Directed by James Burrows

James Burrows is definitely a better director than writer. But the stories he’s included in here are fascinating from his childhood to the most recent work he’s done. It’s an amazing look behind the scenes.

3.5 stars. Fun, quick and nostalgic read about the author's experiences directing some of the best TV sitcoms of the past 50 years, including Mary Tyler Moore Show, Cheers, Frasier, and Will & Grace. Burrows appears to have been a very genial director, always facilitating a “‘we're a family” mentality among his actors and writers. The descriptions about his directing process and decisions made me realize how crucial it is to have a good one at the helm.

There's not a lot of depth to his stories, and don't read the book looking for salacious gossip (the only actor he disparages is Rob Schneider, and let's face it, he deserves it). There's also very little about his personal life, other than a quick chapter about his childhood as the son of a a well-known film/stage writer Abe Burrows. In the final chapter he gives advice to young aspiring directors, but in the new world of multiple streaming TV platforms, it's doubtful that anyone else will match Burrows' level of success.