Why Producers Matter in the TV Industry
Producers wield immense influence over the TV shows they oversee. Their significant role in financial matters and involvement in the production process from start to finish amplifies their impact. Consequently, many fans are just as interested in the producers as they are in the cast and crew that bring their favorite TV shows to life.
Let’s take a look at five of the most powerful TV show producers, listed in no particular order:
Dick Wolf: The Mastermind Behind Law & Order and Chicago Franchises
Dick Wolf is best known as the creative force behind the Law & Order franchise, which has been running in various forms since 1990. He is also the creator and executive producer of the Chicago franchise, which has spawned four separate TV shows so far. In addition to his work as a producer, Wolf is an author and has been involved in numerous visual media projects.
Shonda Rhimes: The Empire-Builder of ShondaLand
Shonda Rhimes has earned a reputation as an empire-builder, starting with the creation of ShondaLand for her first TV show, Grey’s Anatomy. Since then, Rhimes has continued to collaborate with ABC Studios on numerous TV shows, including Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder.
Tyler Perry: The Driving Force Behind the Oprah Winfrey Network
Tyler Perry has been instrumental in the rise of the Oprah Winfrey Network by creating several scripted TV shows. The most successful of these, The Haves and the Have Nots, has garnered impressive ratings. Perry’s talents extend beyond producing, as he has also enjoyed a successful career as an actor, comedian, filmmaker, writer, and songwriter.
Chuck Lorre: The Sitcom King
Chuck Lorre is renowned for his sitcoms, with credits including Roseanne, Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, and Mike & Molly. Currently, he serves as the creator, writer, and executive producer for both The Big Bang Theory and Mom. Additionally, he will perform all of these roles for Disjointed, a new comedy series premiering on Netflix on August 25, 2017.
Carlton Cuse: The Versatile Showrunner
Carlton Cuse once made Time magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world for his role as the joint-showrunner of Lost. However, his involvement in a wide range of other projects is equally noteworthy. Cuse currently serves as the showrunner, executive producer, developer, and writer of The Strain, a TV drama about vampires entering its fourth and final season this summer. He also performs similar tasks for The Colony and is working on Jack Ryan, based on the Tom Clancy character, and Rampage, based on the video game franchise.
