A certain 70s sitcom, produced by the talented ensemble of James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, David Davis, and Ed. Weinberger, captivated audiences with its witty humor and unique setting inside a bustling New York City taxi depot. This sitcom was none other than “Taxi,” a comedic gem that aired from 1978 to 1983 on ABC and later on NBC. Glen and Les Charles along with James Burrows, later known for their work on “Cheers”, were integral parts of “Taxi’s” production team. In a detailed “Cheers” retrospective by GQ, Glen Charles recollects the days on “Taxi,” emphasizing the challenges they faced balancing the demands of the executive producers against their own creative instincts.
The trio fondly remembers their time on “Taxi,” with Glen Charles remarking on the shared responsibilities and the strong collaborative communications with James Burrows while holding producer roles. Les Charles reminisces on the camaraderie, highlighting the perception of being like classmates who navigated the same rough waters and setbacks in their industry.
This collaboration and the experiences gained on “Taxi” were foundational in leading the team to conceive “Cheers,” which soared in popularity and left an indelible mark on the television landscape. “Taxi” laid the groundwork for what would become a legendary television collaboration. Thank you, “Taxi.”
FAQ About “Taxi” and Its Impact on “Cheers”
- What was “Taxi” about?
“Taxi” was a comedic sitcom centered around the lives of taxi drivers working at a New York City taxi depot, highlighting the humorous conversations and situations they encountered. - Who worked on “Taxi” that was also involved in “Cheers”?
Glen and Les Charles and James Burrows, who would later become masterminds behind “Cheers,” were all part of the production team for “Taxi.” - How did the experience on “Taxi” influence “Cheers”?
The creators gained valuable experience working together on “Taxi” which helped them form the strong collaborative partnership that was vital to the success of “Cheers.” - Why was working on “Taxi” difficult for the Charles brothers and James Burrows?
They faced challenges trying to satisfy the demands of the show’s executive producers while staying true to their personal comedic style and storytelling sense. - How long did “Taxi” air and on which networks?
“Taxi” aired from 1978 to 1983, initially on ABC and later moving to NBC for its final seasons.
Conclusion
The legacy of “Taxi” cannot be overstated, particularly for its role in bringing together the creative forces that would later birth “Cheers.” Despite the hurdles faced during its production, “Taxi” proved to be a pivotal platform for collaboration amongst Glen and Les Charles and James Burrows, shaping their creative vision. Subsequently, their partnership blossomed into the creation of one of television’s most fondly remembered shows, setting a high bar for sitcoms that followed. The example set by “Taxi” and its team is a testament to the magic that can happen when talented individuals unite and pour their shared experiences into crafting something truly exceptional.