Ep 7. James Burrows

In season 22, episode 7 of Inside the Actors Studio, host James Lipton interviews legendary director James Burrows. Burrows, best known for his work on beloved sitcoms such as Friends, Cheers, and Will & Grace, takes us through his journey in the world of television and shares insights on the creative process of producing popular long-running shows.

Lipton begins the episode by asking Burrows about his early days in the industry, starting with his upbringing in a Hollywood family. Burrows talks about his father Abe Burrows, a Tony Award-winning writer and director, and how his influence inspired him to pursue a career in show business. He reveals that his first job in the industry was as a stage manager, where he gained valuable experience working on live television productions.

Burrows then delves into his prolific career as a director, sharing stories from some of his most notable projects, starting with his work on the sitcom Cheers. He discusses the challenges of working on a show that was not an immediate hit, but eventually became a cultural phenomenon. Burrows reveals the importance of casting, and shares stories about how he assembled the perfect ensemble of actors to bring the characters to life.

Moving on to his work on Friends, Burrows talks about how the chemistry between the actors was key to the show's success. He also shares insider anecdotes about the iconic "pivot" scene and discusses what made the show's humor so relatable to audiences.

Finally, the episode ends with Burrows discussing his experience on the reboot of the hit show Will & Grace. He talks about the importance of staying true to the original show while also bringing something new to the table. Burrows also shares his insights on directing and collaborating with the cast and crew to create a successful revival.

Throughout the episode, Lipton and Burrows discuss the art of directing, and Burrows shares his advice for aspiring directors. He stresses the importance of being open to collaboration, and shares tips on how to build successful relationships with actors and other members of the creative team. Burrows also shares his thoughts on the state of television today, and offers insights on how the industry has evolved over the years.

Overall, season 22, episode 7 of Inside the Actors Studio provides a fascinating look into the career of James Burrows, a true icon in the world of television. Through his stories and insights, audiences gain a better understanding of what it takes to create a successful and long-lasting television show.