Ep 57. Norman Lear

Norman Lear is a legendary television producer and writer. In Larry King Now season 3 episode 57, Lear joins Larry King for an hour-long conversation to reflect on his storied career and share his insights on the state of television today.

Lear began his career as a comedy writer in the 1950s, working on shows like "The Colgate Comedy Hour" and "The Martha Raye Show." In the 1970s, he created several groundbreaking sitcoms, including "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons," and "Good Times." These shows addressed important social issues like racism, poverty, and the Vietnam War, and helped to shape the landscape of American television.

Throughout the episode, Lear shares his thoughts on the current state of television and how it has changed over the years. He talks about the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, and how they have disrupted the traditional television model. Lear also weighs in on the debate over whether full seasons of shows should be released all at once or one episode at a time, and shares his own opinions on what makes for good storytelling on television.

In addition to his thoughts on television, Lear also reflects on his own life and career. He talks about his upbringing and how it influenced his work, and shares anecdotes from his time in Hollywood. He also discusses the challenges he faced as a producer and writer, including censorship and pushback from network executives.

Throughout the episode, King and Lear have a lively and engaging conversation, touching on a wide range of topics. Whether you're a fan of Lear's classic shows or just interested in the history of television, this episode is sure to provide plenty of insights and food for thought.