Directed by James Burrows

Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More

By: James Burrows, Eddy Friedfeld

Narrated by: James Burrows, Danny Campbell

Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

“Being directed by the Jimmy Burrows, while on Friends, was like hitting the jackpot. I’m delighted that everyone can now share in his incredible insight with this book.”—JENNIFER ANISTON

From the director of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, and Will & Grace comes an insightful and nostalgic behind-the-scenes memoir that’s “as difficult to put down as a Friends marathon is to turn off” (The Washington Post).

Legendary sitcom director James Burrows has spent five decades making America laugh. Here listeners will find never-revealed stories behind the casting of the dozens of great sitcoms he directed, as well as details as to how these memorable shows were created, how they got on the air, and how the cast and crew continued to develop and grow. Burrows also examines his own challenges, career victories, and defeats, and provides advice for aspiring directors, writers, and actors. All this from the man who helped launch the careers of Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Aniston, Debra Messing, and Melissa McCarthy, to name a few.

Burrows talks fondly about the inspiration he found during his childhood and young adult years, including his father, legendary playwright and Broadway director Abe Burrows. From there he goes on to explain his rigorous work ethic, forged in his early years in theater, where he did everything from stage managing to building sets to, finally, directing. Transitioning to television, Burrows locked into a coveted job with The Mary Tyler Moore Show, where he first observed and then started to apply his craft. Directing most of the episodes of Taxi came next, where he worked closely with writers/producers Glen and Les Charles. The three formed a remarkable creative partnership that helped Burrows achieve his much sought-after goal of ownership and agency over a project, which came with the creating and directing of the seminal and beloved hit Cheers. Burrows has directed more than seventy-five pilots that have gone to series and over a thousand episodes, more than any other director in history.

Directed by James Burrows is a heart-and-soul master class in sitcom, revealing what it truly takes to get a laugh.

©2022 James Burrows and Eddy Friedfeld (P)2022 Random House Audio

a trip down memory lane

I really enjoyed the book. it was fun to hear about the inception of many of my favorite sitcoms and the art and genius behind them. I caught myself laughing out loud as Jim read from the scripts and I was able to picture the episodes. it's a great book for any aspirational theater or TV Director tho read. I found his leadership skills helpful as well. Enjoy !

Very inspiring

Love hearing the stories and for someone who’s in television like myself, very inspirational for sure.

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.

Fantastic read (listen).

A very good book from an apparently very nice guy. A must read if you have enjoyed anything he has directed.

Jimmy’s actual voice brought me right into this world.

No need for a professional Narrator

No need for a professional Narrator
Great content that was just excellently presented. No need to read the book, engage yourself in this audiobook version.

I am a huge fan of all these shows.
Jim pulls together of this amazing timeline of adventures and creativity.

I did not realize that he had done all of that until after I saw them. That’s why I was attracted to his excellence…

For the TV Junkie

If you were raised by a TV, then this is the book for you. So many amazing stories and jokes. This book spent maybe 45 minutes on Burrow’s early and personal life and spent 95% of the book on the TV shows which is most likely why it’s being read. There is very little negativity or super juicy gossip and the man’s voice is not very emotional (which I quickly got used to). But if you love listening to people who are passionate about their craft and want to see how the sausage (in this case Sitcoms) are made, this is the book for you!

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.

the shows of my life

if you grew up when there were only 3 channels to watch, then you have seen many of his shows. this is a wonderful ride on memory lane

Bravo Mr Burrows!

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

Solid book

James weaved an interesting story with some tidbits here and there. I think weakest part of book was when he tried to reenact the scenes from popular sitcoms.