Brandon Tartikoff, American screenwriter and producer (d. 1997)

Brandon Tartikoff (January 13, 1949 – August 27, 1997) was a visionary American television executive whose strategic brilliance profoundly reshaped the landscape of network programming. His most impactful role was as the president of NBC, a position he held from 1981 to 1991. During his remarkable ten-year tenure, Tartikoff orchestrated one of the most significant comebacks in television history, transforming NBC from a struggling network, often ranked last in the ratings, into the dominant force in prime time television, famously laying the groundwork for the network's "Must See TV" era.

Tartikoff is widely credited with the dramatic revitalization of NBC's prime time reputation. He championed a strategy focused on "quality television" that prioritized distinctive narratives and compelling characters, often taking calculated risks on shows that defied conventional network formulas. This approach not only garnered critical acclaim but also captivated millions of viewers, propelling NBC to the top of the ratings.

Impactful Series Under Tartikoff's Leadership

• Groundbreaking Dramas: Tartikoff greenlit and nurtured shows like Hill Street Blues, a pioneering series that redefined police procedurals with its serialized storytelling and large ensemble cast; St. Elsewhere, a gritty medical drama known for its innovative narrative structure and dark humor; L.A. Law, a critically acclaimed legal drama that explored contemporary social issues; and Miami Vice, which revolutionized television aesthetics with its distinctive visual style, fashion, and soundtrack. He was also instrumental in the development and launch of the Law & Order franchise, giving creator Dick Wolf the opportunity to develop a crime drama with a two-part format equally focusing on police investigation and courtroom proceedings.
• Iconic Comedies: Under his guidance, NBC produced cultural phenomena such as The Cosby Show, which revitalized the family sitcom genre and brought viewers back to the network; Family Ties, which masterfully blended generational humor with social commentary; Cheers, a beloved and long-running workplace comedy set in a Boston bar; The Golden Girls, celebrated for its witty dialogue and portrayal of older women; Seinfeld, a groundbreaking "show about nothing" that became one of the most influential sitcoms of all time; and Night Court, a popular ensemble comedy set in a late-night municipal court.
• Popular Action and Youth-Oriented Programming: His diverse slate also included action hits like Knight Rider, a high-tech series featuring a talking car, and The A-Team, an iconic action-adventure series. For younger audiences and families, he helped bring to air shows like ALF, a family-friendly alien comedy; Saved by the Bell, a popular high school sitcom; and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which launched Will Smith's acting career.

Tartikoff's influence extended beyond his remarkable decade at NBC. He possessed a keen eye for talent and a unique personal touch that often found its way into his projects. For instance, he helped develop the beloved 1984 sitcom Punky Brewster, famously naming the title character after a girl he had a crush on during his school days, a testament to his often whimsical approach to creativity. Following his tenure at NBC, Tartikoff continued to shape the television landscape in executive roles at Paramount Pictures and New World Entertainment. During this period, he was involved in the creation and development of other notable series, including the critically acclaimed science fiction drama Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, a significant expansion of the Star Trek universe, and Beggars and Choosers, a satirical drama exploring the inner workings of the television industry, which aired on Showtime.

Brandon Tartikoff's legacy is defined by his transformative impact on NBC and his enduring contribution to the art and business of television. He proved that high-quality programming could also be immensely popular, fundamentally altering industry perceptions of what a network could achieve. His foresight and risk-taking ushered in a golden age for NBC and left an indelible mark on television history, influencing generations of executives and creators.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brandon Tartikoff

Who was Brandon Tartikoff?

Brandon Tartikoff was an influential American television executive best known for his transformative ten-year tenure as president of NBC from 1981 to 1991. He is widely credited with leading the network from last place to first in prime time ratings.

What was Brandon Tartikoff's biggest achievement at NBC?

Tartikoff's most significant achievement was orchestrating NBC's dramatic prime time turnaround in the 1980s. He implemented a "quality television" strategy that resulted in numerous critically acclaimed and highly popular series, re-establishing NBC as a dominant force in network television.

Which popular TV shows did Brandon Tartikoff help develop?

During his time at NBC, Brandon Tartikoff was instrumental in developing iconic series such as Hill Street Blues, The Cosby Show, Cheers, Seinfeld, L.A. Law, Law & Order, Miami Vice, The Golden Girls, Family Ties, Knight Rider, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He also helped develop Punky Brewster and, later in his career, was involved with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Beggars and Choosers.

What was the "Must See TV" slogan associated with NBC during Tartikoff's time?

While the "Must See TV" slogan gained prominence slightly later in the 1990s, it truly capitalized on the foundation of quality and popularity built under Tartikoff's leadership. His programming strategy laid the groundwork for NBC's prime time dominance that the slogan came to represent.