To call James Burrows a giant of modern television is not hyperbole. If you love sitcoms, know that Burrows, who died Friday, June 19, at the age of 85, planted many seeds of that affection. The 11-time Emmy winner’s fingerprints are visible all over the genre, starting with his name in the credits of numerous half-hours we consider to be timeless, bar-setting classics – including “Cheers,” which he co-created with Glen and Les Charles.
But he also lent his creativity and spirit to its spinoff “Frasier,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Bob Newhart Show.” And “Will & Grace,” for which he directed every single episode. And both versions of the pilot for “The Big Bang Theory.”
