David's Reviews > The Show Runner: An Insider's Guide to Successful TV Production

"The Virginian" (1962-1971), "The Bold Ones: The New Doctors" (1969-1973), "Ironside" (1967-1975), "Amy Prentiss" (1974-1975), "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" (1974-1975), "Barbary Coast" (1975-1976), "CHiPs" (1977-1983). Cy Chermak (1929-January 29, 2021) served as producer and/or executive producer on all of these series, and this is his behind the scenes accounting/memoir of his long and accomplished career in television.

Chermak spends most of the book going over all of the things a "show runner" (what Chermak describes as a "working executive producer", versus others with that title who do not actually take care of the day to day needs of production) must take care of. All the people he or she must meet with and decisions that must be made. Working with the stars, the casting director, the production managers, set designers, directors, editors, etc.

All the while, Chermak sprinkles in interesting anecdotes from the various series he worked on and the people he worked with. Then, in the last part of the book he discusses “The Virginian”, “Ironside”, “Kolchak: The Night Stalker”, and “CHiPs” in more detail, each in their own chapter.

A very enjoyable read. Chermak could be both biting at times of others yet was always fair in his assessments of just what went down in each instance. And he could be just as critical of himself. And his sense of humor runs throughout the book, making it a fun read (in addition to reading about all of the behind the scenes stuff like actors walking off of sets when not getting their way, and others trying to exert control over the entire production or squabbling with their fellow co-stars).

Sadly, Chermak just recently passed away this past January. I learned of Chermak’s book when he was interviewed on Ed Robertson’s “TV Confidential” radio show/podcast. The copy of Chermak’s book is one that I borrowed from the Tampa/Hillsborough County Public Library (added to their collection as one of my monthly “please buy” requests).