The prolific TV maestro co-created "Cheers" and shaped face of the modern half-hour comedy as we know it
The prolific TV maestro co-created "Cheers" and shaped the modern half-hour comedy as we know it
Senior Culture Critic
Published
June 19, 2026 10:07PM (EDT)
James Burrows and Ted Danson backstage at the 2006 TV Land Awards in Santa Monica, California (Chris Polk / FilmMagic)
James Burrows, ‘Cheers’ Co-Creator and Prolific TV Director, Dies at 85
James Burrows, 'Cheers' co-creator, 'Friends' director, dies at 85
James Burrows, co-creator of "Cheers" and prolific director, dies at 85
James Burrows, prolific innovator in US TV comedies, dead at 85
James Burrows, ‘Cheers’ Co-Creator And ‘Friends’ Director, Dies At 85
James Burrows, director who defined the American sitcom from 'Cheers' to 'Friends,' dies at 85 | Fortune
James Burrows, director of classic shows 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85
James Burrows, 'Cheers' Co-Creator and Famed TV Director, Dead at 85
James Burrows, director of classic TV comedies including 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85
Emmy-winning director James Burrows dies at 85
James Burrows, the prolific director who reigned as television’s preeminent sitcom helmer for more than 30 years, has died. He…
James Burrows, known for co-creating \
James Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace."
US director and television creator James Burrows, who worked behind the scenes on "Friends," "Cheers," "Taxi," and many other…
James Burrows, who co-created the classic sitcom "Cheers" and directed several episodes of “Friends,” “Frasier,” "Will & Grace"…
He was 35, working dinner theater, and wrote Mary Tyler Moore a letter asking for any job "small or smaller." She said yes.
