bush jokes were there. I'm very sorry to read you no longer make fun of "shrub". Oh well, time moves on. By the way, thought you would want to know, satelite photos show your pool is leaking.
Yours truely,
Barack Obama
Hello Ken. I have been reading your blog for a couple years now. I started reading it when I found an article somewhere about the "Top 10 best blogs in the world" (I know, top 10 is kind of a stretch) and I have been enjoying it ever since. I think your blog is popular due to your mixture of stories relating to the pinnacles of success and the pits (and pendulums) of utter failure. Thank you so much for your stories... and here is a possible topic for a future blog: Funniest Novel (You may have covered this topic before, but it may be time for a rehash). Mine is "Life on the Mississippi" by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain to the layman). Written in 1883, and yet I found myself laughing out loud at the wit and humor of one of America's greatest comic writers (Ken Levine is also a member of that group btw). Cheers mate.
Hey Ken,
I found your blog about two years ago when I was looking for blogs written by screenwriters after I found out that writing for television could be an occupation (I'm in high school, hoping to be attending USC, UCLA, or NYU after).
I really enjoy all of the writing/production stories because they give a perspective that's difficult to find elsewhere. The memoirs are always entertaining and the variety of post subjects always keeps me interested.
Maybe we'll meet one day. Or you could read my spec scripts now...(normally I would hate being THAT guy but you try to sell me your books so often it's only fair)
I've been reading the blog for 5-6 years? I can't remember where I found out about your blog, but I found it so interesting that I keep coming back.
I like it because I learn a lot and I laugh too. I don't write comdedy, but I find your tv writing insights extremely valuable. Your opinions are always interesting. I don't get the baseball stuff, but keep on writing about it, it's your passion and it's your blog.
I like the posts where you break down the elements of a script from idea to final version. The script pages are great, but the thought processes of you and your partner which led to it are important lessons. I think because it makes me more open to ideas in my own writing. I now tend not to immediately think an idea is stupid, but to build on that idea so that it works. Thank you for that.
Marco from Germany - and I love those stories about the old Backlots and Movie/TV Studio History in general the most. And of course details about my favourite Sitcoms - including Frasier, Becker and Cheers.
Been reading for about a year and like so many others came here via a recommendation from Mark Evanier's blog. Love the Friday questions and as a longtime baseball fan enjoy the tales from your announcing gigs (hope you're able to get back to doing that next season).
I'm Thomas from Bavaria (that's near Germany) and I came here about two years ago via some Cheers-related Wikipedia article that mentioned a blog post of yours as a source. I think it was about the reasons why Shelley Long left.
I really love reading background stories on TV shows - that always offers a glimpse on a world I really admire. I'm not that interested in baseball content however, since we simply don't know anything about baseball in Europe...
I'm Rick, a lawyer (and amateur bread baker) from Seattle and I've had the pleasure of meeting Ken a couple of times and getting him to autograph his latest book. I have the other two around, so he's got to come up here again to sign them.
I started reading the blog when his tribute to the late great Dave Niehaus was linked to by someone and I've never left. It's my first thing I read every morning. I very much enjoy the screenwriting banter, even though it is not something I do, and I enjoy the travelogues. But I love the stories of the deejay days best. And one can never get too much snark, so when Ken is on a rant that's going to be a memorable morning.
Oh, and my eyes are getting too old from the darn captchas. I know why they're there and that Ken doesn't design them, but that doesn't mean I have to like them.
Hi Ken, I am from Melbourne, Australia, & have been reading your blog regularly for around a year now. I came to it via someone on twitter (can't remember who). I like to read a variety of different blogs on a variety of different topics (via Feedly), and will stick with them if I find them to be well written. I like your topics in general, but I do skip the ones on Baseball, but you already knew that. Cheers!
I'm from San Diego, I've been reading this blog for about a year (I think? Kids, don't smoke dope), and like so many others here, I found your blog through Mark Evanier's. He doesn't seem to be thrilled about the current state of deli food in the greater L.A. area, either.
I read your blog just about every day (unless I don't happen to get on the computer), and the only posts that make me cringe are ones making fun of nerds, and the ones about baseball. I'm such a nerd that all I know about baseball is that if someone is complaining about a team and for some strange reason decides to seek my opinion, I always answer "Well, whaddya expect? They got no heart, and they got no hustle!", and if they're supporting a team, I respond with "Oh yeah, they gotta lotta heart, and they gotta lotta hustle, they're going all the way this year!" I don't know enough about the game to really know why heart and hustle are important, but it serves as a great fake-out; Europeans, take note.
Cheers, thanks a lot (which is Patsy Stone's go-to response for everything on "Absolutely Fabulous", in case anyone wondered/cared),
Storm
I've been following for about two years. A great escape from my daily life. I live in New Orleans, grew up in San Diego, have been working to rebuild New Orleans since shortly after Katrina (first building schools then became a small-scale real estate developer in housing). I don't recall how I found the site, I'm 33, grew up watching Cheers, Wings, and have seen every Frasier episode and love baseball. I really like your baseball and sitcoms stories and do enjoy learning how to write an engaging 22 minute show. Before I die, I really want to write a tv script, really only to have done it and shared it with friends who share my sense of humor. I also love the 80s! Thanks for a great blog...happy to finally "pay" you back, in some small form, by giving you some feedback. I did, though, buy and read your most recent book!
hey ken, valley boy now in santa clarita, enjoy the baseball, the growing up in valley, the radio talk , the mash , cheers, frasier stuff, generally all except too inside writing stuff but know that pleases others, and like the others comments , found you thru don barrett's radio LA , hate anonymous comments,
Windsor, New Jersey. Found this wonderful blog from a link on Twitter to the 'I Love Lucy in REAL Color' post. Have enjoyed everything I've seen here.
I've been reading for about 2.5 years now. I've posted a couple of questions, and once you even answered!
I'm from DC and found this blog when I was Googling the "Albania" song from Cheers.
Brian Phillips.
I'm from Spring Valley, NY and I have read your blog for about four years, on the recommendation of a friend. I enjoy the Friday questions, the insider information and the writing tips.
The stuff I am not as fond of is the baseball commentary and some of the hypothetical writing ("Behind the scenes at..."). This is a minor carp at best. Yours is one of the few blogs I read daily.
Hi Ken, Thanks for making a great blog that's fun to read every day.
I'm RJ from Northampton, MA. and I've been reading your blog for almost 5 years. One day I was on Wiki, reading about "Cheers" and Eddie- it tells the story of why he left the show and there's a link to your blog post on the subject.
Your blog post on Eddie is the type that I like best. I like the fact that- whether you're paying tribute to someone or tearing someone down- both types of posts are fair and equally fun to read.
I'm not a writer but the writing advice is always interesting. I usually skip the baseball posts but that's just cause I don't like baseball.
There's one thing that bothers me: sometimes in the comments section I'll see some dumb, disrespectful, ignorant comment and I always hope that you'll fight back, right there in the comments section. Oh well, it's not a big deal.
I started reading your blog when my brother, who is a friend of yours, forwarded a travel post you wrote on Walla Walla, which is where my daughter goes to college. I kept reading it because I've recently started blogging myself, as a way to promote my (funny) songs, and so I've been looking for funny bloggers who seem to sustain their voice and their humor--which you do, in your impressively prolific posts. Bravo!
I’m 41 and from Seattle, and have been enjoying reading your blog for about two years. I’m a Seattle Mariners fan, and found your site via repeated recommendations from Mariners blogs, such as Lookout Landing and USS Mariner. Although I like your baseball stories, I’m also a big fan of quality television from today and yesterday-- so those are the stories I tend to enjoy reading the most.
Hi Ken:
I discovered your blog 8 years ago courtesy of Don Barrett's LARadio.com site. Big fan of the baseball and Top 40 radio posts. I would like to read more about your days in baseball and all the announcers you crossed paths with over the years. Also like the random observations and rants.
Thanks for 8 great years and look forward to reading the blog every day. Take care and always remember...
Tina Delgado is alive...ALIVE!!!
Stuart R.
La Habra, CA
I've been reading this blog for a few years, can't remember how I found it. I enjoyed listening to you when you announced the Mariners games. And remembered you from Wings, Cheers, MASH, etc. Enjoy reading about your travels and baseball stuff.
I found you years ago through Alan Sepinwall. I am in a tiny place called Owego in upstate New York--the part of the state with more cows than people.
Love everything. Not a huge baseball fan, but well written info is always welcome, and you seem to share my brand of humor.
I live in Central Georgia, USA and I've been here since the "Top blogs" article.
I really enjoy the behind the scenes posts and Friday Questions. I even read the baseball posts.
I have no connection to the writing/TV/Movies world but the stories and the way you tell them are so engaging.
Thank you for the blog.
I'm been checking in off and on for two years. (?) You could probably tell me -- you wrote a question, something about 'what is funny?' I can't remember exactly but it had to do with the 3 Stooges? You see, I don't think the 3 Stooges should be classified as 'funny' - ridiculous, slap-stick, moronic . . . absolutely! But, funny? No!
I realize there are only 4 bizillion, who disagree - ya, whatever . . . but I commented on your blog/on that topic - the first time I started reading you.
I'm pretty sure it was from (blogger.com) and I was probably setting up my blog or ? - not working!
I drop in from time to time - still will - unless you talk incessantly about baseball. . . . then, I'm out!
But, I sometimes, anonymously!
I'm a bit late to the party, but I'm still here! I'm in LA, a writer-actor (not someone who just tinkers around with both, but someone serious about both!) who wound up here because I realized that we actually know a lot of the same people. I love the blog and read it all the time, probably daily (I keep it up on my phone).
I love the backstage stories from different shows. I've seen every episode of Fraiser and Cheers and the anecdotes add a new dimension to the shows.
Plus, I tend to laugh a lot when I read the blog, so I'm generally glad to have found it!
Chuck Lewis
Behind the Orange Curtain.
Been following blog for a couple years.
Stumbled across it while looking up MASH info. I worked on a couple tv shows in the late 80's (Entertainment Tonight and Mr. Sunshine at Paramount).
I love all the BTS stuff, and the writing tips.
Huge baseball fan.
BTW, I am really enjoying my participation in the Zach Braff Kickstarter project.
All the cool updates, and videos from behind the scenes, plus all the other material stuff that will be coming.
Well worth the couple bucks I donated.
I read you every day, probably since '07. I'm another Evanier referral. I like the TV stuff the best. I'm a huge MASH fan (I have most of the first 8 seasons on 16mm). I'm a father of three and politically conservative. I have a blog of my own where I write about comics, primarily a cartoonist named Milton Caniff. I'm lucky to get 100 hits a day.
I'm from Indiana and have been reading for a few years. A friend informed me of the blog and I've been a fan ever since. I may not be a writer, former DJ, or baseball enthusiast but I thoroughly enjoy reading all of your varied posts. I hope that you will consider adding the stream of consciousness posting to your regular lineup. Thanks!
I am a retired engineer in Seattle who remembers you from your work for the Mariners years ago. I never watched any of your shows, except M*A*S*H for a little while but I gave it up, for many reasons, but one thing I could never get past was Alan Alda's 1972 haircut which even the most boho Army doctor would not sport in 1952. Get details like that wrong and you will lose me.
How long have I been here? Don't remember but it seems like forever.
How did I wind up here? Don't remember; it was so long ago.
Content I like: Tales of your working life, both as a writer and as a DJ.
Content I don't like: Political asides which you think are funny but which only redound upon you.
Content I am neutral about: Advice to aspiring writers.
Way too late with this (I'm on vacation). I'm a math professor and the son of a longtime radio and television comedy writer. I went to high school with Mark Evanier and have kept in touch. I have enjoyed Mr. Levine's writing, and am interested in the topics he discusses. I appreciate the unusually informed commenters as well.
This is mid-50s John from Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada. Started reading your blog perhaps a year ago and can’t remember how I found out about it but there was a mention of the Time list. You’re a daily fixture along with Evanier and Elisberg. Loved MASH and Cheers (more the Shelley Long years though). MASH holds a special meaning for me as I rewatched with my then 15 year old son when he was hospitalized in 2005 (he loved it right from the start and it sure helped the hours go by). It really is one of those few shows that I can watch over and over.
I like everything but especially your reviews of movies, TV series, awards shows etc. I enjoy the honest opinions and no bullshit approach.
I don’t comment very often so let me take a moment to thank you for your blog, lots of us obviously appreciate it. Keep up the good work.
A number of people find your blog through Mark Evanier's blog -- coincidentally, the two of you now share the distinction of recognition by Time magazine. He's on their 2013 list.
Yours is one of the two blogs that I check daily -- along with Mark Evanier's.
I like the photos of Natalie Wood. It's not the only thing that I like about your blog, but I like that you're right out there with your crushes.
I also just plain admire that you're a television (mostly) writer AND a baseball announcer. Pretty slick.
I like your books, available from Amazon.
I also liked VOLUNTEERS. I really did. And ALMOST PERFECT. If I had a blog, I might post photos of Nancy Travis; she was, and still is, kinda sparkly. I was going to say 'vivacious', but that sounds like a word from 1936. So, 'sparkly'.
Upstate NY, been reading you for years. When I was in college I was a DJ and a sports announcer, I love classic tv and tv trivia, and baseball is a major passion of mine... so I guess you could sum up my advice as "Stay the course."
Hello Ken, I am "Akebono" from Madrid, Spain.
I started reading this blog at least in 2007, but I can't remember how I found it.
I usually visit the blog every weekend or so, and I like your style.
I remember one day that I enjoyed it very much and thought that at least I should write a comment to thank you... then I thought better, and instead, went to Amazon and bought your book.
This time you asked for it.
Thank you.
Just just got the "new" Andy Kaufman CD. He's staring right at me from the cover and I haven't played it yet. Help me!!
Don-O
I live in Los Angeles and just love hearing your perspective on the TV/movie industry. Your recent post on Time Warner and CBS is a perfect example of why I read yoru blog. Not so keen on sports. Found your blog through writer Jonathan Morris' blog.
Jon Weisman mentioned your blog on Dodger Thoughts some time back and I've been a fan since. I love your valley tales...live in NE Iowa now but lived in 1000 Oaks in the late 50s/early 60s. Your Mariners radio stories....dj stories....oscar/emmy reviews
I came here a couple of weeks ago from a Wikipedia link, found it interesting, and decided to go to the beginning and skim my way forward. I've managed to work my way up to 2011. It's like eating potato chips-- you can't just read one. I like the Friday questions and stories best; the baseball stuff I skip since I'm not a baseball fan.
Another lurker here, first coming by on recommendation of Mark Evanier's blog. Been here a couple of years, I'd guess, and a reader of your books. I like the show biz stuff, the absurd stuff, and the Friday questions. Also, the reminiscences. Great blog, and I read it all. Thanks for sharing! And I'm right outside the city of Detroit, trying not to go bankrupt right along with it!
Hi Ken - long time reader, first time commenter.
I'm watching M*A*S*H on MeTV, and the 2-part Radar goes home story shows up on my DVR - written by you and David Isaacs, according to the credits. What I wanna know is, after Radar went home, did he ever hook up with the very hot Lt. Patty Haven of Lancaster, MO (100 miles from Ottumwa)? Please say he did, and that they lived happily ever after and made several little Walters and Patties.
Thx
Scotty O
Hey Ken.
Following the blog off and on for about three years.
Known you for 44, since I was 16. I just turned 60.....
How the hell did that happen????
I'm 48 from Cleveland. I was referred to your site by the producer who takes movie tickets in Cleveland between seasons. I've been a blog reader for about two years. I enjoy everything you write, from travel to nostalgia to inside stories from some of your shows.
I work in unscripted television and would like to change that.
I enjoyed your latest book and will be at writers' camp.
I check your blog often and it's always a fun read. But I most enjoy your insights into comedy and sitcom writing, especially the ones that draw on your rich experiences.
Your post on Larry Gelbart was excellent, would love to see more like that.
Hi there. First, I wanted to say thank you so much for your blog. I'm originally from Alabama, but I've spent most of my adult life in Los Angeles or NYC. I've been reading for a few years. I came here after a friend recommended it to me because he knew that I'm a diehard "Cheers" fan.
Although "Cheers" was specifically not made for kids, I found it at the age of 12 and have great memories of it tied to my childhood. I would love to hear more about the cast of "Cheers" and your writing adventures there.
Really, though, I enjoy reading about all the topics you post. Even though I never cared for any sports beyond dancing and figure skating, I even enjoy reading your sports posts. You're a great writer, and I enjoy your book, too. I'm a procrastinator on some things, but I hope to make it to your writing class next year. Cheers!
I've been reading from Indy for a few years, because you are entertaining. If you weren't i wouldn't keep coming back. There isn't much you post that I don't read. Thanks for asking. As to how I got here? Who knows...this is the internet a couple a clicks and your somewhere else. if you like it you favorite it. You sir are a favorite.
I currently live in Crestline, California. I've been here for...hmmm...not sure...maybe about two years or more but, upon discovering this place, I did go through a lot of your archive so it seems longer. Like many above, I discovered you through Mark Evanier's News from ME blog. Even though I am not a scriptwriter, I found so much here to be enjoyable that I put your RSS feed into my newsreader and will then bring up the page itself if the topic looks good (this is why I'm often late in getting to your articles as I only have time for extended reading two or three time a week).
The content I enjoy most is when you tell stories about all of the "classic" shows you have worked on. This is especially true of M*A*S*H which debuted on TV when I was 7 and had a huge influence on me in how to be funny.
I've been coming around for at leat five years. I found you through Alan Sepinwall. I live in SoCal and work in healthcare. MASH was my favorite show back in the day, so I especially enjoy the inside stories related to the 4077.
So I've done this many times before, and it has come to my attention that I always say I've been here for about three years. So yeah, don't really remember how long haha I'm 26 and I'm from Spain. I found you through a Spanish tv writer's blog; he was talking about Cheers, he mentioned you and he linked us here. And I never really left after that, I read you everyday.
I absolutely love your writing tips, I find them fascinating. That would be my favorite part along with the behind-the-scenes of the industry and the Friday questions. I wouldn't say that I don't *like* something, I really enjoy everything but I'm pretty indifferent to the baseball posts, because I basically don't know anything about it so you may as well be speaking in another language xD but that's my fault, not yours xD
Just keep up the good work, Ken. And thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Arrived here via Mark Evanier. I'm a working regional actor for stage and camera in Wilmington, NC. The film and tv industry has had over 400 productions filmed in North Carolina since FIRESTARTER in 1982, most recently Iron Man 3, We're The Millers, Melissa McArthy's Tammy, and Under the Dome. Love your insights on the industry, thanks for all you do.
I'm a freelance cinematographer working in Vietnam and LA. I've been reading since 2007. I enjoy your insights into writing and pop culture as well as reading about the folks you've worked with. Reading your anecdotes about working with actors has helped me better understand their needs and improve the way I shoot comedy.
Hi, Ken. Big fan. My name is Tara and I've been here... a few years, at least. A long time. I particularly enjoy Friday questions and your take on current TV. And of course all the behind the scenes stories. I'm always wanting more stories about your interactions with actors, but I understand, you can only have/tell so many of those. :)
I'm in Cleveland. I've been coming her for years, I don't precisely remember how many, but I feel like it was at latest 2008 and probably somewhat earlier. I think I followed a link from Kung Fu Monkey to here.
I have no strong preference one way or the other on post topics. It's your blog. I'm not paying you. Write what you want and I'll read those that interest me and if something doesn't interest me, I'll keep it to myself, most likely. Except the Lena Dunham/Girls jokes are feeling a bit "get off my lawn"-y. But again, your space, your choice.
I tend to see these in blocks, six or seven at a time, so I'm late with my response. ....
I honestly don't remember HOW I found the blog, and it wasn't that long ago, five or six months ago. I think I was trying to look up something about MASH. You had just reprinted your Millard Fillmore thing, so that was probably Presidents Day. Very good stuff.
What do I like? Any "inside TV" stuff. And anything that makes me laugh. In general, just keep it up.
I'm not sure this would make a suitable "Friday question," but I'll ask anyway:
When you are writing a TV show, are you given specific instructions on how the script is supposed to run? As in, Sam Malone will have his car stolen, he'll blame a friend of Woody's, Woody will quit, Cheers patrons will take sides Sam vs. Woody, Rebecca eventually confesses that she "borrowed" the car.
OR, do you have just an idea of how the main storyline is supposed to be, as in, Sam's stolen/missing car and how to find out what happened? And then you create how it will happen?
Thanks
I like reading your blog because I enjoy knowing the behind-the-scenes story. I like learning how things work.
I can't remember I found your blog, but it was a link from somewhere else. Probably an article I read online and they listed some entertainment blogs. Maybe from TV Worth Watching? NYTimes? ??
Landenberg, PA
Hi. I know I'm late to this post, but I'm still doing laundry after a family visit.
I am a teacher, and I live in eastern North Carolina. I started reading your blog about eight months ago when I was looking up something about Crystal Bernard, and your blog came up in the Google search. I read the post and enjoyed it, and then read some of your other posts and I have been checking your site two to three times a week since. I must say, when I read your April fools post I nearly lost my coffee. I'm pretty sure that was the first time since jr. high school that I came that close to blowing a liquid out of my nose. I loved that post. I love your take on things and the insider point of view on comedy writing. I sometimes just skim through the baseball stuff, because I have very little knowledge about baseball, but the posts on that subject matter are more interesting than I would have guessed.
I will keep checking your blog, if only to read your periodic Lena Dunham posts. I would also like to say that I try not to be too prudish, but in my entire adult life as a heterosexual female, I have never taken a bath with another woman. "Girls" never really had me, but the show lost me as an interested viewer with the bath episode. Now if I check on the show, it's more like a dog who hates the vacuum cleaner, yet must watch while it is running. I am compelled to watch for reasons beyond my control.
Julie from NC
Hi Mr. Levine,
Completely new to your blog - found it by accident when I was searching something about comedy. I really enjoyed many of the shows you've written for (big surprise I know : ).
I haven't read enough yet to know if I agree or disagree with all your views. I also have my own blog which provides some info about me if you're curious. http://deathbypapercut.blog.ca/
The title of the blog - Death by Papercut & Other Silver Linings - was an attempt at sarcasm rather than morbidity. I started writing when I was having a particularly dreadful day at work, which actually involves reams of paper.
From Germany, following for about 2 years.
I would prefer the full text being in the rss feed again, otherwise, no complaints.
Hi, I'm Julie and I am a teacher from eastern NC. I started reading your blog about ten months ago when I was looking up something about Crystal Bernard and this blog came up as suggested reading. I read the post and then started to read other posts and I was hooked. I have been checking the blog about two to three times a week since.
I find the insider subject matter interesting. I have an idea of what a show runner is, but am not absolutely certain. I even check out the baseball stuff, but it is not quite the draw for me that the other subject matter is.
I will always check out the blog if only for the occasional Lena Dunham post. Your April fools post about "Girls" was the closest I have come to expelling a liquid out of my nose since I was in jr. high school. I will treasure that post for a long time.
I'm sorry for the delay, but I haven't had a chance to read the post this week, and when I tried to reply, the system kept eating my replies. I hope this one goes through.
Hi, I am Julie and I am a teacher from eastern NC. I started reading the blog about ten months ago when I was looking up something about Crystal Bernard, and I was directed here. I read the post that mentioned Crystal Bernard and then other posts and then I was hooked. I find the insider information to be fascinating. I even read the baseball posts, but they aren't the draw for me that the non baseball posts are.
I check the blog at least three times a week, if only for the possibility that you may write a post about Lena Dunham and "Girls". The April fools post was the first time since jr. high school that I almost blew a liquid out of my nose after reading something funny. That was a great post.
I had been unable to check the blog last week, and this week, every time I try to publish mt reply, the reply gets eaten. I'm trying one last time.
Julie
about a year. My brother recommended it. And I bought your book!
Hi Ken,
I'm way too late for this, but maybe it could still be of some use to you.
My name is Marija,I'm 36 and I'm from Belgrade, Serbia. I started reading your blog a couple of years ago (regular lurker), but I don't remember how I stumbled upon it, probably while reading something about Frasier or MASH. I really love your blog, and always follow it. If I have to skip a couple of weeks, or God forbid a month or two, due to work (I'm an English language translator), I always go back to read old posts(that's why I'm writing this now). Sometimes I even skip a couple of days intentionally so that I have more to read at one go (you're lucky I'm so far away, there is some real stalking material here). I find your blog very funny and informative, often hilarious, especially bits of inside info from the TV industry and all your reviews of TV shows, movies, Oscars, your rants etc. I also enjoy your travelogues, even bought a book, but I have to admit I often skip posts about baseball, as I'm sorely lacking background knowledge. We maybe managed to catch up with the TV and movies, but baseball is still way too little followed and covered in Serbia. I wanted to ask you if you ever read, and enjoyed P. G. Wodehouse, it strikes me as something you'd enjoy.
Looking forward to next 8 years, and then some!
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