Funny You Should Ask: Oral Histories of Classic Sitcom Storytellers

This oral history of television sitcom writing offers the perspectives of 22 of the best and most prolific early comedy writers. How they broke into the business; how they wrote scripts (and where they got their ideas); what it was like to work on hits--and on flops; what the sitcom actors were like; how they collaborated with other writers and producers; and why they retired are just some of the topics they speak to. The book documents insider knowledge and gives the reader a better understanding of what makes great television comedy. The writers’ observations about the changes that took place during their long careers help explain why television comedy has evolved so greatly in recent years.

Scott Lewellen, co-founder of Saturday Mfg., a Des Moines, Iowa marketing company, has more than 25 years of broadcasting and marketing experience. He lives in Des Moines.