Hollywood & Levine

Jeff Cesario has been a stand-up who’s appeared often on LETTERMAN, THE TONIGHT SHOW, CONAN, KIMMEL, and has had his own SHOWTIME special. He was also a writer/producer on THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW. He and Ken discuss comedy, Garry Shandling, what happened to Dennis Miller, and his alter ego, sportscaster Chet Waterhouse. Lots of laughs and insight this week.

Ken shares stories of various sitcom pilots he’s worked on and a couple of these tales you won’t believe. Go behind-the-scenes of how TV pilots are made.

This week in part two of the interview, Ken and Jim Burrows discuss the technical aspects of directing, the challenges of filming a live show, and the unique requirements of sitcom pilots. They also discuss some very interesting stories about the huge hit sitcom Friends. 

On this week's Hollywood & Levine, Ken interviews 10-time Emmy winner, Jim Burrows, who has directed over 1000 episodes of sitcoms including the pilots of CHEERS, FRIENDS, FRASIER, and WILL & GRACE. They discuss his career, and focus primarily on his process.  It’s a master class on TV directing. 

Ken discusses what he learned writing the book for a musical and also shares an insane story of writing a musical for the United States Army. Hint: It was less successful than “Hamilton.”

Okay, two versions of this pilot failed at two different networks, but Levine & Isaacs got to hang out with the president of the United States, back when that meant something.

If Ken were to ever speak at a college graduation, this would be his speech. And then he reflects on summers past.

Kara Mayer Robinson has written for the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Hollywood Reporter, and has her own podcast, “Really Famous.” She and Ken discuss the world of celebrity interviews with a little gossip and goofy banter along the way.

What’s it like to break in and sell your first script? Ken tells his experience when “the Jeffersons” hired him and partner David Isaacs. It was quite a learning experience as you will hear.

Ken tells crazy stories of his disc jockey days -- filling in for the Wolfman, befriending the Hells Angels, and almost getting deported from Canada. Oh, those fun days of radio.

Multi-camera shows shot in front of a studio audience are much maligned, unfairly so. 99% of our classic sitcoms are multi-camera. Ken explains what it takes to do a good one and why many fall short. If you’re a fan of TV comedy this is the episode for you.

In light of Constance Wu’s public disdain of FRESH OFF THE BOAT’S pick-up, Ken puts into perspective what a gift it is to be on a hit series and the reality of network television casting. It’s an eye-opener. 

Ken is your guide for a VIP tour of the 20th Century Fox lot where thousands of classic movies and TV shows have been filmed including MASH. Enjoy some history, anecdotes, and Hollywood lore, and you won’t need comfortable shoes.

Ken provides a commentary track for the CHEERS episode “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” from season 6, episode 17. You can watch along or just listen as Ken shares background info and nuggets on one of his favorite episodes.

In the second of two parts, NBC sportscaster Al Michaels, who has called 10 Super Bowls, numerous World Series, and will be forever known for his “Miracle on Ice” call, joins Ken for an in depth discussion on NFL football, working with partners, his process, preparation, and how much sleep he gets the night before he calls a Super Bowl.