Rating: 
Summary: A big book on the little screen
Review: A big book on the little screen, The Showrunners takes you inside the world of television. I found it funny, smart and more entertaining than the average show.
Rating: 
Summary: TV: The good, the bad, the ugly
Review: As a person who actually works in the industry, reading David Wild's book on "The Showrunners" was pretty interesting. How many people would love to get their shows picked up and also to get a good first hand behind-the-scenes look at went on for several shows in the book was knowledgeable and I use the word again...interesting.Although many of the shows listed in the book are no longer around. It doesn't really matter because there are people, showrunners in the book who will perhaps continue to be showrunners for other programs and to get their side and perspective on the business is good to know. David Wild knows what he's writing about and he talks to quite a few big names throughout the book. His book on showing what it takes to succeed and how many fail in television and showing the good and also the bad is what many people interested in buying this book would want to read. Sure, I'm sure there are a plethora of shows and showrunners we would of wished to see in this book but you do get insight from the showrunners for shows like "Friends", "Everybody Loves Raymond", "Party of Five", "Will & Grace", "NewsRadio" and much more. Is their life after "Seinfeld"? Can the super-trio behind "Friends" juggle three "must-see" shows? How do these showrunners feel about a "Party of Five" spin-off show starring Jennifer Love Hewitt? Want to know the answers? Buy the book!
Rating:
Summary: TV: The good, the bad, the ugly
Review: As a person who actually works in the industry, reading David Wild's book on "The Showrunners" was pretty interesting. How many people would love to get their shows picked up and also to get a good first hand behind-the-scenes look at went on for several shows in the book was knowledgeable and I use the word again...interesting. Although many of the shows listed in the book are no longer around. It doesn't really matter because there are people, showrunners in the book who will perhaps continue to be showrunners for other programs and to get their side and perspective on the business is good to know. David Wild knows what he's writing about and he talks to quite a few big names throughout the book. His book on showing what it takes to succeed and how many fail in television and showing the good and also the bad is what many people interested in buying this book would want to read. Sure, I'm sure there are a plethora of shows and showrunners we would of wished to see in this book but you do get insight from the showrunners for shows like "Friends", "Everybody Loves Raymond", "Party of Five", "Will & Grace", "NewsRadio" and much more. Is their life after "Seinfeld"? Can the super-trio behind "Friends" juggle three "must-see" shows? How do these showrunners feel about a "Party of Five" spin-off show starring Jennifer Love Hewitt? Want to know the answers? Buy the book!
Rating: 
Summary: An unsatisfying chinese meal.
Review: As a producer in the motion picture and television industries, I found this book was something of a Chinese meal. Once you digest the clever anecdotes, you discover there is very little else of substance. There is virtually nothing about the real mechanics of running a show day to day such as overseeing the writers room or the day to day give and take with network execs. What is especially disappointing is the single-minded focus on sitcoms. There is nothing about dramatic series. Anyone looking for a serious discussion of the TV industry should avoid this glib and shallow treatment.
Rating:
Summary: Great subject, poor execution
Review: As someone in this business myself, I eagerly looked forward to this book. I was unfortunately extremely disappointed. It is poorly written, with trite metaphors, images, and phrases repeated over and over again, not to mention occasional grammatical and typographical errors as well. It's too bad, because Wild clearly had access to some very interesting, influential, and important people, and the story he has to tell (about that year's TV season) is compelling (hence the 2 stars). The quality of the writing simply doesn't equal the quality of the material. It also becomes evident that he didn't have access to certain shows - "Sports Night" was one glaring omission - and he never addresses this, which is particularly strange in light of the fact that he does mention that "Sports Night" was one of the most critically acclaimed shows of that season. All in all, some interesting tidbits, but in my opinion not well told, and with some serious gaps. When I finished the book I felt frustrated that I'd spent the money I did on it.
Rating:
Summary: Deserves to be a Textbook in the Media Curriculum
Review: Best attempt to focus on what is necessary for a TV show to be a success. Why great ideas sometimes can't work in some situations and rotten ideas triumph in others. Will help us redirect some of our students to law school.
Rating:
Summary: Great book on how TV gets its yearly product
Review: Fascinating look at the makers of TV programming. I love the information and the writing style. If you ever watch TV, you will be interested in this great account of the creation of the 1999 season.
Rating:
Summary: Great Reality Check of TV
Review: Fresh, astute, and straight on look at what TV is made of by a respected reviewer of the scene. Get away from the set and read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Deserves to be a Textbook in the Media Curriculum
Review: Great read-- a well researched book on the dynamics of the indutry we are all tied to. I found it to be of great interest to friends not in showbiz. Have started giving copies as gifts.
Rating:
Summary: Most Fun In Years
Review: Great read-- a well researched book on the dynamics of the indutry we are all tied to. I found it to be of great interest to friends not in showbiz. Have started giving copies as gifts.
| 
