Episode 182: David S. Rosenthal Interview

Episode 182: David S. Rosenthal Interview

Author: Ben Blacker and Andrew Reich September 25, 2025 Duration: 1:11:26

Episode 182: David S. Rosenthal Interview


In this after show for The Cheap Seats, Andrew sits down with writer David S. Rosenthal, whose career spans some of television’s most iconic series.

Andrew and "Rosie" go way back to their days at summer camp, and their longtime friendship adds a personal dimension to this conversation. Rosenthal’s career took off quickly—soon after his first writing job, he became the creator and showrunner of Ellen, kicking off a career that would include Spin City, Gilmore Girls, The Middle, and Jane the Virgin. With an equally deft hand at comedy and drama, he has built a body of work that’s both varied and enduring.
 

This interview covers the wild ride of his career, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and reflections on navigating show business with resilience and humor. It’s a rich, insightful conversation.


Ever wonder what happens to all those television scripts that get bought, developed, and then… nothing? Dead Pilots Society resurrects them. Hosted by writers and producers Ben Blacker and Andrew Reich, this podcast stages live table reads of comedy pilots that were fully written for networks and studios but never made it to air. Each episode brings one of these forgotten scripts to life with a cast of talented actors from shows and movies you’ll recognize, performing in front of an audience. The result is a unique blend of comedy, Hollywood history, and cultural artifact-you’re hearing a piece of television that almost was. It’s a celebration of the work itself, free from the pressures of network notes or the threat of cancellation, focused purely on the laughs and the story. Tuning in, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes feel for the development process, hear interviews about what went right and what stalled, and experience the genuine fun of performance. For anyone interested in the inner workings of TV, film, and comedy culture, or who just loves a good story told well, this podcast offers a consistently entertaining and insightful listen. It’s a chance to discover the hidden gems and hilarious misfires that languish in filing cabinets, finally getting their moment in the spotlight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 198

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