ER, "Law and Order" and "The Sopranos" are just a few of the dramas that launched a new era of television at the turn of the millennium. This text gives scholars and fans alike a firsthand account of the lives, philosophy and contribution of some of the best writers and producers of the 1980s and 1990s. In one of the few books of its kind, James L. Longworth, Jr. reveals the drama behind the dramas, with producers sharing stories and observations: The producer of "The Sopranos" originally envisioned Robert Di Niro and Ann Bancroft as the lead characters in the successful series about mob life. "NYPD Blue"'s co-creator was once offered the presidency of CBS by William Paley, but he turned down the job. The Emmy-winning producer of "Homicide" and "Oz" owes his discovery to Gwyneth Paltrow and her mother, Blythe Danner. The successful creator of "Providence" also created "Touched by an Angel", but was fired over a pilot episode that was never broadcast. The Oscar-winning producer of "Shakespeare in Love" and co-creator of "Thirtysomething" and "Once and Again", had a chance meeting with Woody Allen that helped launch his film and television career.