Who are the best Television show or series writers?

1. 81

   earnestshubposted 12 years ago

   Over the years I have enjoyed South Park, (It took me a while to get used to the graphics,) The Simpsons, American Dad, The Hill, Drawn Together, Family Guy and others because that writing is so damn good.
   
   I don't watch crime shows, but my guess is some of the writing is clever and well constructed in them as well.
   
   Many of the new documentaries with big budgets are informing better than ever because of highly skilled writers who can get complex ideas across to the general public.
   
   Would you like to nominate a TV show or series that you love because of the writing so we can all share in your view?

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   1. 59

      emichaelposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      J.J. Abrams gets my vote. Yes, the ending to lost was contrived and a little too convenient, but you have to acknowledge his genius. His ability to build suspense, develop characters, and weave such intricately converging and diverging plots just blows my mind.

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   2. 53

      Shinkickerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hill Street Blues. Main writing by Stephen Boshco but especially the earlier series when Anthony Yerkovich was also involved in the writing

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      1. 81

         earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Of course! A great series!
         I did notice the writing was at it's best in the earlier episodes, and now I know why. Thank you.

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2. 80

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   I think Big Bang Theory has great writing; witty and smart.

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   1. 81

      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I do watch that. I agree, very clever writing I would say.

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   2. 85

      K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree! Big Bang has some of the best writing from intellectual form to just down-right funny. Creating such quirky characters has a brilliance about it.
      Primarily when I'm in the mood for the ridiculous and non-thought provoking, I  find just about anything Tina Faye writes to be hilarious--SNL, Mean Girls, 30 Rock, and Baby Mama.
      However the master of all things written for past TV and  Big Screen, has to be Ron Howard.

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3. 75

   YadiraEposted 12 years ago

   Arrested Development for me by far has the best writing I have ever seen on a television show. It was funny and smart! I miss that show! (Although I have my DVDs completely worn out!)

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   1. 81

      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I think I know that show, but can you give me a small nudge?

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      1. 75

         YadiraEposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         It was in Fox in 2003. It's a show about a dysfunctional family and the son who had to keep them all together. It got cancelled after 3 seasons even though the critics loved it! It's hilarious! It is definetly a must see!

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         1. 81

            earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I know I have seen it, but a lot has happened since.
            I still can't quite remember it.

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            1. 81

               earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Just Googled it. Now I remember, and you are right, it was very funny.

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4. 80

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   Oh and Modern Family too...

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5. 60

   Lyla Dayposted 12 years ago

   FRIENDS was the best one, by far.

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   1. 81

      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I recognised some good writing in friends, but being Australian i find a lot of American sitcom's almost embarrassing when it comes to the characters they develop.
      Going by the ratings, friends must have had good writers, just not my style I guess.
      
      I thought Frazier was clever.

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      1. 80

         Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I didn't find Friend particularly great in terms of writing a lot of the time but I agree with Frazier.

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6. 0

   Motown2Chitownposted 12 years ago

   I agree with everyone who said Frasier - one of the best American sitcoms ever produced.  In terms of drama, I would say House and Law and Order, SVU. 
   
   I also love Family Guy and Big Bang Theory.
   
   Lastly, I would say Northern Exposure.  Absolutely brilliant and underrated.
   
   

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   1. 81

      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you! Another great piece of writing.
      I think I saw all of it.

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7. 86

   agvulpesposted 12 years ago

   I thought the early series of Two and a Half men was very clever and tight but like most good shows they did not know when to stop.
   I'm surprised that no one has mentioned 'M.A.S.H.' the show that actually went longer than the war! It held it's standard right up to the end!

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   1. 0

      Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You're right!  I'm surprised we all forgot that one also!  M*A*S*H was genius!

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   2. 81

      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      How did we miss Mash?
      Brilliant in every way... writing, casting, sets. It was first class. Thanks ag........ I feel like a real mug for not listing it first, and I hate most war movies.

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   3. 81

      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I enjoyed that for a while, and thought some of the writing was very funny.
      
      Like yourself, I thought it fell over time.

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8. 62

   prettydarkhorseposted 12 years ago

   Steve Callaghan - Family Guy

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   1. 81

      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      A brilliant mind!

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9. 0

   Sherlock221bposted 12 years ago

   I usually think good comedy writers are the best, because they need to have their timing exactly right.  Mr favourite comedy writer and performer has to be Victoria Wood.  Her sketches are I think the funniest.  Of American comedies, I think Will and Grace has the best writing.  The comedy is fast paced, with one joke quickly following another.  Some of the Monty Python sketches are also very well put together.
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erMFqpfm … re=related
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZCIKjYDf1g
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajC4Az4wscc
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdRXliIO-Bw
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v-q7Pdq … re=related
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0dWo31hwpI
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vecYnby … re=related

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   1. 81

      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Another brilliant comical mind. Does she write her own stuff?
      I couldn't help myself, I watched all of the videos you put up and laughed my left sock right off!

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      1. 0

         Sherlock221bposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, Victoria Wood writes all her own stuff, including sketches, a musical, songs etc.  She is also a dramatist.
         
         A couple of links to Monty Python
         
         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fRJ0T-y … re=related
         
         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBqe5xvY … re=related

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         1. 81

            earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Great episodes that I have not seen for ages. Thank you!

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   2. 85

      K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Victoria Wood is a brilliant "Punster" with very solid comedy timing. 'Will and Grace'-- perfect case in point!

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