Who are the Greatest Television Writers Today?
Deluxis Entertainment is a company of storytellers and storytelling. Not only do we aim to produce the finest shows, but we appreciate everyday the great stories created by others. A well-crafted script turns a good plot into a piece of art. Whether it’s in scripting clever dialogue or editing beats to a fine production, a good writer delivers thoughtfully paced entertainment.
Who are the greatest television writers today?
Let’s step back into the 90s for a second and reminisce on the fun times we had with Chris Carter (The X-Files), David E. Kelley (The Practice, Ally McBeal) and Steven Bochco (NYPD Blue). Long over but never forgotten, the originality and dramatic elements of such shows set a standard for series to come.
It would be difficult to discuss such a topic without first mentioning Aaron Sorkin, the master of wit responsible for The West Wing, Sports Night and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Known for his ability of turning a riveting story out of something potentially plain, his use of sharp dialogue and subtle humor elevates content-rich endeavors like A Few Good Men and The American President. He’s like the Stephen Hawkings of politics — making complex things easily digestible. And if anyone can turn a story about bickering nerds into a poetic psuedo-comedy (The Social Network), it’s this guy.
Coming off a time-traveling train ride as primary writer and co-creator of Lost (which I desperately miss), Damon Lindelof credits his sense for the quirky to Stephen King, David Lynch and graphic novel legend Alan Moore (Watchmen). Teamed with director/producer J.J. Abrams, Lindelof has been involved with projects including the aforementioned and the 2009 version of Star Trek. His use of subtlety and mythology in his storytelling adds an additional element of depth to his work.
If you’ve ever had a conversation in a bar, you’ll know you can’t escape references to Arrested Development. Writer Mitchell Hurwitz creates enough speaking points from this cancelled and much-missed show that it’s almost imperative to study up on it lest one finds oneself outside a joke. Similarly, Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, The X-Files) and Alan Ball (True Blood, Six Feet Under) have also contributed greatly to pop culture conversations and frequent social mentions. Not surprising as they are all wholly original and entertaining shows.
For those of you who are suckers for smart women in cute hipster glasses (raises hand), we celebrate the jovial faux-frivolity of the Tina Fey style. Coming off a successful run as a cast member and head writer for SNL, she’s since penned the extraordinary hit 30 Rock and the fetch film Mean Girls. It’s almost impossible not to love her infectious delivery.
Finally, no conversation on screenwriting is complete without a big nod to Joss Whedon, writer for cult classics Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly. He demonstrates his storytelling ability (and songwriting skill) in the hilarious performance below.
Did we miss anyone? Add your contribution in the comments.
