The Legacy of Grant Tinker: How He Revolutionized Television in the 80s
Once upon a time, in the 1980s, there was a man named Grant Tinker who changed the face of television forever. He is remembered for his contribution to the entertainment industry and his dedication to creating shows that were both creative and compelling. This blog post will explore the legacy of Grant Tinker and how he revolutionized television in the 80s.
Introduction
Grant Tinker was an American television executive who was best known for his role in creating some of the most iconic and memorable television shows of the 1980s. He was born in Stamford, Connecticut in 1926 and started his career in advertising before moving to television production. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that has continued to shape the television industry to this day.
Section 1: A Brief History of Grant Tinker
Grant Tinker was born in Stamford, Connecticut in 1926 and grew up in the Chicago area. He started his career in advertising and eventually moved to television production. He worked for NBC, where he rose through the ranks to become the head of programming. He then founded his production company, MTM Enterprises, with his then-wife Mary Tyler Moore. MTM was responsible for some of the most successful shows of the 70s and 80s, including Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Section 2: MTM Enterprises
MTM Enterprises was founded by Grant Tinker and Mary Tyler Moore in 1969. The company was responsible for some of the most successful and groundbreaking shows of the 70s and 80s. The company’s focus on quality and creativity set it apart from other production companies of the time. Hill Street Blues, which premiered in 1981, was one of the most influential shows of the decade, paving the way for other serialized dramas like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad.
Section 3: Hill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues premiered in 1981 and quickly became one of the most popular shows on television. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning several Emmy Awards and helping to change the face of television drama. The show’s focus on character development and serialized storytelling set it apart from other police procedurals of the time.
Section 4: St. Elsewhere
St. Elsewhere was another critically acclaimed show produced by MTM Enterprises. The show focused on the personal and professional lives of the staff at St. Eligius Hospital. The show was notable for its use of humor and its willingness to tackle controversial subjects. The show’s final episode, which aired in 1988, is still remembered as one of the most talked-about endings in television history.
Section 5: The Mary Tyler Moore Show
The Mary Tyler Moore Show was one of the most successful and beloved shows of the 70s. The show starred Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards, a single woman working in the newsroom of a television station. The show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a successful, independent woman, and its use of humor to address serious topics.
Section 6: Legacy and Influence
Grant Tinker’s legacy and influence are still felt in the television industry today. His commitment to quality and creative storytelling has inspired generations of writers and producers. Shows like The West Wing, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad owe a debt to shows like Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere, which pioneered the serialized drama format.
Section 7: FAQs
1. What shows did Grant Tinker produce?
Grant Tinker produced several successful shows, including Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
2. Did Grant Tinker have a background in advertising?
Yes, Grant Tinker started his career in advertising before moving to television production.
3. What was MTM Enterprises?
MTM Enterprises was a production company founded by Grant Tinker and Mary Tyler Moore in 1969.
4. What was Hill Street Blues?
Hill Street Blues was a police procedural drama that premiered in 1981 and was produced by MTM Enterprises.
5. What was St. Elsewhere?
St. Elsewhere was a medical drama that ran from 1982-1988 and was produced by MTM Enterprises.
6. What was The Mary Tyler Moore Show?
The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a sitcom that ran from 1970-1977 and starred Mary Tyler Moore as a single working woman.
7. What was Grant Tinker’s legacy?
Grant Tinker’s legacy is his commitment to quality programming and creative storytelling.
Conclusion
Grant Tinker was a television executive and producer whose impact on the industry is still felt today. His commitment to quality and creative storytelling set him apart from his peers and inspired generations of writers and producers. His shows Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show are still remembered as some of the most innovative and groundbreaking shows in television history.